Where to Cash a Check at Western Union

Western Union does cash checks, but only certain types and only at their agent locations

Western Union will cash personal checks, business checks, payroll checks, and government checks at their agent locations — but not at every location. The service is called check cashing, and it works like this: you bring your check and a valid ID to a Western Union agent (usually a grocery store, convenience store, or dedicated money services shop), they verify the check and your identity, and they give you cash on the spot.

The catch is that Western Union does not operate the check cashing service itself. Instead, they partner with a company called Checksmart to provide it. This means not every Western Union location offers check cashing — you have to find one that does. You can search for locations on Western Union's website or call ahead to confirm the agent near you handles checks.

Western Union also will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated for a future day), checks made out to someone else, or checks that are damaged or illegible. The check has to be made out to you, and it has to be dated today or earlier.

Key Takeaways

• Western Union cashes personal, payroll, business, and government checks at agent locations that offer the service, which you can find by searching their website.
• You need a valid government-issued ID to cash a check at Western Union, and the check must be made out to you and dated today or earlier.
• Western Union partners with Checksmart to provide check cashing, so not all Western Union locations offer it — call or search before you go.
• Fees vary by location and check amount, so ask the agent what you will pay before they process your check.

What ID you need to bring

Western Union requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. They will not accept expired IDs, and they will not accept student IDs or other non-government cards.

The ID has to match the name on the check. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring both your old ID and a document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a government ID, Western Union will not cash your check at their locations.

How much Western Union charges to cash a check

Western Union does not set a single fee for check cashing. Instead, each agent location sets its own fee, which usually ranges from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount. A small check might cost $2 to $3 to cash, while a larger check could cost $5 to $10.

The only way to know what you will pay is to ask the agent before they process your check. Some locations also charge a percentage of the check amount instead of a flat fee — for example, 1% to 3% of what you are cashing. Ask which method they use and what the total will be before you hand over the check.

Checks Western Union will not cash

Western Union has a list of checks they refuse to cash. Post-dated checks (checks dated for a future day) are the most common rejection. They also will not cash checks that are made out to someone else, even if that person signs the back. They will not cash checks that are damaged, torn, or so faded that the information is hard to read.

Checks with erasures or obvious alterations will be refused. If the check amount written in numbers does not match the amount written in words, Western Union will not cash it. Blank checks or checks with missing information (like no signature, or no routing number) will also be turned down.

If your check is refused, you can take it to your own bank instead. Banks are more flexible with some types of checks and may cash it for you even if Western Union will not.

How long the process takes at Western Union

Cashing a check at Western Union usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The agent will look at your check and ID, run the check through a verification system (which takes a few minutes), and then hand you cash if everything checks out.

During busy times — lunch hours, Fridays, or the first of the month — you may wait longer because other customers are also cashing checks. If the verification system is slow or if the agent has questions about your check, it could take longer. There is no way to speed this up, so plan to spend at least 15 minutes at the location.

Alternatives if your nearest Western Union does not cash checks

Not every Western Union location offers check cashing, and some areas may not have a Western Union that does. If that is the case, you have other options. Your own bank will cash checks for free if you have an account there, even if the check is from another bank. Many banks will also cash checks for non-customers, though they may charge a fee ($5 to $10 is typical).

Check-cashing stores are another option — they are independent businesses that cash checks for a fee, usually 1% to 3% of the check amount. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores also cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees at these places are usually lower than Western Union, often $2 to $5 for personal checks.

If you have a bank account, depositing the check directly (either at an ATM, through mobile deposit, or at a teller) is free and takes no time at all. You just have to wait for the check to clear before you can withdraw the money, which usually takes one to three business days.

What happens if the check bounces after Western Union cashes it

If you cash a check at Western Union and the check later bounces (meaning the account it was drawn from does not have enough money), Western Union will contact you and ask you to return the cash. This is rare, but it does happen. The agent may ask for your phone number or address when you cash the check so they can reach you if there is a problem.

If you do not return the money, Western Union may pursue collection action or report you to a check verification system, which could make it harder to cash checks elsewhere in the future. The safest approach is to only cash checks from people or businesses you trust, and to ask the person who gave you the check if they are sure the funds are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at Western Union if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. Western Union does not require you to have a bank account to cash a check. You only need a valid government-issued photo ID. The check does not have to be from your bank — it can be from anyone or any business.

What if the check is made out to two people?

Western Union will not cash a check made out to two people unless both people are present with valid IDs. If only one person is present, the check cannot be cashed at Western Union. You would need to go to your bank instead, where the rules may be different.

Can I cash a check that someone else signed over to me?

No. Western Union will not cash a check that has been signed over (endorsed) to you by someone else. The check must be made out to you originally. If someone tries to give you a check made out to them and have you cash it, Western Union will refuse.

How do I find a Western Union location that cashes checks?

Go to Western Union's website and use their location finder. Search for Western Union near you, and then call the location before you go to confirm they offer check cashing. Not all locations do, so this step is important.

What if Western Union says my check is fraudulent?

If an agent suspects a check is fraudulent, they will refuse to cash it. You can ask them why they think it is fraudulent and ask for their supervisor if you disagree. If you believe the check is legitimate, contact the person or business that issued it and ask them to verify it, or take the check to your own bank.