How to Cash a Check at a Bank, Store, or ATM

Where You Can Cash a Check

You can cash a check at your own bank, at the bank that issued the check, at many grocery stores and pharmacies, at check-cashing businesses, and at some ATMs. The fastest and cheapest option is almost always your own bank — you walk in with the check and your ID, and you leave with cash. If you don't have a bank account, a check-cashing store or your grocery store's customer service desk will cash it for you, though they charge a fee (usually a few dollars, depending on the check amount).

The bank that issued the check — the one printed on the front — will also cash it for free even if you don't have an account there, but you'll need a valid ID. Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger cash checks at their customer service counters during store hours. ATMs that belong to your bank or a network your bank is part of can cash checks too, though not all ATMs have this feature.

Key Takeaways

• Your own bank cashes checks for free and is the fastest option if you have an account there.
• The bank that issued the check will cash it for free without an account, but you must show a valid ID.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses charge a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount.
• You need to endorse the check (sign the back) before you cash it, and the signature must match the name on your ID.
• Some checks require the payee to cash them in person, and some have restrictions on when they can be cashed.

What You Need to Bring

Bring the check itself and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The name on the check must match the name on your ID. If the check is made out to someone else and they want you to cash it for them, that person must sign the back of the check first (this is called a third-party check, and many banks and stores won't accept it).

If you're cashing a check at your own bank and you have an account there, you may not need an ID, but you should bring one anyway. Some banks ask for additional information like your account number or phone number to verify your identity, especially for large checks.

How to Endorse a Check

Before you cash or deposit a check, you must sign the back of it. Turn the check over — the back is blank except for a line that says "Endorse here" or similar language. Sign your name on that line, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. This signature is called your endorsement.

You can write additional instructions below your signature if needed. For example, if you're depositing the check into your account, you can write "For deposit only" under your signature to make it clear the check is not for cash. If you're cashing it, just your signature is enough. Do not sign the front of the check — the signature goes only on the back.

Cashing a Check at Your Bank

Walk into your bank branch during business hours with your endorsed check and ID. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. The teller will verify that the check is legitimate, check that your ID matches the name on the check, and confirm you have enough funds in your account (if you're a customer). This usually takes a few minutes.

The teller will then ask how you want the cash — for example, how many $20 bills, $10 bills, and $1 bills. Tell them your preference, and they'll count out the money and hand it to you. If the check is very large (usually over $5,000), the bank may put a hold on it for a day or two while they verify the funds with the issuing bank, but they can still give you some or all of the cash right away depending on your account history.

Cashing a Check at a Store or Check-Cashing Business

Go to the customer service desk at a grocery store, pharmacy, or Walmart during store hours. Bring your endorsed check and a valid ID. Tell the cashier you want to cash the check. They'll look at the check, verify your ID, and ask you to sign a receipt or form.

The store or business will charge you a fee — typically $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and the location. Ask what the fee is before you agree. Once you pay it, they'll give you the remaining cash. Check-cashing businesses charge higher fees than stores but are open longer hours and may cash checks that stores won't accept.

Using an ATM to Cash a Check

Some ATMs let you deposit a check and withdraw cash from the same transaction, which is faster than going inside. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" or "Mobile Check Deposit" depending on your bank's ATM. Follow the on-screen instructions to photograph or insert the check, and then select how much cash you want back.

Not all ATMs have this feature — it depends on your bank and the ATM model. If your bank's ATM doesn't offer it, you can still deposit the check and withdraw cash separately using your debit card. Mobile check deposit (taking a photo of the check with your phone and uploading it through your bank's app) is also an option, though you won't get cash when ready — the check takes one to three business days to clear.

Checks That May Not Cash Right Away

Some checks have restrictions. A post-dated check is dated in the future and shouldn't be cashed until that date arrives — if you try to cash it early, the bank may refuse. A stale check is more than six months old and may be refused by the bank that issued it. A check with a missing or illegible signature, or one that's torn or damaged, may also be refused.

If a check is made out to "Cash" instead of your name, anyone can cash it, but you'll still need an ID. If a check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people usually need to be present to cash it. If it says "or," either person can cash it alone. When in doubt, call your bank before you go in — they can tell you whether a specific check will cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the check is made out to the wrong name?

If your name is slightly different on the check than on your ID (for example, "Robert" on the check and "Bob" on your ID), most banks will still cash it if you explain the difference. If the name is completely wrong, the person whose name is on the check must endorse it to you, and even then, many banks won't accept third-party checks. Your best option is to ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one with the correct name.

Can I cash a check if I don't have a bank account?

Yes. Take the check to the bank that issued it (the name printed on the front) with a valid ID, and they'll cash it for free. You can also go to a grocery store customer service desk, a pharmacy, or a check-cashing business, though they charge a fee. A check-cashing business is your best option if you need to cash checks regularly without an account.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank or store, cashing a check usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At an ATM, it can be faster if the machine accepts mobile deposits. If the check is very large or there's a question about the funds, the bank may put a hold on it for one to three business days, though they can often give you some cash right away.

What if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the check bounces (the account doesn't have enough money), the bank or store that cashed it will take the money back from your account if you're a customer, or they may pursue you for the amount. This is rare at banks but more common at check-cashing businesses. Ask the person who wrote the check to verify the funds before you cash it if you're concerned.

Do I need to endorse a check if I'm depositing it instead of cashing it?

Yes, you should endorse any check before you deposit it. Write your signature on the back, and you can add "For deposit only" to make it clear. Some banks will accept unsigned checks, but endorsing protects you because it shows the check was meant for you.