How to Cash a Check at a Bank or Check-Cashing Service

The basic steps to cash a check

To cash a check, you need to take it to a bank or check-cashing service with a valid photo ID and endorse the back of the check by signing your name on the line marked "Endorse here" or similar. The teller or cashier will verify the check, confirm you have funds available or that the check is legitimate, and give you cash. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

You do not need to have an account at the bank to cash a check there — most banks will cash checks drawn on their own institution for non-customers, though some charge a fee. Check-cashing services (standalone shops, not banks) will cash checks from any bank, but they charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent depending on the check type and the service.

Key Takeaways

• Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area before you hand it to the teller or cashier.
• Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
• Banks usually cash checks drawn on their own bank for free if you have an account, but may charge non-customers a fee of $5 to $15.
• Check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount and are faster than banks if you do not have an account, but cost more.
• Some checks (payroll, government, cashier's checks) cash faster than personal checks because they are considered lower risk.

Where you can cash a check

Your own bank is the cheapest option if you have a checking or savings account there. Walk in during business hours with your ID and the check, and most tellers will cash it on the spot with no fee. If the check is drawn on a different bank, your bank may still cash it, but some charge a fee for out-of-network checks — ask before you hand over the check.

The bank that issued the check (the bank name printed on the check) will almost always cash it for free, even if you do not have an account there. Some large banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo have hundreds of branches, so you may have one nearby. Smaller regional banks have fewer locations, so this option works best if you live or work near a branch.

Check-cashing services are a faster alternative if you do not have a bank account or cannot reach a bank during its hours. These are standalone businesses — you will see signs for "Check Cashing" or "Cash Checks Here" in strip malls and downtown areas. They charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount), but they often stay open longer than banks and do not require an account.

Some grocery stores and retailers like Walmart offer check-cashing at the customer service desk. The fees are often lower than standalone check-cashing services — Walmart typically charges $3 to $6 depending on the check type — and you may already be shopping there. Call ahead to confirm they cash checks and what their current fee is.

What to bring and how to endorse the check

You need a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some places accept a military ID or tribal ID. The ID does not have to match the state where you are cashing the check, but it must be current (not expired) and have your photo on it.

Before you hand the check to the teller or cashier, sign the back in the endorsement area. This is usually a blank line near the top of the back side, sometimes labeled "Endorse here" or "Sign here." Write your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. Do not sign it before you arrive — some places want to watch you sign it to confirm the signature matches your ID.

If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must be present with ID to cash it. If it is made out to a business or organization, you may need to bring documentation showing you are authorized to cash it on their behalf — ask the teller what they need before you go.

Why some checks take longer to cash

Personal checks (checks you write to someone or that someone writes to you) are the slowest to cash because the bank has to verify the check is real and that the account has enough money. This can take 24 hours or longer, especially if the check is from a bank in a different state or region. Some banks and check-cashing services will hold a personal check for a day or two before giving you the cash.

Payroll checks, government checks (tax refunds, Social Security, unemployment), and cashier's checks are faster because they are considered lower risk. Banks and check-cashing services usually cash these on the spot or within a few hours. A cashier's check is a check issued by a bank itself (not a personal account holder), so the bank guarantees the funds are there.

If you are cashing a check from an account at a bank that is far away or that you have never heard of, the teller may put a hold on it. This means they will not give you the full amount right away — they may give you part of it and hold the rest until the check clears, which can take several business days. Ask the teller upfront if there will be a hold.

Fees and what they depend on

If you have an account at the bank, you almost never pay a fee to cash a check drawn on that bank. If the check is drawn on a different bank, your bank may charge $5 to $15 to cash it — policies vary by bank, so call your branch or check your account agreement.

Non-customers who cash a check at a bank usually pay $5 to $15, though some banks do it free. Large national banks are more likely to charge than small regional banks. Call the bank before you go, or ask the teller when you arrive.

Check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it is $10 to $30. The exact percentage depends on the type of check (payroll and government checks are usually cheaper than personal checks) and the service's pricing. Ask for the fee before you hand over the check.

Grocery stores and retailers usually charge a flat fee ($3 to $6) rather than a percentage, which makes them cheaper for large checks but more expensive for small ones. A $100 check costs $3 to $6 at Walmart but only $1 to $3 at a check-cashing service.

What to do if the check is damaged or has problems

If the check is torn, faded, or has writing on it that is hard to read, the teller may refuse to cash it or put a hold on it while they verify it with the issuing bank. If the damage is minor (a small tear in the corner), most places will still cash it. If it is major (the account number is illegible, or the signature is smudged), you may need to contact the person or company that issued the check and ask for a replacement.

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most banks and check-cashing services will not cash it until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they will refuse. If you need the money now, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date.

If the check says "two-party check" or has two names on it, both people must be present. If only one person shows up, the teller will refuse to cash it. Both people need to sign the back and show ID.

Alternatives if you cannot cash the check in person

If you have a bank account, you can deposit the check instead of cashing it. Use your bank's mobile app to take a photo of the front and back (called mobile deposit), or go to an ATM and insert the check into the deposit slot. The money will be in your account within one to three business days, and you can withdraw it as cash later. This works even if the bank is closed.

Some banks and check-cashing services offer to mail you the cash or deposit it into an account, but this is less common and may take longer. Ask the teller or call ahead to see if this is an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check without a photo ID?

No. Banks and check-cashing services require a valid photo ID to prevent fraud. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV — it costs $10 to $30 and takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless they sign the back and you have their permission. This is called a third-party check, and many banks and check-cashing services no longer accept them because of fraud risk. Your best option is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves or deposit it into their account and send you the money.

How long does a check take to clear?

Personal checks usually clear within one to three business days, though it can take longer if the check is from a bank far away. Payroll, government, and cashier's checks usually clear within one business day. If you deposit a check into your account, your bank may make some or all of the funds available before it fully clears, but they can take the money back if the check bounces.

What if I lose the check before I cash it?

Contact the person or company that issued the check and ask them to stop payment on it and issue a replacement. They may charge a fee ($15 to $30) to do this. You will need to provide the check number and the amount. Once they issue a new check, you can cash it normally.

Can I cash a check at an ATM?

Most ATMs do not cash checks — they only accept deposits. Some banks offer check-cashing at their ATMs, but this is rare. Your best option is to use mobile deposit through your bank's app or visit a teller during business hours.