Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

The fastest places to cash a check are check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart

You can walk into a check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart with your check and ID, and leave with cash in minutes. Check-cashing stores are the most common option — they exist in most neighborhoods and will cash almost any check, though they charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, depending on the check type and your location). Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix cash checks for free or a small fee if you have a store loyalty card. Walmart cashes checks at the money center in most locations, also for a fee.

The trade-off is speed versus cost. A check-cashing store charges more but asks fewer questions. A grocery store is cheaper but may limit the check amount or require a membership. All three options let you walk out with cash the same day, which is why they work when you need money fast.

Key Takeaways

• Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart all cash checks the same day, but each charges different fees and has different limits.
• You will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) at any location that cashes checks.
• Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, while grocery stores may charge nothing if you have a loyalty card.
• Banks and credit unions cash checks for free if you have an account, but some require you to be a customer for a set period before cashing third-party checks.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

A check-cashing store is a business that cashes checks for a fee. You bring your check and ID, the clerk verifies the check is real (by calling the bank or checking electronically), and you pay a percentage of the check amount to walk out with cash. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent — so cashing a $100 check might cost $1 to $3. The exact fee depends on the check type (payroll checks cost less than personal checks) and your location (urban areas often charge more).

Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks — many stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. and some open on Sundays. They also ask fewer questions than banks do. The downside is the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly. Common chains include ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, and EZCorp, but independent check-cashing stores exist in most neighborhoods.

Grocery stores and warehouse clubs

Many grocery stores have a customer service desk or money center that cashes checks. Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons all offer this service. The fee is usually $0 to $3 per check, and some stores waive the fee if you have a loyalty card. Limits vary — some stores cap check-cashing at $500 or $1,000, while others have no limit. You still need a valid photo ID.

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club also cash checks, usually for free or a small fee. Costco requires a membership, but Sam's Club sometimes allows non-members to use the check-cashing service. Call ahead to confirm the limit and whether they cash third-party checks (checks made out to someone other than you), because policies vary by location.

Walmart and other retailers

Walmart has a money center in most locations that cashes checks for a flat fee — usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Walmart cashes payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, and personal checks. The limit is typically $5,000 per check. You need a valid photo ID and the check must be made out to you (they generally do not cash third-party checks).

Some Target locations also have a money center that cashes checks, though availability varies by store. Call your local Target before you go. Other retailers like Best Buy and grocery chains may offer check-cashing at customer service, but it is less common. Always call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store offers the service.

Banks and credit unions (if you have an account)

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can cash checks for free at any branch. You do not pay a fee, and there is no limit on the amount (though the bank may hold large checks for a day or two). You only need your account number or debit card and a photo ID.

Some banks will also cash checks for non-customers, but they charge a fee (usually $5 to $10) and may require the check to be drawn on that same bank. For example, Bank of America may cash a check drawn on a Bank of America account even if you do not have an account there, but you will pay a fee. Call your bank to ask about their policy on cashing third-party checks and checks from other banks.

What you need to bring and what to expect

Bring your check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some places also accept a military ID or passport card. The clerk will look at the check to make sure it is not damaged, the amount is filled in, and it is signed. They will verify the check is real by contacting the bank or using an electronic verification system. This usually takes a few minutes.

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If the check is made out to someone else (a third-party check), many stores will refuse it — policies vary, so ask first. If the check bounces after you cash it, you may be responsible for the fee and the check amount, so only cash checks you trust.

Finding a check-cashing location near you

Search "check cashing near me" on Google Maps to see what is available in your area. The map will show check-cashing stores, grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers with their hours and distance from you. You can also call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have and ask about their fee and limit.

If you live in a rural area or a place with few check-cashing options, ask your bank whether they will cash a check for you even if you do not have an account. Some banks will do this for a fee. You can also ask your employer or the person who wrote the check whether they can deposit it directly into your account instead, which avoids the fee altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Most check-cashing stores and retailers will not cash a third-party check (one made out to someone other than you). Some banks will, but they may charge a higher fee or require both people to be present with ID. The safest option is to ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one in your name instead.

What if my check is damaged or torn?

A slightly damaged check can usually be cashed, but if a large piece is missing or the signature is damaged, the check-cashing store may refuse it. If the routing number or account number is damaged, they will likely refuse it. Contact your bank or the person who wrote the check to ask for a replacement.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a bank, it may take a few minutes if you have an account, or longer if you do not. If the check is large or unusual, verification may take longer.

Do I have to pay a fee if I have a bank account?

No. If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can cash checks for free at any branch. You do not pay a fee even if the check is drawn on a different bank.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the check bounces (the account does not have enough money), you are responsible for returning the cash to the check-cashing store or retailer. You may also be charged a fee. Only cash checks from people or businesses you trust.