Where to Cash a Check in Your Area

Places that cash checks near you

You can cash a check at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business. Banks and credit unions are the most common option if you have an account there — most let account holders cash checks for free. Grocery stores and pharmacies like Walmart, Target, and CVS cash checks for a fee, usually $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Check-cashing businesses (sometimes called payday loan stores) will cash almost any check but charge higher fees, often 2 to 5 percent of the check amount.

The fastest way to find a location near you is to search "check cashing near me" on Google Maps or call ahead to confirm they cash checks and what their fees are. Hours vary widely — some banks close at 5 p.m. on weekdays and don't open on weekends, while many grocery stores and pharmacies stay open later and on Sundays. Check-cashing businesses often have evening and weekend hours.

You will need to bring the check itself and a government-issued photo ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID or a phone number. If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it unless that person is present and signs the back.

Key Takeaways

• Your bank or credit union will cash checks for free if you have an account there, and many do not require you to deposit the check first.
• Grocery stores and pharmacies charge $2 to $5 per check and are often open longer hours than banks.
• Check-cashing businesses charge 2 to 5 percent of the check amount and will cash checks even if you do not have a bank account.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID at any location, and some ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
• Calling ahead saves time because not all locations cash checks, and fees and hours vary by store and location.

Banks and credit unions

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can walk in and cash a check at the teller window for free. You do not have to deposit it into your account — you can ask for cash instead. Bring your ID and the check. If you are not a member, most banks will not cash the check unless you open an account or pay a fee.

Credit unions sometimes offer check-cashing services to non-members for a small fee, usually $1 to $3, but this varies by credit union. Call your local branch first to ask. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks, which means you can visit other credit unions in the network and cash checks there even if you do not have an account at that specific branch.

Bank hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturday mornings. Few banks are open on Sundays. If you need to cash a check outside these hours, you will need to use another option.

Grocery stores and pharmacies

Most large grocery chains and pharmacy chains cash checks at the customer service desk or pharmacy counter. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Walgreens, and CVS all offer this service at most locations. The fee is usually $2 to $5 depending on the check amount — larger checks cost more to cash. Some stores set a maximum check amount they will cash, often $1,000 or $2,000.

These locations are convenient because they have longer hours than banks. Many grocery stores are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or later, and some are open 24 hours. Pharmacies inside grocery stores follow the same hours as the store. Standalone pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are often open until 9 or 10 p.m. and many are open on Sundays.

Bring your photo ID and the check. Some stores ask for your phone number or a second form of ID. If you do not have an account at that store, you may still be able to cash the check, but policies vary by location and by store. Call ahead to confirm.

Check-cashing businesses

Check-cashing businesses (also called check-cashing stores or payday loan stores) will cash almost any check without requiring a bank account. They charge a fee based on a percentage of the check amount, usually 2 to 5 percent. On a $500 check, that could be $10 to $25. Some charge a flat fee instead, typically $5 to $15 per check.

These businesses are most useful if you do not have a bank account, if you need to cash a check outside of bank hours, or if the check is from an unusual source that banks or stores might refuse. They often have evening and weekend hours, and some are open on Sundays. Search "check cashing near me" to find locations in your area.

Bring your photo ID. Some check-cashing businesses ask for a second form of ID, proof of address, or your phone number. They may also ask questions about where the check came from. The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Online banks and mobile check deposit

If you have an account at an online bank or at a traditional bank with a mobile app, you may be able to deposit a check using your phone instead of going to a physical location. You photograph the front and back of the check using your phone camera, and the bank deposits it into your account. You can then withdraw the cash at an ATM or transfer it to another account.

This option takes longer than walking into a store and getting cash when ready — most banks hold mobile deposits for 1 to 3 business days before the money is available. But it works at any time of day or night and requires no trip. Not all banks offer mobile check deposit, and some limit how many checks you can deposit this way per month or per day. Check your bank's app or website to see if this feature is available.

What to bring and what to expect

At any location, bring the check itself and a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. Some places ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease, or credit card with your name on it. A few ask for your phone number or email address.

The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it is made out to someone else only, that person must be present and sign the back of the check (called endorsing it) in front of the teller or cashier. Some places will not cash third-party checks at all, so call ahead if this applies to you.

The check must not be post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than 6 months old). Most places will refuse these checks. If the check is damaged, torn, or hard to read, some places will refuse it. If you are unsure, call the location first or ask the teller whether they can cash it.

Comparing fees and hours

Location Type	Fee	Typical Hours	Requires Account
Bank or credit union	Free (for members)	9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, some Saturday mornings	Yes
Grocery store or pharmacy	$2–$5	7 a.m.–10 p.m. or later, often open Sundays	No
Check-cashing business	2–5% of check amount	Often open evenings and weekends	No
Mobile check deposit	Free	Anytime (1–3 day hold)	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a store if I do not have an account there?

Yes, but it depends on the store. Grocery stores and pharmacies usually cash checks for non-customers for a fee. Check-cashing businesses will cash checks for anyone with a photo ID. Banks and credit unions typically require an account, though some credit unions offer check cashing to non-members for a fee.

What if the check is made out to two people?

If the check says "John Smith and Jane Doe," both people usually need to be present and sign the back. If it says "John Smith or Jane Doe," usually only one person needs to sign. Call the location first to confirm their policy, because some places refuse two-party checks altogether.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Mobile check deposit is when ready on your phone but takes 1 to 3 business days for the money to be available in your account.

What if the check is damaged or torn?

Most places will still cash a damaged check if the amount and routing numbers are readable and your name is clear. If the check is severely damaged, the teller may refuse it or ask you to contact the person or business that issued it for a replacement. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Can I cash a check that is post-dated?

No. A post-dated check is dated in the future, and banks and check-cashing businesses will not cash it until that date arrives. 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.