Where to Cash a Check: Your Options and What Each Costs

Where you can cash a check

You can cash a check at your bank, a check-cashing store, a grocery store, Walmart, or some pharmacies. Your bank is usually the cheapest option if you have an account there — most banks cash checks for free for account holders. If you don't have a bank account, a check-cashing store will cash it for a fee, typically between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee instead.

The place you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and how much you want to pay. A $100 check cashed at a store charging 2 percent costs you $2. The same check at your bank costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions cash checks for free if you have an account with them, making them the lowest-cost option.
• Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount or a flat fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check size.
• Grocery stores and Walmart often cash checks for a lower fee than dedicated check-cashing businesses, sometimes as low as $1 to $3.
• You will need a valid government-issued ID to cash a check anywhere, and some places require you to have a checking account with them.
• Mobile check deposit through a bank app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the money may not be available when ready.

Banks and credit unions

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can cash a check there for free. Walk into any branch with your ID and the check, and a teller will give you cash. If you have an account but are not at your home branch, some banks still cash it free; others charge a small fee. Call ahead if you are unsure.

If you do not have an account, most banks will not cash a check for you, even if it is drawn on that bank. A few banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for non-customers, but they usually charge $5 to $10. Credit unions are more likely to cash checks for non-members, but fees vary by union.

Check-cashing stores

Check-cashing stores are businesses that cash checks for a fee. They are open longer hours than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some open on Sundays — and they do not require you to have an account. You bring your ID and the check, pay the fee, and walk out with cash.

Fees at check-cashing stores range from 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee of $5 to $15 instead. A $500 check at 2 percent costs $10. The same check at a store charging a flat $5 fee costs $5. Ask the store what they charge before you hand over the check. Some stores charge different rates for different types of checks — payroll checks may cost less than personal checks.

Grocery stores and Walmart

Many grocery stores and Walmart cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually lower than at check-cashing stores — often $1 to $3 per check, or sometimes free if you are a member of their rewards program. You need a valid ID and sometimes a store membership card, though membership is usually free to join.

Not every location cashes checks, and policies vary by store and region. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Some stores limit the amount they will cash — for example, $1,000 or $2,000 maximum — and some will not cash checks drawn on out-of-state banks.

Pharmacies and other retailers

Some pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, cash checks at the pharmacy counter. Fees are typically $1 to $3, similar to grocery stores. Not all locations offer this service, so call the pharmacy near you to confirm. Like grocery stores, pharmacies may have limits on the amount or the type of check they will cash.

A few other retailers, including some gas stations and convenience stores, also cash checks, but this is less common. Your best approach is to call ahead and ask what they charge and what types of checks they accept.

Mobile check deposit

If you have a bank account, you can photograph the front and back of a check using your bank's mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch. This is free and fast — you take the photos and submit them from your phone. The money usually appears in your account within one to two business days, though some banks make it available faster.

Mobile deposit does not give you cash when ready, so it does not work if you need money right now. But if you can wait a day or two, it is the cheapest option and you do not have to leave home. After you deposit a check this way, you should write "deposited" on the check and keep it for your records until the bank confirms the deposit went through.

What you need to bring

To cash a check anywhere, you need a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Some places also 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 — the person whose name is on the check usually has to be present with their ID.

If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on the back other than an endorsement, some places may refuse to cash it. If you have questions about whether a specific check will be accepted, call the location first rather than making a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?

Most banks will not cash a check for non-account holders. Some banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for non-customers, but charge $5 to $10. Credit unions are more likely to cash checks for non-members. Call ahead to ask about their policy.

What is the cheapest way to cash a check?

If you have a bank or credit union account, cashing a check there is free. If you do not have an account, grocery stores and Walmart usually charge $1 to $3, which is less than dedicated check-cashing stores that charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.

How long does mobile check deposit take?

Mobile deposit through your bank's app is usually available within one to two business days. Some banks make the money available faster, sometimes the same day. Check your bank's app or website for their specific timeline.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the check must be present with a valid ID to cash it. If you need to cash a check made out to someone else, that person has to go with you or sign the back and give you written permission, though most places still will not accept it.

What if my check is damaged or torn?

Some places will still cash a damaged check, but others will refuse. If the check is torn, has water damage, or has writing on it other than your signature on the back, call the location first to ask if they will accept it.