Where to Cash a Handwritten Check Without a Bank Account

Places that cash handwritten checks

You can cash a handwritten check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, Walmart, or some pharmacies. The place you choose depends on whether you have an account there, how much the check is for, and what fees you want to pay. A bank or credit union will usually cash it free if you're a customer; a check-cashing store will charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent.

Not every location cashes every check. Some places have limits on the amount they'll cash in a single day. Some won't cash checks written to a business or a third party. Some require you to have an account. Before you go, call ahead or check the website to confirm they cash handwritten checks and what they need from you.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions cash handwritten checks free for account holders, but may charge a small fee or refuse if you don't have an account.
• Check-cashing stores and payday lenders will cash checks without an account but charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount as a fee.
• Grocery stores, Walmart, and some pharmacies cash checks as a service to customers, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $5 or a small percentage.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID and the check must be made out to you personally — most places won't cash third-party checks.
• Call ahead to confirm the location cashes handwritten checks, what their daily limit is, and whether they charge a fee.

Banks and credit unions

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, they will cash a handwritten check for free. You'll need to bring your ID and the check. The teller will verify that the check is made out to you and that your signature matches the ID, then hand you the cash or deposit it into your account.

If you don't have an account, most banks will still cash a check, but they may charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers entirely. Call your local branch before you go.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members, especially if the check is from another credit union. Many credit unions belong to shared branching networks, which means you can walk into a different credit union and cash a check even if you don't bank there.

Check-cashing stores and payday lenders

Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They charge a fee based on a percentage of the check amount — usually 1 to 3 percent, though the exact rate varies by location and the check amount. On a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15 in fees.

You'll need a government-issued photo ID. The process is fast, usually five to ten minutes. Check-cashing stores will cash most handwritten checks, including payroll checks, personal checks, and tax refund checks. They typically won't cash checks written to a business or made out to two people.

Payday lenders also cash checks, and their fees work the same way. The difference is that payday lenders primarily make short-term loans; check cashing is a secondary service. Both types of store are common in lower-income neighborhoods and near military bases.

Grocery stores and Walmart

Walmart cashes handwritten checks at its customer service desk. The fee is usually $3 to $4 for checks up to $1,000. You'll need a photo ID. Walmart won't cash checks written to a business, checks with two names, or checks that are post-dated (dated in the future).

Many grocery store chains also cash checks — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and others offer this service. The fee is typically $2 to $5 depending on the store and the check amount. Like Walmart, they require a photo ID and won't cash third-party checks. Some grocery stores limit the amount they'll cash in a single day, often to $500 or $1,000.

The advantage of using a grocery store or Walmart is that you may already be shopping there, so you can cash the check and buy what you need in one trip. The disadvantage is that their hours are limited compared to dedicated check-cashing stores, and they may have longer lines.

Pharmacies and other retailers

Some pharmacy chains, including CVS and Walgreens, cash checks at the pharmacy counter. The fee is usually $3 to $5. Not every location offers this service — it depends on the individual store and the state. Call ahead to confirm.

A few other retailers, including some gas stations and convenience stores, also cash checks, but this is less common. Again, call first to confirm they offer the service and what their fee is.

What you need to bring

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name on the ID must match the name on the check. Some places also ask for a second form of ID, such as a Social Security card or utility bill, though this is less common for check cashing.

The check itself must be made out to you personally. Most places will not cash a check written to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you (called a third-party check). Some banks and credit unions will make exceptions if you're a customer and the person who wrote the check is also a customer, but this is rare.

The check must not be post-dated — that is, it cannot be dated in the future. It also should not be damaged, torn, or illegible. If the check is old (more than six months), some places may refuse to cash it.

Fees and daily limits

Check-cashing fees vary widely. Banks charge $0 to $15 for non-customers. Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Grocery stores and Walmart charge a flat fee of $2 to $5. Pharmacies charge $3 to $5. The exact fee depends on the location, the check amount, and the type of check.

Many retailers have daily limits on how much they'll cash. Walmart's limit is typically $5,000 per check and $10,000 per day. Grocery stores often limit you to $500 or $1,000 per day. Check-cashing stores usually have higher limits, sometimes $10,000 or more, but this varies. If your check is larger than the daily limit, you may need to cash it at a bank or credit union instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check written to someone else?

Most places will not cash a third-party check — one written to someone else, even if they sign it over to you. Banks and credit unions sometimes make exceptions for customers, but it's rare. Your safest option is to ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one in your name.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is one dated in the future. Most retailers and check-cashing stores will refuse to cash it until the date on the check arrives. Banks may also 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.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a check-cashing store or retail location, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a bank or credit union, it may take longer if there's a line. If you deposit the check into an account instead of cashing it, the bank may hold the funds for one to five business days before you can withdraw them.

Can I cash a check if I don't have an ID?

No. All check-cashing locations require a government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, you can get a state ID from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs $10 to $30 depending on your state.

What's the difference between cashing a check and depositing it?

Cashing means you get the money in cash when ready. Depositing means the money goes into a bank account, and you may have to wait one to five business days before you can withdraw it. If you don't have a bank account, cashing is your only option.