Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Places that cash checks for you

You can cash a check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, Walmart, or your employer's payroll office. Banks and credit unions are free if you have an account there; if you don't, most will still cash checks but may charge a fee or require you to open an account. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart charge a fee — usually a percentage of the check amount or a flat dollar amount — but don't require membership or an account.

The fastest option depends on where you are. A bank or credit union cashes checks when ready if you have an account. A check-cashing store or grocery store typically cashes checks the same day, though some may hold the funds for a day or two. Your employer's payroll office will cash your own paycheck on payday, usually without a fee.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions cash checks free for account holders but may charge a fee or require an account opening if you don't have one.
• Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart cash checks for a fee and don't require an account or membership.
• Your employer's payroll office will cash your own paycheck on payday, usually at no cost.
• You'll need to bring the check and a valid ID to any location; some places also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address.
• Fees at check-cashing stores typically range from 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, but vary by location and check type.

Banks and credit unions

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, cashing a check is free. Walk in with the check and your ID, and the teller will cash it on the spot. If you don't have an account, most banks will still cash checks, but they may charge a fee (often $5 to $10) or ask you to open an account. Some banks limit check cashing to customers only, so call ahead if you're unsure.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members. If you belong to a credit union network — such as CO-OP or Shared Branch — you can cash checks at any member credit union in that network, even if you don't have an account there. Check your credit union's website or call to see if they participate.

Check-cashing stores

Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They're open longer hours than banks (often until 7 or 8 p.m. and on weekends) and don't require an account. You bring your check and ID, pay a fee, and walk out with cash the same day.

The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — so a $1,000 check might cost $10 to $30 to cash — but it varies by location and the type of check. Personal checks sometimes cost more than payroll checks. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage. Call ahead or ask at the counter what the fee will be before you hand over your check.

Grocery stores and Walmart

Many grocery stores and Walmart locations have check-cashing services at the customer service desk. The process is the same as a check-cashing store: bring your check and ID, pay a fee, and get cash. Fees are typically lower than dedicated check-cashing stores — often $3 to $5 for a payroll check — but vary by location and store policy.

Not every store offers this service, so call ahead or ask at the customer service desk. Some stores only cash payroll checks or government checks, not personal checks. Walmart's check-cashing service is available at most locations, but fees and accepted check types vary by store.

Your employer's payroll office

If the check is your paycheck, your employer's payroll or human resources office will often cash it for you on payday at no cost. This is the cheapest option if it's available to you. Some employers require you to request this in advance, so ask your HR department or payroll manager whether they offer it and what the process is.

If your employer doesn't cash checks directly, they may partner with a payroll service that does. Ask whether you can pick up your paycheck in cash instead of having it deposited or mailed.

What you need to bring

Every place that cashes checks requires a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. Bring the check itself, unsigned until you're at the counter (the teller will watch you sign it).

If you're cashing a check that's made out to someone else, most places won't cash it. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's a third-party check (made out to someone else and then signed over to you), very few places will cash it, and those that do charge a higher fee.

Fees and how they work

Banks charge nothing to cash checks for account holders. Non-account holders may pay $5 to $10 per check at a bank. Check-cashing stores typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee of $3 to $10. Grocery stores and Walmart usually charge $3 to $5 for payroll checks and may charge more for personal checks.

The fee is deducted from the check amount before you receive your cash. If you cash a $500 check at a store that charges 2 percent, you'll receive $490. Always ask what the fee will be before you hand over your check so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Every place that cashes checks requires a valid photo ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a state ID card or passport first. Your local DMV or passport office can help you with this.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

Most places won't cash a third-party check. If the check is made out to someone else and they sign it over to you, very few check-cashing stores will cash it, and they'll charge a higher fee. Your best option is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves and give you the money.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, or Walmart, cashing a check usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some places may hold the funds for a day or two before releasing them, but you'll receive the cash on the spot. Your employer's payroll office typically cashes checks when ready on payday.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Banks and credit unions usually have no limit for account holders. Check-cashing stores may have limits — often $5,000 to $10,000 per check — depending on the store and the type of check. Call ahead if you're cashing a large check to make sure the store can handle it.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is dated for a future date. Most places won't cash a post-dated check until that date arrives. If you need the money now, ask the person who wrote the check to rewrite it with today's date instead.