Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

The most common places to cash a check are banks, credit unions, check-cashing stores, and some retail locations

You can walk into most banks and cash a check even if you don't have an account there, though they may charge a fee. Credit unions often cash checks for non-members at lower cost or free. Check-cashing stores exist specifically for this purpose and are open longer hours than banks, but their fees are typically higher. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk during store hours. The choice depends on which option is closest to you, what fees you can afford, and when you need the money.

Each location has different rules about what checks they'll accept, how much they'll cash, and whether they need to see your ID. Some require the check to be drawn on a local bank. Others won't cash two-party checks or checks with post-dates. Knowing these rules before you go saves you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions typically charge no fee or a small fee to cash checks, but may require the check to be drawn on a bank in their network.
• Check-cashing stores accept most types of checks and stay open longer than banks, but charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount as a fee.
• Retail locations like Walmart and Target cash checks at their service desk during store hours for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID at nearly every location, and some will not cash checks made out to two people or post-dated checks.
• If a location refuses your check, the reason is usually that it's from an out-of-state bank, post-dated, or made out to multiple people.

Banks and credit unions: lowest fees but stricter rules

Your own bank will cash your checks free if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, most banks will still cash a check drawn on their own bank at no charge — meaning if the check is from someone's account at Chase, you can go to any Chase branch and cash it. Banks that are not the issuing bank typically charge $5 to $10 per check.

Credit unions are often cheaper. Many credit unions cash checks for non-members free or for $1 to $2. You'll need to know which credit union the check is drawn on, and you'll need a photo ID. Some credit unions limit the amount they'll cash without an account — often $500 or $1,000 per check.

Banks and credit unions usually require the check to be from a U.S. bank and won't cash post-dated checks (checks dated in the future). Many also won't cash checks made out to two people unless both people are present with ID.

Check-cashing stores: accept almost any check, charge more

Check-cashing stores will cash most types of checks — payroll checks, personal checks, government checks, and out-of-state checks. They typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it's $10 to $30. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, usually $3 to $5 per check.

These stores are open longer than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays — which makes them useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours. You'll need a photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID. Most will not cash checks with two names on them unless both people are present.

Check-cashing stores do not require you to have a bank account or any relationship with them. They verify the check by calling the bank or checking electronically, and if the account has enough money, they cash it on the spot. If the account doesn't have enough money, they'll refuse the check.

Retail stores: flat fee, limited hours, limited check types

Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk. The fee is usually a flat $3 to $6 per check, regardless of the amount. Hours are the store's regular hours, which is often longer than a bank but shorter than a check-cashing store.

Retail locations are more restrictive about what they'll cash. Most will cash payroll checks and government checks but not personal checks. Some will cash checks only if you have a rewards card or membership with that store. Call ahead to confirm what types of checks your nearest store accepts.

You'll need a photo ID. The check must be drawn on a U.S. bank and cannot be post-dated. Some stores have a limit on the amount they'll cash per day, often $1,000 to $2,000.

What you need to bring and what will get your check refused

Every location will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some check-cashing stores and banks ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or lease showing your current address.

Checks get refused most often because they are post-dated (dated in the future), made out to two people, or drawn on a bank outside the United States. Some locations won't cash checks from banks in other states. If a check is damaged, torn, or the signature is missing or illegible, it will be refused. Personal checks from someone you don't know are often refused because the store has no way to verify the account has money.

If the account the check is drawn on doesn't have enough money to cover it, the location will refuse it. They verify this by calling the bank or checking electronically before they hand over cash. If they cash a bad check, they lose money, so they are cautious.

Comparing fees and speed across locations

Location	Fee	Speed	Hours	Accepts out-of-state checks
Your own bank	Free	when ready	Bank hours	Usually yes
Other bank (issuing bank)	Free	when ready	Bank hours	Yes
Non-issuing bank	$5–$10	when ready	Bank hours	Varies
Credit union	Free–$2	when ready	Credit union hours	Usually yes
Check-cashing store	1–3% or $3–$5 flat	when ready	Often 8 a.m.–9 p.m.	Yes
Retail store	$3–$6	when ready	Store hours	Varies

When you can't find a place to cash your check

If multiple locations have refused your check, the problem is usually one of these: the check is post-dated, it's made out to two people, it's from a bank outside the U.S., or the account doesn't have enough money. Post-dated checks can sometimes be cashed if you wait until the date on the check arrives. Two-party checks can be cashed if both people go in together with ID.

If the check is from an out-of-state bank, a check-cashing store is your best option — they accept these more often than banks or retail stores. If the account is empty, the check cannot be cashed anywhere until money is deposited into that account.

Another option is to ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one or to deposit it into your own bank account if you have one. Some banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app or ATM without going inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check if it's made out to someone else?

No. A check made out to another person is not yours to cash. The person whose name is on the check must be the one to cash it. If they want to give you the money, they should cash it themselves and give you cash, or write you a new check in your name.

What happens if I try to cash a check with insufficient funds?

The location will refuse to cash it. They verify the account balance before handing over money. If they cash a bad check, they lose the money, so they check first. You can try again once money has been deposited into that account.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. Check-cashing stores, retail locations, and credit unions will cash checks for people without bank accounts. You only need a photo ID. Banks will also cash checks for non-account holders if the check is drawn on that bank, though they may charge a fee.

How long does it take to cash a check?

Most locations cash checks when ready — you walk in, show your ID, and walk out with cash within 5 to 10 minutes. The location verifies the account has money, and if it does, they hand over the cash on the spot. No waiting period is needed.

Can I cash a post-dated check early?

Most locations will not cash a post-dated check before the date written on it. However, once the date arrives, you can cash it anywhere that normally accepts checks. Some check-cashing stores may cash them early, so it's worth calling ahead to ask.