Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Places that cash checks without requiring an account

You can cash a check at a bank or credit union where you do not have an account, though most charge a fee. Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing businesses also cash checks for a fee. Some employers and government agencies will cash payroll checks or benefit checks at their offices. The fee varies by location and check amount — typically $2 to $10 for a personal check at a retail store, and higher at dedicated check-cashing businesses.

The fastest option is usually a store where you already shop, since you know the location and hours. Banks and credit unions often have stricter verification requirements and may take longer, but some waive fees for payroll checks. Check-cashing businesses are open longer hours and on weekends, but charge the highest fees.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart and most grocery stores cash checks for $2 to $10 depending on the check amount, and you do not need an account.
• Banks and credit unions that issued the check often cash it free or for a small fee, even if you are not a customer.
• Check-cashing businesses charge higher fees but stay open later and on weekends when banks are closed.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID and the check must be signed and made out to you.
• Some employers and government offices cash their own payroll or benefit checks at no charge.

Retail stores that cash checks

Walmart cashes personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks at customer service desks in most locations. The fee is usually $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000, though this varies by store. You need a valid government-issued photo ID and the check must be signed and made out to you.

Grocery stores including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons cash checks at their customer service or checkout counters. Fees range from $2 to $5 depending on the store and check amount. Hours are typically store hours, so you can often cash a check during evening or weekend shopping. Some grocery stores limit the number of checks you can cash per day or per week.

Target and other large retailers may cash checks, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm whether your nearest store offers this service and what the fee is.

Banks and credit unions

The bank or credit union that issued the check will usually cash it for free or a small fee, even if you do not have an account there. This is called cashing on us — the institution that printed the check assumes responsibility for it. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the signed check made out to you.

Banks and credit unions that did not issue the check may charge a fee, typically $5 to $15. Some institutions charge only customers and refuse to cash checks for non-customers. Call the branch ahead of time to ask about their policy and whether they charge a fee.

Bank hours are usually Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some branches. This makes banks slower than retail options if you need cash outside business hours.

Check-cashing businesses

Dedicated check-cashing stores cash personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks. Fees are typically $5 to $15 per check, higher than retail stores. Some charge a percentage of the check amount instead of a flat fee — for example, 2 to 3 percent of the total.

Check-cashing businesses are often open until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays, making them useful when banks and retail stores are closed. You will need a government-issued photo ID. Some locations also offer money orders, bill payment, and other financial services.

Search online for "check cashing near me" to find locations in your area. Fees and hours vary widely, so call ahead to confirm what you will pay.

Employer and government offices

Your employer may cash payroll checks at the human resources or accounting office, often at no charge. This is fastest if you work on-site and can visit during business hours. Ask your HR department whether this service is available and what ID you need to bring.

Government agencies cash their own benefit checks — Social Security, unemployment, SNAP, and other programs — at their local offices. You will need a photo ID and the check must be made out to you. Hours are typically business hours, Monday through Friday.

What you need to bring

All check-cashing locations require a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though policies vary slightly by location.

The check must be signed on the back by the person it is made out to — that is you. Do not sign it until you are at the location where you are cashing it. The check must have the correct date, the correct amount in both numbers and words, and the name of the person or business that issued it.

Some locations ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. Call ahead to ask what the specific location requires.

Fees and how they work

Retail stores charge a flat fee per check, usually $2 to $10. The fee does not change based on the check amount at most Walmart and grocery store locations, though some charge more for larger checks.

Check-cashing businesses may charge a flat fee or a percentage. A percentage-based fee means you pay a portion of the check amount — for example, 2 percent of a $500 check would be $10. Compare the flat fee and percentage options at your local check-cashing business to see which costs less for your check amount.

Banks and credit unions that issued the check usually charge nothing. Banks and credit unions that did not issue it may charge $5 to $15 or refuse the service entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. The person the check is made out to must sign the back and be present with a photo ID. Some locations allow a second-party check if both people sign it and both show ID, but this is rare and fees are higher. Ask the location before you try.

What if the check is post-dated or stale?

A post-dated check (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. A stale check is older than six months and banks may refuse it. Contact the person or business that issued the check and ask for a replacement if either applies to yours.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. Retail stores, check-cashing businesses, and the bank that issued the check will all cash it without an account. You only need a photo ID and the signed check made out to you.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the check is returned unpaid, the location that cashed it may charge you a fee and ask you to repay the amount. This is rare at retail stores but more common at check-cashing businesses. Ask about their policy before you cash the check.

Can I cash a check by mail or online?

No. You must be present with a photo ID and the signed check. Some banks offer mobile check deposit through their app if you have an account, but this is not available to non-customers.