Which Banks Will Cash a Check for You

Not every bank will cash a check if you're not a customer

Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank for anyone who walks in, but they may charge a fee if you don't have an account there. Banks that will cash checks drawn on other banks are much rarer — many stopped doing this years ago. Your best bet is to cash the check at the bank that issued it, the bank where you have your own account, or a check-cashing business.

The reason banks became stricter is fraud. A check can bounce days after you cash it, leaving the bank holding the loss. Without a customer relationship and account history to review, banks see more risk. Some large national banks still cash checks for non-customers, but they set limits on the amount and may charge $5 to $15 per check.

Key Takeaways

• The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check) will almost always cash it for free, even if you have no account there.
• Your own bank will cash checks drawn on other banks if you have a checking or savings account with them, usually for free.
• Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo may cash checks for non-customers but typically charge $5 to $15 and set dollar limits.
• Check-cashing businesses and grocery stores with check-cashing services offer an alternative when banks won't help, though fees are usually higher.
• Signing the back of the check and bringing a photo ID is standard at any location.

Cashing a check at the bank that issued it

The easiest and cheapest option is to cash the check at the bank printed on the front. This is the bank that holds the account the check was written from. Walk in with the check and a photo ID, sign the back of the check in front of the teller, and they will give you cash. There is no fee, and you do not need to be a customer.

This works even if the check is from a small local bank and you live far away. You can visit any branch of that bank. If the bank has no branch near you, you may be able to cash it at a partner bank — some regional banks have agreements to cash checks for each other's customers. Call the bank's customer service number on the back of the check to ask.

Cashing a check at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, that bank will cash checks drawn on any other bank, usually for free. This is one of the perks of being a customer. You still need to sign the back of the check and show a photo ID.

Some banks limit the amount you can cash in a single day or week, or they may hold the funds for a day or two before giving you cash. Call your bank ahead of time if the check is large or if you need the money the same day. Online-only banks like Ally or Charles Schwab may not have branches where you can get cash, so ask whether they offer this service before opening an account.

Large national banks that cash checks for non-customers

A few major banks still cash checks for people without accounts, but the rules vary by location and change often. Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo have cashed checks for non-customers at some branches, but not all. Call the branch nearest you and ask whether they offer this service, what the fee is, and whether there is a dollar limit.

Expect to pay $5 to $15 per check and to have your ID scanned. Some branches may refuse if the check is very large or if they are busy. Even if one branch says yes, another branch of the same bank may say no. This is why calling ahead is worth the time.

Check-cashing businesses and retail locations

Check-cashing stores, payday loan shops, and some grocery stores (like Walmart and Kroger) will cash checks for non-customers. Fees are usually higher than at banks — often 1% to 3% of the check amount, or a flat fee of $3 to $10. A $100 check might cost $3 to $5 to cash.

These businesses are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account. Bring a photo ID and sign the back of the check. Some locations have limits on how large a check they will cash. If you use check-cashing services regularly, the fees add up quickly, so opening a bank account is usually cheaper in the long run.

What to do if a bank refuses to cash your check

If the bank that issued the check refuses to cash it, the check may be fraudulent, the account may be closed, or there may not be enough money in the account. Ask the teller why they cannot cash it. If the account is closed or the funds are not there, the person who wrote the check needs to resolve it — you cannot force a bank to cash a check from an account with no money.

If you believe the check is legitimate but the bank is refusing for another reason, ask to speak to a manager. If they still refuse, try the check-cashing route instead. You can also ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one from a different account or to give you a cashier's check instead, which is may provide by the bank.

Signing the back of the check and what banks need from you

Before you hand the check to a teller, sign your name on the back of the check in the white space at the top. This is called endorsing the check. Some banks ask you to write "For deposit only" and your account number below your signature if you are depositing rather than cashing, but for cashing, your signature alone is enough.

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks may also ask for a second form of ID or may scan your ID into their system. If you do not have a photo ID, ask whether the bank will accept another form of identification. A few banks may refuse to cash a check without a photo ID, so having one makes the process faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank branch if the check is from a different bank?

Yes, if you have an account at that bank. If you do not have an account, you can try, but most banks will refuse. Your best option is to go to the bank that issued the check or use a check-cashing business.

What happens if I try to cash a check and there is not enough money in the account?

The bank will refuse to cash it. The check will bounce. The person who wrote the check is responsible for fixing this — they need to deposit money into their account or write you a new check. You cannot cash a check from an account with insufficient funds.

Do I need to be a customer to cash a check at the bank that issued it?

No. The bank that issued the check will cash it for anyone with a photo ID, whether or not you have an account there. This is almost always free.

How much does it cost to cash a check at a check-cashing business?

Fees vary but are usually 1% to 3% of the check amount, or a flat fee of $3 to $10. A $200 check might cost $4 to $6 to cash. Call ahead to ask about the fee before you go in.

Can I cash a check without a photo ID?

Most banks and check-cashing businesses require a photo ID. If you do not have one, ask whether they will accept another form of identification. Some may refuse entirely, so having a photo ID makes the process much easier.