Where You Can Cash a Wells Fargo Check

Places that cash Wells Fargo checks

You can cash a Wells Fargo check at any Wells Fargo branch, at most other banks if you have an account there, at check-cashing services, and at some retailers. The fastest and cheapest option is usually a Wells Fargo branch or your own bank. Retailers and check-cashing services often charge fees and may have limits on the amount they will cash.

The place you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how much the check is for, and whether you need the money when ready. A Wells Fargo branch will cash it for free if you have a Wells Fargo account, or for a fee if you do not. Other banks will cash it free if you are a customer there, but may refuse if you are not.

Key Takeaways

Wells Fargo branches cash Wells Fargo checks free for account holders and for a fee (usually $5 to $15) for non-customers.
Your own bank will cash a Wells Fargo check free if you have an account there, regardless of whether the check is drawn on Wells Fargo.
Check-cashing services and retailers charge fees that vary by location and amount, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check value.
Some retailers like Walmart and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, with limits on check amount.

Cashing at a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your check and a valid ID. If you have a Wells Fargo account, the teller will cash it for free and deposit the money into your account or give you cash. If you do not have a Wells Fargo account, most branches will still cash it, but they will charge a fee. The fee varies by branch and region, but is typically $5 to $15 for a personal check.

Bring your driver's license, passport, or state ID. The teller will ask you to endorse the check (sign the back) if you have not already. If the check is very large or you are not a customer, the branch may ask for additional ID or may need to verify the check before cashing it, which can take a few minutes.

Cashing at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, that bank will cash a Wells Fargo check for free. Go to any branch of your bank with the check and your debit card or account number. The teller will verify your account and cash the check or deposit it directly.

This is often faster than going to Wells Fargo if you do not have an account there, because your bank already knows who you are. Some banks also allow you to deposit checks through their mobile app or ATM, which means you do not have to go inside a branch at all.

Check-cashing services and storefronts

Check-cashing businesses will cash a Wells Fargo check for a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. A $100 check might cost $1 to $3 to cash. These services are open longer hours than banks and do not require you to have an account, but the fees add up quickly on larger checks.

You will need a valid ID and sometimes a second form of ID. Some check-cashing services also require a phone number or address on file. The money is usually available when ready, which is an advantage if you need cash right away. Look for check-cashing services in your neighborhood or search online for locations near you.

Retail stores that cash checks

Many grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers cash checks at the customer service desk. Walmart cashes personal checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, depending on your state, with a limit of $5,000 per check. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons often cash checks free for customers who use their loyalty card, or for a small fee if you do not have one.

Bring your check and a valid ID. Some retailers will only cash checks up to a certain amount, often $1,000 to $2,000. Call ahead to confirm the store's policy and current fees, because they vary by location and change over time. Retail check cashing is convenient if you are already shopping, but fees may be higher than at a bank.

Online and mobile deposit options

If you have a Wells Fargo account or an account at another bank, you may be able to deposit a check using your phone instead of going to a branch. Wells Fargo's mobile app and many other bank apps let you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it for deposit. The money usually appears in your account within one or two business days.

Mobile deposit is free and works 24 hours a day. The check must be a personal check or business check made out to you, and some banks have limits on how much you can deposit this way per day or per month. You will still need to have a bank account to use this method, but it is the fastest way to get the money if you do not need cash when ready.

Fees and limits by location

The cost of cashing a check varies widely depending on where you go. Wells Fargo branches charge $5 to $15 for non-customers. Check-cashing services charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Walmart charges $3 to $6 flat. Grocery stores may charge nothing to $3. Your own bank charges nothing.

Limits also vary. Wells Fargo branches may refuse to cash very large checks without advance notice. Walmart limits personal checks to $5,000. Check-cashing services may have daily or per-check limits. Retail stores often cap checks at $1,000 to $2,000. If your check is larger than a store's limit, you will need to go to a bank branch instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Wells Fargo check at a bank that is not Wells Fargo?

Yes, if you have an account at that bank. Your bank will cash it free for you. If you do not have an account there, the bank may refuse or charge a fee. Call ahead to ask their policy on cashing checks from other banks for non-customers.

What if I do not have a valid ID?

You will not be able to cash the check anywhere. Banks, check-cashing services, and retailers all require a valid government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport. If your ID is expired or you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can cash the check.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank branch or retail store, cashing usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Check-cashing services may take 10 to 20 minutes if they need to verify the check. Mobile deposit takes seconds to submit but the money appears in your account in one to two business days, not when ready.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or have your name on it. If someone else wrote the check to another person, that person must endorse it to you (sign the back and write "pay to the order of" your name), and you will both need to be present with ID to cash it. Many banks and retailers refuse third-party checks entirely.

What if the check is damaged or hard to read?

Take it to a Wells Fargo branch or your own bank. They can verify the check information and may be able to cash it or help you contact the person who wrote it to get a replacement. Check-cashing services and retailers are less likely to accept damaged checks.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.