Chase will cash a check for you without an account, but only if it's drawn on a Chase account and you have a valid ID

If the check is from a Chase customer, you can walk into any Chase branch and cash it on the spot. You do not need to be a Chase customer yourself. Bring the check and a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash.

If the check is drawn on a different bank, Chase will not cash it for you without an account. You would need to go to the bank that issued the check, or open an account somewhere that will cash it.

Chase does charge a fee for cashing checks drawn on other banks if you are not a customer. That fee varies by location and check amount, but typically runs $5 to $10. Calling your local branch before you go in can confirm the exact fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase cashes checks drawn on Chase accounts for non-customers with a valid photo ID and no fee.
  • Checks drawn on other banks require you to either have a Chase account or go to the issuing bank instead.
  • If you cash a non-Chase check at Chase without an account, you will pay a fee of $5 to $10 depending on your location.
  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID to any Chase branch; online or mobile cashing is not an option for non-account holders.

How to cash a Chase check in person

Go to any Chase branch during business hours. Bring the check and your photo ID. Hand both to the teller and tell them you want to cash the check. The teller will scan the check, verify the funds are available in the account it's drawn from, and count out your cash. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

If the check is post-dated (dated for a future day), Chase will not cash it until that date arrives. If the check is more than six months old, the bank may refuse it. If the check has any damage, missing information, or looks altered, the teller will decline it.

What happens if the check bounces

If you cash a check and it later bounces because there are not enough funds in the account it was drawn from, Chase will take the money back from you. This means the cash you received will be reversed, and you will owe Chase the amount of the check.

Chase typically holds the funds for a few business days before releasing them to you. During that time, they verify the check will clear. If it does not, you lose the cash and may face a returned-check fee from Chase, usually $5 to $15. You would also need to pursue the person who gave you the bad check to recover your money.

Cashing checks drawn on other banks

If the check is from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or any bank other than Chase, you have three options: go to that bank's branch, open a Chase account and deposit it, or use a check-cashing service.

Going to the issuing bank is free if you have an ID. Many banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for non-customers at no charge. Call ahead to confirm the branch is open and has cash on hand.

A check-cashing service like Walmart, ACE Cash Express, or a local check-cashing store will cash any check for a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. For a $500 check, that could be $5 to $15. These services are faster than banks and often stay open longer, but the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly.

Why Chase won't cash checks without an account

Banks limit free check cashing to their own customers because they absorb the risk if a check bounces. When you have an account, the bank can recover the money from your balance. When you do not, they have no way to get the money back except by suing you, which costs more than most checks are worth.

Chase makes an exception for checks drawn on Chase accounts because the issuing account holder is a Chase customer. If the check bounces, Chase can recover the money from that account. The risk is lower, so they cash it for free.

Mobile and online check cashing at Chase

Chase offers mobile check deposit through its mobile app, but only for account holders. You photograph the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days.

If you do not have a Chase account, you cannot use mobile deposit. You must go to a branch in person with your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ID do I need to cash a check at Chase?

A government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Chase will not accept a student ID, work badge, or library card. The ID must not be expired.

Can I cash a check at Chase if I have a different bank's account?

Yes. You do not need to be a Chase customer. As long as the check is drawn on a Chase account and you have a valid photo ID, you can cash it at any Chase branch for free.

How long does it take to cash a check at Chase?

Usually five to ten minutes. The teller scans the check, verifies the funds, and gives you cash. If the branch is busy, it may take longer. Post-dated checks cannot be cashed until the date on the check arrives.

What if the check has my name spelled wrong?

Minor spelling errors usually do not matter. If the name is very different or missing entirely, the teller may ask for additional ID or refuse the check. Bring a second form of ID if you think there might be a problem.

Can someone else cash my check at Chase if I give them permission?

No. The person cashing the check must be the payee named on the check, or the check must be signed over to them on the back. Even then, many banks including Chase will not accept a signed-over check. Bring the check yourself if possible.