You can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing store, or at some retailers—but each route has different costs and requirements
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which makes it safer than a personal check. Because the bank has already set aside the money, most places will cash it without requiring you to have an account. Your best option depends on which bank issued the check, how much it's for, and whether you want to avoid fees.
The fastest and cheapest route is usually the bank that issued the check. If you don't have an account there, you can still walk in and ask to cash it—most banks will do this for free or for a small fee (usually $5 to $15 for non-customers). You'll need a photo ID and the check itself. Some banks have started charging higher fees for non-customers or limiting how many checks they'll cash, so call ahead if the amount is large.
Key Takeaways
- The issuing bank will cash a cashier's check for you even without an account, though they may charge a non-customer fee of $5 to $15.
- Check-cashing stores will cash it the same day but typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, which can be $10 to $30 on a $1,000 check.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks at customer service, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $6, but have limits on check amount.
- You will need a valid photo ID no matter which route you choose, and the check must be made out to you or have your name on it.
- If the check is damaged, post-dated, or more than six months old, most places will refuse to cash it.
Cashing at the issuing bank with no account
Walk into the bank branch that issued the check with your photo ID and the check itself. Tell the teller you want to cash it. Banks are required to cash their own checks, and most will do this for non-customers at no charge or for a small fee. The fee varies by bank—some charge nothing, others charge $5 to $15. A few large banks have started refusing to cash checks for non-customers or charging steep fees ($25 or more), so if the check is large or you're unsure, call the bank's customer service line first and ask their policy.
The teller will verify the check is legitimate, check your ID against the name on the check, and hand you cash. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you don't know which bank issued the check, look at the routing number in the bottom left corner and search it online, or call the number printed on the check itself. Some banks process the transaction immediately; others may place a hold if the amount is unusually large, though this is less common with cashier's checks than with personal checks.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash a cashier's check the same day, no account needed. The trade-off is the fee. Most charge between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount. On a $1,000 check, that's $10 to $30. On a $5,000 check, it's $50 to $150. Some stores charge a flat fee instead ($5 to $10 per check), which is better if the check is small.
You'll need a photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID (like a utility bill or lease). The store will verify the check is real, take a copy, and give you cash. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks and on weekends, which can be useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours.
To find one near you, search "check cashing near me" or look for chains like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or Speedy Cash. Fees vary by location and by check amount, so call ahead if you want to know the exact cost before you go. Some stores offer discounts if you're a repeat customer or if you cash multiple checks at once.
Retail stores that cash checks
Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores (including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons) cash checks at the customer service desk. Fees are usually flat and low—typically $3 to $6 per check. The catch is that most retailers have a limit on how much they'll cash in a single check, often $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the store and location. Call ahead to confirm the limit and current fee.
You'll need a photo ID and the check must be made out to you. The process is quick—usually 5 to 10 minutes. If you're already shopping there, this is often the cheapest option. However, not all locations offer check cashing, and some have stopped during or after the pandemic, so verify before you go. Some stores will only cash checks during certain hours or on certain days, so ask when you call.
What you need to bring and what can go wrong
You must have a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on the ID must match the name on the check. If the check is made out to you and someone else, both names must appear on the ID, or you'll need the other person present with their ID.
The check cannot be post-dated (dated in the future), damaged, or more than six months old. If any of these apply, the bank or store will refuse to cash it. If the check is torn or has a stain, you can still try—some places will accept it if they can read all the key information. If the check is post-dated, you have to wait until that date to cash it anywhere.
If the check amount seems unusually large or the check looks suspicious, the teller may call the issuing bank to verify it's real. This can add 15 to 30 minutes. If the bank says the check is fraudulent or the account doesn't have enough money, you won't be able to cash it. Cashier's checks are less likely to have this problem than personal checks, but it can still happen if the check was stolen or altered.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Route | Cost | Speed | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | $0–$15 | 5–10 min | Bank hours only | Large checks, lowest cost |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of amount | 10–20 min | Extended/weekend hours | After-hours, small checks with flat fee |
| Walmart/Target/grocery | $3–$6 | 5–10 min | Store hours | Small to medium checks, lowest fee |
For a $1,000 cashier's check, the issuing bank costs $0 to $15. A check-cashing store costs $10 to $30. A retailer costs $3 to $6. If you're in a hurry and it's after bank hours, a check-cashing store or retailer is your only option. If you can wait until the bank is open, that's almost always cheapest.
The issuing bank is the best choice if the check is large, because the percentage fee at a check-cashing store grows with the amount. A retailer is best if the check is under $1,000 and you want the lowest flat fee. A check-cashing store makes sense only if you need cash outside bank hours and the flat fee is lower than the percentage fee would be.
What happens if the check bounces or is fraudulent
A cashier's check is supposed to be may provide by the bank, which means the money is already set aside and the check should not bounce. However, if the check turns out to be counterfeit or was issued by mistake, the bank may reverse the cash you received. This is rare but possible.
If you cash a cashier's check and the bank later says it was fraudulent, the place where you cashed it (the bank, store, or check-cashing company) may ask you to return the money. If you've already spent it, you could face a civil claim. To protect yourself, ask the issuing bank to verify the check before you cash it, especially if the amount is large or the check came from someone you don't know well. You can call the bank's customer service number (printed on the check) and provide the check number and amount to confirm it's real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cashier's check at any bank, or only the one that issued it?
You can only cash it at the bank that issued it without an account. Other banks will not cash it for you. However, you can deposit it into an account at another bank and withdraw the money once it clears, which usually takes one to two business days.
What if the check is made out to someone else but they want me to cash it?
The person whose name is on the check must be present with a photo ID to cash it. If they sign the back and write "pay to the order of [your name]," some places will cash it, but this is not may provide and many will refuse. It's safest to have the original recipient cash it themselves.
Do I have to provide my Social Security number to cash a cashier's check?
No. A photo ID is all you need. Check-cashing stores and banks may ask for additional information for their records, but they cannot require your Social Security number to cash a check. If they insist, you can go elsewhere.
What if the bank that issued the check is not in my state?
You can still cash it at any branch of that bank, even if it's out of state. If there's no branch near you, use a check-cashing store or retailer instead. You can also deposit it into an account at your own bank and wait for it to clear, which takes one to two business days.
How long does a cashier's check stay valid?
Most banks honor cashier's checks for six months from the date issued. After six months, the check may be refused. If your check is older than six months, contact the issuing bank and ask if they will still cash it or if you need to request a replacement.