Not every bank will cash a check from someone who isn't their customer
Your own bank will cash your check for free. A bank where you don't have an account may cash it, but they can charge you a fee—usually between $5 and $15—and they may refuse entirely. Some banks have policies against cashing checks for non-customers. Others will do it but only during certain hours or with restrictions on the amount.
The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check itself) is more likely to cash it than a random bank, but even they can refuse if you don't have an ID or if something looks wrong with the check. If you're trying to cash a check and the bank says no, you have other options that don't involve a bank at all.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank cashes your checks free; other banks may charge $5 to $15 or refuse.
- The bank that issued the check (shown on the front) is more likely to cash it than any other bank.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart will cash checks for a fee, usually $2 to $5.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch.
- A check can be refused if the signature doesn't match, the date is old, or the amount is unusually large.
Why your bank matters when cashing a check
Banks have different policies because they carry the risk when they cash a check. If the check bounces later—meaning there isn't enough money in the account it came from—the bank that cashed it loses the money. Your bank trusts you because you have an account with them and they can take the money back if needed. A bank you don't use has no way to recover the loss if something goes wrong.
The bank printed on the check (called the drawee bank) has the most direct connection to the account the check came from. They can verify immediately whether the account exists and whether there are funds. This is why they're most likely to cash it, even for non-customers. However, they may still charge you or ask for ID.
Regional and community banks are more likely to cash checks for non-customers than large national chains. Some large banks have stopped cashing third-party checks entirely—checks made out to someone else that you're trying to cash on their behalf. Always call ahead if you're unsure.
What happens when a bank refuses to cash your check
A bank can refuse for several reasons. The signature on the check may not match the ID you show them. The check may be dated more than six months ago (called stale-dated). The amount may be unusually large for a personal check, triggering fraud concerns. The check itself may look altered or damaged. Or the bank simply may have a policy against cashing checks for non-customers.
If your own bank refuses, ask why. If it's a signature mismatch, you may need the person who wrote the check to sign it again or provide a letter authorizing you to cash it. If the check is stale-dated, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one. If the bank suspects fraud, they may hold the check while they investigate, which can take several days.
Check-cashing stores and retail alternatives
Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check, including payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks. They charge a fee—typically $2 to $5 for a payroll check, more for personal checks or larger amounts. They're open longer hours than banks and don't require an account. The trade-off is the fee and the fact that they may refuse if they suspect fraud or if you can't provide ID.
Walmart, grocery stores like Kroger and Safeway, and some pharmacies also cash checks in their customer service departments. Fees are usually $3 to $4. These places are convenient if you're already shopping, but they may have limits on the check amount or the number of checks you can cash per day. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and what their limits are.
Prepaid card companies and money transfer services like MoneyGram may also cash checks, though this is less common. Ask when you're considering which option to use.
Using mobile deposit instead of cashing
If you have a bank account, mobile deposit is often faster and easier than cashing a check. You photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app, and the bank deposits it into your account. The money is usually available within one to two business days. You don't have to visit a branch, wait in line, or pay a fee.
Not all banks offer mobile deposit, but most large banks and credit unions do. Check your bank's app or website to see if it's available. Some banks limit the amount you can deposit per day or per month through mobile deposit—often $2,000 to $5,000 per day—so if you're depositing a large check, call your bank first.
Mobile deposit works only if you have a bank account. If you don't, you'll need to cash the check through one of the other methods described above.
What to do if the check amount is very large
Banks may hold large checks for several days before releasing the funds, even if you're a customer. This is called a hold, and banks use it to protect themselves against fraud. A hold doesn't mean the check is refused—it means the money will be available later, not immediately.
If you need the money right away, tell the bank when you deposit it. Some banks will release part of the funds immediately and hold the rest. If you're cashing a check at a bank where you don't have an account, they may refuse large checks altogether or charge a higher fee.
For checks over $10,000, banks are required by federal law to file a report with the government. This is normal and not a sign of wrongdoing. It doesn't delay the cash—it's just a reporting requirement.
How to avoid problems when cashing a check
Bring a government-issued ID with a photo—a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Banks will not cash a check without one. Make sure the check is made out to you and that your name matches your ID exactly. If the check is made out to a slightly different version of your name (like "Robert" instead of "Bob"), ask the person who wrote it for a new check or ask the bank if they'll accept it anyway.
Check the date. If it's more than six months old, the bank may refuse. If it's dated in the future, the bank will refuse—you can't cash a check before the date on it. Make sure the check isn't damaged or altered. If the amount is written differently on the numbers line versus the words line, the bank will refuse it.
If you're cashing a check at a bank where you don't have an account, call first and ask about their policy and fees. This saves you a trip if they won't do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at any ATM?
No. ATMs can only deposit checks into an account; they cannot dispense cash for a check. You must visit a teller or use a check-cashing service to get cash.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people must be present with ID to cash it, or one person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [other person's name]" to transfer it. Some banks refuse these checks entirely. Call ahead to ask.
Can I cash a check if I don't have an ID?
No bank will cash a check without a government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to get an ID first. Check your state's DMV website for the fastest way to obtain one.
How long does a bank hold a check before the money is available?
For checks deposited at your own bank, funds are usually available within one to two business days. Holds can be longer for large checks or checks from out-of-state banks. Banks must disclose their hold policy; ask when you open an account.
What if I lost a check someone gave me?
Contact the person who wrote it and ask them to stop payment on the old check and write you a new one. They can call their bank and request a stop payment, which costs $25 to $35 but prevents the lost check from being cashed if someone finds it.