Where you can cash a check right now
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or through a mobile app if you have a smartphone. The bank that issued the check—printed on the front—will cash it for free if you go in person with a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. That's the fastest and cheapest option.
Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies charge a fee—usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount—but they're open longer hours and don't require you to go to a bank branch. Mobile check deposit through apps like Square Cash, PayPal, or some prepaid card services lets you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it to a digital wallet or prepaid card account, though you'll need a smartphone and internet access.
The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money, whether you want to avoid fees, and what you have access to. If the check is from your employer or a government agency, the issuing bank will always cash it. If it's a personal check from someone else, some places may refuse it or charge more.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free with a valid ID, even without an account.
- Check-cashing stores and grocery stores charge fees ranging from $2 to $10 but offer longer hours and faster service than banks.
- Mobile check deposit through apps requires a smartphone but lets you cash a check without leaving home.
- Personal checks are riskier to cash than payroll or government checks, and some places will refuse them or charge higher fees.
- Bring a valid government-issued ID to any location; some places may also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
The bank or credit union whose name appears on the check must cash it for you at no charge if you present a valid ID. This applies whether you have an account there or not. Go to any branch of that bank during business hours with the check and your ID—a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. Tell the teller you want to cash the check, and they'll verify the check and your ID, then hand you the money.
This method is free and reliable, but bank hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited on Saturdays. If you need cash outside those hours or don't have a branch nearby, you'll need to use another option. Some banks will cash checks for non-customers only at the main branch, not at smaller locations, so call ahead if you're unsure.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with customer service desks, and pharmacies like Walmart, Target, and CVS will cash checks for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent for payroll checks and 3 to 10 percent for personal checks—or a flat fee of $2 to $5. A $100 payroll check might cost $1 to $3 to cash; a $500 check might cost $5 to $15.
These locations are open longer than banks, often until 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays and on Sundays. Bring your valid ID and the check. Some places will ask for a second form of ID, a phone number, or your thumbprint. Personal checks take longer to verify than payroll checks and carry a higher fee because the store takes on more risk if the check bounces.
Check-cashing stores are the most common option for people without bank accounts, but fees add up if you cash checks regularly. If you cash a $1,000 check at 2 percent, you lose $20. Over a year, that can be significant.
Mobile check deposit through apps and prepaid cards
Apps like Square Cash, PayPal, Chime, and some prepaid card services let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it to your account. You take two photos with your phone, submit them through the app, and the money appears in your digital wallet or prepaid card account within one to three business days. There's no fee for the deposit itself, though you may pay a monthly fee for the prepaid card or app account.
This method works only if you have a smartphone, internet access, and an account set up with one of these services. Some apps require you to have a minimum balance or to make regular deposits. The money isn't instant—it takes at least one business day to clear—so this doesn't work if you need cash immediately. You'll also need a way to withdraw the money from your digital account, either through an ATM (which may charge a fee) or by transferring it to someone else's bank account.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Some places accept tribal IDs or consular IDs. Without an ID, no location will cash your check. If the name on the check doesn't match your ID exactly, some places will refuse the check or ask you to sign it in front of them to verify your identity.
If the check is made out to two people, both people usually need to be present with ID. If the check is made out to a business and you're cashing it on behalf of that business, bring documentation showing you're authorized to do so—a business license, letter from the owner, or power of attorney.
The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes at a bank or retail location. At a check-cashing store, it may take longer if the store is busy or if they need to verify the check. Mobile deposit takes seconds to photograph but one to three business days to clear.
Fees and how they compare
| Location | Fee | Speed | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Immediate | Business hours only |
| Check-cashing store | $2–$10 or 1–10% | Immediate | Extended hours, weekends |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | $2–$5 or 1–3% | Immediate | Extended hours, weekends |
| Mobile app deposit | Free deposit; may have account fees | 1–3 business days | 24/7 |
If you cash checks regularly, the issuing bank is always the cheapest option. If you need cash outside bank hours, a grocery store or pharmacy is usually cheaper than a dedicated check-cashing store. Mobile deposit is free but requires you to wait for the money and have a way to withdraw it.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it bounces—meaning the account it was drawn from doesn't have enough money—the location that cashed it will try to recover the money from you. At a bank, they'll deduct the amount from your account if you have one, or they'll contact you to demand repayment. At a check-cashing store or retail location, they'll contact you by phone or mail and may charge you an additional fee for the bounced check.
You are not responsible for a bounced check if you cashed it in good faith, but the location that cashed it will pursue you for the money. This is rare with payroll checks from established employers but more common with personal checks. If someone gives you a check that bounces, the person who wrote it is responsible for the money, not you—but you'll need to get it from them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank that didn't issue it?
Most banks will not cash a check unless it's drawn on their bank. Some large banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo may cash checks drawn on other banks for a fee of $5 to $15, but this is not may provide. Your best option is always the bank printed on the check.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless they sign it over to you on the back. This is called a third-party check, and many banks and check-cashing stores refuse to accept them because of fraud risk. If someone wants to give you money via check, ask them to make it out to you instead.
Can I cash a check without a physical ID?
No. Every location that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a state ID or passport first. Some states offer free or low-cost ID cards for people without a driver's license.
How long does mobile check deposit take?
The photos are submitted instantly, but the check clears in one to three business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not clear until Tuesday. Some apps offer faster clearing for a fee.
What if I need the money immediately?
Go to the bank that issued the check or to a check-cashing store or grocery store. Both give you cash immediately. Mobile deposit and bank transfers take days. If the check is from your employer, ask if they offer direct deposit instead, which puts money in your account automatically.