Where you can cash a check without opening an account
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app—even without your own account. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) will cash it for you at any of their branches, usually for free if you have ID. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies will also cash checks, but they charge a fee that ranges from 1 to 12 percent of the check amount depending on the store and the check type.
The fastest and cheapest route is almost always the issuing bank itself. Walk in with the check and a valid ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—and ask to cash it. You do not need an account. If the check is from your employer or a government agency, their bank will cash it same-day. If the check is from a personal account, some banks may hold it for a day or two to verify funds, but many will cash it immediately.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free with just a valid ID, and this is your cheapest option.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 12 percent of the check amount as a fee, depending on the type of check and the store's location.
- Retail locations like Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, which may be cheaper than a percentage-based fee for large checks.
- Mobile check deposit through a bank app lets you deposit without visiting a branch, but you still need a bank account to use it.
- Bring a valid photo ID to any location where you cash a check; without it, most places will refuse.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
Walk into any branch of the bank or credit union whose name appears on the check. Tell the teller you want to cash it. Bring a valid photo ID—driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. The teller will verify the check and the funds, then hand you cash. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. There is no fee.
If the check is from a large employer or a government agency like Social Security, the bank will almost always cash it same-day. If the check is from a personal account or a small business, the bank may place a hold of one to three business days while they confirm the funds exist. Ask the teller whether they can cash it immediately or if a hold applies. Some banks will cash personal checks same-day if the amount is small (under $500) or if you have an account with them.
If you do not know which bank issued the check, look at the bottom left corner. The routing number and account number are printed there, and the bank name is usually printed at the top or bottom of the check. You can also call the phone number on the check or search the routing number online to find the bank's location.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check, but they charge a percentage fee. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent for payroll checks, 5 to 10 percent for personal checks, and up to 12 percent for out-of-state or two-party checks. On a $500 payroll check, a 2 percent fee costs $10. On a $500 personal check, a 5 percent fee costs $25. These stores are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account, which is why people use them, but the cost adds up quickly.
To cash a check at a check-cashing store, bring a valid photo ID and the check. The teller will verify the check, run a background check (which takes a few minutes), and hand you cash. Some stores also require a second form of ID or proof of address. Ask what they need before you go. Most check-cashing stores are open evenings and weekends, so they are useful if you need cash outside bank hours.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, grocery stores, and pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6 per check. This is often cheaper than a percentage fee at a check-cashing store, especially for large checks. Walmart cashes most types of checks for $3 to $6 depending on the check type. Kroger, Safeway, and other grocery chains charge $2 to $5. CVS and Walgreens charge $3 to $5. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they cash the type of check you have.
Bring your valid photo ID and the check. The process is the same as at a check-cashing store: the cashier verifies the check and hands you cash. Most retail locations cash checks during their regular hours, which are usually longer than bank hours. Some locations have limits on the check amount they will cash—often $1,000 to $5,000—so ask before you go if your check is large.
Using a mobile app to deposit a check
Many banks and credit unions let you deposit a check using their mobile app, even if you do not have a physical account yet. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the app deposits it into an account you create. However, this requires you to open an account first—you cannot use mobile deposit without one. Once the check is deposited, you can withdraw the cash at an ATM or ask the bank to send you a debit card.
Mobile deposit is fast and convenient, but it is not truly "without a bank account." You will need to open one to use it. Some banks let you open an account online in minutes with just an ID and a phone number. If you are willing to open an account, this is often the cheapest long-term option because you avoid check-cashing fees on future checks.
What to do if the check is damaged or unclear
If the check is torn, stained, or hard to read, the issuing bank may refuse to cash it. If the damage is minor—a small tear or faint writing—the bank will usually cash it anyway. If the damage is major—the routing number is missing, the amount is illegible, or the signature is gone—the bank will refuse. Ask the person who gave you the check for a replacement.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), banks and check-cashing stores are not required to cash it before that date, though many will. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank may refuse to cash it. Ask the issuing bank whether they will accept it. If they refuse, contact the person or company that wrote the check and ask for a new one.
Comparing costs across your options
| Location | Fee | Speed | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Same-day (usually) | Bank hours |
| Check-cashing store | 1–12% of check amount | Same-day | Extended hours |
| Walmart | $3–$6 flat fee | Same-day | Extended hours |
| Grocery store | $2–$5 flat fee | Same-day | Extended hours |
| Mobile deposit (requires account) | Free | 1–2 business days | Anytime |
For a $500 payroll check, the issuing bank costs $0. A check-cashing store costs $10 to $15. Walmart costs $3 to $6. For a $100 personal check, the issuing bank costs $0. A check-cashing store costs $5 to $10. Walmart costs $3 to $6. The issuing bank is always free, but it requires you to find a branch and go during business hours. Retail locations are cheaper than check-cashing stores for most checks and have longer hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ID to cash a check?
Yes. Every bank, check-cashing store, and retail location requires a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID will work. Without ID, they will refuse to cash the check. Some locations ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, so bring extra documents if you have them.
Can I cash a check that someone else wrote to me?
Yes, as long as the check is made out to your name. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it. If the check is made out to you and another person (like "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both of you usually need to be present to cash it, though some banks will cash it if one person signs the back and the other person's signature is already on the check.
What if the bank that issued the check is not near me?
You can still cash it at the issuing bank's website or app if they offer mobile deposit, but this requires opening an account. If you do not want to open an account, use a check-cashing store or retail location. They will cash checks from any bank, anywhere in the country. The fee will be higher than the issuing bank, but you avoid the trip.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At the issuing bank, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if they cash it same-day. Some banks place a one- to three-day hold on personal checks. At a check-cashing store or retail location, it takes 5 to 15 minutes. Mobile deposit takes one to two business days for the check to clear.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the check bounces (the account has insufficient funds), the bank or store that cashed it will take the money back from you. This usually happens within a few days. You will owe them the full amount of the check plus a fee. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cover the amount and the fee, or dispute the charge with the bank or store.