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 grocery stores and pharmacies, through a mobile app, or by having someone else deposit it for you. The bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner—will cash it for free, even if you have no account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) but operate extended hours and require only an ID. Grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger cash checks during business hours for a flat fee, typically $3 to $5. Some mobile payment apps let you deposit checks by photograph without a bank account, though you'll need to transfer the money somewhere eventually.

The fastest option depends on what you need the money for. If you need cash immediately, a check-cashing store or grocery store is quickest. If you can wait a few days and have a smartphone, a mobile app may cost less. If the check is large or you want to avoid fees entirely, the issuing bank is your only free option.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free with just an ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount but are open longer hours than banks and require only an ID.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies like Walmart and Kroger cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $5 during regular business hours.
  • Some mobile payment apps let you photograph and deposit checks without a bank account, though fees and processing times vary.
  • Cashing a check at the issuing bank is free but may require you to visit during business hours and bring a valid ID.

Cashing at the bank that issued the check

The bank or credit union whose name appears at the bottom left of the check will cash it for you at no cost. You do not need to have an account with them. Bring the check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks may ask you to sign the back of the check in front of a teller.

The main limitation is hours: most banks close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on weekends and holidays. If you need cash outside those hours, this option won't work. Also, if the check is very large (over $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the bank), the teller may need to verify funds before handing over cash, which can take a few minutes.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

A check-cashing store will cash almost any check for a percentage fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. These stores are designed for people without bank accounts and operate long hours—many are open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some on Saturdays. You need only a valid ID and the check itself.

The trade-off is cost. Over time, if you cash multiple checks this way, the fees add up. Some stores also charge extra for checks over a certain amount or for checks that take longer to clear. Before you hand over the check, ask the store for the exact fee—it should be posted clearly, but confirming saves surprises at the counter.

Check-cashing stores are most useful when you need cash urgently and the issuing bank is closed, or when you're cashing a check from a small or unfamiliar bank that might take longer to verify.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail locations

Many large grocery chains—Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and others—cash checks at the customer service desk for a flat fee, typically $3 to $5 per check. Some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also offer this service. The fee is lower than a check-cashing store and the locations are often more convenient. You need a valid ID and the check itself.

The catch is that not all locations participate, and hours are limited to when the store is open. Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm they cash checks. Some stores have limits on check amounts or will not cash checks from certain types of accounts (like business checks). A few stores require you to have a rewards card or membership, though most do not.

Mobile apps and photograph deposit

Some mobile payment apps—including PayPal, Square Cash, and others—let you deposit a check by taking a photograph of the front and back. You do not need a bank account to use the app, but you do need a smartphone and the app will eventually transfer the money to a bank account, debit card, or digital wallet you control.

The advantage is convenience: you can deposit from home at any time. The disadvantage is that processing takes 1 to 3 business days, so you won't have cash immediately. Some apps charge a small fee for this service; others do not. Read the app's terms before depositing to understand the timeline and any costs. This option works best if you can wait a few days and don't need physical cash right away.

Having someone else deposit the check for you

If the check is made out to you, another person can deposit it into their own bank account on your behalf, but only if you sign the back of the check and write "For deposit only" followed by their name. This is called a third-party deposit. The person depositing it must bring their ID and the signed check to their bank.

Many banks have restricted or stopped accepting third-party checks because of fraud risk, so call ahead to confirm the bank will accept it. This option is most useful if someone you trust has a bank account and you're comfortable giving them the check. It's not a solution if you need cash immediately, since the money goes into their account, not yours.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, faded, or has information you can't read, most places will still cash it as long as the routing number, account number, check number, and amount are legible. The issuing bank is your best bet in this case—call the bank first to confirm they can process it, then bring it in with your ID.

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most check-cashing stores and retail locations will not cash it until that date arrives. The issuing bank may also refuse. If you need the money before the date on the check, contact the person or business that wrote it and ask them to write a new check with today's date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ID to cash a check?

Yes. Every place that cashes checks—banks, check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and mobile apps—requires a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Without ID, you cannot cash a check anywhere.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person signs the back and writes "For deposit only" plus their name. This is a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them due to fraud concerns. Call the bank first to confirm they will take it.

What if the check is from a foreign bank?

Most check-cashing stores and retail locations will not cash foreign checks. Your best option is the bank that issued it, if it has a U.S. branch. Otherwise, you may need to open a bank account to deposit it, or contact the issuer to arrange a wire transfer instead.

How long does it take to get the money?

At the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a grocery store, you get cash immediately. With a mobile app, it takes 1 to 3 business days. If you have someone else deposit it, it depends on their bank's processing time, usually 1 to 2 business days.

What's the cheapest way to cash a check?

Free: the bank that issued the check. Cheapest paid option: a grocery store or pharmacy at $3 to $5 flat fee. Check-cashing stores charge a percentage (1 to 3 percent), which costs more on larger checks. Mobile apps vary; some charge nothing, others charge a small fee.