You can cash your tax refund check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing service, or retail store with a check-cashing counter
The place you choose depends on whether you have an account there, how much you want to pay in fees, and how fast you need the money. Banks and credit unions are free if you're a member. Check-cashing services and retail stores charge a fee—usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount—but don't require an account and often have longer hours.
You'll need to bring the check itself plus a valid photo ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. The check must be signed on the back before you hand it over, and it has to be in your name or made out to you and another person whose signature also appears on the back.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash refund checks free for account holders, while check-cashing services and retailers charge $2 to $10 per check.
- You need a valid photo ID and the check signed on the back; some locations ask for a second ID or proof of address.
- If the check is made out to two people, both names must sign the back before you can cash it.
- Retail stores like Walmart and Target often have the longest hours and lowest fees among non-bank options.
- If your check is lost, damaged, or never arrives, contact the IRS directly rather than trying to cash a damaged version.
Banks and credit unions: free if you have an account
Your own bank or credit union will cash the check for free if you're a member, even if you don't deposit it into your account. Walk in during business hours with the signed check and your ID. The teller will verify the check, confirm your identity, and hand you cash or add it to your account on the spot.
If you don't have an account at a bank or credit union, many will still cash a government check like a tax refund, but they may charge a small fee ($5 to $15) or require you to open an account. Call ahead to ask about their policy before you go in.
Check-cashing services: fast but with a fee
Dedicated check-cashing businesses are designed for people without bank accounts or those who need cash immediately. They typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—so on a $1,000 refund, expect to pay $10 to $30. Hours are often longer than banks, including evenings and weekends.
Bring your photo ID and the signed check. The service will verify the check's legitimacy (they call the IRS or check a database), confirm your identity, and give you cash. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Look for services in your area using Google Maps or ask at a local grocery store or laundromat, where check-cashing ads are often posted.
Retail stores with check-cashing counters
Walmart, Target, and some grocery store chains cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually $2 to $5 for a government check, making them cheaper than dedicated check-cashing services. Hours match store hours, which often run until 10 or 11 p.m. or later.
Bring your photo ID and the signed check. The process is similar to a check-cashing service: they verify the check, confirm your identity, and hand you cash. Not every location offers this service, so call ahead or check the store's website to confirm.
What to do if the check is damaged, lost, or never arrives
If your refund check arrives torn, stained, or otherwise damaged, do not try to tape it together and cash it. Banks and check-cashing services will reject it. Instead, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 (the main tax line) or through your online IRS account at irs.gov. Tell them the check is damaged and ask them to issue a replacement.
If the check never arrived, wait at least 21 days after the IRS said it was mailed before you contact them. You can check the status of your refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov, which shows the mailing date. Once you confirm it was mailed more than 21 days ago, call the IRS or use your online account to request a replacement check or a direct deposit to your bank account instead.
Cashing a check made out to two people
If your refund check is made out to you and a spouse, partner, or co-filer, both names must sign the back of the check before you can cash it. Both people do not have to be present at the check-cashing location, but both signatures must appear on the back.
If one person refuses to sign or is unavailable, you cannot cash the check. Contact the IRS to request a replacement check in a single name, or ask about having the refund split between two separate direct deposits if you file jointly next year.
Fees and timing compared
| Location | Fee | Requires Account | Typical Hours | Time to Get Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank or credit union | Free | Yes | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays | Immediate |
| Another bank or credit union | $5–$15 | No | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays | Immediate |
| Check-cashing service | 1–3% of check | No | Often 9 a.m.–9 p.m., weekends | 10–20 minutes |
| Walmart or Target | $2–$5 | No | Store hours (often until 10 p.m.) | 10–15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at any bank, even if I don't have an account there?
Most banks will cash a government check for a small fee ($5 to $15) even without an account, but policies vary. Some banks only cash checks for account holders. Call the bank first to ask about their policy before you go in.
What if I lost the check or it got wet?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or through your online account at irs.gov. Do not attempt to cash a damaged or altered check—banks and check-cashing services will reject it. The IRS will issue a replacement check or deposit the refund directly to your bank account.
Do I have to endorse the check in pen, or can I use pencil?
Use pen. Pencil can be erased, and banks and check-cashing services will reject a check signed in pencil because it raises fraud concerns. Sign your name on the back of the check exactly as it appears on the front.
Can I cash someone else's tax refund check if they give me permission?
No. A check must be cashed by the person whose name appears on it. If someone else needs to cash your check, they can sign the back as an endorsement and you can sign below them, but you must both be present and provide ID. It's simpler to have the IRS reissue the check in their name or deposit it directly to their account.
How long does a check-cashing service take to verify a government check?
Most check-cashing services verify government checks in 10 to 20 minutes by calling the IRS or checking an electronic database. The entire transaction—verification, ID check, and payment—usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the location is.