Where to find 24-hour check cashing

The easiest places to cash a check around the clock are 24-hour Walmart locations with a money center and some 24-hour grocery stores that offer check cashing at customer service. Not every Walmart or grocery store is open 24 hours, so you'll need to call ahead or check their website to confirm hours at your nearest location.

If a Walmart or grocery store near you isn't open all night, your next option is a 24-hour check cashing store — these are independent businesses that specialize in cashing checks and are often open late or around the clock. You can find them by searching "check cashing near me" on Google Maps and filtering by hours. Some are franchises like ACE Cash Express or Check Into Cash, while others are local operations.

Banks and credit unions almost never offer 24-hour check cashing at the branch, but some do have ATMs that accept checks for deposit (not cashing). If you have an account at a bank, depositing through an ATM and then withdrawing cash the next morning is faster than waiting for a check cashing store to open.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart money centers and some 24-hour grocery stores cash checks around the clock, but you must call ahead to confirm your location is open 24 hours.
  • Independent check cashing stores are your most reliable option for late-night or overnight check cashing in most neighborhoods.
  • You will need a valid photo ID and the check itself; some stores also require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
  • Check cashing fees vary widely — from 1 to 5 percent of the check amount — so compare prices if you have multiple stores nearby.
  • If you have a bank account, depositing through an ATM overnight and withdrawing cash in the morning may cost less than a check cashing store.

What you need to bring

You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some check cashing stores also ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill with your name and address, a lease, or a recent bank statement. Call the store before you go to ask what they require.

Bring the check itself, unsigned if possible. Some stores ask you to sign it in front of them. If the check is made out to someone else, most check cashing stores will not cash it unless that person is present with their own ID.

How much the service costs

Check cashing fees are not regulated by the federal government, so each store sets its own price. Fees typically range from 1 to 5 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that could be anywhere from $5 to $25.

Walmart and grocery stores usually charge a flat fee — often $3 to $6 per check — rather than a percentage. Independent check cashing stores more often charge a percentage. Call ahead or ask at the counter what the fee is before you hand over your check, so you know exactly how much cash you will receive.

If you cash checks regularly, the cost adds up. Opening a bank account, even one with no monthly fee, can save you money over time because deposits are free and you can withdraw cash at ATMs without a per-check charge.

Walmart and grocery store check cashing hours

Walmart money centers are open during store hours, which vary by location. Some Walmarts are open 24 hours, but many close at midnight or 11 p.m. Check the Walmart website or call your local store to confirm it is open 24 hours before you go.

Grocery store check cashing is available during customer service hours, which are usually shorter than store hours. A grocery store might be open 24 hours but have customer service open only until 10 p.m. Again, call ahead.

Both Walmart and grocery stores typically cash checks only up to a certain amount — often $1,000 or $2,000 — so if your check is larger, you may need to go to a bank or a dedicated check cashing store.

Independent check cashing stores and their fees

Check cashing stores are businesses built specifically for this service. They often have longer hours than banks and some are open 24 hours. You can find them by searching "check cashing" or "cash advance" on Google Maps and looking at the hours listed.

Fees at independent stores usually run 2 to 5 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee. A $300 check might cost $6 to $15 to cash. Ask about the fee before you hand over your check. Some stores also charge extra if the check is from out of state or if it is a business check rather than a personal check.

These stores also often offer other services like payday loans, money transfers, and bill payment, but you are there to cash a check, so focus on that service and the fee for it.

Using your bank account as an alternative

If you have a bank account, you can deposit a check through an ATM at any hour and withdraw the cash the next morning. This works best if your bank's ATM accepts check deposits — most large banks do, but not all credit unions do.

The advantage is that deposits are free, so you save the 1 to 5 percent fee you would pay at a check cashing store. The disadvantage is that you have to wait until the next business day to withdraw the cash, and the check may take one to three business days to clear depending on the bank and the check amount.

If you do not have a bank account, opening one takes about 15 minutes and requires a photo ID and an initial deposit. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, which makes this cheaper than paying check cashing fees every time you need cash.

What to do if a check is damaged or unclear

If a check is torn, faded, or has information that is hard to read, some check cashing stores will refuse it. The store needs to be able to read the routing number, account number, check number, amount, date, and payee name clearly.

If the check is slightly damaged but still readable, ask the store if they will cash it anyway. Some will, some will not. If they refuse, you can take the check to the bank it is drawn on — the bank that issued the check — and ask them to cash it. Banks are more likely to accept a damaged check if you have an account with them, but some will cash it for non-customers as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Most check cashing stores will not cash a check made out to another person unless that person is present with their own photo ID. Some stores may cash it if the payee signs the back and you sign below them, but this is rare. Your safest option is to ask the person who the check is made out to cash it themselves.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is one dated for a future date. Most check cashing stores will not cash it before that date arrives. Some banks will cash a post-dated check early if you ask, but it is not required. Wait until the date on the check or take it to the bank that issued it.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. Check cashing stores, Walmart, and grocery stores will cash a check without a bank account. You only need a valid photo ID. However, if you cash checks regularly, opening a bank account will save you money because deposits are free.

How long does it take to cash a check at a 24-hour store?

At a check cashing store or Walmart, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. You show your ID, the store verifies the check, you sign it, and you receive your cash. During busy times, it may take longer.

What if my check is larger than the store's limit?

Walmart and grocery stores often have a maximum check amount they will cash, usually $1,000 to $2,000. If your check is larger, go to a dedicated check cashing store, which may have a higher limit, or take it to the bank that issued the check.