Where to cash a check if you don't have a bank account
You can cash a check at your bank or credit union even without an account, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app that offers check deposit. The fastest option depends on what you have available right now: a bank branch near you, a smartphone with a camera, or a check-cashing business in your area. Each route has different fees, speed, and requirements.
The method that costs you nothing is depositing through a mobile app — but you need a bank account to do that, which rules it out for you. The methods available without an account all charge a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat dollar amount instead.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions will cash checks for non-members, usually for a fee of $5 to $10 or a percentage of the check amount.
- Check-cashing stores are open longer hours and do not require identification beyond what the check itself shows, but charge higher fees — often 3 to 5 percent.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk during store hours, with fees typically $3 to $6.
- Mobile check deposit through apps like PayPal, Square Cash, or Chime requires opening an account with that service, which may take a few minutes online.
- The check must be signed by you, made out to you, and not post-dated or damaged for any location to cash it.
Cashing a check at a bank or credit union without an account
Any bank or credit union will cash a check drawn on that institution, whether you have an account there or not. Walk into a branch with your check and a photo ID, and tell the teller you want to cash it. They will verify the check is legitimate, confirm you are the person named on it, and give you the money.
The fee ranges from $5 to $10 at most banks, though some charge a percentage of the check amount instead — ask before you hand over the check. Credit unions are often cheaper than banks for this service. The process takes about five minutes if the line is short.
If the check is drawn on a different bank than the one you walk into, that bank may refuse to cash it or charge a higher fee. Some banks will not cash checks for non-members at all, so call ahead or check their website first.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash almost any check, including payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks. They are open longer than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays — and do not require a bank account. You need a photo ID and your check.
The fee is usually 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee like $5 or $10. A $500 check at 3 percent costs you $15. These stores make their money on fees, so they charge more than banks do. Some also offer other services like money orders or bill payment, which may have separate fees.
Check-cashing stores are common in urban and suburban areas but rare in rural areas. Search online for "check cashing near me" to find one, or ask at a convenience store or grocery store — they often know where the nearest one is.
Retail stores that cash checks
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains cash checks at their customer service desk. The fee is usually $3 to $6, lower than check-cashing stores. You need a photo ID and the check must be made out to you. Hours are the same as the store itself, so you can often cash a check while shopping.
Not all locations offer this service, so call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Some stores limit the types of checks they will cash — for example, some will cash payroll checks but not personal checks. A few stores have stopped offering check cashing altogether, so availability is changing.
Mobile apps that deposit checks without a bank account
Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, Chime, and others let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it into an account with them. The money usually arrives in one to three business days. You do not need a traditional bank account, but you do need to open an account with the app itself, which takes a few minutes online.
Most of these services are free to use for check deposit — they make money other ways, like charging for transfers or offering paid features. Some require you to have a debit card or linked bank account to withdraw the money once it is deposited, which defeats the purpose if you have no bank account at all. Read the app's terms before you sign up to confirm you can withdraw cash without a bank account.
The app must be able to photograph both sides of the check clearly, and the check must not be damaged or faded. If the photo is blurry, the app will reject it and ask you to try again.
What the check must look like to be cashed
The check must be signed by the person who wrote it — an unsigned check cannot be cashed anywhere. It must be made out to you by name, or to you and someone else (in which case you may both need to sign it). A check made out to "Cash" can be cashed by anyone, but most places will not accept it without ID.
The check cannot be post-dated — that is, dated in the future. It cannot be stale-dated, which usually means more than six months old, though some banks will still cash very old checks. The check must not be torn, water-damaged, or have writing over the numbers or signature.
If the check has any of these problems, the location you take it to will refuse it. Your only option is to contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one.
Comparing fees and speed across methods
| Method | Fee | Speed | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank or credit union | $5–$10 or percentage | 5 minutes | Business hours only | Photo ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | 10–15 minutes | Until 8–9 p.m., Saturdays | Photo ID |
| Retail store (Walmart, Target, grocery) | $3–$6 | 10 minutes | Store hours | Photo ID |
| Mobile app | Free | 1–3 business days | Anytime | Smartphone, app account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash someone else's check?
No. The check must be made out to you. If someone else wrote you a check but made it out to the wrong name, ask them to write a new one. A check made out to "Cash" can technically be cashed by anyone, but most locations will ask for ID and may refuse it.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Most places require a photo ID to cash a check. If you do not have one, a mobile app is your best option — some apps will accept other forms of ID or verification. Call ahead to check what a specific location will accept before you go.
How long does it take to get the money?
In-person cashing at a bank, check-cashing store, or retail location takes 5 to 15 minutes and you get cash when ready. Mobile app deposit takes 1 to 3 business days, and the money goes into your app account, not your hand.
Why do check-cashing stores charge so much?
Check-cashing stores charge high fees because they assume more risk — they cash checks for people without bank accounts, which means they cannot verify funds the way a bank can. They also stay open longer and have higher operating costs than banks.
Can I cash a check that's made out to two people?
Usually both people need to be present and sign the check. Some locations will cash it if only one person signs, but most will not. Ask the location before you go, or contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write separate checks.