Where to cash a handwritten check in your area
You can cash a handwritten check at a bank where you don't have an account, a check-cashing store, a grocery store, or a Walmart or Target. Banks usually charge the least — often nothing if the check is drawn on that bank — but require ID and may take 1 to 3 business days. Check-cashing stores cash when ready but charge a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Grocery stores and big retailers cash checks for free or a small fee if you shop there, but have lower limits on check amounts.
The fastest option depends on what you need. If you need the money today and don't mind paying a fee, a check-cashing store is quickest. If you can wait a few days and want to pay nothing, a bank is cheapest. If you have a store membership or shop regularly, your grocery store or Walmart may be the most convenient.
Key Takeaways
- Banks cash checks for free or low cost but may hold the funds for 1 to 3 business days, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores give you cash when ready but charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount as a fee.
- Grocery stores and retailers like Walmart and Target cash checks for free or a small fee if you have a membership or ID, but usually cap the amount at $500 to $2,000.
- You will need a valid ID at any location, and the check must be signed and made out to you.
- The person or business that wrote the check must have funds in their account, or the check will bounce and you may be charged a fee.
Cashing at a bank that isn't yours
Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank for free, even if you don't have an account. Bring your ID and the signed check. The teller will verify the funds are there and give you cash or deposit it to a temporary account. This usually takes a few minutes, though some banks hold the funds for 1 to 3 business days before you can withdraw them.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, that bank may still cash it, but they often charge a fee — usually $5 to $15. Call ahead to ask. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers entirely, so it's worth checking their policy before you go.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash your handwritten check when ready for a fee. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, like $3 per check. The exact fee depends on the store and the check amount.
Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks and on weekends, and they don't require a bank account. You need a valid ID and the check must be signed and made out to you. The money is yours within minutes. The trade-off is that you pay for speed and convenience.
Grocery stores and retailers
Many grocery stores and retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger cash checks for free or a small fee if you have a store membership or a valid ID. Limits are usually $500 to $2,000 per check, depending on the store. You cash the check at the customer service desk, not at a checkout lane.
Call your local store first to confirm they cash checks and what their limit is. Some stores have stopped cashing checks or only cash them for members. If they do cash yours, you'll get the money when ready and won't pay a fee.
What you need to bring
You need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The check must be signed by the person or business that wrote it, and it must be made out to you by name. If the check is made out to someone else, most places won't cash it, even if that person signs it over to you on the back.
Some places ask for a second form of ID or a phone number. If you're cashing a large check, expect more questions — banks and check-cashing stores are required by law to report large transactions and ask where the money came from.
What happens if the check bounces
If the person or business that wrote the check doesn't have enough money in their account, the check will bounce. The bank or store that cashed it will try to take the money back from you. If you've already spent it, you'll owe them the amount of the check plus a fee — usually $15 to $35.
The person who wrote the check may also face fees from their own bank. If you suspect a check might bounce — for example, if the person has a history of bad checks — ask them to verify the funds are there before you cash it, or ask for a different form of payment.
Comparing your options by speed and cost
| Option | Speed | Cost | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (your bank) | Minutes to 3 days | Free | Valid ID |
| Bank (not your bank) | Minutes to 3 days | $0–$15 | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | Minutes | 1–3% of check | Valid ID |
| Grocery store or Walmart | Minutes | Free or small fee | Valid ID, membership (sometimes) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Not usually. Most banks and check-cashing stores won't cash a check unless it's made out to you. Even if the person signs the back of the check and gives you permission, the policy at most places is to refuse it. Ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one in your name instead.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You won't be able to cash a check without one. Banks, check-cashing stores, and retailers all require a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one, you'll need to get one before you can cash the check.
How long does a bank hold a check before I can withdraw it?
Banks can hold checks for 1 to 3 business days, depending on the bank and the amount. Some banks hold checks longer if the amount is large or if the check is from out of state. Ask the teller when the funds will be available.
Can I cash a check at an ATM?
No. ATMs only accept deposits and dispense cash from your own account. To cash a check, you must go to a teller at a bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer's customer service desk.
What if the check is damaged or hard to read?
Most places will still cash it if the amount, date, and signature are clear and the check is made out to you. If the check is torn, stained, or faded, call ahead to ask if the bank or store will accept it. Some places refuse damaged checks.