Personal checks are the most common type of check you'll cash, and you have several straightforward ways to do it

A personal check is a check written from someone's individual bank account — not a business, government agency, or payroll department. It's signed by the person whose name appears on the account. You can cash a personal check at your own bank, at the check writer's bank, at a check cashing store, or sometimes at a grocery store or pharmacy. The method you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and what fees you're willing to pay.

The basic requirement is the same everywhere: the check must be signed, dated, and made out to you by name. If it's made out to "Cash" or blank, most places will still cash it, but some banks won't. If the amount in words doesn't match the numbers, or if the check is more than six months old, the bank can refuse it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank will cash personal checks for free if you have an account there, and you can do it in person, by mail, or through mobile deposit.
  • The check writer's bank will also cash it, but may charge a fee if you're not a customer, and may ask for ID and a thumbprint.
  • Check cashing stores cash personal checks for a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) and don't require a bank account.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies often cash checks for free or a small fee if you have a rewards card or make a purchase.
  • Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you cash a check without visiting a branch, though the money may take one to two business days to appear.

Cashing at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account, your bank will cash personal checks for free. This is the cheapest option and usually the fastest. You can cash it in person at any branch during business hours — bring your ID and the check. The teller will verify your account, check that the signature matches, and give you cash or deposit it to your account.

If you can't visit a branch, most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank deposits it into your account. The money usually shows up within one to two business days, though some banks offer next-day posting for certain account types. This method works for personal checks, payroll checks, and most other types.

Some banks also accept checks by mail. You sign the back of the check, write your account number on it, and mail it with a deposit slip. This takes longer — usually five to ten business days — but works if you're far from a branch or prefer not to go in person.

Cashing at the check writer's bank

You can walk into the bank where the check writer has their account and ask them to cash it. They will cash it even if you don't have an account there, but they may charge you a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the bank. Some banks charge nothing for this service; others charge only if the check is over a certain amount.

Bring a photo ID. The teller will ask for it and may ask you to sign the back of the check or provide a thumbprint. They'll verify that the account has enough money to cover the check and that the signature looks genuine. If everything checks out, they'll give you cash.

This method is useful if you need cash right away and don't have a bank account, or if you're already near that bank. It's slower than using your own bank because the teller has to verify the account, but it's free or cheap compared to a check cashing store.

Using a check cashing store

Check cashing stores will cash personal checks without requiring a bank account. They charge a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. The exact fee depends on the store, the check amount, and your location — some states cap the fee by law, others don't.

Bring a photo ID and the check. The store will verify the check is real (by calling the bank or checking electronically), confirm the account has funds, and give you cash. The whole process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Some stores offer faster service for a higher fee, or will cash the check when ready if you pay extra.

Check cashing stores are convenient if you don't have a bank account or can't reach your bank, but the fees add up if you cash checks regularly. If you cash more than one or two checks a month, opening a bank account and using mobile deposit is usually cheaper.

Cashing at grocery stores and pharmacies

Many grocery stores and pharmacies will cash personal checks as a service to customers. Some do it free; others charge a small fee ($1 to $3). Many require you to have a rewards card with them or to make a purchase. Walmart, Target, and most major grocery chains offer this service.

The process is straightforward: bring your ID and the check to the customer service desk. They'll scan it, verify the account, and give you cash. It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. This is a good option if you're already shopping and need cash, or if you prefer not to visit a bank or check cashing store.

The downside is that not all stores offer this service, and policies vary by location. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk to confirm they cash personal checks before you go.

What to do if the check is unsigned or has problems

If the check isn't signed, the bank or store will refuse to cash it. Ask the person who wrote it to sign it. If you can't reach them, you can't cash it — a signature is required by law.

If the amount in words doesn't match the numbers (for example, "One Hundred Dollars" but the numbers say $150), the bank will refuse it. The check writer needs to void it and write a new one.

If the check is more than six months old, banks can refuse it. Some will cash it anyway if the account holder approves, but don't count on it. If the check is old, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

If the check is torn or damaged but still readable, most banks will cash it. If it's too damaged to read the account number or signature, the bank may refuse it.

Understanding holds and when the money is available

When you deposit a personal check at your bank, the money may not be available right away. Banks place a hold on the deposit while they verify the check is real and the account has funds. The hold usually lasts one to five business days, depending on the bank and the check amount.

If you cash the check in person at a teller window, you get cash when ready — no hold. If you deposit it through mobile deposit or mail, the hold applies. Large checks (usually over $5,000) may have longer holds.

If you cash a personal check at a check cashing store or the check writer's bank, you get cash when ready. There's no hold because you're not depositing it into an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a personal check made out to someone else?

No. A check made out to another person's name is not yours to cash. The person it's made out to would need to cash it or deposit it. If they want to give you the money, they should cash the check first and give you cash, or write you a new check in your name.

What if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the check writer's account doesn't have enough money, the check bounces. If you cashed it at a store or bank, they may reverse the transaction and ask for the money back. If you deposited it, the bank will deduct the amount from your account. You can try to contact the check writer and ask them to cover the bounced check fee.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. You need to sign the back of the check. Write your name on the back, usually in the area marked "Endorse here." If you're depositing it, some banks also ask you to write your account number. If you're cashing it at a teller window, they'll watch you sign it.

Can I cash a check if I don't have ID?

No. Banks and check cashing stores require a photo ID to cash any check. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud. If you don't have ID, you can't cash the check yourself, but the person who wrote it could cash it at their own bank.

Is it cheaper to use mobile deposit or go to the bank?

Mobile deposit is free and faster — you don't have to leave home. The money takes one to two business days to show up. Going to the bank in person is also free and gives you cash when ready, but takes your time. Check cashing stores charge a fee but give you cash right away without a bank account.