Money transfer services like Zelle, Venmo and Cash App have risen in popularity, but there are still occasions where you might receive a paper check. If you don’t have a bank account or if you don’t currently have access to your bank, you might need to find a way to cash a check that doesn’t involve your bank’s services.
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., nonbank check cashing has been on the decline. A2021 FDIC report found that 3.2% of all households in the U.S. used nonbank check cashing, down from 6.4% in 2017. But even with a dip in how often people use these services, there are still plenty of options to cash a check, including some banks and credit unions, retailers and stand-alone check-cashing services.
Can I cash a check at any bank?
The short answer is no, you can’t cash a check at any bank. If you have a bank account, it’s best to cash a check at your bank. But if you don’t have a bank account — or if your bank isn’t currently accessible to you — and you go to a bank or credit union where you aren’t a customer, those institutions aren’t obligated to cash your check.
However, there are times when they may choose to do so.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that a bank or credit union may choose to cash your check at a branch if the following circ*mstances apply:
The check is written by one of their account holders.
There is money in the account to cover the check.
The check isn't more than six months old.
You are the payee shown on the check.
You show proper government ID, such as a driver’s license.
The bank or credit union may also charge a fee to cash the check.
» MORE: How to cash a check without a bank account
Which retailers offer check cashing?
Some retailers offer check-cashing services. Walmart, for example, offers check cashing, including cashing of personal checks up to $200, payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, cashiers’ checks, insurance settlement checks and 401(k) checks. Keep in mind that there may be a fee of $4, $6 or $8 depending on the type of check, and there are varying limits on the dollar amount you can cash, usually based on the check type, time of year and your state of residence.
There are plenty of grocery stores, such as Ralph’s or HEB, that allow check cashing — also typically for a fee — so check with your local grocery if you’re interested in that service.
You can also consider stand-alone check-cashing services, such as Check City or Moneytree. These stores may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the check amount.
What is the fastest way to cash a check?
The fastest way to cash a check is to go to the closest check-cashing service, whether that’s your bank or a retailer. If you want to avoid fees, however, you may want to go to a branch of your bank. If you don’t have a local bank account, you might choose to open one. If your banking history disqualifies you from opening a typical checking account, you may want to look into getting a second chance checking account instead.
Another route to consider is a Bank On account. These accounts are offered by banks and credit unions that have joined a coalition committed to offering low-cost deposit accounts.
“If you don’t have a bank account or have had financial difficulties, including challenges managing a checking account, a Bank On account is a great place to start or rebuild your banking relationship,” said Sarah Grano, a spokesperson with the American Bankers Association, via email. “Bank On accounts are easy to open and can help you build a strong financial foundation that not only gives you access to cash, but helps you pay bills, make purchases and save money for an emergency.”
As another option, you can sign the check over to someone else, such as a friend or family member, so they can cash it for you. To sign over — or endorse — the check to someone else, sign the back of the check in the endorsem*nt area, write “pay to the order of” and the recipient’s name, then give the check to your recipient. Then, your friend or family member can cash the check at their bank and give you the cash.
FAQs
If you have a bank account, it's best to cash a check at your bank. But if you don't have a bank account — or if your bank isn't currently accessible to you — and you go to a bank or credit union where you aren't a customer, those institutions aren't obligated to cash your check.
Can I cash a check from a different bank at my bank? ›
Not every bank will cash a check from a noncustomer, but many do. You'll have the best luck visiting the bank the check was issued from. Other banks may still agree to cash your check, as long as they can verify the account holder has enough funds to cover the check amount.
Can you cash a check wherever? ›
Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check) Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.) Cash the check at a check-cashing store. Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.
Can a check be deposited at any bank? ›
Can I deposit my check at any bank branch? Yes. Can someone deposit a check to my account? Yes, if he/she knows your account number and if the check is made out to you, or you have endorsed the check.
Can I cash a check at any bank without an account? ›
Though some banks may cash checks for noncustomers, others will not. However, if you go to the bank that issued the check, you likely just need valid ID to cash it. After all, this is the bank's own check. Still, you may have to pay for the privilege because you're not a customer.
Can I cash a check into any bank? ›
Some banks, credit unions, and building societies allow non-customers to cash cheques that were issued by them. They may charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the cheque amount. Fees and other costs may apply and may vary depending on the issuing bank.
How big of a check can you cash at a bank? ›
While you can deposit checks over $10,000 at any bank or ATM, cashing this requires the bank to report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a rule for all cash transactions over $10,000. If you need a substantial check, you may also want to consider cashier's checks that the bank guarantees.
Where is the easiest place to cash a check? ›
The easiest way to cash a check is to take it to a bank where you have an account. Check-cashing services are found at Walmart and many grocery stores.
What checks Cannot be cashed? ›
Some reasons why a bank won't cash a check include not having a proper ID, not having an account with that bank, the check is filled out incorrectly, or the check being too old. Ensure you comply with all the required criteria before attempting to deposit a check.
Why can't I cash my check at Walmart? ›
If your account has a history of fraudulent reports or checkbook thefts, Walmart may deny cashing your check. Inadequate identification: To cash a check at Walmart, you will need to provide valid identification. Walmart typically requires two forms of identification, with at least one having a photo.
Yes, different banks cheques can be deposit at another bank and the procedure bank follow is known as CTS clearing . For local cities cheques maximum 2 days of settlement. And for others cities cheques 7 days to 15 days(depending upon urban or metro cities).
Can I deposit a check from one bank to another? ›
Yes, you can transfer money from one bank to another. There are many ways to do this, including using your bank's website or mobile app, a personal check, a cashier's check, a wire transfer or an ACH transaction. There are pros and cons to each method, and some come with transfer fees.
Can you deposit cash at a different bank? ›
Can you deposit cash at an ATM that isn't your bank? Most banks don't allow you to deposit cash at an ATM that's out-of-network. The banks that do accept cash deposits through out-of-network ATMs often charge an extra fee — and, typically, require longer processing periods.
Can I cash my check at a bank that isn't mine? ›
Issuing bank. Several financial institutions have policies that allow you to cash a check even if you don't have an account with the bank or credit union. Usually you will need to take the check to the issuing institution, not just your bank of choice. Be prepared to show a government-issued ID and pay a fee.
Does Bank of America cash checks for non-customers? ›
Yes, Bank of America charges an $8.00 fee for cashing on-us checks for non-customers.
Can the bank tell you who cashed your check? ›
You probably will be able to tell how your check was processed, after the fact, by looking at your bank statement. Your bank is required to list every EFT transaction in your monthly bank statement, including the dollar amount, the date the transaction cleared, and the name of the recipient.
Can you get a bank check from a different bank? ›
You can purchase a certified check through a bank or credit union. While you can get a certified check from any old bank, it'll probably be easier to go to a bank you have an account with. You'll need to go into a physical branch to get a certified check.
Can I deposit a check at a bank that isn't mine? ›
Banks can accept third-party checks for deposit or cash them, but they're not required to.
Can you cash a bank Cheque at a different bank? ›
Alternatively, you can also go to the bank that issued the cheque and have such cheque cashed by that specific bank. Yes , different bank cheque can be deposited at another bank, but payees account has to be there in the other bank so that the amount can be credited to the payee through clearing.
Can I cash a check at Chase from another bank? ›
For non-customers, Chase will only cash checks drawn on a Chase account. What Do You Need to Cash a Check at Chase? If you are a Chase Bank customer, you'll need your bank account number and enough money in your account to cover the cost of the check being cashed.
