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In a world where digital banking and payment apps are increasingly common, cashing a check can sometimes be a hassle. Getting your hands on the cash can cost you time or money — especially if you don’t have a bank account. Here’s everything you need to know about how to cash a check and the steps you can take to make the process more convenient.
How To Cash a Check: 3 Easy Steps
No matter where you decide to go, cashing a check involves three basic steps:
- Bring the check to the bank or checking cashing facility with your ID.
- Endorse the back of the check.
- Give the check to the bank. If you’re depositing the check through a mobile app, destroy the physical check as soon as you’ve verified you have access to the funds.
Where Can You Cash a Check?
To cash a check — that is, to exchange the paper for cash money — you can visit a bank, credit union or store that offers check cashing services. You also can deposit the check in your checking account through an ATM, mobile check deposit app or add the funds to a pre-paid debit card. As soon as the funds clear, you can use the money to make purchases using your account number or card.
How To Cash a Check Without a Bank Account
If you don’t have a checking or savings account, you still have several options to cash your check.
Check-Cashing Service Locations
Available at various retail locations, these services usually charge a fee in exchange for convenience. You can find these services at supermarkets, convenience stores and dedicated check-cashing stores. Fees vary, but you usually pay a percentage of the check amount. It’s a quick and straightforward method if you need cash quickly and don’t want the extra products and services available at traditional banks.
Issuing Bank
You can typically visit the issuing bank to cash the check even if you don’t have an account there. Rules for non-account holders can vary from bank to bank — and since they are not legally required to cash checks from non-customers, you should check the bank’s policies beforehand. This option is reliable and usually ensures that the check will be cashed without issues as long as you have proper identification.
Check-Cashing Apps
These apps allow you to deposit a check using your smartphone and transfer the funds to a prepaid card or credit the money to your account within the app. Popular apps include PayPal, Venmo and Cash App. The process usually involves signing up for the app, but the convenience of cashing checks from anywhere is a significant advantage.
Retailers and Grocery Stores
Retailers like Walmart and Kroger sometimes offer check-cashing services for a small fee — a convenient option if you’re already shopping there. These retailers may have set fees and limits on the amount they can cash, and they sometimes restrict the types of checks they cash. For example, some stores only accept personal and payroll checks, while others are willing to cash checks from the government, retirement plans, insurance settlements and two-party personal checks.
Where Shouldn’t You Cash a Check?
If you have no other options, you can cash a check instantly by visiting a check-cashing, cash-advance or payday-lending store. Only use these companies as a last resort because they typically charge higher fees than banks and other retailers.
Because these types of companies don’t usually post their fees online, it’s hard to determine how much you’ll pay before you get there. The highest rates are reserved for the riskiest types of checks: handwritten checks drawn on personal accounts. These outlets also may require you to visit in person to cash the check, which may mean you need to make an extra trip.
Understanding Check-Cashing Fees
Unless you’re cashing a check at the bank or credit union where you have a bank account like a checking account or CD account, you will likely pay a check cashing fee. Understanding the fees associated with different check-cashing options can help you make informed decisions about where to cash the check.
Some places charge a flat rate per check. Others charge a percentage of the check amount. Fees can vary by region, so it’s best to call around locally or check online to find out the exact charges.
Avoiding Check-Cashing Scams
Accepting a check as payment is riskier than cash and debit or credit cards, and fraudulent checks circulate as part of scams that can cost you thousands of dollars. Here are some red flags warning you of potential scams when cashing checks:
- Unsolicited checks: Be cautious of checks received unexpectedly, especially from unknown sources who claim you won a prize or have been hired for a task.
- Overpayment scams: If someone sends you a check for more than the agreed amount and asks for the difference back, it’s likely a scam.
- Fake check scams: Scammers may send fake checks that initially clear but later bounce, leaving you responsible for the amount.
Final Take
Cashing a check can be hassle-free with the right approach. Of course, you can choose to open a bank account to have access to check cashing services, but you still have multiple solutions available, from check-cashing apps to retailers. Always consider the fees and potential scams, and choose the option that best fits your needs.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cashing checks.
- What is the best way to cash a check?
- There are many ways to cash a check. Some include visiting the issuing bank, using a check-cashing app or using an ATM. The best way for you would be the option that is the most convenient and has the least amount of fees.
- How do I cash a check at an ATM?
- You can follow these steps to cash a check at an ATM:
- Insert your debit card and enter your PIN.
- When prompted, select "deposit." You might need to enter the amount of the check.
- Insert the check.
- You can follow these steps to cash a check at an ATM:
- How can you deposit a check?
- You can deposit your check at any bank where you have an account. You can use an ATM, visit a branch or use a check-cashing app synced to your account to do so.
- Can you cash a check at any bank?
- No, you can't cash a check at any bank. You can usually cash a check at the issuing bank or your own bank. Some banks may cash checks for non-account holders, but they often charge a fee. It's best to check with the bank beforehand to understand their policies and fees.
- Where can I write a check and get cash back?
- You can write a check and get cash back at retailers offering this service, such as grocery stores and convenience stores.
- Can I cash a check at any bank without a bank account?
- You can cash a check without a bank account, but you won't be able to cash it at any bank you choose. Instead, you need to visit a branch of the issuing bank. The bank is not bound by law to cash the check, but most of them will cash it as long you have identification and the account has enough money to cover the transaction.
Chris Ozarowski and Genevieve Nino contributed to the reporting for this article.
The article above was refined via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of our editorial team.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Huntington. "How to Deposit or Cash a Check at the Bank."
- Federal Trade Commission. 2022. "How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams."
- PNC. 2023. "How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account."
- Time. 2024. "What Is A Check-Cashing Service?"
- State of Connecticut Department of Banking. "Checks and Related Issues."
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2020. "Can I cash a check at any bank or credit union?"
