Where to cash a check

Quick insights

• Banks, credit unions, grocery stores and big box stores are some of the places where you can usually cash checks.
• If you have an account with a bank or credit union, cashing the check at a branch or depositing it through a mobile app will likely be the most affordable ways to access the funds.
• The fees to cash a personal check may be higher than some other types of checks.

People often rely on direct deposit and mobile banking apps to get paid, but what do you do when you have to cash or deposit a check? If you already have a bank account, cashing the check at a local branch is usually a cost-effective choice. Some retailers also cash checks for a small fee. You may be able to cash a check even if you don’t have a government-issued ID or are under 18 years old.

In this article, we’ve outlined some of the places where you may be able to cash a check.

Where you can cash a check

There are various places where you can cash a check, but the best option for you may depend on your age and whether you have a bank account or government-issued ID. Below, we’ve outlined some things to know about cashing checks at different locations.

Local banks or credit unions

Regardless of the type of check you’re cashing, a local bank or credit union where you have a checking account is typically the simplest way to cash a check. You may be able to cash the check in person at a branch. You could also deposit the check online and then use an ATM to withdraw the funds.

How long a check takes to clear can vary, but in many cases, the funds are available in full by the next business day.

Banks typically cash checks in these circumstances:

• You hold an account with the bank.
• You’re cashing a check issued by the bank.
• You enroll in any check-cashing services the bank offers.

You typically need to show a proper ID when cashing a check. Keep in mind the bank isn’t required to cash checks for people who aren’t their customers, and if they do agree to cash your check, it’s possible you’ll be charged a small fee.

It may be a good idea to get a bank account if you don’t have one already. Some banks offer checking accounts for teenagers that waive monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.

Additionally, many banks offer bank accounts for non-residents of the U.S. and will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number (SSN).

Grocery stores

Many grocery store chains offer check-cashing services. You usually need to pay a small fee, which can vary by store. Some grocery stores may charge a lower fee to shoppers who participate in their loyalty program.

You will likely need to show a valid ID to cash a check at a grocery store.

Big box stores

A few big box retailers may offer check-cashing services. You’ll probably need to be over 18 and have a valid ID to use these services. These retailers often cash personal or preprinted checks like tax refunds for a fee.

Fees may vary depending on the amount of the check. In addition to getting the money in cash, some retailers may allow you to load the money onto a reloadable debit card.

Employer

Some employers will cash your paycheck, but they tend to have some limitations. For example, employers may limit the amount of the check they will cash.

Online payment apps

Some online payment apps allow you to cash checks. In many cases, however, you may need to open an account through the app prior to cashing a check. Note that these apps may have age restrictions.

Generally, you’ll need to endorse the check and take a photo of each side of the check, but the directions for mobile deposits may vary by app. After depositing the check into your account with the app, you can then transfer funds to your bank account or someone else’s account on the payment app.

Depending on the app, you may be able to access funds more quickly for a fee.

Third party

If you are under 18 and don’t have an ID or a bank account, it can be challenging to cash a check. In these instances, it may be helpful to sign over or endorse the check to someone you trust, like a parent or guardian. They can usually cash the check and provide the money to you.

You’ll need to follow these steps:

• Write your name on the back of the check.
• Have the endorser write their name and relationship to you under your name.
• Have the endorser write the account number if they’re depositing the check into their account.

Keep in mind that not all banks accept endorsed third-party checks, and many check-cashing locations like grocery stores may not accept these checks.

Check-cashing service

Check-cashing services are an option for people who don’t have a bank account or a government-issued ID, or are under 18 years old. Note that these services tend to charge small fees based on the check’s value and the type of check. All you usually need is the check itself to use these services.

Where to cash personal checks

Personal checks are pieces of paper issued by a bank or credit union. The account holder fills out the check to pay someone funds from their personal bank account. The check will bounce if the account holder does not have the funds to cover it.

Many places that cash checks will also cash personal checks, but they may charge a higher fee because these checks present more of a risk. Many banks, credit unions, grocery stores and big box stores will cash personal checks.

In summary

You can usually cash checks—including personal checks—at banks, credit unions, grocery stores, big box stores, check-cashing retailers and more. Generally, banks and credit unions will offer complimentary check-cashing services for their customers.

In some cases, you may need to pay a larger fee to cash a personal check. Those who are under 18 or don’t have a government-issued ID may consider signing over the check to a trusted individual or using a check-cashing service