William Lipovsky
Below, I explain how to cash two-party checks, including guidelines for endorsing them and whether both parties need to be present to cash them.
I also list the businesses where you can cash a two-party check, plus what types of checks they’ll cash, requirements, fees, and limits for each one.
What to Know Before Cashing a Two-Party Check
A two-party check is a check written with two individuals in the “Pay To” line.[1][2] For instance, if you get married, guests might write a check to both spouses.
A two-party check can be written to “person A and person B” or “person A or person B” — both are two-party checks, but the requirements for cashing them are a bit different.[3][1]
If the payer wrote the check to “person A and person B,” both parties must sign the check and be present to cash or deposit it.[3][1]
If it’s written to “person A or person B,” only one of the named parties needs to sign the check and be present for check cashing or depositing.[3][1]
Find out the exact steps to follow and other helpful details about how to cash a two-party check.
What I Recommend
If either payee has a bank account, that bank will typically be the best option for cashing a two-party check. Account holders can cash checks for free, and there’s usually no maximum limit as long as the branch has enough cash on hand.[4][5][6]
If neither payee has a bank account or visiting your bank is inconvenient, you can cash the check at the issuing bank or a store with check cashing services.
These options do charge check cashing fees; Kroger and Walmart are typically the cheapest options, as Kroger offers a discount for Kroger Shoppers’ Card members and Walmart has a maximum two-party check fee of $6.[7][8]
Comparison Table
See the table below for a quick comparison of the limits and fees at the places that cash two-party checks, then select any business or scroll for more information.
| Check Cashing Place | Limits | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Payee's bank | None | None |
| Issuing bank | None | $8 to $10; waived if you have an account |
| Albertsons | Up to $1,500 | Varies by location |
| Kroger | Up to $5,000 | Varies by location |
| Publix | $75 personal checks; generally around $800 or $999 payroll checks | Around $2 to $7 |
| Safeway | Up to $1,500 | Varies by location |
| Walmart | $200 | Up to $6 |
| ACE Cash Express | None | Varies by location |
| Check Into Cash | None | Varies by location |
| Money Mart | None | Varies by location |
| Moneytree | No limit; depends on available cash | Varies by location |
| PLS | No limit; depends on available cash | Varies; starts at 1% plus $1 |
| Speedy Cash | Varies by location | Varies; starts at $2 |
The List
Keep in mind that a two-party check can be any type of check written to two parties, such as a personal check, an insurance settlement check, or a government check.
You’ll need to visit a business that cashes both two-party checks and the specific type of check you have.
Banks and Credit Unions
To gather information about cashing two-party checks at banks, I contacted representatives for Bank of America, Chase Bank, and Truist Bank.
1. Payee’s Bank or Credit Union
- Types of checks cashed: Most types[4][5][6]
- Requirements: At least one of the check’s payees must have an account at the bank, and you’ll need to show a photo ID.[4][5][6]
- Check amount limit: Typically none, as long as the branch has enough cash on hand. Note that the bank/credit union may require you to deposit rather than cash the check, meaning not all funds will be available immediately.[4][5][6]
- Fees: Typically none[4][5][6]
2. Issuing Bank or Credit Union
- Types of checks cashed: Any check drawn on an account at that bank[4][5][6]
- Requirements: Photo ID[4][5][6]
- Limit: Typically none, as long as it has enough cash on hand[4][5][6]
- Fees: Unless one of the payees has an account at the bank, you’ll usually pay a fee of around $8 to $10 to cash the check as a non-customer.[9][5][6]
Grocery Stores
The following grocery stores cash two-party checks at all or some locations.
Even if your preferred store is on the list, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure it can cash your check, as check cashing policies can vary at the discretion of each location’s management.
I’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options.
3. Kroger
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, tax refund, business, child support, and insurance checks;[7] Kroger does not cash handwritten two-party checks.[10] Find out more about Kroger’s check cashing policy.
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID and Social Security or tax identification number[7]
- Limit: $5,000[7][11]
- Fees: Vary by location; fees are discounted for store card holders.[7][11]
- Find a location
Note: Kroger owns several other grocery store chains, and has standardized its money services policy for all locations. This includes stores, such as Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Ralphs, and Smith’s.
4. Walmart
- Types of checks cashed: Vary by location; generally two-party personal, payroll, government, tax return, insurance, 401(k), cashier’s checks, MoneyGram money orders, and Western Union money orders.[8][12] Find out more about Walmart’s two-party check cashing policy.
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[8]
- Limit: $200[8]
- Fees: Up to $6[8]
- Find a location
5. Albertsons
- Types of checks cashed: Personal, payroll, and government checks; policies are set by individual stores, so your local Albertsons may or may not accept two-party checks.[2][13] Find out more about Albertsons’ money services.
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[13]
- Limit: Up to $1,500[13]
- Fees: Vary by location[2][13]
- Find a location
6. Safeway
- Types of checks cashed: Personal, payroll, and government checks; policies are set by individual stores, so your local Safeway may or may not cash two-party checks.[2][14] Find out more about Safeway check cashing.
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[14]
- Limit: Up to $1,500[14]
- Fees: Vary by location[2][14]
- Find a location
7. Publix
- Types of checks cashed: Personal and payroll checks; each location sets its own policy regarding two-party checks, so it may or may not cash them.[15] Find out more about the Publix check cashing policy.
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[15][16]
- Limit: Personal checks up to $75; payroll checks vary by location but are generally limited to between $800 and $999.[16]
- Fees: Vary by location; generally around $2 to $7[16]
- Find a location
Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores, sometimes called payday loan stores, will usually cash most types of checks.
However, note that these stores typically charge higher fees than banks and grocery stores.
As above, I ordered the list beginning with the overall best options.
8. PLS
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, personal, government, out-of-state, business, and tax refund checks, as well as other types of checks[17]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[17]
- Limit: Varies based on how much cash the store has on hand[18]
- Fees: Vary by location; as low as 1% of the check amount plus $1[17]
- Find a location
9. ACE Cash Express
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, personal, income tax refund, government, insurance settlement, and business checks, as well as money orders[19]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[19]
- Limit: None[20]
- Fees: Vary by state; usually around 2% to 10%.[19]
- Find a location
10. Check Into Cash
- Types of checks cashed: Printed or handwritten payroll checks, government checks, income tax checks, financial loan checks, insurance drafts or checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, and more[21]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID and enrollment in Check Into Cash’s check cashing program[21]
- Limit: None[22]
- Fees: Vary by location; usually around 3% to 5% of the check amount[21]
- Find a location
11. Money Mart
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, small business, personal, insurance, money orders, and more[23]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[23]
- Limit: None[24]
- Fees: Vary by location[23]
- Find a location
12. Moneytree
- Types of checks cashed: All check types[25]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[26]
- Limit: No limit; depends on store’s cash availability[27]
- Fees: Vary by location[27]
- Find a location
13. Speedy Cash
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, insurance, benefit, unemployment, government, personal and other types[28]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[28]
- Limit: Varies by location[28]
- Fees: Vary by location and check type; starting at $2[28]
- Find a location
Tip: You should always double-check that the name(s) on the check match the IDs of all present parties when cashing a two-party check. If they don’t, you will likely need to have the check reissued with names printed correctly in order to cash the check.[1]
Alternatives
If you need to process your check outside of typical business hours (such as on a Sunday), you may be able to deposit it at an ATM.
Additionally, if your bank offers mobile banking, you can scan the check with your smartphone or tablet to deposit it online instantly.[29][30]
Places That Don’t Cash Two-Party Checks
During my research, I found that some stores that cash checks will not cash two-party checks.
These include:
- Food Lion[31]
- Giant Eagle[32]
- Giant Foods[33]
- H-E-B[34]
- Hannaford[35]
- Price Chopper[36]
- Rite Aid[37]
- ShopRite[38]
- Stop & Shop[39]
- Tops Friendly Markets[40]
- WinCo Foods[41][42]
FAQ
No, you do not have to have a bank account to cash a two-party check. You can visit a check cashing store, a grocery store with money services, or a bank that allows non-customer check cashing to process your check.[43][44][45]
If your two-party check doesn’t have an “and” or an “or” between payee names, it’s best to check with the bank for its policy guidelines.[3] If you prefer not to cash it at the bank, you should plan for both parties to sign the check and be present for cashing it to be safe, or call your preferred check cashing location for clarification.
Guidelines for how to cash a check written to you and the bank depend on the bank’s policy and what the check is for. You will need to contact the bank named as a payee to find out what steps you should take to cash it.[46]
In Summary
A two-party check is a check written to two recipients. If the names connect by the word “and,” both parties must endorse the check and be present to cash or deposit it; if the names connect by the word “or,” only one of the parties must endorse it and be present.[3][1]
You can generally avoid limits and fees by cashing two-party checks at a bank where at least one of the payees has a bank account or at the check’s issuing bank, though you will likely pay a fee if neither recipient has an account there.[4][5][6]
You can also cash two-party checks at select grocery stores and check-cashing stores, though these typically set their own limits and fees.
Be sure to leave a comment if you have a question about two-party checks. You’re also welcome to share personal experiences with cashing a two-party check or anything else that comes to mind about check cashing.
Hi I have an insurance check from progressive it will be written too me and Atlanta medical hospital could I cash this check on my own would my bank need a signature from Atlanta medical
Hi Marshall,
In most cases, you will need to endorse the check and hand it over to Atlanta Medical Hospital, who will use it to satisfy your bill.
Hi! I have a government two party check with both of our signatures on it. I tried to get it cashed at a bank but they will not do it without the other person present. The other person is in jail. So even though I have both signatures, I cannot get this cashed. Is there any place that will cash this with both signatures without the other person since they are in jail?
Hi Grace,
Both parties must be present to cash a two-party government check. However, you can deposit it at a bank where you have an account.
Hope this helps!
I tried to deposit my endorsed check and the bank told me the other person has to be present. I don’t understand
Hi Mel,
Although not common with check deposits, some banks require the other party to be present (and present a valid ID) when depositing the check.
I received a check from a class action lawsuit and it’s made out to me AND my ex-husband…. we split in 2009 & haven’t had any contact since then, how do I cash it?
I don’t have any issuer contact either….HELP!
Hi Karen,
Checks that are made out to two parties with an “and” between them are required to be endorsed by both of the named payees. Unfortunately, without a signature from your ex-husband, it will not be possible to cash your check; any bank or other place that offers check cashing will require the signatures of both parties. The only way to cash it would be to contact the issuer for a new check, or to contact the other payee for a signature. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
My aunt lives in Illinois and wrote me a personal check and I don’t have a bank account, where can I cash it with proper ID?
Hi Paula,
With proper identification, you should be able to visit anywhere on our list to cash the personal check. The bank that issued the check is an option, if you have a branch of it nearby (you don’t need to have an account there). Meijer, Walmart, and Publix all have many locations across the country and are good options for check cashing. You can use the location finders provided to help you find the store that’s most convenient to you. Best of luck!
I have a 2 party government check with “and” on it but can’t get the other person to sign. Is there anywhere I can go? Walmart did it once and now refuse to. It is under $500 and I don’t have a bank account.
Hi Joe,
Two-party “and” checks can be very difficult to cash even with both parties’ signatures, unless you have a joint bank account with the other payee. Unfortunately, it will probably be just about impossible to cash the check without a signature from the other person. For certain government-issued checks, you may be able to request a reissued check that’s made out to each party separately. You’d need to get in touch with the issuing agency about this option.
Where can I cash a multi party check without having the others present? They live out of the country and trying to cash out rent deposit return has been a nightmare. Thanks for the help
Hi Bobby,
If you have endorsements from everyone named on the check, either your bank or the bank that the check was written from might be the best bet. Some people in similar situations with rent deposit checks have deposited the check at an ATM, which sometimes works and sometimes causes more trouble down the line if the deposit gets flagged by the bank. If you don’t have endorsements from all the parties, or if it’s made out to you “and” the other person(/people), unfortunately, you may be out of luck until you can meet with them in person.
that is my problem right now. I got it endorse by the other two and deposited in my atm but the credit union called and said they cant cash it and sending it back. The other two roomates are out of the state. now what?!! arggg
HI Becky,
I wish I could give you better news on this, but most institutions require the other parties to be present and to present their IDs before they will deposit or cash the check.
Your list says Walmart cashes 2party checks, but those aren’t listed on their website. do they, or don’t they?
Hi Marla,
Walmart does indeed cash two party checks. This information was gained by calling Walmart corporate and getting the information from an internal-only document. It is unfortunate I cannot link to a source but they will not release this information publicly nor will they send me a copy of the information so I could post it. The catch though: both individuals must be present and show ID in order to cash a two party check.
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Does 7-11 cash work checks tho I can’t find anywhere that says if they do or not
Hi Adam,
7-Eleven does not cash checks of any kind.
I have a check from my grandmother as a wedding gift and it has my name on it but it also says &(wife) just like that now your website says Kmart would cash it but I just called then and they said no they don’t so I’m wondering if I can or can’t
Hi Clinton,
Not only does Kmart cash two-party checks but for the month of August – Kmart is doing free check cashing for members. Payroll, tax refund, and government checks up to $2,000 and two-party personal checks up to $500 (same limits as normal). Just to be sure you can use this link to make sure your Kmart does check cashing (though basically every location does).
Have your wife endorse the check as well and it should be accepted. If it is not, you’ll have to ask your grandmother to cross out the ‘and wife’ part or void that check and write you a different one.
I have a two party check made out to myself and the lienholder for my car. Can i cash the check at a local branch of my lienholder being that i do have a savings account with them.
Hi Justice,
First, if the check is made out to you and the lienholder, both parties must sign in order for it to be cashed. If it’s signed to you or your lien holder, then you can cash it without the lienholder’s signature. And to answer your specific question, yes, you can cash a check at either your bank/credit union or the bank/credit union of the other party.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask another.
Will bank put a hold on my account
Hi Tony,
I’m not sure what you mean. If you can clarify your question a bit, I’ll be happy to help!
My mom mailed me a check it has my name on the pay to the order of where can i cash it? Shes from Illinois im from indiana.. Thank you
Hi Melissa,
The good news is that the check is simply made out to you. It is not a two party check. This means you can easily cash it at any place that cashes checks. Please see this post for a list of places (many near you) that cash personal checks: http://firstquarterfinance.com/places-that-cash-personal-checks/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
This is great info, but I’m still not sure if 7-11 cashes personal checks. Would you know?
Hi Chris,
I called 7-Eleven customer support at 1 (800) 255-0711. They said that some 7-Eleven’s cash personal checks and others do not. The ones that do, have Vcom ATM machine that customers can use. So if you want to cash a personal check at 7-Eleven, you must find one with a Vcom machine. The good news is that there are about 2,000 of these machines located at 7-Eleven’s so your chances of having on near you are pretty good. To find a location near you that has a machine, use the Cardtronics location finder.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Yes they do I have cashed personal checks at their vcom machines even when other places would not do it. Also the tribal casino will cash them.
I man hit me with his car, it was his fault. But enterprise rent a car told me the Dailey insurance wasn’t covered under insurance. So the man that hit my car wrote a chequ lpayee to enterprise . But later on we found that the daily insurance on the rental was covered with his insurance company. This man owes his own business. He said I could cash it for my troubles. Is it a problem it’s written out to enterprise? It’s a business cheque.. If so how do this
Hi Kat,
Sorry about the accident. This is the perfect post for you: http://firstquarterfinance.com/where-can-i-cash-a-third-party-check/
Basically, you need Enterprise to sign the check over to you. However, I don’t think your local Enterprise will be too excited about doing this. I suggest you have the nice man cancel that check and issue you a new one. But make it as easy as possible for him so he’ll go through with it. Sounds like he values time more than money so make sure not to take too much of his time. Let me know if you have any further questions!!
I have a two party money order can it be cashed at the 711 vcom kiosk. my bank won’t let me cash it even though the second party has endorsed it.
Hi Kathy,
I called 7-Eleven customer support and they told me it varies from location to location. I’ve read that the machines are capable of doing it so it must be that some locations won’t allow it if there’s been past abuse or something. I wish I had a more definite answer for you!