William Lipovsky
Bank customers can easily cash a personal check for free. But, if you don’t hold a bank account, you may want to head to the bank where the check was drawn.
Alternatively, retail stores like Albertsons and check cashing stores like Check Into Cash offer check cashing services.
Each bank or store has its own fees, limits, and requirements for check services, so keep those in mind — and don’t forget to bring your government-issued photo ID for verification.
Below, we have the list of over 30 places where you can cash a personal check, including banks, check cashing stores, grocery stores, and retail stores.
What We Recommend
Free check cashing is always available at your bank, even if your bank didn’t issue the check.
Plus, some banks, including Bank of America and Chase Bank, afford everyone — not just customers — free check cashing if the check is drawn on their bank and below a certain amount.
Comparison Table
You can use the table below for a quick comparison of the check cashing fees at the places that cash personal checks. Then, select any business name or scroll to the list below for more information.
| Business | Type | Check Cashing Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $50; $8 otherwise |
| Bank of the West | Bank | Free for account holders, those under 18, government checks, and checks under $50; $9.50 otherwise |
| BMO Harris | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $50; $10 otherwise |
| Capital One | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $100; $7 otherwise |
| Chartway Federal Credit Union | Credit Union | Free for account holders; $3 or 2% of the check amount otherwise |
| Chase Bank | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $50; $10 otherwise |
| Citibank | Bank | Free for account holders and varies for others |
| Citizens Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; $7 otherwise |
| Fifth Third Bank | Bank | Free for account holders and varies for others |
| First National Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; $10 otherwise |
| Huntington Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; $10 otherwise |
| KeyBank | Bank | Free account holders 1.5% of the check amount for non-customers |
| M&T Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; 2% of the check amount for non-customers |
| PNC Bank | Bank | Free for account holders and checks less than $25; 2% otherwise |
| Regions Bank | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $25; 1% otherwise |
| TD Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; $10 otherwise |
| U.S. Bank | Bank | Free for account holders; $7otherwise |
| Wells Fargo | Bank | Free for account holders and checks under $100; $7.50 otherwise |
| ACE Cash Express | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| Check Into Cash | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| Community Choice Financial | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| Friendly Check Cashing | Check cashing store | 2.5% to 5% of the check amount |
| Money Mart | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| PLS Check Cashing | Check cashing store | $1 plus 1% of the check amount |
| The Check Cashing Store | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| USA Check Cashing Store | Check cashing store | Small percentage of check; vary by location |
| Check 'n Go | Check cashing store | Vary by location |
| Albertsons | Grocery store | Typically $3 to $6 |
| Food Lion | Grocery store | Vary by location |
| Giant Eagle | Grocery store | Vary by location |
| Publix | Grocery store | Typically $3 to $6 |
The List
Note: For all of the places listed below, you must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. See our related research for more information on how to cash a check.
Banks That Cash Checks for Non-Customers
While you can cash any check at a bank where you have an account, your options are limited if you don’t have a bank account or can’t get to your bank.
If you’re not a bank customer, you can usually only cash a check at the bank that issued the check.
For example, if someone hands you a check that’s drawn on their Bank of America account, you can take the check to any Bank of America branch to cash it, even if you don’t have an account there.
All you need to do is:
- Explain that you’re cashing a check issued by the bank. The bank will be able to verify the account it came from because the institution has access to the account and can establish that the check will not bounce.
- Show identification (often two forms).
- You may be required to pay a fee in order to cash your check. Many banks will cash your check for free if the check is drawn on one of their accounts, but not all offer this service free of charge. Most check cashing fees don’t exceed $8.
If you can’t make it to your bank or the check’s issuing bank, the following will cash a personal check for free or for a small fee:
Bank of America
- Non-customer fee: Free if the check is under $50; $8 for checks over $50[1]
- Find a branch
Bank of the West
- Non-customer fee: Free if your check is under $50; if the check is greater than $50, there is a $9.50 fee
- This fee is waived if you are under 18, cashing a Bank of the West cashier’s check, or cashing a check from a government agency with a Bank of the West deposit account.[2]
- Find a branch
BMO Harris
- Non-customer fee: Free if the check is under $50; $10 fee for checks greater than $50[3]
- Find a branch
Capital One
- Non-customer fee: $7 for checks above $100[4]
- Find a branch
Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Non-customer fee: $3 or 2% of the total check amount, whichever is greater[5]
- Find a branch
Chase Bank
- Non-customer fee: Free for checks under $50; $10 fee for checks above $50[6]
- Find a branch
See more in our article on Chase Bank’s check cashing policy.
Citibank
- Non-customer fee: Fees and availability for cashing checks varies by branch location.[7]
- Find a branch
Find out more in our article about Citibank’s check cashing policies.
Citizens Bank
- Non-customer fee: $7[8]
- Find a branch
Fifth Third Bank
- Non-customer fee: Unspecified; restrictions and fees may vary[9][10]
- Find a branch
First National Bank
- Non-customer fee: $10 per check[11]
- Find a branch
Huntington Bank
- Non-customer fee: $10 per check[12]
- Find a branch
KeyBank
- Non-customer fee: 1.5% fee with a $3 minimum fee and a $25 maximum fee; every 5th check cashed is free; no maximum for tax refunds[13]
- Find a branch
M&T Bank
- Non-customer fee: 2% of the total check amount ($3 minimum; $20 maximum)[14]
- Find a branch
PNC Bank
- Non-customer fee: No fee for checks under $25; a fee of 2% or $2, whichever is greater, will apply to checks above $25.[15]
- Find a branch
Regions Bank
- Non-customer fee: No fee for checks under $25 drawn on a Regions Bank account. Otherwise, a fee of 1% of the total check amount (minimum $5; maximum $20), depending on check type applies[16]
- Find a branch
TD Bank
- Non-customer fee: $10 fee may be assessed[17]
- Find a branch
U.S. Bank
- Non-customer fee: $7[18]
- Find a branch
Wells Fargo
- Non-customer fee: $7.50 for checks over $100[19]
- Find a branch
See more in our article on the Wells Fargo check cashing policy.
Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores will cash most types of checks, including personal checks.
However, check cashing stores often charge both a flat fee and a percentage of the total amount of the check to cover the risk associated with cashing a personal check.
Because they charge the highest fees, check cashing stores should be a last resort. Fees are usually the maximum allowed by state law, so they vary even within the same check cashing company.
ACE Cash Express
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, business checks, payroll checks, insurance checks, government checks, and money orders[20]
- Fees: Vary by location and check type[21]
- Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
- Find a store
Check Into Cash
- Types of checks cashed: Money orders, payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, cashier’s checks, and more[22]
- Fees: Vary by location; to find out the fees at your nearest Check Into Cash location, go to the Rates and Terms page to find the “Rates for Your State.”[23]
- Open on Sunday? No. Typical store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Find a store
Community Choice Financial
- Types of checks cashed: Vary by location[24]
- Fees: Vary by location[24]
- Open on Sunday? Not at most locations
- Find a store
Friendly Check Cashing
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, tax refunds, stimulus checks, 401K checks, checks made payable to a company, government checks, and more[25]
- Fees: Vary by check type[26]
- Open on Sunday? No. Typical hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
- Find a store (North Carolina)
Money Mart
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, government checks, small business checks, money orders, payroll checks, insurance checks, and more[27]
- Fees: Standard fees vary by state[27]
- Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
- Find a store
PLS Check Cashing
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, out-of-state checks, and more[28]
- Fees: As low as 1% of the check amount, plus $1[28]
- Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open 24/7.
- Find a store
The Check Cashing Store
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, small business checks, personal checks, insurance checks, and money orders[29]
- Fees: Standard fees vary by state[29]
- Open on Sunday? Hours vary, but most stores are not open on Sundays.
- Find a store (Florida)
USA Check Cashing Store
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, insurance checks, settlement checks, government checks, cashier’s checks, and more. The website does not specifically list personal checks as a type it will cash; however, the site states: “Our team is specially trained and committed to cashing all checks, no matter how big or how small the check amount is.”[30]
- Fees: Small percentage of check; varies by location[31]
- Open on Sunday? Varies by location
- Find a store (California)
Check ‘n Go
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, two-party checks, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Check ‘n Go does not cash traveler’s checks[32]
- Fees: Vary by state[32]
- Open on Sunday? No
- Find a store
See our article about Check ‘n Go’s personal check cashing policy.
For even more options, see our list of check cashing stores that cash personal checks.
Grocery, Convenience, and Retail Stores
There aren’t many grocery, convenience, or retail stores that will cash personal checks because these locations have no way to confirm that funds are available to cover the amount of the check.
Additionally, most stores have upper limits on the amount of the check, meaning they won’t cash large checks.
However, there are a few options:
Albertsons
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks in most areas;[33] varies by location[34]
- Personal check limit: Varies by location[34]
- Fees: Vary by location[34]
- Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- Find a store
See more in our article on Albertsons check cashing policies.
Food Lion
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, rebate checks, and tax refunds[35]
- Personal check limit: $50[35]
- Fees: Vary by location[35]
- Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
- Find a store
Find out more in our article about Food Lion’s check cashing policies.
Giant Eagle
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, and traveler’s checks up to $100; personal checks must be endorsed in the presence of an authorized Giant Eagle employee.[36]
- Note: You must either apply for or have a Giant Eagle Advantage Card[37] to be able to cash a check.
- Personal check limit: $30 cash back[36]
- Fees: Vary by store and check type and amount; no fee for child support checks[36]
- Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week.
- Find a store
See more in our article on Giant Eagle’s check cashing policies.
Publix
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks[38]
- Personal check limits: $75, once a day[39]
- Fees: $3 to $6 depending on check type and amount[39]
- Open on Sunday? Yes
- Find a store
See more in our article on the Publix check cashing policies.
Places That Don’t Cash Personal Checks
The following places don’t cash personal checks (though some do cash other types of checks):
- 7-Eleven (See more details in our article about 7-Eleven’s check cashing policy.)
- Acme Markets
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Copps
- Costco
- Country Mart
- CVS (See more details in our article about CVS’ check cashing policy.)
- Dollar General
- D&W Fresh Market
- Food 4 Less
- Gelson’s
- Hannaford
- Heinen’s
- Jewel-Osco
- Kroger (See our explanation of Kroger’s check cashing policy.)
- Market Basket
- Meijer
- MoneyGram locations (See more about MoneyGram’s check cashing policy.)
- Safeway (See our research on Safeway’s check cashing policies.)
- Sam’s Club
- Shaw’s (See more about the Shaw’s check cashing policy.)
- Speedway
- Target
- Tom Thumb
- Vons (See our research on Vons’ check cashing policy.)
- Walgreens
- Walmart (See more in our research on Walmart’s check cashing policies.)
- Western Union Stores (See our research on Western Union’s check cashing policy.)
- Whole Foods
- WinCo
Alternative: Endorse It to Someone Else
A final option, if none of the check cashing places above suits your needs, is to endorse the check to someone else.
If you have a friend or family member with an account at an easily accessible bank, you can sign a check over to them. Then, they can cash it and give you the money. This is called a third-party check.
On the back of the check write: “Pay to the order of: [the person’s name].” Endorse the check (sign it) on the next line. Give it your friend to cash.
Beware: It can be difficult to find a place that will cash a third-party check, and some banks won’t even let a customer deposit a third-party check.
Before you pursue this option, you may want to check out our related research on how and where you can cash a third-party check.
Hi. Where can I cash a business check?
Hi Jasmine,
This FQF article on places that cash payroll checks should be able to help you out. You can also take a look at another FQF article, “Check Cashing Places Near Me,” to help you find a location that’s convenient in your area. (The majority of places that cash payroll checks will also cash other types of checks printed by a business — but it’s always worth giving the store you plan to visit a quick call to confirm that you won’t run into any problems with your particular check.) I hope this helps!
can i cash a cashier’s check at walmart
Tyrone,
Yes! You can cash a cashier’s check at Walmart up to and including $5,000. If your cashier’s check is up to $1,000, you’ll be charged a $3.00 fee; if you check is over $1,000 up to and including $5,000, you’ll be charged a $6.00 fee. I hope this helps!
I have a refund check from Fordham university, 1880.00, will ace check cashing except it and what is the process?
Hi Christy,
ACE Cash Express should be able to cash the check for you without a problem. The ACE website states that its stores can cash checks in any amount (subject to approval). To get started, visit the ACE Cash Express store finder to locate an ACE that’s close to you. If you want to be on the safe side, you could give the store a call ahead of time to ensure that there won’t be a problem cashing your particular check. Then you just bring in your check along with a valid photo ID and let the employee at the desk know you have a check to cash. Keep in mind that there will be a fee associated with check cashing at ACE; the fees are generally posted in store, or you can ask the employee about how much it will cost to cash your check. I hope this helps!
Thanks for the great information! I have looked many times and had many long days trying to find places to cash checks, without any luck. Your info seems to be very accurate! One note, Wells Fargo ( at least here in California) would not cash a Money Order with their name on it.
Hi Donald,
I’m glad to hear that you found the article helpful! Thanks for letting us know about the Wells Fargo money orders — it seems that this policy may vary by the particular branch, so it is hard to say anything too definitive. (If you are looking for somewhere else to cash a money order, we list some options in another article.) Happy holidays!
I wrote a check out to be cashed at a check cashing place for 1,000$ will I get a call to verify the check? The amount or the fund? The money is in the account though.
Hi Stephanie,
In many cases, the check cashing store will call the person who wrote a personal check to verify that it’s being cashed legitimately, and they may also call the bank to verify that the funds are available. The verification process does vary from one check cashing store to another, but it’s very possible that you’ll receive a call when the payee goes to cash the check.
HELLO,
WHERE can I deposit or preferably cash in California, a $1200 THIRD PARTY check, signed over to me from a former tenant, who just moved out of state 2 day ago. The check originally is from “BNY Mellon” (Fidelity Brokerage Service) and is definitely legitimate. It is just extremely hard to find ANYWHERE at all, as I do not currently have a bank account open. (besides Paypal)
Hi Ian,
If you have access to a branch of BNY Mellon (you can check on the company’s locations list — there are numerous branches in California), that will likely be the least expensive option for cashing the check. Otherwise, a check cashing store should fit the bill. Our article on where to cash a third party check provides numerous check cashing places that should accept your check. Although fees are generally high at check cashing stores, this may be the only other option, since third party checks are notoriously difficult to cash. Keep in mind that the check must be correctly endorsed by all parties to be accepted anywhere. I hope this helps!
Publix will cash a personal check made out to Publix up to $76.00 (you will get back $75) and you will be charged $1 for the convenience. However, if you’ve ever bounced a check at any other establishment in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, SC or NC, they will not cash your check. Your driver’s license is required and the license number is run through a National Check Cashing company to verify your track record of bounced checks. Checks are cashed at the Service Desk and require a VALID driver’s license.
I have an insurance check to a friend of mine cause he was the policy holder but he signed it over to me so I can cash it cash he drives truck. I guess that would be a third party check. Both our banks said no even though we have accounts there any other ideas??
Hi Echo,
Unfortunately, the majority of grocery stores, check cashing places, and retailers that cash checks are less likely to accept third party checks because of the higher risk of fraud. You may be able to try one of the check cashing places on our list, but the fees will likely be higher than they would be at a bank. Money Mart and Speedy Cash are two places that are known to cash third party checks. The bank that issued the check is another option worth trying. I would recommend calling any of these places ahead of time before making the drive, just to save yourself some time and gas money. You can take a look at our article about where to cash a third party check for additional suggestions. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Where can I cash a check of PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY? it’s less then 2,000
Hi Jackeline,
If you have a Ralph’s, Dillons, Fry’s Foods, King Soopers, or Walmart location near you, these are all chains that are known to cash insurance checks. You can use the location finders provided in the article for any of these stores to help you find the most convenient location. Once you’ve found a local store, we do recommend calling ahead to verify that the store will cash a check in the appropriate amount. I hope this helps!
Does Target cash personal, handwritten, checks?
Hi Tyler,
Unfortunately, Target does not cash checks of any kind (personal or otherwise).
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Hi I have a personal check written from my mom, I don’t have a bank account and her bank isn’t in my area, am I still eligible to go to a chase bank and still cash it?
Hi April,
Unfortunately, Chase will not cash a personal check unless either you’re an account holder, or the check is drawn on a Chase account. The best bet for cashing your check will probably be a retailer, such as Kmart or Publix.
I have a personal check from a girlfriend, I want to cash it , where do I go?
Hi DJ,
As long as it’s a standard personal check, you can visit any of the stores in our post to have your check cashed. There are location finders listed for each store, so you can find a location that’s convenient for you.
Where can i cash a personl check and its my check but im wirting it to my self where can i cash it
Hi John,
In most cases, you can cash a check to yourself anywhere you would cash any other personal check. Just put your own name in the “Pay to the order of” field and deposit it as you would normally. I hope this helps!
Great artical with a lot of useful information. Thank you for taking the time to compose it.
You’re very welcome!
I was given a personal check from a friend for $200.00. I was going to take it to like a Kmart to cash it but I am worried she wrote me a bad check. What if it is a bad check and I go and try to cash it? That will fall back on her wont it?
Hi Cindy,
It’s not recommended to cash checks that you think may bounce, because you will likely be liable for penalty fees. The best bet is to call or visit the bank that issued the check. Some banks are willing to verify if the funds are currently available in the account. If they are available, you can cash the check immediately, and if you do this while you’re at the issuing bank, you’ll be certain that you won’t have any problems. Otherwise, if you do cash the check and it’s not good, it can take weeks to be notified (in which time you’ve probably spent the money that you now owe). If it’s not possible to visit the issuing bank, or if the bank will not verify the funds, it may be best to ask your friend for cash instead of a check. Best of luck!
I have a cashier’s check for 6,320. where can I cash it without going into a bank and make a account. it’s from a car sale that I haven’t completed yet. since I haven’t cashed the check. I’m in Clarksdale Ms
Hi Derrick,
Here’s a list of places that cash cashier’s checks. Though if you have another question, leave another comment and I’ll answer it.
i have a check but its from a contractor that i work for, however when he pays us weekly they are handwritten but not a personal check. its a lot bigger than a personal check but the accoint number is to his business account. would that be considered a personal or payroll?
Hi Alan,
That would be a handwritten payroll check.
the wellsfargo check is under the amount of 760usd
Hi Joseph,
Any of the stores on this list will cash a personal check from Wells Fargo. Though Kmart will not cash your particular check though because the amount is too great. If you have a follow-up question, just let me know!
which of the store or check cashing center can cash wellsfargo made to me from a friend of mine .
I need to cash a tax return check and live in Mexico. It’s just under 2500 usd and Houston and sandiego walmarts denied my check. Also a few check cash places denied as well. It’s a current check even checked with irs to see if it’s still valid. It’s is! Can I cash at us bank or Bank of America eat without a bank account
Hi Paul,
Yes, you should be able to cash the check at US Bank or Bank of America without an account. However, it’s odd your check keeps getting denied. Has any place told you why the check was denied?
Where can I cash a personal check written to me from someone else for 500$ I don’t have a bank account
711,
Hi Emily,
The following are the places where you can definitely cash a $500 personal check. Other stores may cash it but I haven’t included them in the following list if they don’t have published their specific maximum dollar amount the store will cash. You can cash your $500 check at 7-Eleven (but it must have a Vcom machine inside), Walmart (likely your most convenient option), Wegman’s and WinCo.
Let me know if you have any further questions!
They wouldn’t cash my 401k check!! NOT HAPPY
Hi Jenni,
I’m sorry for your frustration. I assume your frustration is that Walmart wouldn’t cash your 401(k) check. The only situations where this should occur is if it was greater than $5,000 or if it was handwritten. If neither of these are true, what else can you tell me about your situation so I could be of better assistance?
Just had an issue with walmart refusing to cash a printed $1500 payroll check. I was told it was because I hadn’t cashed a check there before. When I asked to speak to a manager I was denied.
Hi Dwight,
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you had cashing your check at Walmart — that sounds extremely frustrating! Unfortunately, that’s not the first report we’ve heard that Walmart doesn’t always follow the policies published on the company website. I’ve gone ahead and made a note in this article to alert readers of this possibility, in case anyone else runs into a similar situation. To help you find somewhere else to cash the check, we do have an article with a list of places that cash payroll checks. I hope you’re able to find somewhere else to cash your check!
Walmart refused to cash a $3500 retirement check.
Hi Sabra,
Walmart does cash retirement checks and $3500 is within Walmart’s store cashing limits. There are certain reasons why Walmart won’t cash a check such as if it’s handwritten, multiple payee, posted-dated, third party or made out to cash. You can read more about Walmart’s check cashing policy here: https://firstquarterfinance.com/walmart-personal-check-policy/ What did they say was their reason for not cashing it?
Walmart rufused to cash lotto check,where can I get it cashed?
Hi Jarred,
Your lottery check should just be a personal check. If that’s indeed the case, anywhere on this list will cash it for you. Walmart should have cashed it – the only hangup would be if it is handwritten (unlikely) or if it exceeded their maximum cashing amount ($5,000 normally and $7,500 between January and April). What did Walmart say after you attempted to cash it?
I cashed my 5,000 lotto check at Walmart with no problems
Wal-Mart does not cash personal handwritten checks.
Hi Beth,
You’re right. I should’ve specified. Walmart doesn’t cash handwritten payroll checks either. No handwritten checks can be cashed at Walmart. I’ve updated the post to include this information (as found on Walmart’s website). Thanks for bringing attention to the matter. It will help others.
Whoa! This is great information.