34 Places That Cash Handwritten Checks

filling out a personal check

Handwritten checks can be somewhat difficult to cash because they carry a higher risk than electronically written checks; some check cashing places won’t cash handwritten checks.

However, there are options available, whether it’s a personal, business, payroll, or some other form of check.

You can expect to pay a fee of up to $10 or a percentage of the check amount.

Below, we list the banks, credit unions, check cashing stores, and retail stores that cash handwritten checks, as well as those that don’t.

Comparison Table

Use the following table for a quick explanation of the places that cash handwritten checks, including information about accepted check types and fees.

Select any business name or scroll to the list below for more details.

Location Handwritten Checks Cashed Fee
Bank of AmericaPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank Free for checks under $50; $8 per check otherwise (non-customers)
Truist BankAny check issued by the bank; at bank's discretion None
BMO HarrisPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank Free for checks under $50; $10 otherwise (non-customers)
Chase BankAll types issued by the bank Free for checks under $50; $10 otherwise (non-customers)
Chartway Federal Credit UnionPersonal and business checks issued by the credit union $3 or 2% of the total check amount (non-customers)
CitibankVaries None
Citizens BankPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank $7 (non-customers)
Fifth Third BankAll types issued by the bank Varies
First National BankPersonal and payroll checks issued by the bank $10 (non-customers)
HSBCPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank; non-HSBC checks cashed at the bank's discretion Free for HSBC personal checks (non-customers)
KeyBankAll types Free for checks under $15; varies for others (non-customers)
M&T BankPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank 2% of the check amount; maximum $20 (non-customers)
Mountain America Credit UnionPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union Free
Navy Federal Credit UnionPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union Free
PenFed Credit UnionVaries; must be issued by the credit union Free
PNC BankPersonal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank Free for checks up to $25, then 2% of the check amount with a minimum fee of $2
Regions BankAll types 1% to 4% of the total check amount (non-customers)
TD BankAll types issued by the bank $10 per check (non-customers)
U.S. BankMost checks issued by U.S. Bank Free for checks under $50; $7 otherwise (non-customers)
Wells FargoChecks up to $2,500 issued by the bank $7.50 per check (non-customers)
ACE Cash ExpressAll types Varies
Check Into CashPayroll, government, and more Varies; usually 3% to 5%
Check 'N GoPersonal, payroll, and more Varies; usually 2% to 6%
Money MartAll types Varies
Mr. PayrollPersonal, government, payroll, and more Varies; usually 1% to 2%
PLS Check CashingAll types $1 plus 1% of the total check amount
Speedy CashAll types Starting at $2 per check
United Check CashingPayroll, government, and more Varies; usually around 2%
Giant EaglePersonal, government, and payroll checks Varies
H-E-BPersonal, business, government, and payroll checks Varies; starting at $3
KmartTwo-party, and government, and payroll checks $1 or less
Market BasketPayroll Varies
PublixPersonal and payroll checks Varies; usually $3 to $6 per check
Table Plugin

The List

Banks and Credit Unions

In general, banks and credit unions are more willing to cash checks — handwritten or otherwise — for account holders than non-customers.

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, you should be able to cash a handwritten check there or deposit it into your account. You won’t be charged a check cashing fee at your own bank or credit union.

However, if you don’t have a bank account and need to cash a handwritten check, there are still some options available to you for a fee.

Your best chance is to bring the handwritten check to the issuing bank, which will usually be willing to cash it.

In the list of banks and credit unions that cash these types of checks below, we’ve included details on check cashing fees and other requirements for non-customers.

We’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options.

Fifth Third Bank logo

1. Fifth Third Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: All types; must be drawn off Fifth Third Bank for non-customers[1]
  • Fee for non-customers: Fees and restrictions may vary.[2]
  • Requirements: Must show a photo ID; non-customers may be required to provide a secondary form of ID.[1]
  • Find a branch

PNC Bank logo

2. PNC Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: PNC-issued personal, business, and payroll checks for customers[3]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free for checks up to $25, then 2% of the check amount ($2 minimum)[4]
  • Requirements: Customers must show a photo ID; non-customers must show two forms of ID.[3]
  • Find a branch

Citibank logo

3. Citibank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Varies by location; not all branches will offer this service.[5]
  • Fee for non-customers: None[5]
  • Requirements: Must show at least one form of ID[5]
  • Find a branch

HSBC logo

4. HSBC

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on HSBC; other handwritten checks may be cashed at the bank’s discretion.[6]
  • Fee for non-customers: None for HSBC checks[6]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid ID with a photo[6]
  • Find a branch

Key Bank logo

5. KeyBank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type;[7] only checks drawn on KeyBank for non-customers[8]
  • Fee for non-customers: None for checks less than $15; fees vary by state for checks larger than $15.[8]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID, as well as a secondary ID[8]
  • Find a branch

Bank of the West logo

6. Bank of the West

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks if issued from a Bank of the West account[9]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free for checks under $50; $9.50 for all other checks[10]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[9]
  • Find a branch

US Bank logo

7. U.S. Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Most U.S. Bank-issued checks that are legible, filled out properly, and don’t contain any written corrections[11]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free for checks under $50; $7 for all other checks (as previously reported)[12]
  • Requirements: Government-issued photo ID; some branches may ask additional questions to understand the source of funds.[13]
  • Find a branch

Citizens Bank logo

8. Citizens Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on Citizens Bank[14]
  • Fee for non-customers: $7 per check[15]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[14]
  • Find a branch

TD Bank logo

9. TD Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Checks drawn on a TD Bank account[16]
  • Fee for non-customers: $10 fee may be assessed[16]
  • Requirements: Must present two forms of idea; one should be a government-issued photo ID.[16]
  • Find a branch

Wells Fargo logo

10. Wells Fargo

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Checks drawn on Wells Fargo up to $2,500[17]
  • Fee for non-customers: $7.50 per check (as previously reported)[17]
  • Requirements: Show a valid, government-issued photo ID[18]
  • Find a branch

Chase Bank logo

11. Chase Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: All types as long as the check is drawn on a Chase account[19]
  • Fee for non-customers: $10 for checks over $50[19]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid photo ID[20]
  • Find a branch

Find out more in our research on check cashing at Chase Bank.

Bank of America logo

12. Bank of America

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on Bank of America; checks are cashed at each branch’s discretion[21]
  • Fee for non-customers: $8 for checks over $50[22]
  • Requirements: Two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID[23]
  • Find a branch

PenFed Credit Union logo

13. PenFed Credit Union

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Varies by location and amount; must be drawn on PenFed Credit Union[24]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free[24]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[24]
  • Find a branch

Navy Federal Credit Union logo

14. Navy Federal Credit Union

  • Handwritten checks cashed: NFCU-issued personal, business, and payroll checks[25]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free[25]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid photo ID[25]
  • Find a branch

Mountain America Credit Union logo

15. Mountain America Credit Union

  • Handwritten checks cashed: MACU personal, business, and payroll checks[26]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free[26]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[26]
  • Find a branch

Truist One Checking

16. Truist

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any check drawn off of a Truist account; checks are cashed at each bank’s discretion.[27]
  • Fee for non-customers: None[27]
  • Requirements: Must show a government-issued, valid photo ID; check must be validated before cash is given[27]
  • Find a branch

Regions Bank logo

17. Regions Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[28]
  • Fee for non-customers: 1% for Regions checks greater than $25 ($5 minimum; $20 maximum); 1.5% for non-Regions printed payroll and government checks ($5 minimum); 4% for other types of non-Regions checks ($5 minimum)[28]
  • Requirements: Non-customers must enroll in its check cashing service the first time they cash a non-Regions check; enrollment requires a valid ID and Social Security number.[29]
  • Find a branch

Chartway Federal Credit Union logo

18. Chartway Federal Credit Union

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Chartway-drawn checks written from a personal or business account and checks payable to a business[30]
  • Fee for non-customers: The greater of $3 or 2% of the total check amount[31]
  • Requirements: Must present a valid government-issued ID[31]
  • Find a branch

M and T Bank logo

19. M&T Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on M&T Bank[32]
  • Fee for non-customers: 2% of the total check amount; maximum $20 fee[32]
  • Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[32]
  • Find a branch

BMO Harris Bank logo

20. BMO Harris

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by BMO Harris Bank[33]
  • Fee for non-customers: Free for checks up to and including $50; $10 for checks more than $50[34]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[33]
  • Find a branch

First National Bank logo

21. First National Bank

  • Handwritten checks cashed: First National-issued personal and payroll checks[35]
  • Fee for non-customers: $10[36]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[35]
  • Find a branch

Check Cashing Stores

Check cashing stores will typically cash any type of check in any amount, including handwritten checks.

However, their fees tend to be higher than other check cashing options. If you decide to use a check cashing store, you may want to call ahead and ask about the exact fees you’ll pay at your nearest store since fees can vary greatly by location.

As above, we’ve ordered the following list starting with the best overall options.

ACE Cash Express Logo

1. ACE Cash Express

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[37]
  • Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[37]
  • Requirements: Must show a photo ID[37]
  • Find a store

PLS Check Cashing logo

2. PLS Check Cashing

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[38]
  • Fee: Starting at $1 plus 1% of the total check amount[38]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid, government-issued photo ID[38]
  • Find a store

Check Into Cash logo

3. Check Into Cash

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Handwritten payroll checks, government checks, two-party checks, and more[39]
  • Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location; usually between 3% and 5% of the check amount[40]
  • Requirements: Government-issued photo ID and enrollment in Check Into Cash’s check cashing program[39]
  • Find a store

Mr Payroll logo

4. Mr. Payroll

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, government, payroll, and more[41]
  • Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location; typically between 1% and 2%[41]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid state-issued photo ID[41]
  • Find a store

Speedy Cash logo

5. Speedy Cash

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[42]
  • Fee: Starting at $2 per check[42]
  • Requirements: Must show a valid photo ID[42]
  • Find a store

Check n Go logo

6. Check ‘N Go

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, two-party, payroll, and more[43]
  • Fee: Vary by state; usually between 2% and 6%[43]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[43]
  • Find a store

Money Mart logo

7. Money Mart

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[44]
  • Fee: Vary by location[44]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[45]
  • Find a store

United Check Cashing logo

8. United Check Cashing

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Payroll, government, and more[46]
  • Fee: Varies according to check type and store location; usually around 2% of the check amount[47]
  • Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[47]
  • Find a store

Grocery and Retail Stores

While there aren’t as many grocery stores that will cash handwritten checks as there are banks and check cashing stores, you can find a few grocery stores that do.

Keep in mind that grocery stores will have upper limits for check cashing, so you may need to use a bank or check cashing store for larger checks.

As above, we’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options.

Kmart logo

1. Kmart

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Government, two-party, and payroll[48]
  • Fee: $1 or less[48]
  • Limit: Two-party personal checks up to $500; payroll, government, and tax checks up to $2,000[48]
  • Requirements: Must show your photo ID and have a free Shop Your Way membership[48]
  • Find a store

Market Basket logo

2. Market Basket

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Payroll[49]
  • Fee: 1.5% of the total check amount, though fees can vary by location[50]
  • Limit: Varies by location[50]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued ID[50]
  • Find a store

H-E-B logo

3. H-E-B

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, government, and payroll[51]
  • Fee: Varies by check amount; starting at $3[51]
  • Limit: Varies by location[52]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[53]
  • Find a store

Publix logo

4. Publix

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal and payroll[54]
  • Fee: Varies by check amount;[55] usually $2 to $7[56]
  • Limit: Varies by location; at the manager’s discretion[55]
  • Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID;[54] find out more in our research on Publix check cashing.
  • Find a store

Giant Eagle logo

5. Giant Eagle

  • Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, government, and payroll[57]
  • Fee: Varies by location (as previously reported)[57]
  • Limit: $30 for personal checks; limits vary by manager approval for payroll checks[57]
  • Requirements: Must have a Giant Eagle Advantage Card with check cashing privileges and a government-issued photo ID; you must also endorse your check at the store.[57]
  • Find a store

Places That Don’t Cash Handwritten Checks

In the course of our research and communications with various companies, we found that the following businesses do not cash handwritten checks:

  • Albertsons (as previously reported)
  • ALDI
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club
  • Copps
  • Costco
  • CVS
  • Dollar General
  • Food 4 Less
  • Food Lion (as previously reported)
  • JayC Foods
  • Jewel-Osco
  • Kroger (as previously reported)
  • Sam’s Club
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
  • Whole Foods
  • Winn-Dixie (as previously reported)
  1. Fifth Third Bank customer service (877) 833-9973[][]
  2. https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/bank/checking-accounts/express-banking.html#s[]
  3. PNC Bank customer service representative[][]
  4. https://www.pnc.com/content/dam/pnc-com/pdf/personal/Checking/Foundation_Checking_Fees.pdf[]
  5. Citibank Facebook Messenger chat[][][]
  6. HSBC customer service (800) 975-4722[][][]
  7. KeyBank branch customer service representatives[]
  8. https://www.key.com/personal/services/branch/cashing-checks.html[][][]
  9. Bank of the West branch customer service representatives[][]
  10. https://www.bankofthewest.com/-/media/pdf/deposits/disclosure-washington.pdf[]
  11. U.S. Bank branch customer service representatives[]
  12. U.S. Bank Facebook Messenger chat[]
  13. U.S. Bank Facebook Messenger[]
  14. Citizens Bank customer service (800) 922-9999[][]
  15. Citizens Bank Facebook Messenger chat[]
  16. https://tdbank.intelliresponse.com/index.jsp?requestType=NormalRequest&question=Can+I+cash+a+check+drawn+on+TD+Bank+if+I%27m+not+a+customer[][][]
  17. https://www.chime.com/bank-fees/wells-fargo-banking-fees-and-charges/[][]
  18. Wells Fargo Facebook Messenger chat[]
  19. Chase Bank customer service (800) 935-9935[][]
  20. Chase customer service (800) 935-9935[]
  21. Bank of America Facebook Messenger chat[]
  22. https://www.bankofamerica.com/salesservices/deposits/resources/personal-schedule-fees/[]
  23. Bank of America branch customer service representatives[]
  24. PenFed Credit Union customer service (800) 247-5626[][][]
  25. Navy Federal Credit Union customer service (888) 842-6328[][][]
  26. Mountain America Credit Union branch customer service representative[][][]
  27. Truist customer service (844) 487-8478[][][]
  28. https://www.regions.com/personal-banking/check-cashing-and-cash-solutions/check-cashing[][]
  29. https://www.regions.com/-/media/pdfs/quick-guides/QuickGuide-Check-Cashing.pdf?revision=8c332bcf-b811-46cc-89b5-aa21b8117eee[]
  30. Chartway Federal Credit Union company email: EmailUs@Chartway.com[]
  31. Chartway Federal Credit Union Facebook Messenger chat[][]
  32. M&T Bank branch customer service representatives[][][]
  33. BMO Harris branch customer service representatives[][]
  34. https://www.bmoharris.com/vgn/disclosure/reg_dd.pdf[]
  35. First National Bank branch customer service representatives[][]
  36. https://www.firstnb.bank/rates/schedule-of-fees[]
  37. https://www.acecashexpress.com/check-cashing[][][]
  38. http://pls247.com/tx/money/check-cashing.html[][][]
  39. https://checkintocash.com/store-services/check-cashing/[][]
  40. https://checkintocash.com/rates-and-terms/[]
  41. http://www.mrpayroll.com/customer/customerfaq.aspx[][][]
  42. https://www.speedycash.com/check-cashing/[][][]
  43. https://www.checkngo.com/faqs/check-cashing[][][]
  44. https://www.moneymart.com/check-cashing[][]
  45. Money Mart store customer service representatives[]
  46. http://www.unitedcheckcashing.com/check-cashing[]
  47. United Check Cashing store customer service representatives[][]
  48. https://www.kmart.com/en_us/dap/moneyhub/check-cashing.html[][][][]
  49. https://marketbasketfoods.com/departments/courtesy-services/[]
  50. Market Basket store customer service representatives[][][]
  51. https://www.heb.com/static-page/check-cashing[][]
  52. H-E-B store customer service representative[]
  53. H-E-B store customer service representatives[]
  54. http://www.publix.com/faq/customer-service[][]
  55. Publix Facebook Messenger chat[][]
  56. Publix store customer service representatives[]
  57. https://www.gianteagle.com/about-us/policies[][][][]

22 comments


  • Brandon

    Hi I need to case a rent check but it’s Sunday and bank is closed will Publix cash a personal check that the guy renting my basement gave me
    ? ?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Brandon,

      Publix does cash personal checks, but there’s a $75 limit per day. Learn more about Publix checking cashing policies here.

    • Heidilynn

      Well my kmart says they dont cash checks but i see it all over the internet

  • Wesley

    Can Harris teeter cash personal checks in Mooresville NC

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Wesley,

      We contacted the Teeter Harris at the Shops at Morrison Plantation and were told they do not offer any check cashing services at that location.

  • Rick

    Does sapells grocery store cash large personal checks?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Rick,

      Unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive, we cannot respond to individual questions. Sapells is limited to one store in Lakewood, OH. You can contact them at (216) 529-1770 to learn more about their check cashing policies.

  • Joe

    I want to no if there are any places in columbus ohio that will cash a hand written bussiness check and hold it for 3 days for a fee

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Joe,

      Unfortunately, due to the large volume of questions we receive, we are not able to respond to individual questions. Your best bet is to try a local check cashing business. Good luck!

  • Jay harper

    Im on vacation in las vegas and have run our of pocket cash where could I cash a hand written check to Myself?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Jay,

      If there isn’t a branch of your issuing bank in Vegas, then it would be best to find one of the stores listed above (Kmart, Publix, etc.) that is convenient to your location. These stores will likely have lower fees than a check cashing store. If you don’t have one of these options available, a check cashing store will be the best bet. And there’s no short supply of those in Las Vegas! Hope this helps!

  • Mike

    If I’m not a member at Kmart will I be able to cash my check from my grandmother that day

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Sarah Quinn

      Mike,

      Kmart does not require any type of membership to cash checks; as long as your check is under the $500 limit for two-party checks, you should be able to cash it. I recommend calling ahead to the Kmart where you hope to cash it if you have additional questions. I hope this helps!

      • Emily

        Hi, my Kmart required me to be a member of their savings program in order to cash my check.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

          Hi Emily,

          You’re right! You must be a Shop Your Way member to cash a check at Kmart. We have updated the article to reflect this information. Thank you so much for your insight!

      • CG

        The only issue with Kmart that i found was that if the check is 30 or more days old they will not cash it. Which is absurd, since I’m 1 of their members.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

          Hi CG,
          You’re right that you have to be a member in order to cash a check with Kmart. I’m sorry you were unable to cash your check that was more than 30 days old. Individual stores can determine their own time limits on what checks to accept — your best bet is to try cashing it at one of the other locations listed in this article.

  • Paul Kirby

    Where can I get a personal check cashed today, Sunday the 18th, 2016? I want to get this check cashed for Xmas and Birthday. Any ideas?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Paul,

      I apologize that I didn’t get to your comment on the 18th! Since it’s now Monday, it will likely be easier to find somewhere to cash a personal check than it would have been on a Sunday. You can always go to a branch of the issuing bank to cash the check, or you can go to Kmart, Publix, or Giant Eagle, if you have one of those stores convenient to your location. These stores will likely have lower fees than a check cashing store. If you don’t have one of these options available, a check cashing store will be the best bet. I hope this helps!

  • Sheila

    I receive a trust fund check every month it’s a handwritten out of state two party check where can I cash it

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Sheila,

      I cross-referenced the stores on this post and this post and came up with this list: Kmart, Bank of America (and most other banks) ACE Check Cashing and Check Into Cash. Though at Kmart you’re limited to $500.

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