William Lipovsky
You can cash third-party checks at some banks and check cashing stores; however, not all businesses of these types will accept them.[1][2][3]
Below, I cover what you need to know about third-party checks and where you can go to cash them, including each company’s conditions and fees. I also list places that don’t cash third-party checks.
What I Recommend
In general, the most reliable way to cash a third-party check is to bring it to your bank or credit union. If you have a bank account, you can typically cash or deposit the check for free.[4][5]
If you don’t have a bank account or can’t make it to your bank, ACE Cash Express, PLS Check Cashing, and Speedy Cash all offer third-party check cashing with comparable fees.[3][6][7]
You’ll usually pay around 2% to 3% of the check amount at a check cashing store, depending on your location. See the list of check cashing fees by state.
At any of these locations, expect to show proof of identity, and in some cases, both payees will need to be present.[3][6][8]
Comparison Table
See the table below for a quick comparison of the places that cash third-party checks.
You can select any business name or scroll to the list below for more information.
| Check Cashing Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | $8 for non-customers cashing checks over $50; otherwise, none |
| Citibank | None for Citibank checks up to $5,000, then variable |
| Chase Bank | $10 for non-customers cashing checks over $50; otherwise, none |
| HSBC | None for members; unavailable to non-members |
| TD Bank | $10 (non-customers) |
| M&T Bank | 2% of the check amount for non-customers; otherwise, none |
| U.S. Bank | $7 for non-customers cashing checks over $50; otherwise, none |
| Regions Bank | 4% of check for non-customers ($5 minimum); otherwise, none |
| KeyBank | Variable |
| First National Bank of Omaha | Variable |
| ACE Cash Express | Variable; usually 2% to 3% |
| PLS Check Cashing | Variable; usually around 2% |
| Speedy Cash | 2% to 2.5%; starting at $2 |
The List
Below, I list the banks, credit unions, and check cashing stores that cash third-party checks.
I’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options based on widespread availability, fees, and restrictions.
1. ACE Cash Express
- Conditions: ACE Cash Express may require both parties to verify their endorsements; requirements vary by store.[3]
- Fees: Vary by state[9]
- Find a location
2. PLS Check Cashing
- Conditions: Both parties must be present and both must show a valid ID.[6]
- Fees: Vary by check type; generally around 2%[6]
- Find a location
3. Speedy Cash
- Conditions: Both parties must be present with valid identification; Speedy Cash will verify the original payee and issuing bank by phone when you cash the check.[10]
- Fees: Typically 2% to 2.5% of the check amount; starting at $2[7]
- Find a location
4. Regions Bank
- Conditions: All parties must be present; a Regions Bank employee will review the check to determine if it is eligible for cashing.[8]
- Fees: Free for account holders; 4% of the check ($5 minimum) for non-customers[8]
- Find a location
5. Bank of America
- Conditions: Approval is at the discretion of the Financial Center manager. Representatives may require all payable parties to endorse the check; they may also require verification of endorsements through an endorsement guarantee or personal identification.[1] You must make deposits in person, not through mobile check deposit.[11] See more on Bank of America’s third-party check policy.
- Fees: None for account holders; $8 for non-customers cashing a check over $50[12]
- Find a location
6. TD Bank
- Conditions: Non-customers must present two forms of ID.[13]
- Fees: None for account holders; $10 for non-customers[13]
- Find a location
7. Citibank
- Conditions: Non-customers can only cash checks up to $5,000 drawn on Citibank. Citibank customers can only cash checks up to the available checking account balance; the rest may be deposited. Original endorsement may require verification or guarantee.[2][14]
- Fees: None[2][14]
- Find a location
8. U.S. Bank
- Conditions: You must cash or deposit third-party checks in person at a U.S. Bank branch, not by mobile deposit.[15][16] Non-account holders can only cash checks drawn on U.S. Bank.[17]
- Fees: $7 for non-customers on checks $50 and above; no fee for account holders or smaller checks[17]
- Find a location
9. Chase Bank
- Conditions: Non-customers may only cash third-party checks drawn on Chase. One valid ID is required for checks worth $500 or less; two valid IDs are required for checks worth more than $500.[18] You must make deposits in person, not through mobile check deposit.[19]
- Fees: None for account holders; $10 for checks over $50 for non-customers[18]
- Find a location
10. M&T Bank
- Conditions: All parties must be present with valid IDs; checks must be drawn on M&T Bank for non-customers.[20]
- Fees: None for account holders; 2% of the total check amount for non-customers[20]
- Find a location
11. First National Bank of Omaha
- Conditions: Third-party checks drawn on FNBO issued to non-customers may be cashed at the bank manager’s discretion; the account holder doesn’t have to be present.[21]
- Fees: Vary by check type[21]
- Find a location
12. KeyBank
- Conditions: This is at the discretion of each branch’s manager; third-party checks will be reviewed by a KeyBank representative to determine eligibility.[22]
- Fees: Vary on a case-by-case basis[22]
- Find a location
13. HSBC
- Conditions: Bank representatives may require all payable parties to endorse the check; they may also require verification of endorsements through an endorsement guarantee or personal identification.[23] HSBC will only cash checks for account holders; mobile deposit is also available for account holders.[24]
- Fees: None[24]
- Find a location
How to Endorse a Third-Party Check
Endorsing a third-party check involves the original payee signing the check over to a third person, allowing the third party to cash the check.[25][26]
Tip: When cashing a third-party check, the third party should wait and endorse it in front of the cashier or teller. Many places that cash third-party checks will want to witness your signature; some may also want the original payee present for the process.[6][8]
See how to endorse a third-party check in the video below (beneath the video is the text version):
The original payee must sign the line on the back of the check that says “Endorse Here.”[27][26]
The payee must also write “Pay to the order of X,” where X is the third party — the person or business you’re signing the check over to. Finally, hand it over to the third party for cashing.[27][26]
Places That Don’t Cash Third-Party Checks
The following businesses typically don’t cash third-party checks, as confirmed by customer service representatives.
Note that in most cases, banks that don’t cash third-party checks will allow account holders to deposit third-party checks at a teller (not at an ATM or through mobile banking).
- Advance Financial 24/7[28]
- Ally Bank[29]
- Bank of the West[30]
- Charles Schwab[31]
- Check Into Cash[32]
- Check ‘N Go[33]
- Citizens Bank[34]
- Discover Bank[35]
- Kroger[36]
- PenFed Credit Union[37]
- Walmart[38]
- Wells Fargo[39]
FAQ
Although some grocery stores and convenience stores, including Walmart, provide check cashing services, they generally do not cash third-party checks.[38][36]
No, you would need to go to the bank for this. Make sure you have legal documentation of the power of attorney, your ID, and the check.[38]
In Summary
A third-party check is one that the original payee signs over to a third party. The payee must first sign the back of the check, then write “Pay to the order of X” with “X” being replaced by the third party’s full name or business title.
Once this is complete, the third party can cash the check at select banks, credit unions, and check-cashing stores.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below or share your experiences cashing or signing over a third-party check.
I live in Australia and have a Suntrust bank check for $US1000. I would like to sign this over to my sister who lives in the US to pay into her Patelco bank account. This would save me time and charges here in Australia.
a.Is it likely the banks would accept this process and if not would there be charges associated with any refusal?
b.Who has most to lose? The bank accepting the check or the Payers bank (Suntrust)?
c.Do you think it would be tricky to get another check issued in my sisters name?
If its likely it wont be accepted I may be better off just wearing the charges and send her the money another way.
Great site by the way
Cheers John
Hi John,
Paleco reserves the right to refuse to accept third party checks for deposit: “If an item is not payable to you but has been endorsed over to you by a third party payee, we reserve the right to refuse to accept the item for deposit to your account or to require that the third party payee’s financial institution guarantee the third party’s endorsement.” You can find that info on page ten of their membership agreement. Paleco doesn’t state why they would refuse a third party check, so you should ask your sister to contact Paleco and see if they’re willing to accept the check. She can reach member services at (800) 358-8228. Paleco will have more to lose, and might pass that on to your sister as returned check fees if the check bounces. And generally checks can’t be reissued in someone else’s name, but this depends on what kind of check it is and who issued it.
Hi, so my brother received a check which he claimed from his insurance company due to his past car accident. But he endorsed it to me before he left out of the country for a vacation and he’s not coming back for awhile. He can’t be here if they ask his presence. My problem is the check will expire soon so he called me to cash it out now or deposit it to my bank account, but I have Well’s Fargo and they don’t allow deposit or cash out third party check. I’m from Los Angeles, California. Do you guys know where can I cash out a third party check?
Hi Marie,
I wish I had an answer for you; unfortunately, most banks will require your brother to be present for the check to be deposited or cashed. The only other route I would suggest is to try a check cashing company, as many of these companies will cash hard-to-cash checks, such as third-party checks. However, be aware of the steep fees they charge to cash checks.
Your Item 11: US Bank, may be erroneous. Your link to US Bank to confrm they take 3rd oarty checks onky seens to menrion Deposits by “camera” where they Do Not Take 3rd Party Checks.
I had lenghty discussions with a local branch (&manager, who also called fir i strucrion,) ci firmed that US Bank dies Not Take 3rd Part Checks… while pboni g the bank card number co firms tbat they DO take them at local branches… but 4 cakls 4 varying answers. Final call was w a suoer who said they DO. The Bank MGR should call Retail for support for how to.
Meanwhile the check, well, a legally cashable facsimlie, will be returned… perhaps by Monday. There went the weekend and 1/2 day’s pay for Friday afternoon off to get going early.
Thanks, Bill, great catch. You’re correct about the link — by mobile, customers cannot deposit third party checks. We called US Bank to confirm that they do accept third party checks, but only from customers and only in person at a branch. We’ve updated the article to reflect these clarifications.
Because I don’t have ID I was planning to have my Check signed over to someone else so they could cash it and give me the money but that someone wrote his name on the check first… Is this check unable to be cashed?
Paris,
In most cases, you need to be present and show ID when someone else cashes a check for you.
My father passed away and I’ve just recieved a life insurance check for 10,000$. Unfortunately my ID was stolen and I currently do not have a bank account. I have a trusted friend with a Chase account (which is the bank that issued the check). Will they allow me to endorse such a large check to someone to cash for me? Would it only be possible for them to deposit it and wait for it to clear? Or does my lack of ID make it unlikely the would accept it at all? I have my birth certificate, SS card, old passports from when I was a child and an old drivers license that expired almost 10 years ago, but I don’t think any of that would be accepted. What do you think is my best option?
Hi Philip,
It is unlikely that Chase would allow that, given your lack of ID. I strongly recommend opening up a bank account of your own and depositing this check.
I just got turned down by a counter teller at Bank of America where I tried cashing a check made out to my husband who signed it over to me. My husband was even present but I was told flat out they do not accept third party checks. I asked if I could deposit it and was told no. I have way more in the account than the check was for. I could swear I deposited third party checks there before so I’m kind of at a loss. Not sure if it is a new policy.
Hi Rachel,
According to Bank of America, “We may require that checks and other items you want to deposit or cash be endorsed by all parties
to whom the items are payable. We may require verification of any endorsement through either an
endorsement guarantee or personal identification.” This information was obtained through Bank of America’s Deposit Agreement and Disclosures pamphlet dated April 2017. I would definitely return to your Bank of America branch and ask to speak to a manager to clarify their policy.
Thank you. I did read that but didn’t know if they possibly updated their policy. I hadn’t had the chance to push it any farther yet but will report back when I do. The odd thing is that normally the teller, whom had been there since I became a customer a long long time ago, is always very cheerful and was happy to do whatever transaction I asked. This time she was a bit hostile, maybe because I was a bit upset, I don’t know. I don’t like when a bank makes you feel like a criminal for trying to get some cash.
Hi, I have a check from the insurance ccmpany because a few months ago we had a storm come thru with some hail. Our car wash hit several times and caused some dents in our car. We filed a claim and received a check from the insurance company with my name and my wife’s name but, it also has the company that finance the car as well.
How can we cash the check so we can get the ball rolling on getting our car fixed?
Hi Michael,
I am unaware of an insurance check that would be written to both you and the finance company. I strongly recommend contacting the finance company and asking which route to take so you can get the check deposited and get the repairs you need.
I have a settlement check received to my former business name. This settlement check is for $25,000. The settlement has taken 10 years to receive, I had actually given up that anything would ever be settled and closed out by business name. I was told by a friend who works in a credit union that I will need to re-open my former business name so that I could have a dba to deposit this check. I bank with Chase. I have also been told I will need to open a business account to deposit this check. I want to make sure I do everything correctly. I think my check is too large to cash at check cashing service $25,000. Would someone please provide legal advise on what is needed to either deposit this check with Chase and/or cash at a check cashing service. I will have proper documentation that states the company name is my business name (corporate documents that are registered with the state, etc.). What else do I need?
Hi Farrah, while we can’t give you legal advice, one thing you can do is check with the specific bank you’d like to cash your check with. You can see Chase’s info about third party checks here (though calling would probably be best: 1-800-935-9935). What verification is needed varies slightly by the financial institution cashing the check. Best of luck cashing your check!
Hi ! My mother received a check from Pruco Life Insurance Company (Wells Fargo bank). Can she endorse the check so I can deposit it in my Chase Checking account? What does she needs to write on the endorsement area? Thanks!
My fiance has a check from his previous apartments he moved out of, and NO ONE will cash this check! He was turned down by CERTEGY three times at 2 different places… I dont know who to go to that will cash this check, the property management company said they ran several checks to make sure, but its a perfectly good check with sufficient funds, coming out of a corporate bank account. So it doesnt make sense that Certegy keeps refusing to approve cashing it. Does anyone know where i can cash this check that i havent tried already? My wedding reception/belated honey moon is on a cruise thats leaving in 36 hours, and this check was supposed to be how im paying for this!
Stacy,
I would ask your fiance to see if the check was drawn on a local bank and to head there to cash it. However, at this point, the property management company should issue you another check. Not being able to cash it on two separate occasions is unacceptable, and you should not be stuck in this bind.
Hi Damian,
On the back of the check, your mom will write ‘Pay to the order of’ on the first line, your first and last name on the second line, and then her signature on the third line. You will endorse it underneath that. If you cash the check (instead of depositing it), she will likely need to be present.
I requested a check from paypal using my available funds in my account since i don’t have a bank account this was my only option. I received my check from paypal and it has wells fargo as the bank. Problem is i don’t have a wells fargo bank near my location in Michigan. I tried cashing my check at walmart and bank of america and they couldn’t cash it. Im lost i don’t know where to go to cash my check. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there!
I wish I had an answer for you, but unfortunately, cashing a check without a bank account is unlikely, unless you can cash it at the bank it was drawn on. My only recommendation is to sign it over to a trusted friend or family member and have them cash it on your behalf at their bank (you’ll need to be present). Hope this helps!
Hi,
Was wondering, if one gets a check from a business payable to his business, and then wants to give it to my business, is that all the same?
Or your article is for personal checks only?
Thanks
Hi there!
In this case, it would work like any other third-party check. The person who owns the business would need to endorse the check to you and then you can take it to your bank and deposit or cash it. Keep in mind that the person who endorsed it over to you may need to be present when you cash it at your bank.
My son is in jail and won’t be out for awhile. He just received a Well’s Fargo Class Action settlement check for under $50. I can have him endorse it thru his atty, but I have an online bank that won’t take 3rd party checks. I’m in CA. Any suggestions?
Hi Jenny,
Your best bet is to visit a Wells Fargo branch near you (you can find a list of branches here: https://www.wellsfargo.com/locator/search/California__City_CA/) and ask about their third-party check cashing requirements. You may have to pay a fee to cash the check if you aren’t a customer.
Thank you for your info, however Wells Fargo advised me he must be present with an ID. I explained the situation and was told ‘sorry that’s our policy’.
Hi Jenny,
I am so sorry that you’re experiencing this aggravation with cashing the check! I contacted a Wells Fargo representative and you’re right — Wells Fargo no longer accepts third-party checks unless both parties are present. I received this response from them: “Wells Fargo may refuse to accept any item for deposit unless we are able to verify that all of the necessary endorsements are present on the check. For example, we may require that all endorsers be present at the time that a check is presented at a bank teller for deposit.” I will update the article to reflect this Wells Fargo policy.
Fifth Third Bank no longer accepts third-party checks that have been signed over. Both parties must be present.
Rob,
I contacted a representative from Fifth Third Bank and learned that you are absolutely correct; Fifth Third Bank requires both parties to be present when handling a third party check. I’ve updated the article accordingly. Thank you so much for letting us know!
My husband is about to receive a $15,000.00 check from an attorney’s office. This is a distribution from an estate settlement. Do to my husband’s credit history he is unable to open a bank account. We have been using visa payroll card’s that only accept our payroll deposits. I plan on opening a bank account so I can deposit my husband’s check from the estate. Which bank in Florida would you recommend where I can have my husband endorse the check to me so I can deposit it as a third party check. I live in Pensacola Florida. The only bank I can not do business with is bank of America due to a joint bank account I was on with my husband. Thank you in advance for a list of bank’s that accept third party check’s in my location.
If you found a bank that excerpts third party checks please let me know. I’m in Pensacola fl
Hi Zoe,
As I mentioned in my comment to Denise, SunTrust, Chase, and Wells Fargo are all banks that generally accept third party checks and have a presence in the Pensacola area. Just keep in mind that you’ll either need to have an account at one of those institutions or the check will need to be drawn from one of those institution in order to cash a third party check (or any other check) there. I hope this helps!
Hi Denise,
First of all, I apologize for the slow response to your comment! It seems that something went awry and I didn’t receive a notification for your post.
As far as banks that will cash a third party check in your area, Wells Fargo has several Pensacola branches that may be a good option for you. Chase also has numerous branches in Pensacola and will generally cash third party checks (as long as they’re correctly endorsed). SunTrust Bank is a third option with a Pensacola branch (although be sure to verify with a representative about cashing your particular check, as additional verification may be required). I hope this helps!
I bank at Chase currently (today is 06/08/2017) and my bank gas accepted 2 or 3 third party checks that i cashed for my fiance, who doesnt have a bank account. I actually LOVE Chase… i have banked with 1st Bank, Wells Fargo and one other small time place when i was a trenager… but the ONLY ONE that doesnt have me ripping my hair out and regretting my choice to bank there is CHASE. They are amazing!! But at Chase, you HAVE TO MAKE SURE its properly endorsed as a 3rd party check, thats what they SEEM TO CARE THE MOST ABOUT when i cashed mu fiance’s checks.
My fiance doesn’t have an Id would chase still cash his payroll check if I had him sign it over to me?
Hi Kimberly,
Chase will require your finance to be present when you cash the check and will also likely require him to show a valid ID. You can get around this by depositing the check in your account instead of cashing it.
Bank of America withdrew my third party check that I deposited (after I paid a bunch of bills to pay a week later) and wouldn’t let me cancel the payments. Bank of America has caused a major headache, and a ton of overdraft fees because they didn’t allow the third party check to be cashed and wouldn’t allow me to cancel my payments 4 days before the scheduled payment dates. I am an account holder at Bank of America but will be going to another bank tomorrow to open and account because of how unhappy I am with Bank of America
Hi Tara,
Sorry to hear about all the trouble that you had with your third party check at Bank of America! That definitely does sound like a headache. Is it possible that your deposit was made through a mobile app or through an ATM? Unfortunately, numerous customers have had similar experiences with banks rejecting checks that were not deposited/cashed at the counter of a physical bank branch. I’ve gone ahead and made a note in the article to clarify this point so that hopefully other banking customers can avoid this problem. Thank you very much for writing in with your experience, and I hope you have better luck with your new account!
I’m at WellsFargo bank branch in Houston, TX. I presented a 3rd party check that I wanted to deposit in my account. All 3 parties have Wells Fargo accounts for many years in good standing. They refused to allow me deposit or cash. I complained to the manager but they still refused. They claimed it was their policy but when I asked to see written proof of the policy, they would not produce it. In the end, I had to ask for a new check made out to me.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for writing in about your experience with Wells Fargo. I have reached out to Wells Fargo customer support to find out whether your experience was unique and specific to that branch, or if this is a policy across all Wells Fargo branches. If the policy of rejecting third party checks is standard across all Wells Fargo branches, I will update the article accordingly. Again, I’m sorry to hear about the inconvenience you experienced while trying to cash your check and thanks for bringing this to our attention!
So did you get the check so if yes let me know and if they cashed it at the bank or where were you able to cash it at also did they send it back to you in the mail or you just screwed do you think I can cash a check three party cashier’s check that was sent back to me after the bank withdrew the money off my check in the Bank off my account sent me a copy of the cashier’s check with my account number on it said I can cash it where can I cash it at
Hi there! It sounds like you may first want to contact your bank to find out more about their policies and whether you’ll be able to cash the cashier’s check you received with them. If they aren’t able to cash it for you, then I recommend reviewing our list, above, of third party check cashing locations and confirming the availability of this service with your most convenient location. I hope this helps!
I wish I read this article before I wasted my time driving around to be told go to this or that check cashing down the street. And nothing. One of the clerks told me that only banks cash third party checks-from my sister to me. I had no idea. I thought I needed to have an account or the bank that issued the check… Yea, I’ll call before I go anywhere. I was asking myself earlier today: why didn’t u call the places? No more frustrating search for 3rd party check cashing place.
Your situation sounds exactly like mine, what did you end up doing to get your check cashed, as it would be very helpful to me.
It definitely can be a hassle to cash a 3rd party check if you don’t know where to go. Matt, I hope this article gave you the info you needed to get your check cashed! As Asnath stated, you don’t necessarily need to be a member of the bank where the check was issued or even have a bank account to cash a 3rd party check. Best of luck cashing your check, and feel free to let us know if you run into any trouble.
What about credit unions and their ATM’s as a point of deposit? I have a check made out to my husband only, not me, that he has signed which is a refund from overpayment on our son’s college tuition. Why they do not just apply the balance beats me. Can’t I just sign then deposit that check into my credit union’s ATM? We are not fortunate enough to work banker’s hours or less so getting to a bank between 9A and 5P is not a luxury we have. Husband’s bank requires a 5-10 day hold on any funds from outside institutions, even from state universities – We learned this last semester.
And no, I will never leave NC State Employees Credit Union so opening another account will not happen. *aheem* Wells Fargo, looking at you.
Hi,
Whether a bank or credit union will accept third party checks by ATM depends entirely on that institution’s policies. Many places will return a third party check deposited by ATM and charge a service fee. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything disclosed online about how NC State Employees Credit Union specifically would handle this situation, so if it’s possible, I would recommend calling the credit union and asking them directly to avoid the trouble of potentially having the check returned.
Thanks for the response! Depositing it into my husband’s account seems to be the best avenue. The university will just get this amount back for his next semester; Issuing a refund to just him rather than both of us (joint account pays the tab!) is a little unusual. If I’d known this was so common I would’ve opened an account just for his tuition and bookstore tab!
My Mom received a tax Return check fron the US treasury. We both live in Germany. I am on vacation in Florida right now and would like to Cash the check. She wrote ” pay to the Order of” and my Name below. She also signed it. Could you let me know which place you would recommend to Cash the check. We both don’t have an Bank Account here in the US.
Hi Sabine,
Interesting question! It looks like MoneyMart might be a good option for you — they have locations in Florida (under the name The Check Cashing Store). You can use The Check Cashing Store’s location finder to find out if there’s a location near you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Speedy Cash has locations in Florida, so The Check Cashing Store will probably be your best option for getting your check cashed without a bank account. Best of luck!
Hi, thank you for your response. i tried to cash the check there but was told that they cannot accept checks which were signed over to another person if they are tax return checks.
So I had to take it back home and cash it here in Germany. My bank had no problem with cashing it even though it was my moms tax return. Cost me a larger fee but at least we got the money 🙂 the Lady at the check cashing store said the only possibility for me to Cash such check would be to call the US treasury and asked to issue a new check to my name. Just wanted to let you know the outcome of my Story 😉
Hi Sabine,
Thank you for writing in with the update! It’s too bad that the check cashing store wouldn’t cash the check for you, but I’m glad you got it taken care of in the end. (I hope you had a great trip in the States!)
I would recommend NOT using Chase to deposit a third-party check, especially if you need that money in a timely manner. My account there was restricted (one step before closure) for depositing a check written out to, and endorsed by, my husband. Chase made no attempt to alert me; my card was simply declined the next time I tried to use it. They were very rude on the phone as well, and their outsourced call center employees were very difficult to understand.
Vystar credit union will not accept a 3rd party check even though I have an account there and had funds in my account that was was 10 times more than the check I tried to deposit.