Can you cash a check at a different bank?

It is possible to cash a check at a bank where you don't have an account. Some banks offer third-party check cashing services for a fee, while others allow you to cash a check if the payer is an account holder.

How can I cash a check immediately?

The easiest way to cash a check immediately is to go to the payer's bank and request to cash the check. You can also visit a retailer or grocery store that offers check cashing services.

Can you cash a check at Wells Fargo without an account?

Yes, it is possible to cash a Wells Fargo check without an account. You must show a valid identity document, such as a passport or driver's license. Wells Fargo may ask for additional documentation, too.

Do banks charge to cash a check?

You usually won't incur a fee if you have a bank account and deposit your check into it. However, if you need check cashing services at a bank where you don't have an account, it may charge you.

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Can You Cash a Check at Any Bank or Credit Union?

November 10, 2023

4 min Read

Written by Virginia Anderson

Edited by Elizabeth Constantineau

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Can you cash a check at any bank or credit union? If you visit a bank or credit union where neither you nor the person who wrote the check bank with, it’s unlikely to cash a check for you. However, there are instances in which banks, credit unions and some retailers will agree to cash a check even if you don’t bank with them.

How To Cash a Check at Any Bank

Most banks will allow you to cash a check at one of their branch offices if a current account holder writes it. For instance, if your employer banks with Wells Fargo and provides you with a Wells Fargo paper check, you could go to a branch to cash it.

Before cashing your check, the bank’s representatives will evaluate your documentation and the funds in the issuer’s account. They’re most likely to cash your check if you provide all of the following:

A valid, unexpired ID
A check that is less than six months old written by one of the bank’s account holders
A check on which the payee name matches your ID.

The bank will also check the account holder’s current funds. If there is insufficient money in their account to cover the check’s value, the bank may refuse to cash it.

If you can meet all of the prerequisites, the bank or credit union will likely proceed with cashing the check. Keep in mind that some banks and credit unions will charge a fee for cashing a check, so inquire about their costs before proceeding.

What If You Try To Cash a Check Where You Don’t Bank?

If you don’t bank with the financial institution where you wish to cash your check, it may charge you a fee.

Usually, the bank or credit union you bank with will cash a check from a different financial institution. However, you may have to deposit the check in your account first. You can expect to receive the funds in a couple of days after depositing the check.

Some banks and credit unions offer third-party check cashing even if the check isn’t written by one of their account holders and you don’t have a relationship with them. However, most will charge fees for the service if they offer it.

Other Check Cashing Options

There are many other places besides the bank or credit union where you can cash a check. A few include Kroger-owned grocery stores such as Fry’s, Harris Teeter and Ralphs. At all Kroger-owned grocery stores, you’ll pay a flat fee, which varies depending on the check amount, type and the store’s location. Retailers such as Walmart also offer check cashing services.

Most payday loan stores will allow you to cash a check with them, but they will charge a fee. The cost is usually a percentage of the check’s value, which may make it more expensive to cash with them than other retailers using a flat-fee structure.

Some online services offer check cashing services, including PayPal, Venmo and Ingo Money . PayPal allows instance access to your funds for a minimum $5 fee, but it’s entirely free if you’re willing to wait ten days for the check to clear. To access the service, download the PayPal app, create an account, and take a picture of the front and back of the check.

Final Take

You can cash a check at any bank and credit union as long as you meet its requirements. If you don’t have an account with the bank, it may refuse to cash the check unless the payer is an account holder and you can produce valid identity documentation.

Other companies, including some grocery stores, retailers and online financial service companies, offer check cashing services. You can always turn to them if you’re willing to pay a small fee.

Lydia Kibet contributed to the reporting for this article.

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