8 Places That Offer Free Check Cashing (Including Their Rules & Limits)

William Lipovsky headshot William Lipovsky
Verified & Updated Sep 29, 2018

When it comes to cashing a check, not all options are created equal, as many places charge a substantial fee for this service. Is it possible to cash your checks for free — or for a small fee? Yes! We’ve rounded up some of the lowest-cost methods for cashing a check below, so you’ll no longer need to pay a hefty fee to get the cash you deserve.

Places Where You Can Cash a Check for Free

Retail Stores

Kmart

  • Check-cashing fees: Free in CT, DE, GA, NJ, NV, PA, PR, SC, WA, and GU; $0.50 in IL and RI; $1 everywhere else.
  • Types of checks cashed: Payroll, tax refund, and government checks up to $2,000, as well as two-party personal checks up to $500.
  • What else to know: You’ll need photo identification to cash a check at Kmart, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, or passport. Read more about check cashing policies on the Kmart website.
  • Find a Kmart

Your Bank or Credit Union

If you have a bank account, it’s always free to cash a check. Many times, being an account holder also gives you additional conveniences like mobile deposit and ATM deposit.

The Issuing Bank or Credit Union

Your second option for free check cashing is at the issuing bank or credit union — that is, the bank the check was drawn on. While some banks charge a fee for cashing a check if you’re a non-customer, the following places offer this service for free. So, if you have a check with one of these banks listed on it, you’re in luck:

Bank of the West

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, if your check is under $50, it’s free to cash. If the check is greater than $50, there is a $7.50 fee, unless you’re a minor.
  • What else to know: To cash a check, you’ll need two forms of valid ID, such as a government-issued ID and a passport. Learn more about check cashing policies on the Bank of the West website.
  • Find a Bank of the West

BB&T

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, if your check is under $50, it’s free to cash. If the check is for an amount larger than $50, the fee is $8.
  • What else to know: You will need two forms of valid ID to cash a check. Read more information about check cashing policies on the BB&T website.
  • Find a BB&T

Capital One

  • Check-cashing fees: For non-account holders, if your check is $100 or less, it’s free to cash. For checks greater than $100, the fee is $7.
  • Types of checks cashed: Any check drawn on a Capital One account.
  • What else to know: You will need a valid, photo ID to cash a check at Capital One, such as a government-issued driver’s license, a state-issued ID, a military ID, or a green card. Learn more about check cashing policies on the Capital One website.
  • Find a Capital One

Citibank

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, it‘s free to cash a check drawn on a Citibank account, as long as it’s under $5,000, according to a corporate customer service.
  • What else to know: Non-account holders need two forms of valid ID to cash a check. Learn more about check cashing services on the Citibank website.
  • Find a Citibank

HSBC

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, it’s free to cash a check drawn on an HSBC account. However, it is up to the individual branch whether they choose to cash it, according to a corporate customer service.
  • Types of checks cashed: Any check drawn on an HSBC account
  • What else to know: Non-account holders need two forms of valid ID to cash a check. Learn more about check cashing services on the HSBC website. For questions about check cashing services, the live chat option on the website gives you immediate access to customer service.
  • Find an HSBC

PNC Bank

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, it’s free to cash a check drawn on a PNC Bank account.
  • Types of checks cashed: Any check drawn on a PNC account.
  • What else to know: Non-account holders need two forms of valid ID to cash a check. Read more about how much PNC charges for its services on PNC’s fee schedule.
  • Find a PNC

SunTrust Bank

  • Check cashing fees: For non-account holders, if your check is $50 or less, it’s free to cash. Checks over $50 that are drawn on a SunTrust account will be charged a $7 cashing fee. You can also cash a non-SunTrust check for a fee of 1-3% of the check you are cashing.
  • Types of checks cashed: Any check, but for free cashing, only one drawn on a SunTrust account.
  • What else to know: Non-account holders need two forms of valid ID to cash a check. Read the above information and more on the SunTrust website.
  • Find a SunTrust

In Summary

And that’s cash checks for free. Cashing a check for free isn’t as difficult as you may think, as there are several banks, credit unions, and stores that offer free check cashing services — and several more that charge a small fee for this service. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID with you to cash a check.

If you didn’t find a place you like on this list and you’re okay paying, see our list of 30+ places that cash personal checks or our research on check cashing fees by state and check casher.

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