Sonya BatemanHandwritten checks can be somewhat difficult to cash, as they carry a higher risk than electronically written checks. Becuase of this risk, some check cashing places don’t cash handwritten checks. However, there are options available when you need to cash a handwritten check, whether it’s a personal, business, payroll, or some other form of check. To cash the 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.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Cash a Handwritten Check?
You can cash a handwritten check at a bank or credit union, as well as some check cashing and retail stores. We list the places that cash handwritten checks below.
You can use the following table for a quick explanation of the places that cash handwritten checks, including information about accepted check types and fees. Click any business or scroll for more information.
| Location | Business Type | Handwritten Checks Cashed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | $8 per check (non-customers) |
| Bank of the West | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | Free for checks under $50; $7.50 otherwise (non-customers) |
| BB&T Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | Free for checks under $50; $8 otherwise (non-customers) |
| BMO Harris | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | Free for checks under $50; $10 otherwise (non-customers) |
| Chase Bank | Bank | All types | $8 per check (non-customers) |
| Chartway Federal Credit Union | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union (except those made payable to a business) | $3 or 2% of the total check amount (non-customers) |
| Citibank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank; non-Citibank checks cashed at the bank's discretion | Free for checks up to $5,000; variable otherwise (non-customers) |
| Citizens Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank (no third-party checks) | $7 per check (non-customers) |
| Connexus Credit Union | Credit union | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union | None |
| Fifth Third Bank | Bank | All types | 1% of the check amount; max $4 (non-customers) |
| First National Bank | Bank | Personal and payroll checks issued by the bank | $10 (non-customers) |
| HSBC | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank; non-HSBC checks cashed at the bank's discretion | Free for HSBC personal checks; $3 for other checks up to $100; $5 otherwise (non-customers) |
| KeyBank | Bank | All types | $7 per check or 1.5% of the check amount (non-customers) |
| M&T Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | 3% of the check amount; minimum $3 (non-customers) |
| Mountain America Credit Union | Credit union | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union | Free |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | Credit union | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union | Free |
| PenFed Credit Union | Credit union | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the credit union | Free |
| PNC Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | Free for checks up to $25, then $2 |
| Regions Bank | Bank | All types | 1% to 4% of the total check amount (non-customers) |
| SunTrust Bank | Bank | All types | $7 for SunTrust checks; 1% to 3% for other checks (non-customers) |
| TD Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | $7 per check (non-customers) |
| U.S. Bank | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | $7 per check (non-customers) |
| Wells Fargo | Bank | Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by the bank | $7.50 per check (non-customers) |
| ACE Cash Express | Check cashing store | All types | Varies |
| Check Into Cash | Check cashing store | All types | Varies |
| Check 'N Go | Check cashing store | All types | Starting at 1.99% of the check amount |
| Money Mart | Check cashing store | All types | Varies |
| Mr. Payroll | Check cashing store | All types | Varies |
| PLS Check Cashing | Check cashing store | All types | $1 plus 1% of the total check amount |
| Speedy Cash | Check cashing store | All types | Starting at $2 per check |
| United Check Cashing | Check cashing store | All types | Varies |
| Food Lion | Grocery store | Personal, business, and payroll checks | Varies |
| Giant Eagle | Grocery store | Personal, business, and payroll checks | Varies |
| H-E-B | Grocery store | Personal, business, and payroll checks | $3 for checks up to $3,000; variable otherwise |
| Kmart | Retail store | Personal, business, and payroll checks | $1 or less |
| Market Basket | Grocery store | Personal, business, and payroll checks (local checks only) | Typically 1.25% of the total check amount |
| Publix | Grocery store | Personal, business, and payroll checks | $3 to $6 per check |
Banks and Credit Unions
In general, banks and credit unions are more willing to cash checks — both handwritten ones and others — 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 at least deposit it into your account. Another advantage is that you won’t be charged a check cashing fee at your own bank or credit union.
However, if you don’t have an account and need to cash a handwritten check, there are still some options available to you. Your best chance is to bring the handwritten check to the issuing bank, which will usually be able to cash it, although perhaps for a fee.
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.
1. Fifth Third Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: All types[1]
- Fee for non-customers: 1% of the total check amount; maximum $4 fee[1]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID and one other form of ID[1]
- Find a Fifth Third Bank
2. PNC Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: PNC-issued personal, business, and payroll checks[2]
- Fee for non-customers: Free for checks up to $25, then $2[2][2]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID[2]
- Find a PNC Bank
3. Citibank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks. Checks drawn on banks other than Citibank may be cashed at the bank’s discretion.[3]
- Fee for non-customers: Free for Citibank checks up to $5,000. Fees vary according to check type and amount for all other checks.[3]
- Requirements: Must show two forms of ID, including one with a photo[3]
- Find a Citibank
4. HSBC
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on HSBC; Other handwritten checks may be cashed at the bank’s discretion[4]
- Fee for non-customers:[4]
- HSBC personal checks: Free
- Other checks up to and including $100: $3 per check
- Other checks over $100: $5 per check
- Requirements: Must show a valid ID with a photo[4]
- Find an HSBC
5. KeyBank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[5]
- Fee for non-customers:[6]
- KeyBank branches: $7 per check
- KeyBank Plus Centers: 1.5% of the total check amount
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[6]
- Find a KeyBank
6. Bank of the West
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks if issued from a Bank of the West account[7]
- Fee for non-customers: Free for checks under $50 or checks drawn on a government account; $7.50 for all other checks[8]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[8]
- Find a Bank of the West
7. U.S. Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: US Bank-issued personal, business, and payroll checks[9]
- Fee for non-customers: $7[9]
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[9]
- Find a U.S. Bank
8. Citizens Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on Citizens Bank; Citizens Bank does not accept third-party checks[10]
- Fee for non-customers: $7 per check[10]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[10]
- Find a Citizens Bank
9. TD Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on TD Bank[11]
- Fee for non-customers: $7 per check[11]
- Requirements: Must bring a government-issued photo ID[11]
- Find a TD Bank
10. SunTrust Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[12]
- Fee for non-customers:[12]
- SunTrust checks: $7 per check
- All other checks: 1% to 3% of the total check amount, depending on check type
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[12]
- Find a SunTrust Bank
11. Wells Fargo
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on Wells Fargo[13]
- Fee for non-customers: $7.50 per check[13]
- Requirements: Show a valid, government-issued photo ID[13]
- Find a Wells Fargo
12. Chase Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: All types[14]
- Fee for non-customers: $8 per check[14]
- Requirements: Must show a valid photo ID[14]
- Find a Chase Bank
See more in our related article about Chase Bank’s check cashing policies.
13. Bank of America
- Handwritten checks cashed:Â Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on Bank of America[15]
- Fee for non-customers: $8 per check[15]
- Requirements: A valid photo ID and one other form of ID[15]
- Find a Bank of America
14. PenFed Credit Union
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on PenFed Credit Union[16]
- Fee for non-customers: Free[16]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[16]
- Find a PenFed
15. Navy Federal Credit Union
- Handwritten checks cashed: NFCU-issued personal, business, and payroll checks[17]
- Fee for non-customers: Free[17]
- Requirements: Must show a valid photo ID[17]
- Find an NFCU
16. Connexus Credit Union
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by Connexus[18]
- Fee for non-customers: Free[18]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID[18]
- Find a Connexus
17. Mountain America Credit Union
- Handwritten checks cashed: MACU personal, business, and payroll checks[19]
- Fee for non-customers: Free[19]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[19]
- Find a MACU
18. BB&T Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on BB&T accounts[20]
- Fee for non-customers: Free for checks up to and including $50; $8 for checks more than $50[20]
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued, valid photo ID[20]
- Find a BB&T Bank
19. Regions Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[21]
- Fee for non-customers: 1% to 4% of the total check amount, depending on the type of check[21]
- Requirements: Free Regions Now card required for non-customers to cash checks. Card requirements are a valid Social Security number and photo ID, active email address, and funding source (checking account, debit or credit card).[22]
- Find a Regions Bank
20. Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by Chartway, except those made payable to a business[23]
- Fee for non-customers: $3 or 2% of the total check amount, whichever is greater[23]
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[23]
- Find a Chartway
21. M&T Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks drawn on M&T Bank[24]
- Fee for non-customers: 3% of the total check amount; minimum $3 fee[24]
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[24]
- Find an M&T Bank
22. BMO Harris
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll checks issued by BMO Harris Bank[25]
- Fee for non-customers: Free for checks up to and including $50; $10 for checks more than $50[25]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[25]
- Find a BMO Harris
23. First National Bank
- Handwritten checks cashed: First National-issued personal and payroll checks[26]
- Fee for non-customers: $10[26]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[26]
- Find a First National Bank
Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores are convenient and will typically cash any type of check in any amount, including handwritten checks. However, you may be charged a high flat fee, plus a percentage of the check. If you decide to use a check cashing store, you may want to call ahead and ask about the exact fees you will be paying at your location, since check cashing store fees can vary greatly — they’ll often charge the maximum fee allowed by state law. As above, we’ve ordered the following list starting with the best overall options.
1. ACE Cash Express
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[27]
- Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[27]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID[27]
- Find ant ACE Cash Express
2. PLS Check Cashing
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[28]
- Fee: Starting at $1 plus 1% of the total check amount[28]
- Requirements: Must show a valid, government-issued photo ID[28]
- Find a PLS Check Cashing
3. Check Into Cash
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[29]
- Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[30]
- Requirements: Show your government-issued photo ID[30]
- Find a Check Into Cash
4. Mr. Payroll
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[31]
- Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[31]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID[31]
- Find a Mr. Payroll
5. Speedy Cash
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[32]
- Fee: Starting at $2 per check[32]
- Requirements: Must show a photo ID[32]
- Find a Speedy Cash
6. Check ‘N Go
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[33]
- Fee: Starting at 1.99% of the total check amount[33]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[33]
- Find a Check ’N Go
7. Money Mart
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[34]
- Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[34]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[34]
- Find a Money Mart
8. United Check Cashing
- Handwritten checks cashed: Any type[35]
- Fee: Varies according to check type, amount, and store location[35]
- Requirements: Must show a government-issued photo ID[35]
- Find a United Check Cashing
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.
1. Kmart
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll[36]
- Fee: $1 or less[36]
- Limit: Personal checks up to $500; payroll checks up to $2,000[36]
- Requirements: Must show your photo ID and have a free Shop Your Way membership[37]
- Find a Kmart
2. Market Basket
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll. Local checks only.[38]
- Fee: Usually 1.25% of the total check amount, although fees can vary by location[38]
- Limit: Up to $50 for personal checks; limits vary by location for payroll checks[38]
- Requirements: Two forms of ID; one must include a photo[38]
- Find a Market Basket
3. H-E-B
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll[39]
- Fee: $3 for check amounts up to and including $3,000; variable or checks over $3,000[39]
- Limit: Up to $9,500[39]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[39]
- Find an H-E-B
See more in our article about H-E-B’s check cashing policy.
4. Food Lion
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll[40]
- Fee: Varies by state[40]
- Limit: Up to $500 for personal; up to $1,000 for payroll[40]
- Requirements: Must show photo ID[40]
- Find a Food Lion
Find out more in our dedicated article about Food Lion’s check cashing policies.
5. Publix
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll[41]
- Fee: Usually $3 to $6 depending on check amount[41]
- Limit: Varies by location[41]
- Requirements: Valid, government-issued photo ID[41]
- Find a Publix
See more in our dedicated article about Publix’s check cashing policies.
6. Giant Eagle
- Handwritten checks cashed: Personal, business, and payroll[42]
- Fee: Varies by location[42]
- Limit: $30 for personal checks; limits vary by location for payroll checks[42]
- Requirements: Must have a Giant Eagle Advantage Card with check cashing privileges. There is a waiting period of three to five days for approval. Present your photo ID at any Giant Eagle customer service desk to apply for the card.[43]
- Find a Giant Eagle
Find out more in our article about Giant Eagle’s check cashing policies.
Places That Don’t Cash Handwritten Checks
In the course of our research and communications with various companies, we found that the following business do not cash handwritten checks:
- Albertsons (as previously reported)
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale Club (as previously reported)
- Copps
- Costco (as previously reported)
- CVS (as previously reported)
- Dollar General (as previously reported)
- Food 4 Less
- Food Lion (as previously reported)
- JayC Foods
- Jewel-Osco
- Kroger (as previously reported)
- Sam’s Club (as previously reported)
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens (as previously reported)
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Winn-Dixie (as previously reported)
In Summary
Because of the risks involved with a handwritten check, there aren’t many retail and grocery stores that will cash them; however, there are options. You can cash handwritten checks at banks like Chase and PNC, check cashing stores like Speedy Cash, and some retail stores like H-E-B and Publix. Be aware that check cashing stores often have the highest fees. The easiest way to cash a handwritten check is to take it to your own bank or to the bank or credit union upon which it was drawn.
William Lipovsky
Erika Crawford
Cathy Desmet
Lindsey Desmet
Loren Eaton
Joseph Cho
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
Kait Scirri
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
? ?
Hi Brandon,
Publix does cash personal checks, but there’s a $75 limit per day. Learn more about Publix checking cashing policies here.
Well my kmart says they dont cash checks but i see it all over the internet
Hi Heidilynn,
Yup, and it’s very clearly stated on Kmart’s website that the cash checks, and for very low fees compared to similar stores. But, do be aware that not all locations do check cashing. Kmart has published a list of stores that do check cashing, so use that to see if your Kmart cashes checks.
Can Harris teeter cash personal checks in Mooresville NC
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.
Does sapells grocery store cash large personal checks?
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.
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
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!
Im on vacation in las vegas and have run our of pocket cash where could I cash a hand written check to Myself?
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!
If I’m not a member at Kmart will I be able to cash my check from my grandmother that day
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!
Hi, my Kmart required me to be a member of their savings program in order to cash my check.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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!
I receive a trust fund check every month it’s a handwritten out of state two party check where can I cash it
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.