William LipovskyIf you have a check, but no bank account, you can still cash the check. Some banks provide check cashing services for non-members, and checking cashing stores or retail stores with money services will also allow you to cash your check. Below, we explain how to cash a check without a bank account — including what’s required and exactly where to go to cash your check.
Table of Contents
How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account
No bank account? No problem. Here’s a break down of the steps to cash a check:
- Have your photo ID on hand. You’ll need to present your ID when you cash a check so the business can confirm that the check is made out to you. Your ID should be government-issued, and the name on your ID should match your name on the check. Some banks might ask you for a second form of ID if you are a non-customer cashing a check. In some cases, they’ll accept something else with your name, like a credit or debit card. If you have a second government-issued ID, it’s best to bring it just in case. Find out more about which IDs you can use in our research on whether you can cash a check with your Social Security card.
- Find a business that will cash your check. There are lots of places where you can cash a check — banks, grocery stores, and check-cashing stores are a few of the most common. They usually have restrictions on what kinds of checks they’ll cash. Before you take your check to a certain store, identify the following features of your check:
- Type of check: Some of the most common types are personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, and insurance checks. Certain types of checks are considered riskier than others. Generally, personal checks are the riskiest, and government checks and payroll checks are some of the least. Confirm that the business you will visit cashes the type of check you have before you make the trip.
- Bank the check is drawn on: When we say a check is drawn on a certain bank, that means that the account that has the money the check corresponds to is held by that bank. For example, if someone has their checking account at Wells Fargo and they write you a check, the check will be drawn on Wells Fargo. A non-account holder can often cash a check at the bank it was drawn on.
- Handwritten checks: Some stores won’t cash checks that are handwritten because they are considered riskier. If your check is handwritten, keep an eye out for this restriction. Personal checks are the most common kind of handwritten check. Payroll checks and business checks are also sometimes handwritten.
- Check amount: Almost every business that will cash a check has a limit on the size of the check. If you have a very large check, you cashing options will be limited. See our research on how to cash a large check without a bank account.
- Endorse your check. To endorse a check, flip it over, turn it vertically, and look for some lines on the back of the check. Usually, it’ll say “endorse here” above the lines. To endorse the check, just sign your name on the top line. To prevent theft or fraud, it’s best to wait until you’re at the place where you’ll cash the check before endorsing it.
After endorsing the check, you’re ready to cash it. Keep an eye out for fees at the checking cashing place you choose. Many grocery stores have low fees; check cashing stores usually have the highest fees.
Places That Let You Cash a Check Without a Bank Account
Banks and Credit Unions
The following list includes nationwide banks that will cash checks for non-customers. If none of these work for you, try contacting the bank on which your check is drawn to see if they’ll cash it or try one of the other options we list later in the article.
Bank of America
- Types: Most checks are accepted, as long as they are printed with magnetic ink (i.e. not on a home printer)
- Limit: Generally up to $500 for non-account holders
- Fee for noncustomers: $6 per check
- Other info: Bank of America states that they accept “some other types of checks” — specifications vary by branch, so call ahead to be sure a certain type of check is accepted.
- Source: Bank of America’s website
Chase
- Types: Personal, payroll, government, tax, cashier’s
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: $8 per check
- Source: Corporate customer service
Citi
- Types: Personal, payroll, government, tax, cashier’s
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: FREE when the check value is under $5,000
- Source: This information was obtained by contacting corporate customer service.
HSBC
- Types: Payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, insurance checks, and corporate checks
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: FREE for personal checks, but a fee for business checks
- Other info: The decision of whether or not to cash the check depends on the discretion of the individual branch.
- Source: HSBC’s website
KeyBank
- Types: Personal, payroll, tax refund, and government checks
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: There’s a 1.5% fee per check
- Other info: Check cashing at KeyBank Plus Centers is available in Colorado, Indiana, Maine, New York, Ohio, and Oregon.
- Source: KeyBank’s website
TD Bank
- Types: Personal, payroll, government, tax, cashier’s, and more
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: $7 per check
- Source: TD Bank’s website
U.S. Bank
- Types: Personal, payroll, government, tax, cashier’s
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: $7 per check
- Other info: U.S. Bank will cash nearly any type of check, as long as the customer has an account or the check is drawn from a U.S. Bank account.
- Source: U.S. Bank’s website
Wells Fargo
- Types: Personal, payroll, government, tax, cashier’s, and more
- Limit: No maximum check amount specified
- Fee for noncustomers: $7.50 per check
- Other info: Wells Fargo will cash nearly any type of check, as long as the customer has an account or the check is drawn from a Wells Fargo account.
- Source: Wells Fargo customer service representative
- Find out more in our article: Wells Fargo Check Cashing Policy for Non-Account Holders + Holders
Interested in opening a bank account? See our list of the best checking accounts.
Other Businesses
Many grocery stores and check cashing stores cash checks. These can be convenient for many reasons: there’s probably one nearby, most have long hours (including evenings and weekends), and you may already be going there anyway. They typically charge fees, but the fee amounts are not usually prohibitive. Most grocery stores charge about the same as banks charge non-customers.
Each link below will direct you to our research showing exactly where to go to cash your specific type of check:
- Cashier’s check (a check guaranteed by a bank)
- Business check (a check drawn on a business check account, rather than a personal checking account)
- Handwritten check (checks written by hand, rather than printed by a computer)
- Personal check (a check drawn against funds on someone’s personal checking account)
- Third-party check (a check that the payee has endorsed and signed over to a third party, this is done by endorsing the check and then writing “pay to” and the name of the third party)
- Two-party check (a check made out to two people, either in the form “person A and person B” or “person A or person B”)
- Two-party insurance check (these are two-party checks specifically issued by insurance companies)
- Tax refund check (checks issued by the government to give you your income tax refund)
Need to cash a money order, not a check? We’ve got you covered on that, too. See our research on where to cash MoneyGram, Western Union, and USPS money orders.
Can I Sign a Check Over to a Friend to Cash?
Yes, you can sign a check over to cash it, creating a third-party check. Signing over a check is free and relatively easy to do. To find out how to sign a third-party check and which places will cash the check, see our research on the process of signing over a check.
Cathy Desmet
Lindsey Desmet
Sonya Bateman
Erika Crawford
Loren Eaton
Joseph Cho
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
Kait Scirri
I have a check for 8000.00 drawn on bank of new York mellon where can I cash if i have no checking account
Hi, David. Since your check is drawn on the Bank of New York Mellon, you should be able to take it there and get it cashed, even if you don’t have a checking account. Since you have a large check, you may want to check out our article on places that will cash a large check for you without a hold. Since you don’t have a bank account, check out the check cashing section in particular: https://dev.firstquarterfinance.com/how-to-cash-a-large-check-without-a-hold-or-bank-account/
Hope this helps!
have a check of about $9,000 can i cash this check at wells fargo and what would be the amount i can get there and then if possible?
Hi Rafael,
If the check was drawn on a Wells Fargo account, then you can cash the check at Wells Fargo, even if you yourself don’t have an account. Wells Fargo doesn’t provide a maximum limit for checks they’ll cash, so you’ll have to check with your nearest branch to make sure they have enough cash on hand for a check that large. You can find your closest Wells Fargo branch here.
Main question of my concern is that the check from the front doesnt have my name but the one who signed the check from the front also signed the back nd put “pay to the order of Rafael Hernandez”
The check hasnt been drawn i still have it but im more worried about if ima still be able to cash it out if its been endorsed to me so i he signed the back and below that he put “pay to the order of Rafael Hernandez” would i still be able to cash the check ?
Hi Rafael,
First, when we say if they check is drawn on Wells Fargo, we mean if the check corresponds to a bank account at Wells Fargo. That is, if you were to cash the check, the money that is withdrawn would be withdrawn from someone’s Wells Fargo account. Banks will usually cash checks that are drawn on one of their own accounts because the bank can assess the riskiness of cashing the check (that is, how likely the check is not be returned for lack of funds).
What you have here is called a third party check. A third party check is created when someone takes a check that is made out to them, endorses the check by signing the back, and then also writes on the back “pay to the order or NAME” or similar language. Wells Fargo doesn’t cash third party checks, but there are several places that will, including some other banks. Take a look at our article on what a third party check is, and where to cash one.
I hope that you are to answer my question and can provide a resource. I live in Los Angeles and received my settlement check from my attorney today for 7000.00. I went to Chase Bank and was informed that the max for check cashing for non customers was 2500.00. The manager even called my attorney and verified the amount and that the check was valid but still did not cash it. I really need access to these funds and cannot wait for my bank to release a hold if I deposit it into my account. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Lorenzo,
Unless your attorney is able to get you multiple checks in smaller denominations to you so that you can more easily cash them (which will likely take longer than the check hold period), it is best to deposit the check and wait out the hold period. There is simply no other avenue, unless you choose a check cashing company, which will charge you an extraordinarily hefty fee to cash the check.
I have a check for a little over a hundred thousand dollars.life insurance check.where can I cash it without a bank account?
Mfroger,
Unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive, we are not able to help with specific, individual requests. I recommend contacting the banks listed in this article to determine whether or not they will be able to cash your check at a branch near you without a bank account. I hope this helps!
I have a cashier’s check from federal credit union coast 360 in guam, where can i get it cashed?
Stephanie,
Unfortunately, due to the volume of comments that we receive, we’re not able to help with specific, individual requests. I recommend a Google search in your area for some of the locations listed above; I also recommend calling your location of choice to make sure that they are able to cash your specific cashier’s check. I hope this helps!
I have a paypal check from paypal. I don’t have a bank account. It says the check was drawn from a Wells Fargo in Nebraska. I live in Montana and I called A local Wells Fargo and they said they won’t cash it . Do you know where will cash a paypal check?
Hi Amanda,
Walmart might be a good place to try and cash a check from PayPal; however, because policies have been known to vary among individual Walmart locations, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your local Walmart to confirm that your check will be accepted. You can use the Walmart location finder to get the phone number for your local store. Kroger stores (under numerous banners) have also been known to cash corporate checks, so it may be worth checking with your local Kroger store as well. You can use the Kroger location finder to find a store near you operating under any of Kroger’s affiliated brands. If neither of these options will work for you, you can also visit one of the check cashing stores mentioned in our article (although fees will likely be higher at one of these stores than at Walmart or Kroger). I hope this helps!
Hey I have a 35.000 dollar check who takes the taxes out? And will I be able to get all my cash at once?
Treasure,
The money you receive when cashing a personal or business check of $35.00 isn’t usually automatically taxed, so you shouldn’t see any taxes removed when you cash it. You should be able to get all of the cash at once. You’ll need to report taxes later when you file your state and federal income taxes. Please let us know if you have any more questions. I hope this helps!
i have a cashiers check from california bank where can i cash it in tennessee stores
Shawn,
I contacted Walmart’s customer service to find out if you could cash an out-of-state cashier’s check, and they confirmed that you can. Walmart charges a check cashing fee of $3 for checks up to $1000 and $6 for checks from $1,000 to $5,000. (During the months of January through April 30, you can cash checks up to $7,500 at Walmart.) To find the Walmart store closest to you, you can use the Walmart Store Finder. I hope this helps!
Hi. I have a my payroll check but don’t have any bank accounts or a social security number how can I cash my checks plz need help. Thank you kirill
Kirill,
If you don’t have a social security number, you may not be able to cash a check without a bank account. The good news is that if you do decide that you want to open a bank account without a social security number, there are ways to do it–you’ll just need to get a Taxpayer Identification Number and show proof of residence. Most banks, stores, and other common check cashing locations won’t allow you to cash a check without a social security number because their risk of check fraud is much higher when they can’t link a bad check back to the person who cashed it. If, however, you have a bank account, you’ll have no trouble cashing the check at your bank. Without one of these two, you’d have to sign the check over to a third party with either a social security number or a bank account in order to cash it. Hope this helps and you’re able to cash the checks!
Hope so too. Thanks for your info
Hello I just received two checks on Friday from my lawsuits from my previous employer. First check was $5,728 after taxes it is $3,021 and the other check is $21,422. I do not have a bank account and I do owe child support. I pay the cs as much as I can every month but my federal and state taxes were with held this year. (6,478) if I go to the bank can child support garnish my check as well. Or will it be higher to go to the check cashing place. Please help
My income tax refund is over the $7500 limit walmart has set. Do you know where else I can get it cashed without a bank account?
Hi Lisa,
For a check in an amount higher than $7,500, you’ll likely need to go to a check cashing store to have it cashed (although note that fees can be high at these stores). The article above mentions a few such companies. This FQF article might also be helpful; even though the article is about cashing personal checks, it provides location finders for six additional check cashing chains (nearly all check cashing stores will cash tax refunds). You can use these links to help you find a convenient location to cash your tax refund check. I hope this helps!
hello i have a tax refund check where can i incash my check with out a bank account need
Hi Glen,
Walmart might be an ideal place for you to cash a tax refund check. During tax season (January through April), some Walmart stores will cash refund checks up to $7,500 (although note that policies may vary at individual locations). You can visit the Walmart store finder to find your closest Walmart location. If your check is for a large amount, you may wish to call ahead to verify that the store is able to cash it. Be sure that you have a valid, government-issued photo ID with you when you go to cash the check. I hope this helps!
What if I have a (large, over $10K) check from Bank of America?
Not just on a BofA account, but from BofA itself.
But, I don’t have a BofA account.
Will they cash it? Are they obliged to do so? Will they charge a fee?
Thanks
Hi Fred,
Bank of America should cash a check that’s drawn from Bank of America. However, because the check is for such a large amount, I would definitely recommend calling your local branch to make sure that the funds are available, and to ask if there’s any specific proof of identity that will be required. You can find the phone number for your local branch through the Bank of America location finder. There will be a fee for this service; the standard charge is $6 to cash a check as a non-customer, but you may want to verify this when you speak to the representative at your local branch just to be certain since your case is somewhat unique. I hope this helps!
I am going to pick up my income tax check it’s 5,203.99. And my check is my maiden name fontenot and my I’d card and license say harper. Where could I cash it. I have no bank account.
Hi Daryn,
It may be a bit tricky to cash a check with a name that doesn’t match your ID, particularly because the check is in such a high amount. If you have proof of name change, like a marriage certificate, or any other official documentation that still has your maiden name on it, that may be enough to get the check cashed at one of the options on our list. This will be highly dependent on the kind of documentation you can show of your maiden name and the individual policies of your local stores. For a check over $5,000, the most likely options will be Walmart or a check cashing store. In either case, I would recommend calling up the local Walmart or check cashing stores to explain the situation and see if the check would be accepted — that way you can be prepared with the documentation that the store requests and avoid wasting a drive. Best of luck getting this resolved!
I have received a check from my company, and I want to give this check to my friend to cash it, because she has no bank account. As I understood correctly it is a doubled endorsed check.
I live in New York City, and I just called a couple of Cash Checks to ask if they cash these kind of check and they said no. I don’t understand why…
You know some Cash Checks here in NY that you can help me with, that cash doble endorsed checks?
Thank you.
Hi Alice,
The kind of check that you describe is commonly called a third-party check, where the check has been made out from your company (the first party) to you (the second party) and then signed over to your friend (the third party). Unfortunately, due to concern about fraud, third-party checks are often very difficult to cash. The best bet for somewhere to cash it will likely be a branch of the issuing bank (the bank that the check was written from). You or your friend should be able to cash any check with the bank that the check was drawn from, even if you don’t have an account there. Pay-O-Matic is a check cashing chain in New York that may also provide this service. You can read more about Pay-O-Matic’s check cashing services on the company’s website, or find the nearest Pay-O-Matic location here. I do recommend calling ahead to the location you plan to visit to be sure that the check will be accepted. Alternatively, if you haven’t yet signed the check over to your friend, it may be easier to simply cash the check as you normally would and then give your friend the funds as cash. I hope this helps!
Dear Will,
I have got a tax return check. I do not live in US, do not have US bank account and I have just come to San Francisco for a few days. How can I easily and at possibly low cost cash this check?
Very Best
Tomasz
Hi Tomasz,
Kmart does cash tax refund checks that are less than $2,000. You can check to see if there’s a nearby Kmart with the Kmart store finder. Walmart also cashes tax refund checks; limits vary somewhat by location but typically checks under $2,000 shouldn’t pose a problem. If you’re going to either of these stores, it may be worth calling ahead to make sure you’ll be able to cash an international check in case there are any special restrictions for your situation. If you do have any issues cashing the check at a Kmart or Walmart, any check cashing store from our list should be able to cash your check without a problem (although the fees will likely be higher with one of these stores than at Kmart or Walmart). Be sure that you have a passport or another form of valid identification with you when you go to cash the check. I hope this helps!
Sorry to say, but it did not work at all. There is no Walmart neither Kmart in Frisco. I tried in Kroger and in several 7-elevens without success. I also tried in Citi, Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo. In all these banks I was told they cannot cash my check. The only option they were offering was opening a bank account.
Hi Tomasz,
Sorry to hear about the trouble you had cashing your check! Are you still in San Francisco? Unfortunately, it’s common for banks to only cash a check if either the check was drawn from that bank, or if you have an account at that bank. A check cashing store, like ACE Cash Express, would be another option for cashing your check. ACE Cash Express does have a location at 2038 Mission St., San Francisco (you can find out how to get to this location on the ACE Cash Express website). California Check Cashing has a location at 9 Kearny St. — you can visit the California Check Cashing website to learn more. I hope this helps!
Hi I received a check from the survey company that I have been doing surveys for it is for $106 dollars my dad usually cashed the checks for me since I don’t have a bank account but this month they wrote on the check no third party signatures so he can’t cash it …I live in Staten Island New York and was wondering where I could cash it?
Hi Cara,
You should be able to cash the check at any of our suggested non-bank check cashing options, such as Kmart, Kroger (which may be under one of numerous regional banners), or Walmart. You can also take a look at our article featuring a further breakdown of the cheapest places to cash a check. Just be sure to have an ID with you, and be prepared to pay a small fee (typically around $3, or even less at some places) to get the check turned into cash. I hope this helps!
Hi! I have a check from a bank with branches exclusively in the NY Area and I’m in the Texas area and do not have a bank account either. What are my best options for cashing a check? And can my friend cash it for me as I’m traveling for the next 4 weeks? Thanks! I’m desperate!
Hi Laurens,
If your travels are already underway and you don’t have physical access to the check, unfortunately, your friend won’t be able to cash it for you. You would need to endorse the check over to your friend in order to have them cash or deposit it on your behalf. But if you do have access to the check, you can cash it at any of our suggested non-bank check cashing locations, like Kmart, Kroger, Walmart, and many others. Depending on the type of check you have, you can also check out our additional articles featuring places that cash personal checks or payroll checks. I hope this helps!
Hello, I just received a check of $94.00 from financial aid and I don’t have a bank account. I live in Arizona and I don’t want to pay a $7.50 fee from Wells Fargo because I had an account with them before. Where can I cash it easy and cheap?
Hi Melisa,
You should be able to find lower fees by cashing the check at a grocery store rather than a bank or a check cashing store. For example, Kmart will generally cash a check for $1. Walmart will cash a check for $3 in amounts under $1,000. Kroger stores (like Fry’s) will generally cash checks for a $3-$5 fee. Check cashing stores are likely to have higher fees. Your financial aid check will likely count as a government check, and the amount shouldn’t be high enough to disqualify you from cashing it at most places — but to be on the safe side, I would recommend using the location finders in the links above to find the contact information for the store you plan to visit and giving them a call to ensure that your check can be cashed there and to verify how much it will cost. I hope this helps!
Hey I have a check for 3,985.00 printed check can I cash it with a different bank? if I don’t have a bank account with people’s state bank? In greenwood ms? The check is from West Hope ND issued to my name. Where is a local bank that will cash it? Thx John
Hi John,
Just to make sure I understand the situation, is the check from Peoples State Bank? If so, you can cash the check at any branch of Peoples State Bank, regardless of whether or not you have an account there (although you may be charged a small fee as a non-customer to do so). If you have a bank account, you can generally cash any check at your own bank with no fee. Generally speaking, in order to cash a check at any bank, you either need to have an account there, or the check must be drawn on an account from that bank. If you don’t have a bank account and there is not a nearby branch of the bank from which the check was written, you’ll need to visit either a grocery store or check cashing place in order to get the check cashed. Since your check is in such a high amount, you’ll likely have better luck cashing it at a check cashing place rather than a grocery store or convenience store. You can use the location finders provided in the article to help you find the most convenient place. I hope this helps!
I have a settlement check for$8000. I live in SC .I don’t have a account.The check is drawn on Bank of America.,Will they cash the check,or will I have to open a account.
Hi Brenda,
As a rule, a bank will always cash a check that was drawn on one of its own accounts, regardless of whether or not the payee has an account there — so Bank of America will cash your check without you needing to open an account. However, you will be charged a fee for this service. The exact fee amount can vary slightly, but it’s typically $6 for a non-customer to cash a Bank of America check.
I have a cashier’s check for 8,500,I live in Richmond VA 23227 area code,I’ve had the check for almost 4 months now where can I cash this check at I have no bank account thx
Hi Kenny,
Cashier’s checks can be very difficult to cash. The easiest place to cash one is at a branch of the issuing bank — you don’t need to have an account to cash a check through the bank that issued it. If that’s not a possibility, a check cashing store will be the best bet. Our article about where to cash a cashier’s check gives a list of check cashing places that can offer the services you need. You can use the store finders provided in that article to help you find the one most convenient to your location. Best of luck!
Hi . I have a cashiers check of 2,800 $ , but I don’t have a bank account nor want to open one. Im in PHX AZ recently moved from Oregon so i still have an Oregon id. Can I still cash my check with a different state I’d. And where can I. Cash a cashiers check
Hi Sara,
You should not have a problem cashing the check with an out-of-state ID. That being said, it’s not a bad idea to call ahead to the place you intend to cash the check and make sure this is the case; some places may require a secondary form of identification along with an out-of-state ID. If you have some other government-issued ID, like a passport, that should work as well. You can take a look at our article about where to cash a cashier’s check for a list of places that will be able to assist you. I hope this helps!
I have a insurance settlement check around 40k, I do not have an account can I go to a cash smart or some type of check cashing place to cash it without going to the bank tht issue the check?
Hi Montrice,
You definitely could go to a check cashing place to cash an insurance settlement check in that amount (although I recommend calling ahead to be sure that the funds are available). The majority of check cashing places have no set maximum for the check amount that can be cashed. Just be advised that fees will be very high, sometimes up to 10% (which, for your check, would be $4,000). It will likely be much cheaper to cash the check at the issuing bank — but if that’s not a possibility, a check cashing facility, such as the ones on our list, will serve the purpose. I hope this helps!
hi i would like to ask my bestfriend me a cashiers check amount a million dollar and it will send the check in the philiipines how will i know if this funded and can i deposit it to open an account. is there will be a problem if i deposited it. thank you. the check is us dollar.
Hi Trish,
By their nature, cashier’s checks are guaranteed funds. A cashier’s check is drawn on the issuing bank’s money, not on an individual account. If you receive a cashier’s check from your friend, you shouldn’t have a problem with it bouncing for insufficient funds. I can’t speak to the banking policies in the Philippines, which may be different than the ones in America, but with a cashier’s check you won’t have to worry about whether the funds are available when you go to deposit. I hope this helps!
I just received a check that was issued from Commerce Bank in Missouri for selling books back, unfortunately I do not have a bank account and need somewhere to cash it…any suggestions?
Hi Karen,
If the check was handwritten, you can check out our article about 13 Places to Cash a Handwritten Check to help you find somewhere to cash it. Publix, Giant Eagle, and Kmart are all known to cash handwritten checks. A variety of check cashing stores will also be able to cash it, although the fees will likely be higher there than at the issuing bank or at a grocery store. If there is a branch of the issuing bank convenient to you, that will be the best bet (visit the Commerce Bank location finder to see if there’s a branch nearby). I hope this helps!
Hey I got a settlement check over 20,000 and another payroll check for2,500 both of which were issued from M bank that only has 3 locations in portland Oregon , when I went in to cash the smaller of the two checks, i was denied even after I witnessed the manager call the person who issued me the checks to verify they wrote them and that I was the person they were written to and went on to say they were having an issue with my out of state ID to which he told them my ID was valid and confirmed the checks and I were all legitimate and that he knew me personally , and they still declined me supposedly because I didn’t have an Oregon state issued id I have a valid up to date drivers license/ID from Montana, I even offered to open an account to which they denied as well on account of my ID even though I had my social security card and birth certificate. Can you please tell me if this is legal in any way? I cannot find their policies online anywhere and I feel like I was personally discriminated against by the staff but I just want my checks cashed and when I went elsewhere they wouldn’t cash either check without confirmation from the account check issuer and I didn’t have his number so I was told the same thing over and over again non of which are what I want to hear so do I have to open an account at another bank just to get these cashed or Should I go back to Mbank and try again with different employees?
With a valid ID they cannot deny you based on location of said ID , sad to say but looks like the teller having a personal problem with you is why they wouldn’t help you and they must be a very small bank to be ran by a manager who would decline good business because of petty personal reasons.
Hi B.,
It is very strange that the bank would refuse to cash the check on the basis of your ID, particularly when you had other verified documents including a social security card and a birth certificate. Legally speaking, a valid state-issued ID is recognized in any state (although there are some exceptions if you’ve moved to a different state). Like you, I wasn’t able to find anything online about M Bank’s policies, so I can’t offer any more specifics about why the teller refused to cash the checks. It may be worth trying at the same bank again or at another branch of the same bank, but it’s also not a bad idea to open an account with another bank. A bank account can be extremely useful and you can use the checks as the opening deposit.
Hello,
I have a insurance settlement check from my attorney’s trust fund account with Wells Fargo Bank.
I do not have an account and my name is misspelled by one n missing in my first name Anna and it is spelled Ana on the check. Will this be a problem or will they overlook it as a common mistake? I have been waiting for this money for a very long time.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Hi Anna,
It’s tough to say what Wells Fargo will do in that particular situation, as it may be up to the branch manager’s discretion for how to handle a misspelled check. It might be best to call ahead to your local branch to save yourself a trip in case Wells Fargo won’t allow you to cash the check, because it’s definitely possible that the check won’t be accepted with a misspelling. If Wells Fargo won’t cash it, you may need to contact the issuer for a reprinted check with the correct spelling. Best of luck and happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Yes I have a question. Where could I cash an about 60,000 check from a settlement with out a bank. I know it’s a but much. Texas area
Hi Ruby,
It’s very unlikely that anywhere but a bank would be able to cash a check in that amount, and even then, it would be a good idea to call ahead to ensure that the bank has the funds on hand. If you don’t have a bank account of your own, the best bet is to go to a branch of the bank that issued the check. You may be able to try cashing it at one of the check cashing places on our list, but the fees will be much, much higher than the fees at the issuing bank. Best of luck!
I have a wells fargo payroll chek…. am i going to have a problem cashing it because i dont have a bank account with wells fargo.
Hi Ryan,
If the check is drawn on a Wells Fargo account, you shouldn’t have any problem cashing it at a Wells Fargo location. Just expect to pay about $7.50 in cashing fees as a non-customer (and make sure you have a photo ID on you when you visit the branch).
I don’t have a state ID yet. And my check expires in a month. Will I be ble to get the check cashed or is it going to expire because. I have no ID
Sarah,
If you don’t have a state-issued ID, you may still be able to cash a check using two forms of secondary ID. The types of secondary ID required and which locations will allow you to cash your check will vary, so you’ll want to call ahead to confirm the policies of the location you visit. Some types of secondary ID may include a US birth certificate, a US resident card, a college ID with a photo, a foreign driver’s license with a photo, a welfare ID with a photo, and so on. Again, you’ll want to check with the location where you’re hoping to cash your check to see what they’ll accept. I hope this helps!
After almost a month and 12 Wal-marts later, I can tell ou that Wal-Mart will it cash any check over $2,000 (unless it is tax season Feb-Apr) and even then, they do not honor cashier’s checks of any amount despite what their website claims! If you find 1 that does, please, let me know!
Hi Tanya,
That sounds horribly frustrating! Cashier’s checks can be especially tricky to cash, but if you have one in your area, MoneyTree or Check Into Cash will both accept cashier’s checks. I hope you can get this resolved soon!
Hello, I have a cashiers’ check from BMO Harris Bank; I would love to cash it at their bank for no fees but I’m not to sure who partners with BMO Harris Bank other than the actual bank which is located in Arizona. Do you know which bank partners with BMO Harris Bank? If not, it’s fine I’ll just go to a Walmart or so the amount of the check is $4600.00.
Hi Julie,
BMO Harris actually has locations in a number of states, including Illinois, Indiana, Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, Florida, and Wisconsin. You can visit the location finder here if you’re in any of those states and would like to see if there’s one nearby. If you’re not in any of those states, you’ll have to try another one of the options on our list. For a check in that amount, I would recommend calling ahead anywhere you’re planning to cash it, just to make sure that the funds are on hand. I hope this helps!
Thanks for the try. That is a discussion of 2008, not so relevant, and rules here have changed entirely.
You said you have experience in US banking, can you please tell me is there any bank in US that would allow me to open an account there remotely? Is it possible? There are plenty of banks in the US, even any small bank would do. Please do let me know if it is possible to open an account in the US while sitting here. Some online sort of banking. Thanks.
Hi Ali,
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer as to whether you can open a US bank account remotely. Depending on what forms of identification you have (like a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, social security number, passport, state ID, or no US identification at all), you may be able to open an account online, although the best chance for success will be if you can visit a branch in person for a bank that also has US locations. I wasn’t able to find any information specifically about this process for someone in Pakistan, but other people who have opened a US bank account from other countries have been able to do so with banks including Barclays, HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. There are thousands of banks and credit unions in the US, so it’s impossible to give a comprehensive statement about banking policies in this situation — but in all likelihood it will be very, very difficult to open a bank account remotely because of strict anti-money laundering laws and proof of identity requirements among American banks. To get more specific information that’s applicable to your situation, I recommend visiting a major bank near you and asking if there’s anything that bank would be able to do to assist you.
I am from Pakistan, and I have received my refund of $15,000. Banks here are so dumb, they keep telling me they will send the check to IRS for verification and IRS will give me money.
I am helpless, how can I get it cashed from Pakistan?
Hi Ali,
I’m afraid I don’t quite understand the situation. Is the check from Pakistan and you need to cash it in the U.S., or is it an American check from the IRS and you need to cash it in Pakistan? I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction with some more information.
The second part is correct. It is an American check from the IRS and I need to cash it in Pakistan.
Can I please have your email for quicker response?
Hi Ali,
Unfortunately, my experience is entirely with American banking and finance, so I’m not able to offer much specific information about cashing a check in Pakistan. I did find a forum post where someone had a similar problem — hopefully an answer in that thread can offer you some useful information. Sorry that I couldn’t be of more help, and best of luck!
were can I cash a cashier’s of $2,550 am here in Watonga OK
Hi Rose,
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anywhere on our list that has a location close to your town. The nearest place I could find was a Chase branch in Yukon, OK. (Here are the Chase locations nearest your zip code.) If that’s not an option for you, you may be able to ask around at a smaller local store, bank, or credit union if one of them will cash your cashier’s check. Sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
Wal-Mart does not honor what is posted on their website. I’ve been to 4 Wal-Mart’s and have been told by ALL of them that they do not cash cashier’s checks and their limit is $2,000.00 and I do not live in NJ, NY or RI which their website says are the only states in which their published guidelines do not apply.
Hi Tanya,
Sorry to hear about all the trouble you’ve had with Walmart check cashing! It’s unfortunate that there’s so much inconsistency with the policies. I’ve gone ahead and updated the article so other readers can have a forewarning in case they run into a similar situation. Thanks for letting us know!
Hi I have a check made out to my business name (an LLC) but don’t have a bank account yet for the business. Where can I cash the check?
Hi Hillary (awesome name!),
Your bank may allow you to cash the check made out to your business, particularly if you have documentation such as an invoice with your name on it along with the business name. Technically, you aren’t allowed to cash the check anywhere. But others in similar situations have reported that some banks may be willing to work with you on a one-time basis. Additionally, if you don’t cash it but try to deposit it in your bank account, you may have an easier time of it because the bank will be able to hold the funds until they clear. The higher the amount of the check, the harder this will be to do. It’s unlikely that a non-bank would be willing to cash it, because they don’t know you like your bank does and it could turn into a pretty serious legal issue for them. The easiest thing to do may be to simply open a business bank account — it likely won’t cost very much and it could save you a lot of additional time and trouble.
Hi I have a 6 month old income tax check (2015), I dont have a bank account (I have some issues with bank of america). Where can I go and what do I need cash it? Thank you
Hi Paulina,
Unless the expiration date on the face of the check has passed, you should be able to go anywhere that cashes government checks (Kmart, Kroger, some 7-Elevens, Food Lion, among many others — many grocery stores will cash government checks). Treasury checks are normally good for one year after issue. Most places will require at least a government-issued photo ID, and some places also require a social security number. If the check has expired, you can ask the government to recut the check. Here’s a US Treasury website with more information about expired checks.
I was told by a Wells Fargo Customer Service Representative that unless I have an account they don’t cash personal checks that are drawn from a different bank, same for third-party checks. I tried calling First National Bank as well and they told me the same thing. It really puts me in a bind because I have a personal check drawn from a local bank in Michigan that’s written to me, and a third party check written to me from my step son’s father and it’s a payroll check. I don’t have a bank account since I’ve been using a pre-paid debit card for many years and never needed a bank account.
Hi Manny,
We apologize for any confusion the Wells Fargo reference has caused you. The information is currently being reexamined. However, this post should help you out quite a bit.
I have a check for $38 thousand from american funds their bank is wells fargo can I cash it there with no bank account?
Hi Rocky,
As stated in the article, you can indeed cash a check at Wells Fargo without an account. The charge for doing so is $7.50. But it’s a good thing you asked because, as odd as it sounds, many banks don’t keep $40,000 ready to hand out to people. Wells Fargo will need what’s called an advanced notice. They need to see the check to get the process underway. So take them the check, they will create an advanced notice and you will get your funds soon after. So it’s not an easy process but yes, they will cash your American Funds check even if you don’t have an account.
A person from Craig’slist would like to buy my product and said if I sell it to them and take the ad down then they will give me an extra $50. She/He said they will ship me a certified check from the local bank and then when it clears they will pick the item up. Does this sound like a scam? And I’m only 16 and do not have a bank account nor ID. So could I still cash it authentically ?
Hi Kenneth,
I’m not one to cry wolf unnecessarily but yes, this is a scam. I’ve had someone try to pull this on me personally and so have many others. Check out this post to see about 20 other people citing the same type of scam. When dealing with strangers, it’s best to go with cash or PayPal. Certified checks do work (so does waiting until the check clears to hand over the item) but it can be a hassle. But yes, scammmmmmmy.
Yes it does, be careful!