Bank customers can easily cash a personal check for free. But, if you don’t hold a bank account, you’ll want to head to the bank where the check was drawn. Alternatively, retail stores like Albertsons and check cashing stores like Check Into Cash offer check cashing services, and Kmart stores in many states offer free check cashing. Each bank or store has its own fees, limits, and requirements for check services, so keep those in mind — and don’t forget to bring your government-issued photo ID for verification. Below, we have the list of over 30 places where you can cash a personal check, including banks, check cashing stores, grocery stores, and retail stores.

Where Can You Cash a Personal Check for Free?

Free check cashing is always available at your bank, even if your bank didn’t issue the check. Plus, some banks, including Citibank and Capital One, afford everyone — not just customers — free check cashing if the check is drawn on their bank.

You can also go to a Kmart store in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Peurto Rico, and Guam to cash a check free of charge. Reference Kmart’s list of stores with cash checking services to find a store near you that cashes checks.

Reference Table: Places That Cash Personal Checks

You can use the table below for a quick comparison of the check cashing fees at the places that cash personal checks. Then, click any business or scroll for more information.

Business Type Check Cashing Fees
Bank of America Bank Free for account holders and checks under $50; $8 otherwise
Bank of the West Bank Free for account holders, those under 18, government checks, and checks under $50; $7.50 otherwise
BB&T Bank Free for account holders and checks under $50; $8 otherwise
BMO Harris Bank Free for account holders and checks under $50; $10 otherwise
Capital One Bank Free for account holders, checks drawn on the bank; $7 otherwise
Chartway Federal Credit Union Credit Union Free for account holders; $3 or 2% of the check amount otherwise
Chase Bank Bank Free for account holders; $8 otherwise
Citibank Bank Free for account holders and checks drawn on the bank
Citizens Bank Bank Free for account holders; $6 otherwise
Connexus Credit Union Credit Union Free for account holders and checks drawn on the credit union
Fifth Third Bank Bank Free for checks under $50; 1% for checks from a Fifth Third account; 2% for payroll and government checks; 4% for personal checks
First National Bank Bank Free for account holders; $10 otherwise
HSBC Bank None
KeyBank Bank Free account holders 1% of the check amount for non-customers
M&T Bank Bank Free for account holders; 3% of the check amount for non-customers
PNC Bank Bank Free for account holders and checks drawn on the bank
Regions Bank Bank Free for account holders; 1% to 4% of the check amount for non-customers
SunTrust Bank Bank Free for account holders and checks under $50; $7 otherwise
TCF Bank Bank Free for account holders; 1% to 3% of the check amount otherwise
TD Bank Bank Free for account holders and checks drawn on the bank; $7 otherwise
U.S. Bank Bank Free for account holders; $7otherwise
Alliant Credit Union Bank Free for account holders; $7.50 otherwise
ACE Cash Express Check cashing store Starting at 3% of the check amount
Check Into Cash Check cashing store Vary by location
Community Choice Financial Check cashing store Vary by location
Friendly Check Cashing Check cashing store 10% of the check amount
Money Mart Check cashing store Starting at $3 plus 3% of the check amount
PLS Check Cashing Check cashing store $1 plus 1% of the check amount
The Check Cashing Store Check cashing store Starting at 3% of the check amount
USA Check Cashing Store Check cashing store 3% to 10% of the check amount
Check 'n Go Check cashing store Typically around 5.99% of the check amount
Albertsons Grocery store Typically $3 to $6
Food Lion Grocery store Vary by location
Giant Eagle Grocery store Vary by location
Kmart Retail store $1 in most states; $0.50 in RI and IL
Publix Grocery store Typically $3 to $6

The List of Places That Cash Personal Checks

Note: For all of the places listed below, you must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. See our related research for more information on how to cash a check.

Banks That Cash Checks for Non-Customers

While you can cash any check at a bank where you have an account, your options are limited if you don’t have a bank account or can’t get to your bank. If you’re not a bank customer, you can usually only cash a check at the bank that issued the check. For example, if someone hands you a check that’s drawn on their Bank of America account, you can take the check to any Bank of America branch to cash it, even if you don’t have an account there. All you need to do is:

  1. Explain that you’re cashing a check issued by the bank. The bank will be able to verify the account it came from because the institution has access to the account and can establish that the check will not bounce.
  2. Show identification (often two forms).
  3. You may be required to pay a fee in order to cash your check. Many banks will cash your check for free if the check is drawn on one of their accounts, but not all offer this service free of charge. Most check cashing fees do not exceed $8.

If you can’t make it to your bank or the check’s issuing bank, the following will cash a personal check for free or for a small fee: 

Bank of America

Bank of the West

  • Non-customer fee: Free if your check is under $50; if the check is greater than $50, there is a $7.50 fee
    • This fee is waived if you are under 18, cashing a Bank of the West cashier’s check, or cashing a check from a government agency with a Bank of the West deposit account.[2]
  • Find a Bank of the West

BB&T

  • Non-customer fee: No fee for checks under $50; if the check amount is greater than $50, the fee is $8[3]
  • Find a BB&T

BMO Harris

Capital One

Chartway Federal Credit Union

  • Non-customer fee: $3 or 2% of the total check amount, whichever is greater[6]
  • Find a Chartway

Chase Bank

See more in our article on Chase Bank’s check cashing policy.

Citibank

Find out more in our article about Citibank’s check cashing policies.

Citizens Bank

Connexus Credit Union

Fifth Third Bank

  • Non-customer fee: Free for checks under $20; 1% if the check is from a Fifth Third account, with a $25 maximum fee; 2% fee if cashing a payroll or government check; 4% fee for cashing personal checks[11]
  • Find a Fifth Third Bank

First National Bank

HSBC

KeyBank

M&T Bank

PNC Bank

Regions Bank

  • Non-customer fee: No fee for checks under $10 drawn on a Regions Bank account. Otherwise, a fee of 1% to 4% of the total check amount (minimum $5), depending on check type applies[17]
    • Note: You must have a free Regions Now card in order to cash checks at Regions Bank.[18]
  • Find a Regions Bank

SunTrust Bank

TCF Bank

TD Bank

U.S. Bank

Wells Fargo

See more in our article on the Wells Fargo check cashing policy.

Check Cashing Stores

Check cashing stores will cash most types of checks, including personal checks. However, check cashing stores often charge both a flat fee and a percentage of the total amount of the check to cover the risk associated with cashing a personal check. Because they charge the highest fees, check cashing stores should be a last resort. Fees are usually the maximum allowed by state law, so they vary even within the same check cashing company. Call ahead to determine the fees you can expect to pay.

ACE Cash Express

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, insurance checks, government checks, and money orders[24]
  • Fees: Starting at 3% of the check amount; vary by location and check type[24]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
  • Find an ACE Cash Express

Check Into Cash

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, cashier’s checks, and more[25]
  • Fees: Vary by location; to find out the fees at your nearest Check Into Cash location, go to the Rates and Terms page and select “Store Fee Schedule.”[26]
  • Open on Sunday? No. Typical store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  • Find a Check Into Cash

Community Choice Financial

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, out-of-state checks, payroll checks, student loan checks, cashier’s checks, and more[27]
  • Fees: Vary by location and check type[27]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Community Choice Financial

Friendly Check Cashing

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, tax refunds, checks made payable to a company, government checks, and more[28]
  • Fees: 10% of the check amount[28]
  • Open on Sunday? No. Typical hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
  • Find a Friendly Check Cashing (North Carolina)

Money Mart

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, government checks, small business checks, money orders, payroll checks, and insurance checks[29]
  • Fees: Starts at $3, plus 3% of the check amount, but will vary based on your location and check type[29]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Money Mart

PLS Check Cashing

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, out-of-state checks, and more[30]
  • Fees: As low as 1% of the check amount, plus $1[30]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open 24/7.
  • Find a PLS Check Cashing

The Check Cashing Store

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, small business checks, personal checks, insurance checks, and money orders[31]
  • Fees: Starts at 3% of the check amount ($3 minimum), but will vary based on location and check type[31]
  • Open on Sunday? Hours vary, but most stores are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Check Cashing Store (Florida)

USA Check Cashing Store

  • Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, insurance checks, settlement checks, government checks, cashier’s checks, and more. The website does not specifically list personal checks as a type it will cash; however, the site states: “Our team is specially trained and committed to cashing all checks, no matter how big or how small the check amount is.”[32]
  • Fees: 3% to 10% based on check type, amount, and location[32]
  • Open on Sunday? No
  • Find a USA Check Cashing Store (California)

Check ‘n GO

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, business checks, insurance checks, government checks, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Check ‘n Go does not cash traveler’s checks.[33]
  • Fees: Variable, but typically around 5.99% of the check amount[33]
  • Open on Sunday? No
  • Find a Check ‘n Go

See our article about Check ‘n Go’s personal check cashing policy.

For even more options, see our list of check cashing stores that cash personal checks.

Grocery, Convenience, and Retail Stores

There aren’t many grocery, convenience, or retail stores that will cash personal checks because these locations have no way to confirm that funds are available to cover the amount of the check. And most stores have upper limits on the amount of the check, meaning they won’t cash large checks.

Albertsons

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks[34]
  • Personal check limit: Usually $250; individual stores may set their own limits[34]
  • Fees: Vary by location; expect to pay between $3 and $6[34]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
  • Find an Albertsons

See more in our article on Albertsons check cashing policies.

Food Lion

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, rebate checks, and tax refunds[35]
  • Personal check limit: $50[35]
  • Fees: Vary by location[35]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
  • Find a Food Lion

Find out more in our article about Food Lion’s check cashing policies.

Giant Eagle

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, and traveler’s checks up to $100; personal checks must be endorsed in the presence of an authorized Giant Eagle employee[36]
    • Note: You must either apply for or have a Giant Eagle Advantage Card[37] to be able to cash a check.
  • Personal check limit: $30[36]
  • Fees: Varies by store and check type and amount; no fee for child support checks[36]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week.
  • Find a Giant Eagle

See more in our article on Giant Eagle’s check cashing policies.

Kmart

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, government checks, payroll checks[38]
  • Personal check limit: $500[38]
  • Fees: Free in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Peurto Rico, and Guam; 50 cents in Rhode Island and Illinois; $1 everywhere else[38]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, though hours vary
  • Find a Kmart

Publix

  • Types of checks cashed: Personal checks, payroll checks[39]
  • Personal check limits: $75, once a day[39]
  • Fees: $3 to $6 depending on check type and amount[39]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes
  • Find a Publix

See more in our article on the Publix check cashing policies.

Places That Don’t Cash Personal Checks But Cash Other Types of Checks

The following places don’t cash personal checks but do cash other types of checks:

Country Mart

  • Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks[40]
  • Fees: 2% of the total amount of the check, 1% of which is automatically given back to you as store credit[40]
  • Open on Sundays? Yes, but hours vary by store
  • Find a Country Mart

Hannaford

  • Types of checks cashed: Government checks, payroll checks, and pension checks.[41]
    • Note: You must complete an application with proper identification at a Hannaford store to be able to cash checks. It takes up to five business days for the application to be approved.[41]
  • Fees: Vary by store and check amount[41]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Hannaford

Kroger

Note: Kroger brands include Baker’s Supermarkets, City Market, Dillons Supermarkets, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fry’s Food & Drug, Gerbes Super Markets, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen’s Pay Less Super Markets, QFC, Ralphs, Roundy’s, Ruler Foods, Scott’s, and Smith’s.

  • Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government checks (such as social security, welfare, and disability), tax refunds, insurance settlement checks, and printed business checks (such as rebate checks or refund checks) up to $5,000[42]
  • Fees: $3.50 for checks $2,000 and under; $6 for checks $2,000.01 to $5,000.[42]
    •  If you have a Kroger Plus Card, it costs $3 for checks $2,000 and under and $5.50 for checks $2,000.01 to $5,000. Sign up for a Kroger Plus Card online or at the customer service desk in-store.
  • Open on Sunday? Yes
  • Find a Kroger

See more in our article explaining Kroger’s check cashing policy.

Market Basket

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll checks[43]
  • Fees: 1.25% of the amount of the check; may vary by location[44]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Market Basket

Meijer

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll checks up to $1,000 and government checks up to $1,999.99. Checks must not be dated more than 30 days prior.[45]
  • Fees: $3 to $5; may vary by store[45]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Meijer

Safeway

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll and government checks[46]
  • Fees: $2.25 for every $200; may vary by location as individual stores can set their own fees[46]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes. Typical store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
  • Find a Safeway

See more in our article on Safeway’s check cashing policies.

Shaw’s

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll checks and government checks up to $1,500[47]
  • Fees: Vary by store and check amount[47]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most locations are open on Sundays.
  • Find a Shaw’s

See more in our article on Shaw’s check cashing policy.

Walmart

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, cashier’s checks, insurance settlement checks, 401(k) checks, retirement distribution checks, and MoneyGram money orders that were purchased at Walmart.[48]
  • Fees: $3 for checks up to and including $1,000; $6 for checks $1,000 to $5,000[48]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open on Sundays
  • Find a Walmart

See more in our article about Walmart’s check cashing policies.

WinCo

  • Other types of checks cashed: Payroll checks[49]
    • Note: WinCo will need to verify your employment by phone before cashing the check.
  • Fees: $5 token fee for checks up to $500, $10 token fee for checks above $500. These token fee amounts can then be used toward in-store purchases.[49]
  • Open on Sunday? Yes, most stores are open on Sundays.
  • Find a WinCo

Places That Do Not Cash Checks of Any Kind

In the course of our research and communications with stores, we found that the following places do not offer check cashing services:

One Final Option: Endorse It to Someone Else

A final option, if none of the check cashing places above suits your needs, is to endorse the check to someone else. If you have a friend or family member with an account at an easily accessible bank, you can sign a check over to them. Then, they can cash it and give you the money. This is called a third-party check.

On the back of the check write: “Pay to the order of: [the person’s name].” Endorse the check (sign it) on the next line. Give it your friend to cash.

Beware: It can be difficult to find a place that will cash a third-party check, and some banks won’t even let a customer deposit a third-party check. Before you pursue this option, you may want to check out our related article about how and where you can cash a third-party check.

In Summary

Places that cash personal checks are out there. If you need to cash a personal check, there are many businesses that will do it, including some banks, check cashing stores, and retail stores. To cash a personal check for free, head to your bank, or a Kmart store (in specific states). You can also try the bank on which the check is drawn, though you may encounter a fee for non-customers. Check cashing stores will process a personal check, but keep in mind that this is often the most expensive option; the store will keep a fee, typically percentage of the total check amount. If you are unable to find a store in your area with fees and limits that work for you, you can endorse the check to a friend or family member and ask them to cash it and give you the cash.

  1. https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/resources/personal-schedule-fees.go[]
  2. https://www.bankofthewest.com/-/media/pdf/deposits/disclosure-california.pdf[]
  3. https://www.bbt.com/customer-service/understand-fees.page[]
  4. https://www.bmoharris.com/vgn/disclosure/reg_dd.pdf[]
  5. Capital One customer service (877) 383-4802[]
  6. https://www.chartway.com/connect/member-help.html[]
  7. Chase Bank customer service (800) 935-9935[]
  8. Citibank customer service (800) 374-9700[]
  9. Citizens Bank customer service (800) 922-9999[]
  10. https://www.connexuscu.org/faq-items/are-there-any-kinds-of-checks-not-allowed-government-issue-cashiers-check-etc/[]
  11. https://www.53.com/content/dam/fifth-third/docs/legal/checking_pew_disclosures.pdf[]
  12. First National Bank customer service (800) 555-5455[]
  13. HSBC customer service (800) 975-4722[]
  14. https://www.key.com/pdf/CheckCashFlyer_CNY.pdf[]
  15. M&T Bank customer service (800) 724-2440[]
  16. https://www.pnc.com/content/dam/pnc-com/pdf/personal/Checking/service-charges-standard-checking-A.pdf[]
  17. https://www.regions.com/personal_banking/now_banking_check_cashing.rf[]
  18. https://www.regions.com/personal-banking/debit-gift-cards/now-card[]
  19. https://www.suntrust.com/personal-banking/EverydayBanking/MoneyServices/CheckCashing[]
  20. https://www.tcfbank.com/personal/prepaid-and-cash-services/check-cashing[]
  21. http://www.tdbank.com/tdhelps/default.aspx/is-there-a-check-cashing-fee-for-non-account-holders/v/39299663/[]
  22. U.S. Bank customer service (800) 862-2657[]
  23. Wells Fargo customer service (800) 869-3557[]
  24. https://www.acecashexpress.com/check-cashing[][]
  25. https://checkintocash.com/store-services/check-cashing/[]
  26. https://checkintocash.com/payday-loan-information-by-state/[]
  27. https://www.ccfi.com/services/[][]
  28. http://www.friendlycheck.com/check-cashing.html[][]
  29. https://www.moneymart.com/check-cashing[][]
  30. http://pls247.com/nc/money/check-cashing.html[][]
  31. https://www.thecheckcashingstore.com/check-cashing[][]
  32. https://www.usacheckcashingstore.com/check-cashing[][]
  33. https://www.checkngo.com/loan-services/check-cashing/[][]
  34. Albertsons customer service (877) 276-9637[][][]
  35. https://www.foodlion.com/customer-service/policies-and-guarantees/[][][]
  36. https://www.gianteagle.com/About/Policies/[][][]
  37. https://www.gianteagle.com/Save/Giant-Eagle-Advantage-Card/[]
  38. http://www.kmart.com/en_us/dap/moneyhub/check-cashing.html[][][]
  39. Publix customer service representative[][][]
  40. Country Mart customer service representative[][]
  41. https://www.hannaford.com/catalog/search.cmd[][][]
  42. https://www.moneyservices.com/check-cashing/[][]
  43. https://www.marketbasketfoods.com/departments/courtesy-services/[]
  44. Market Basket customer service representative[]
  45. https://help.meijer.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/128/kw/Do%20you%20cash%20payroll%20checks[][]
  46. Safeway customer service (877) 258-2799[][]
  47. Shaw’s customer service representative[][]
  48. http://help.walmart.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/89/~/in-store-check-cashing[][]
  49. https://www.wincofoods.com/customer-service/faqs/##payrollchecks[][]

This Season

52 comments


  • Jasmine

    Hi. Where can I cash a business check?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Jasmine,

      This FQF article on places that cash payroll checks should be able to help you out. You can also take a look at another FQF article, “Check Cashing Places Near Me,” to help you find a location that’s convenient in your area. (The majority of places that cash payroll checks will also cash other types of checks printed by a business — but it’s always worth giving the store you plan to visit a quick call to confirm that you won’t run into any problems with your particular check.) I hope this helps!

  • tyrone nelson

    can i cash a cashier’s check at walmart

  • Christy Foerster

    I have a refund check from Fordham university, 1880.00, will ace check cashing except it and what is the process?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Christy,

      ACE Cash Express should be able to cash the check for you without a problem. The ACE website states that its stores can cash checks in any amount (subject to approval). To get started, visit the ACE Cash Express store finder to locate an ACE that’s close to you. If you want to be on the safe side, you could give the store a call ahead of time to ensure that there won’t be a problem cashing your particular check. Then you just bring in your check along with a valid photo ID and let the employee at the desk know you have a check to cash. Keep in mind that there will be a fee associated with check cashing at ACE; the fees are generally posted in store, or you can ask the employee about how much it will cost to cash your check. I hope this helps!

  • Donald Goodrich

    Thanks for the great information! I have looked many times and had many long days trying to find places to cash checks, without any luck. Your info seems to be very accurate! One note, Wells Fargo ( at least here in California) would not cash a Money Order with their name on it.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Donald,

      I’m glad to hear that you found the article helpful! Thanks for letting us know about the Wells Fargo money orders — it seems that this policy may vary by the particular branch, so it is hard to say anything too definitive. (If you are looking for somewhere else to cash a money order, we list some options in another article.) Happy holidays!

  • Stephanie

    I wrote a check out to be cashed at a check cashing place for 1,000$ will I get a call to verify the check? The amount or the fund? The money is in the account though.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Stephanie,

      In many cases, the check cashing store will call the person who wrote a personal check to verify that it’s being cashed legitimately, and they may also call the bank to verify that the funds are available. The verification process does vary from one check cashing store to another, but it’s very possible that you’ll receive a call when the payee goes to cash the check.

  • Ian M

    HELLO,

    WHERE can I deposit or preferably cash in California, a $1200 THIRD PARTY check, signed over to me from a former tenant, who just moved out of state 2 day ago. The check originally is from “BNY Mellon” (Fidelity Brokerage Service) and is definitely legitimate. It is just extremely hard to find ANYWHERE at all, as I do not currently have a bank account open. (besides Paypal)

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Ian,

      If you have access to a branch of BNY Mellon (you can check on the company’s locations list — there are numerous branches in California), that will likely be the least expensive option for cashing the check. Otherwise, a check cashing store should fit the bill. Our article on where to cash a third party check provides numerous check cashing places that should accept your check. Although fees are generally high at check cashing stores, this may be the only other option, since third party checks are notoriously difficult to cash. Keep in mind that the check must be correctly endorsed by all parties to be accepted anywhere. I hope this helps!

  • Stevie

    Publix will cash a personal check made out to Publix up to $76.00 (you will get back $75) and you will be charged $1 for the convenience. However, if you’ve ever bounced a check at any other establishment in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, SC or NC, they will not cash your check. Your driver’s license is required and the license number is run through a National Check Cashing company to verify your track record of bounced checks. Checks are cashed at the Service Desk and require a VALID driver’s license.

  • Echo

    I have an insurance check to a friend of mine cause he was the policy holder but he signed it over to me so I can cash it cash he drives truck. I guess that would be a third party check. Both our banks said no even though we have accounts there any other ideas??

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Echo,

      Unfortunately, the majority of grocery stores, check cashing places, and retailers that cash checks are less likely to accept third party checks because of the higher risk of fraud. You may be able to try one of the check cashing places on our list, but the fees will likely be higher than they would be at a bank. Money Mart and Speedy Cash are two places that are known to cash third party checks. The bank that issued the check is another option worth trying. I would recommend calling any of these places ahead of time before making the drive, just to save yourself some time and gas money. You can take a look at our article about where to cash a third party check for additional suggestions. I hope this helps and best of luck!

  • Jackeline Tapia

    Where can I cash a check of PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY? it’s less then 2,000

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Jackeline,

      If you have a Ralph’s, Dillons, Fry’s Foods, King Soopers, or Walmart location near you, these are all chains that are known to cash insurance checks. You can use the location finders provided in the article for any of these stores to help you find the most convenient location. Once you’ve found a local store, we do recommend calling ahead to verify that the store will cash a check in the appropriate amount. I hope this helps!

  • Tyler

    Does Target cash personal, handwritten, checks?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Tyler,

      Unfortunately, Target does not cash checks of any kind (personal or otherwise).

      The article has been updated to reflect this information.

  • April villanueva

    Hi I have a personal check written from my mom, I don’t have a bank account and her bank isn’t in my area, am I still eligible to go to a chase bank and still cash it?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi April,

      Unfortunately, Chase will not cash a personal check unless either you’re an account holder, or the check is drawn on a Chase account. The best bet for cashing your check will probably be a retailer, such as Kmart or Publix.

  • dj

    I have a personal check from a girlfriend, I want to cash it , where do I go?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi DJ,

      As long as it’s a standard personal check, you can visit any of the stores in our post to have your check cashed. There are location finders listed for each store, so you can find a location that’s convenient for you.

  • John Dennis

    Where can i cash a personl check and its my check but im wirting it to my self where can i cash it

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary Miller

      Hi John,

      In most cases, you can cash a check to yourself anywhere you would cash any other personal check. Just put your own name in the “Pay to the order of” field and deposit it as you would normally. I hope this helps!

  • Roxanne

    Great artical with a lot of useful information. Thank you for taking the time to compose it.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      You’re very welcome!

      • CIndy

        I was given a personal check from a friend for $200.00. I was going to take it to like a Kmart to cash it but I am worried she wrote me a bad check. What if it is a bad check and I go and try to cash it? That will fall back on her wont it?

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

          Hi Cindy,

          It’s not recommended to cash checks that you think may bounce, because you will likely be liable for penalty fees. The best bet is to call or visit the bank that issued the check. Some banks are willing to verify if the funds are currently available in the account. If they are available, you can cash the check immediately, and if you do this while you’re at the issuing bank, you’ll be certain that you won’t have any problems. Otherwise, if you do cash the check and it’s not good, it can take weeks to be notified (in which time you’ve probably spent the money that you now owe). If it’s not possible to visit the issuing bank, or if the bank will not verify the funds, it may be best to ask your friend for cash instead of a check. Best of luck!

  • Derrick

    I have a cashier’s check for 6,320. where can I cash it without going into a bank and make a account. it’s from a car sale that I haven’t completed yet. since I haven’t cashed the check. I’m in Clarksdale Ms

  • alan torres

    i have a check but its from a contractor that i work for, however when he pays us weekly they are handwritten but not a personal check. its a lot bigger than a personal check but the accoint number is to his business account. would that be considered a personal or payroll?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Alan,

      That would be a handwritten payroll check.

  • joseph hock

    the wellsfargo check is under the amount of 760usd

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Joseph,

      Any of the stores on this list will cash a personal check from Wells Fargo. Though Kmart will not cash your particular check though because the amount is too great. If you have a follow-up question, just let me know!

  • joseph hock

    which of the store or check cashing center can cash wellsfargo made to me from a friend of mine .

  • Paul

    I need to cash a tax return check and live in Mexico. It’s just under 2500 usd and Houston and sandiego walmarts denied my check. Also a few check cash places denied as well. It’s a current check even checked with irs to see if it’s still valid. It’s is! Can I cash at us bank or Bank of America eat without a bank account

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Paul,

      Yes, you should be able to cash the check at US Bank or Bank of America without an account. However, it’s odd your check keeps getting denied. Has any place told you why the check was denied?

  • Emily

    Where can I cash a personal check written to me from someone else for 500$ I don’t have a bank account

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      711,

      Hi Emily,

      The following are the places where you can definitely cash a $500 personal check. Other stores may cash it but I haven’t included them in the following list if they don’t have published their specific maximum dollar amount the store will cash. You can cash your $500 check at 7-Eleven (but it must have a Vcom machine inside), Walmart (likely your most convenient option), Wegman’s and WinCo.

      Let me know if you have any further questions!

  • Jenni Schlicht

    They wouldn’t cash my 401k check!! NOT HAPPY

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Jenni,

      I’m sorry for your frustration. I assume your frustration is that Walmart wouldn’t cash your 401(k) check. The only situations where this should occur is if it was greater than $5,000 or if it was handwritten. If neither of these are true, what else can you tell me about your situation so I could be of better assistance?

      • Dwight

        Just had an issue with walmart refusing to cash a printed $1500 payroll check. I was told it was because I hadn’t cashed a check there before. When I asked to speak to a manager I was denied.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

          Hi Dwight,

          I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you had cashing your check at Walmart — that sounds extremely frustrating! Unfortunately, that’s not the first report we’ve heard that Walmart doesn’t always follow the policies published on the company website. I’ve gone ahead and made a note in this article to alert readers of this possibility, in case anyone else runs into a similar situation. To help you find somewhere else to cash the check, we do have an article with a list of places that cash payroll checks. I hope you’re able to find somewhere else to cash your check!

  • Sabra

    Walmart refused to cash a $3500 retirement check.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Sabra,

      Walmart does cash retirement checks and $3500 is within Walmart’s store cashing limits. There are certain reasons why Walmart won’t cash a check such as if it’s handwritten, multiple payee, posted-dated, third party or made out to cash. You can read more about Walmart’s check cashing policy here: http://firstquarterfinance.com/walmart-personal-check-policy/ What did they say was their reason for not cashing it?

      • jarred

        Walmart rufused to cash lotto check,where can I get it cashed?

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

          Hi Jarred,

          Your lottery check should just be a personal check. If that’s indeed the case, anywhere on this list will cash it for you. Walmart should have cashed it – the only hangup would be if it is handwritten (unlikely) or if it exceeded their maximum cashing amount ($5,000 normally and $7,500 between January and April). What did Walmart say after you attempted to cash it?

        • mike

          I cashed my 5,000 lotto check at Walmart with no problems

  • Beth Burnett

    Wal-Mart does not cash personal handwritten checks.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | William Lipovsky

      Hi Beth,

      You’re right. I should’ve specified. Walmart doesn’t cash handwritten payroll checks either. No handwritten checks can be cashed at Walmart. I’ve updated the post to include this information (as found on Walmart’s website). Thanks for bringing attention to the matter. It will help others.

  • Nita

    Whoa! This is great information.