William LipovskyYou can cash a two-party check at banks and credit unions, many check cashing stores, and some grocery stores. Checks that are made out to two parties can be a bit trickier to cash than those made out to just one person. Below, we explain how to cash two-party checks, including guidelines for how to endorse them and whether both parties need to go to the store to cash it together. Also, we list of businesses where you can cash a two-party check, plus the fees and limits at each.
Table of Contents
What Is a Two-Party Check?
A two-party check, for the purposes of this article, is a check written with two individuals in the “Pay To” line. For instance, if you get married, guests might write a check to both spouses. A two-party check can be written to “person A and person B” or to “person A or person B” — both are two-party checks, but the requirements for cashing them are a bit different.[1]
A two-party check is not the same as any of the following types of checks:
- Single-party check: Sometimes called a one-party check, this is when the writer and beneficiary are the same person. (For example, when you write a check to yourself.)
- First-party check: These are also sometimes called two-party checks. First-party checks are checks written to you (and only you) by someone else. There are many different kinds of first-party checks, such as personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, and more. Find out where to cash them in our article listing check cashing places near you.
- Third-party check: This is a check written to person A, but that has been endorsed and signed over to person B by person A. Find out about how to cash these checks in our article about how and where to cash a third-party check.
To figure out how to cash your two-party check, first look at whether it’s been written to person A and B or person A or B. This will determine whether one or both parties need to sign the check and be present when cashing or depositing it. Find more details (including the exact steps to follow) in our dedicated research on how to cash a two-party check.
Comparison Table
See the table below for a quick comparison of the limits and fees at the places that cash two-party checks, then click any business or scroll for more information.
| Store/Bank/etc | Type | Limits | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any where at least one payee has an account | Bank/credit union | None | None |
| Where the check was drawn on | Bank/credit union | None | $5 to $8 |
| Albertsons | Grocery | Up to $1,000 | Varies by location |
| Giant Food | Grocery | Varies by location and check type | Varies by location |
| Kroger | Grocery | Varies by location | $3 to $5 |
| Kmart | Grocery | $500 to $2,000, depending on check type | $0 to $1 |
| Publix | Grocery | Varies by location and check type | $1 for every $100 |
| Safeway | Grocery | $1,499 | $2.25 for every $200 |
| Stop & Shop | Grocery | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Walmart | Grocery | $5,000 | $6 maximum |
| ACE Cash Express | Check cashing store | Varies by location | 3% to 10% |
| The Check Cashing Store | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Check Into Cash | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Mr. Payroll | Check cashing store | Varies by location | 1% to 2% |
| Money Mart | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Moneytree | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Percentage plus transaction fee |
| Pay-O-Matic | Check cashing store | Varies by location | 2.01% |
| PLS Check Cashing | Check cashing store | Varies by location | 1% + $1 |
| Speedy Cash | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| United Check Cashing | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| USA Check Cashing Store | Check cashing store | Varies by location | Varies by location |
Where to Cash a Two-Party Check
Keep in mind that a two-party check can be a personal check (drawn on someone’s personal bank account), an insurance settlement check, a government check, a tax refund check (couples filing jointly receive a joint check), or another kind of check. You’ll need to head to a business that cashes two-party checks and cashes the type of check you have, so be sure you understand each business’s accepted check types. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for fees, which are high at check cashing stores, low at retail stores, and variable at banks.
Banks and Credit Unions
Any Bank or Credit Union Where at Least One Payee Has an Account
- Check amount limit: Typically none, though the bank/credit union may require you to deposit rather than cash the check, meaning not all the funds will be available immediately.
- Fees: Typically none
At the Bank of Credit Union Where the Check Was Drawn On
- Check amount limit: Typically none
- Fees: Usually, banks or credit unions charge a fee between $5 and $8 for non-customers cashing a check.
If you need to cash a two-party check during hours when the bank is closed, you can cash a check at many ATMs — even on Sundays. Additionally, if your bank offers mobile banking, you can scan the check with your smartphone or tablet to deposit it anytime.
Grocery Stores
To cash a check at a grocery store, you’ll need a valid ID (usually a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID). Some stores will require you to be a member of their shopper loyalty program or sign up for check cashing privileges. Stores always have a check amount limit, because they can only keep so much cash on hand. Even if your preferred store is listed below, it may be a good idea to call ahead to make sure it can cash your check. Not all stores’ check cashing policies are set at the corporate level, and at many chains, you’ll find different limits, fees, and even accepted check types depending on the location.
We’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options.
1. Walmart
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, tax rebate, insurance, 401(k), retirement distribution, cashier’s checks, and MoneyGram money orders purchased at Walmart[2]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[2]
- Limit: Usually up to $5,000, but some locations have a $2,000 limit[2]
- Fees: $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks over $1,000 up to $5,000[2]
- Find a Walmart
See more information in our article about Walmart’s two-party check cashing policy.
2. Kroger Family of Stores
Note: Kroger owns several other grocery store chains, and has standardized its money services policy at many of them. The same check cashing rules also apply to City Market, Fry’s, Owen’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Ralphs, Dillons, Pay Less Super Markets, Gerbes, Smith’s, and QFC.
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government checks, corporate checks, tax refund checks, and insurance checks[3]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID. You don’t have to have a Shopper’s Card, but you’ll get a discount on the check cashing fee if you do.[3]
- Limit: Usually $5,000, unless a store doesn’t have enough cash on hand[3]
- Fees: $3 for up to $2,000; and $5.50 for over $2,000 and up to $5,000. Expect to pay about 50 cents more per check if you don’t have a Shopper’s Card.[3]
- Find a Kroger store with money services (the search returns any Kroger family store near you, not just Kroger)
See our article for more details on Kroger’s check cashing policy.
3. Albertsons
- Types of checks cashed: Electronically signed checks (most government, insurance, some payroll, etc.). Policies are set by individual stores, so they may or may not cash two-party checks.[4]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[4]
- Limit: Up to $1,000[4]
- Fees: Vary by location[4]
- Find an Albertsons
Find out more in our article about Albertsons’ check cashing and money order policies.
4. Kmart
- Types of checks cashed: Government checks, tax refund checks, two-party checks, and payroll checks[5]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[5]
- Limit: Up to $2,000 for government, tax refund, and payroll checks; up to $500 for two-party checks[5]
- Fees: $0.50 in Illinois and Rhode Island; free in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Guam, and Washington; $ everywhere else[5]
- Find a Kmart with check cashing
5. Giant Food
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll and government[6]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID. You must apply for a Payroll and Business Check Cashing Card at your local Giant Food store.[6]
- Limit: Vary by location[6]
- Fees: Vary by location[6]
- Find a Giant Food
6. Stop & Shop
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll and government[7]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID. You must also apply for a Payroll and Business Check Cashing card at any Stop & Shop location.[7]
- Limit: Varies by location[7]
- Fees: Vary by location[7]
- Find a Stop & Shop
7. Safeway
- Types of checks cashed: Printed, non-personal checks including payroll, government, and tax refund. Policies are set by individual stores, so a store may or may not cash two-party checks.[8]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[8]
- Limit: Up to $1,499[8]
- Fees: $2.25 for every $200 cashed, though fees may vary by location[8]
- Find a Safeway
Our article explains everything you need to know about Safeway check cashing, gift card balances, and money orders.
8. Publix
- Types of checks cashed: Personal checks and payroll checks[9]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[9]
- Limit: Personal checks up to $75, payroll checks up to $500[9]
- Fees: $1 for every $100. Customers must provide valid photo identification.[9]
- Find a Publix
See more details in our article about the Publix money order and check cashing policy.
Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores, sometimes called payday loan stores, often cash most types of checks. However, these stores typically charge exorbitant fees so consider them only as a last resort. Most check cashing stores don’t list their fees on their website. You can call your intended location first to clarify how much it will cost to cash the type and amount of check you have.
As above, we’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options.
1. PLS Check Cashing
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, personal checks, government checks, and out-of-state checks[10]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[10]
- Limit: Determined on a case by case basis and may vary by location[10]
- Fees: Vary, but can be as low as 1% + $1.[10]
- Find a PLS Check Cashing
2. Mr. Payroll
- Types of checks cashed: Paychecks, government/tax refund checks, insurance checks, two-party checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and 401(k)[11]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[11]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location.[11]
- Fees: Vary by location; typically 1% to 2% of the check amount.[11]
- Find a Mr. Payroll
3. ACE Cash Express
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, personal checks, checks made payable to a company, income tax refund checks, government checks, insurance settlement checks, and money orders[12]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[12]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location[12]
- Fees: Depending on check type, between 3% and 10% of the check amount. Customers have to complete an application to cash a check.[12]
- Find an ACE Cash Express
4. Check Into Cash
- Types of checks cashed: Printed or handwritten payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, financial loan checks, insurance drafts or checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, two-party checks, and more[13]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[13]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location.[13]
- Fees: May vary by location. After cashing your first check, you’ll receive a preferred check-cashing card to use at Check Into Cash. There is a $2.00 enrollment card fee.[13]
- Find a Check Into Cash
5. Money Mart
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, small business, personal, insurance, and money orders[14]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[14]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location[14]
- Fees: Vary by location[14]
- Find a Money Mart
6. Moneytree
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, personal, tax checks, two-party, money orders, insurance drafts, cashier’s checks, business checks[15]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[15]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location[15]
- Fees: Vary; typically around 2% to 6%[15]
- Find a Money Tree
See our research for more on Moneytree’s check cashing fees.
7. Speedy Cash
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, insurance, benefit, unemployment, government, and several other types[16]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[16]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location[16]
- Fees: Vary by state; typically starting at $2[16]
- Find a Speedy Cash
8. United Check Cashing (Northeastern U.S.)
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government and benefits checks, insurance checks, business and commercial checks, tax refunds, and rebate checks[17]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[17]
- Limit: Limits are determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location.[17]
- Fees: Varies by state and check type.[17]
- Find a United Check Cashing
See our article for a summary of United Check Cashing’s fees.
9. USA Check Cashing Store (California)
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, tax refund checks, insurance checks, settlement checks, government checks, cashier’s checks, and many more[18]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[18]
- Limit: Limits are determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location.[18]
- Fees: USA Check Cashing charges a small percentage of the amount of the check. Rates are posted at all branches.[18]
- Find a USA Check Cashing Store
10. The Check Cashing Store (Florida)
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, small business, personal, insurance, and money orders[19]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[19]
- Limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location[19]
- Fees: Varies by location[19]
- Find a Check Cashing Store
11. Pay-O-Matic (New York State)
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government checks, insurance settlement checks, income tax, lawyers’ checks, and union checks. Pay-O-Matic does not cash personal checks.[20]
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID[20]
- Check amount limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary by location.[20]
- Fees: The check cashing rate is 2.01%. That means $2.01 for every $100.[20]
- Find a Pay-O-Matic
Businesses That Cash Checks, but Not Two-Party Checks
Food Lion
- Types of checks cashed: Single party personal checks, non-handwritten payroll checks, government checks, rebate checks, tax refund checks, U.S. Traveler’s Checks. No third party checks or two-party checks.[21]
- Find a Food Lion
See our article for more about Food Lion’s check cashing policy.
Giant Eagle
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks, government checks (but not tax refund checks), traveler’s checks, and personal checks (up to $30). No third party checks or two-party checks. You’ll need to sign up for a Giant Eagle Advantage Card at the customer service desk for access to check cashing services.[22]
- Find a Giant Eagle
Our related article has more details on Giant Eagle’s check cashing policy.
H-E-B Grocery
- Types of checks cashed: Personal, payroll, government, tax refund, insurance, and dividend checks; Western Union money orders purchased at H-E-B. No two-party checks or third-party checks.[23]
- Find an H-E-B
See more in our article on H-E-B’s check cashing policy.
Hannaford
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, and pension checks that are regular income (including Social Security and government weekly or biweekly payroll checks). No “one-time” checks such as insurance claims, tax refunds, money orders, cashier’s checks, handwritten payroll checks, or two-party checks.[24]
- Find a Hannaford
Price Chopper
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll only[25]
- Find a Price Chopper
Our article details what you need to know about Price Chopper check cashing.
Shaw’s
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll and government[26]
- Find a Shaw’s
See our article for more information on Shaw’s check cashing policy.
ShopRite
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll and government[27]
- Find a ShopRite
Find out more in our article about ShopRite’s check cashing and money order policies.
Tops Friendly Markets
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll and government only. No handwritten checks or two-party checks.[28]
- Find a Tops Friendly Markets
See our article to find out more about Tops check cashing hours.
WinCo Foods
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll checks; no handwritten checks or two-party checks.[29]
- Find a WinCo
Lindsey Desmet
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
Cathy Desmet
Ashley Derrington
Sonya Bateman
Erika Crawford
Loren Eaton
Joseph Cho
Kait Scirri
Hi I have an insurance check from progressive it will be written too me and Atlanta medical hospital could I cash this check on my own would my bank need a signature from Atlanta medical
Hi Marshall,
In most cases, you will need to endorse the check and hand it over to Atlanta Medical Hospital, who will use it to satisfy your bill.
Hi! I have a government two party check with both of our signatures on it. I tried to get it cashed at a bank but they will not do it without the other person present. The other person is in jail. So even though I have both signatures, I cannot get this cashed. Is there any place that will cash this with both signatures without the other person since they are in jail?
Hi Grace,
Both parties must be present to cash a two-party government check. However, you can deposit it at a bank where you have an account.
Hope this helps!
I tried to deposit my endorsed check and the bank told me the other person has to be present. I don’t understand
Hi Mel,
Although not common with check deposits, some banks require the other party to be present (and present a valid ID) when depositing the check.
I received a check from a class action lawsuit and it’s made out to me AND my ex-husband…. we split in 2009 & haven’t had any contact since then, how do I cash it?
I don’t have any issuer contact either….HELP!
Hi Karen,
Checks that are made out to two parties with an “and” between them are required to be endorsed by both of the named payees. Unfortunately, without a signature from your ex-husband, it will not be possible to cash your check; any bank or other place that offers check cashing will require the signatures of both parties. The only way to cash it would be to contact the issuer for a new check, or to contact the other payee for a signature. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
My aunt lives in Illinois and wrote me a personal check and I don’t have a bank account, where can I cash it with proper ID?
Hi Paula,
With proper identification, you should be able to visit anywhere on our list to cash the personal check. The bank that issued the check is an option, if you have a branch of it nearby (you don’t need to have an account there). Meijer, Walmart, and Publix all have many locations across the country and are good options for check cashing. You can use the location finders provided to help you find the store that’s most convenient to you. Best of luck!
I have a 2 party government check with “and” on it but can’t get the other person to sign. Is there anywhere I can go? Walmart did it once and now refuse to. It is under $500 and I don’t have a bank account.
Hi Joe,
Two-party “and” checks can be very difficult to cash even with both parties’ signatures, unless you have a joint bank account with the other payee. Unfortunately, it will probably be just about impossible to cash the check without a signature from the other person. For certain government-issued checks, you may be able to request a reissued check that’s made out to each party separately. You’d need to get in touch with the issuing agency about this option.
Where can I cash a multi party check without having the others present? They live out of the country and trying to cash out rent deposit return has been a nightmare. Thanks for the help
Hi Bobby,
If you have endorsements from everyone named on the check, either your bank or the bank that the check was written from might be the best bet. Some people in similar situations with rent deposit checks have deposited the check at an ATM, which sometimes works and sometimes causes more trouble down the line if the deposit gets flagged by the bank. If you don’t have endorsements from all the parties, or if it’s made out to you “and” the other person(/people), unfortunately, you may be out of luck until you can meet with them in person.
that is my problem right now. I got it endorse by the other two and deposited in my atm but the credit union called and said they cant cash it and sending it back. The other two roomates are out of the state. now what?!! arggg
HI Becky,
I wish I could give you better news on this, but most institutions require the other parties to be present and to present their IDs before they will deposit or cash the check.
Your list says Walmart cashes 2party checks, but those aren’t listed on their website. do they, or don’t they?
Hi Marla,
Walmart does indeed cash two party checks. This information was gained by calling Walmart corporate and getting the information from an internal-only document. It is unfortunate I cannot link to a source but they will not release this information publicly nor will they send me a copy of the information so I could post it. The catch though: both individuals must be present and show ID in order to cash a two party check.
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Does 7-11 cash work checks tho I can’t find anywhere that says if they do or not
Hi Adam,
7-Eleven does not cash checks of any kind.
I have a check from my grandmother as a wedding gift and it has my name on it but it also says &(wife) just like that now your website says Kmart would cash it but I just called then and they said no they don’t so I’m wondering if I can or can’t
Hi Clinton,
Not only does Kmart cash two-party checks but for the month of August – Kmart is doing free check cashing for members. Payroll, tax refund, and government checks up to $2,000 and two-party personal checks up to $500 (same limits as normal). Just to be sure you can use this link to make sure your Kmart does check cashing (though basically every location does).
Have your wife endorse the check as well and it should be accepted. If it is not, you’ll have to ask your grandmother to cross out the ‘and wife’ part or void that check and write you a different one.
I have a two party check made out to myself and the lienholder for my car. Can i cash the check at a local branch of my lienholder being that i do have a savings account with them.
Hi Justice,
First, if the check is made out to you and the lienholder, both parties must sign in order for it to be cashed. If it’s signed to you or your lien holder, then you can cash it without the lienholder’s signature. And to answer your specific question, yes, you can cash a check at either your bank/credit union or the bank/credit union of the other party.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask another.
Will bank put a hold on my account
Hi Tony,
I’m not sure what you mean. If you can clarify your question a bit, I’ll be happy to help!
My mom mailed me a check it has my name on the pay to the order of where can i cash it? Shes from Illinois im from indiana.. Thank you
Hi Melissa,
The good news is that the check is simply made out to you. It is not a two party check. This means you can easily cash it at any place that cashes checks. Please see this post for a list of places (many near you) that cash personal checks: http://firstquarterfinance.com/places-that-cash-personal-checks/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
This is great info, but I’m still not sure if 7-11 cashes personal checks. Would you know?
Hi Chris,
I called 7-Eleven customer support at 1 (800) 255-0711. They said that some 7-Eleven’s cash personal checks and others do not. The ones that do, have Vcom ATM machine that customers can use. So if you want to cash a personal check at 7-Eleven, you must find one with a Vcom machine. The good news is that there are about 2,000 of these machines located at 7-Eleven’s so your chances of having on near you are pretty good. To find a location near you that has a machine, use the Cardtronics location finder.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Yes they do I have cashed personal checks at their vcom machines even when other places would not do it. Also the tribal casino will cash them.
I man hit me with his car, it was his fault. But enterprise rent a car told me the Dailey insurance wasn’t covered under insurance. So the man that hit my car wrote a chequ lpayee to enterprise . But later on we found that the daily insurance on the rental was covered with his insurance company. This man owes his own business. He said I could cash it for my troubles. Is it a problem it’s written out to enterprise? It’s a business cheque.. If so how do this
Hi Kat,
Sorry about the accident. This is the perfect post for you: http://firstquarterfinance.com/where-can-i-cash-a-third-party-check/
Basically, you need Enterprise to sign the check over to you. However, I don’t think your local Enterprise will be too excited about doing this. I suggest you have the nice man cancel that check and issue you a new one. But make it as easy as possible for him so he’ll go through with it. Sounds like he values time more than money so make sure not to take too much of his time. Let me know if you have any further questions!!
I have a two party money order can it be cashed at the 711 vcom kiosk. my bank won’t let me cash it even though the second party has endorsed it.
Hi Kathy,
I called 7-Eleven customer support and they told me it varies from location to location. I’ve read that the machines are capable of doing it so it must be that some locations won’t allow it if there’s been past abuse or something. I wish I had a more definite answer for you!