Banks That Cash Checks Without an Account
Written by: Jacob S.
Published on:
Need to cash a check but don't have a bank account? While banks aren't required to serve non-customers, many will cash checks drawn on their own institution, usually for a fee. Retailers like Walmart and mobile apps offer alternatives that can sometimes save you money.
Key Takeaways
- You can cash a check without an account, but you’ll likely pay a small fee and need a valid government-issued ID.
- Big banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi, and U.S. Bank will usually cash checks written by their own customers (“on-us” checks) for non-customers, but fees typically range from $5–$10.
- Retailers like Walmart and Kroger often offer cheaper, more convenient options — with flat fees as low as $4 and extended service hours.
- Check-cashing stores and apps (like PayPal, Venmo, or Ingo Money) can be useful for quick access but may charge up to 5% for instant funding.
- Government and payroll checks are the easiest to cash; personal or third-party checks are often declined by banks and retailers.
- To save money long-term, consider opening a low-fee checking account or using a mobile bank app with free mobile check deposit.
Can You Cash a Check Without a Bank Account?
Yes, you have three main options to cash a check without a bank account:
- The issuing bank – Banks often cash "on-us" checks (checks drawn on accounts at that bank) for non-customers, typically charging $7–$10
- Retail stores – Walmart, Kroger, and others offer check-cashing services with flat fees
- Mobile apps – PayPal, Venmo, and Ingo Money let you deposit checks remotely (fees vary)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau confirms that banks can charge non-customer fees, though some states require fee-free cashing of payroll checks at the issuing bank.
What You'll Need to Bring To Cash the Check
To make cashing a check easier, have these documents ready:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) – Required by anti-money laundering regulations
- The original check, properly endorsed
- Backup ID or proof of address (some locations request this)
- Patience – Banks may verify funds with the issuer or impose limits to prevent fraud
Don't have ID with you? How to cash checks without ID
Major Banks: Fees and Policies for Non-Customers
Most large banks will cash checks, even if you don't have a bank account at that institution. Here's what to expect:
| Bank | Non-Customer Fee | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | $8 per check over $50 | Only cashes checks drawn on BofA accounts; policies vary by branch |
| Chase | ~$10 on a $100 check* | Fee varies by amount and location—always call first |
| Wells Fargo | $7.50 | For Wells Fargo checks only; branch limits may apply |
| Citi | $7 | Citibank-issued checks; not all branches offer this service |
| U.S. Bank | Varies | Handled case-by-case; call ahead for current fees and limits |
*Chase's fee structure varies significantly by location and check amount. One reported example: $10 to cash a $100 check.
Why the fees? Banks cite fraud prevention, staffing costs, and cash-handling expenses. These fees help offset the risk of cashing checks for people they don't have a relationship with.
Pro tip: If you have a payroll check, your state may require the issuing bank to cash it for free or with limited fees. Check your state's wage payment laws.
Smart Strategies to Minimize Fees
1. Start with the Issuing Bank
If Wells Fargo issued the check, go to Wells Fargo. You're more likely to get it cashed, and you can ask about fee waivers upfront.
2. Compare Flat Fees vs. Percentages
On larger checks, Walmart's $8 flat fee beats a 1% mobile app fee. On a $1,000 check:
- Walmart: $8
- Mobile app (instant): $10 minimum
- Check-cashing store: $50–$90
3. Use No-Fee Holds When You Can Wait
If you're not in immediate need of cash, mobile apps will process checks for free—you just wait longer for the funds.
4. Consider Opening a Basic Checking Account
If you cash checks regularly, a low-fee or no-fee checking account pays for itself quickly. Look for:
- Second-chance accounts if you've had banking problems
- Online banks with free mobile deposit
- Credit union accounts with low minimums
Timing note: Some major banks are adjusting fee structures in late 2025, so shop around for the best deal.
Common Restrictions (Don't Get Caught Off Guard)
Here are common restrictions when trying to cash a check without a bank account:
Check Type Limitations
Most retailers and apps won't accept:
- Handwritten personal checks
- Third-party checks (made out to someone who signed it over to you)
- Checks older than six months (considered "stale-dated")
- Post-dated checks
ID Requirements Are Strict
Expect to show government-issued photo ID. Some locations require a second form of ID or proof of address. This is due to federal anti-money laundering regulations—not just store policy.
Verification and Holds
Even when "cashing" a check, the location may:
- Call the issuing bank to verify funds
- Impose lower limits for non-customers
- Place a hold on part of the amount
Retailers: Often Cheaper and More Convenient
While banks may be the first place that comes to mind when cashing a check without an account, it's actually retailers that offer the most convenience.
Walmart MoneyCenter
Walmart consistently offers the best value for larger checks:
- Fees: $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks $1,001–$5,000 (up to $7,500 January–April)
- Accepted types: Payroll, government, tax refund, cashier's checks, insurance settlements, retirement disbursements
- Not accepted: Personal handwritten checks, third-party checks
- How you get paid: Cash or load to a Walmart MoneyCard
Why Walmart wins: On a $2,000 payroll check, you'll pay $8 at Walmart versus potentially $10+ at a bank. Plus, many locations have extended MoneyCenter hours.
Kroger Money Services
Available at Kroger and affiliated stores (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, etc.):
- Cashes payroll and government checks at in-store kiosks
- Fees and limits vary significantly by state and location
- Check your local store's Money Services page or call ahead
Other Grocery Chains
Some Safeway and Albertsons locations offer check cashing, but policies aren't consistent. Always verify with your specific store before making the trip.
Mobile Apps: Cash Checks from Your Couch
Several apps let you deposit checks with your bank account by taking photos with your phone. Most use Ingo Money's technology behind the scenes.
How It Works
- Download the app (PayPal, Venmo, or Ingo Money direct)
- Take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check
- Choose instant access (fee applies) or standard deposit (free, but slower)
Typical Fees
- Government/payroll checks: ~1% fee (minimum $5) for instant funding
- Other check types: ~5% fee (minimum $5) for instant funding
- No-fee option: Wait ~10 days for standard processing
Important: Fees appear before you submit—always review them in the app. They vary based on check type, amount, and risk assessment.
Which App Should You Use?
- PayPal Cash a Check – Good if you already use PayPal for payments
- Venmo Cash a Check – Convenient if you're in the Venmo ecosystem
- Ingo Money App – Direct access to the service provider; shows all options upfront
When apps make sense: You're cashing a smaller check, can wait for the no-fee deposit, or need cash outside of business hours.
Check-Cashing Stores: Use Only as a Last Resort
Standalone check-cashing stores offer fast service but charge the highest fees—sometimes up to 9% of your check amount.
Example: On a $500 check, you could pay $45 in fees, compared to $4–$8 at Walmart or $5 via a mobile app.
When they might be worth it: You have a check type retailers won't accept, or you need cash immediately outside of bank and retail hours.
Better Long-Term Solutions
Rather than paying fees every time you get a check, consider these alternatives:
- Open a basic checking account – Deposit checks for free and avoid per-check fees entirely. Look for accounts with no monthly fees or low minimums.
- Switch to direct deposit – Most employers and government agencies offer this. You'll get paid faster and skip paper checks altogether.
- Use an online bank – Many offer free mobile check deposit with no minimum balance requirements.
- Get a prepaid card with check-loading – Some prepaid cards let you load checks via mobile app. Watch for monthly maintenance and reload fees.
Step-by-Step: Cash Your Check Fast
- Find the issuing bank – Look at the logo on the check
- Call the nearest branch – Ask: "Do you cash on-us checks for non-customers? What's your fee today?"
- Check Walmart's fee – For comparison, especially if the check is over $100
- Bring proper ID – Endorse the check according to instructions
- Consider the app option – If lines are long or fees are high, compare instant vs. no-fee mobile deposit
You have choices. If the check is drawn on a major bank, you can usually cash it there (fee applies). For predictable, low flat fees and extended hours, many people use Walmart. If you’re fee-averse and not in a rush, mobile apps can deposit with a no-fee hold. Long term, opening a low-fee checking account is the most cost-effective path.
