How to Cash a Check Made Out to Cash

Cashing a check made out to cash is similar to cashing any other check. The big difference is that any person holding the check can cash it. It is nearly the same as cash. Under normal circumstances, a bank will let anybody cash a check made out to cash. However, if the person cashing the check refuses to show ID or if the check is suspicious, such as a business or payroll check made out to cash, the bank may refuse to honor it. Nevertheless, having a check made out to cash is often more convenient than carrying the equivalent amount of currency.

Things You'll Need

• Photo ID

Instructions

1. Endorse the back of the check by signing your name on the back of it. Most checks will indicate where to sign your name. You should do this immediately on receipt of the check.

   WARNING - If you lose a check made out the cash without having endorsed it, the check can be cashed by anybody who finds it. Checks made out to cash should be treated like cash.

2. Take the check to your bank and deposit it into your bank account.

   There may be a hold on funds availability by cashing the check this way. For example, if your bank suspects the check may not be paid, they have a right to put a hold on the deposited funds until the check clears. A corporate or payroll check made out to cash would be very suspicious to your bank or the check writer may be known to your bank as somebody who bounces checks frequently. Another reason your bank may delay funds availability is because you deposit more than $5000 in a single day even if the check doesn't look suspicious.

   In rare cases, your bank may refuse to cash a check made out to cash altogether if it looks too suspicious to them.

3. If you suspect the check might bounce or you cannot accept a hold on funds availability, cash the check made out to cash in person at the bank listed on the check.

   You will be required to show ID as part of the transaction. In most cases, you will have to provide a thumb print as well. Some banks will charge a fee of around $5 if you do not have an account at the bank.

   The bank will immediately withdraw funds from the account to pay you in cash on the spot if there are sufficient funds available. This method of cashing a check avoids the overnight processing of many checks which may cause some checks, including yours, to bounce because there are insufficient funds to pay all checks presented overnight. Getting cash in hand also avoids any funds availability issues.