How to Cash a Personal Check Without an Account

Banks commonly deny services to anyone not holding an account with the institution. Tellers will ask customers who simply want to change a large bill if they have an account, and most refuse to serve anyone who says no. Personal checks are often fraudulent, so all financial institutions are leery of anyone without a bank account. Two choices for getting a check cashed are to pay a check-cashing service store or to go to the bank of issue.

Things You'll Need

• Two forms of I.D.

Instructions

At the Bank of Issue

1. Endorse the check in the upper box on the back. Sign the endorsement in front of the teller.

2. Present legal identification. Most institutions require a state-issued picture ID, such as a driver's license. Some institutions will ask for two pieces of ID and possibly a touchprint signature.

3. Ask for cash in the amount of the check. Many banks and credit unions will honor their own checks and cash them for noncustomers, but they are not legally bound to do so. Some institutions charge a flat fee to cash checks for anyone who doesn't hold an account. Ask for the assistance of a manager if necessary.

At a Check-Cashing Service Store

1. Endorse the check in the appropriate field on back. Sign the check in front of the clerk.

2. Present a state identification card like a driver's license. Be prepared to offer a second form of identification such as a credit card. Some check-cashing stores have identification policies that include divulging other personal information or use electronic fingerprinting.

3. Pay the check-cashing fee. Some businesses offer a flat rate for cashing a check, but others ask for 1 to 10 percent of the check amount.

References

• Check cashing from Help with my Bank dot gov
• Check cashing policy from CCS Financial

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish