How to cash a check?

Cashing a check is quick and easy once you understand the steps, including where to cash a check, what you need to bring, and how much it may cost.

This guide explains how to cash a check and how to stay safe from fraud.

Step-by-step guide to cashing a check

It’s simple and quick to cash a check. Just follow these steps:

1. Examine the check. Some signs of a fraudulent check are if customer/business information is not printed on the check. If the MICR line has been altered or if the printed amount and numeric dollar amount don’t match.
2. Find out what type of check it is. Are you cashing a business, government, or payroll check? Different checks have different requirements, such as where you can cash them and the amount you can cash at once.
3. Check the fees. Some states charge more in fees than others. Please see a friendly Money Services associate to learn more.
4. Endorse the check. You must sign the back of the check to verify that you are the person cashing the check.
5. Visit the Money Services Desk. Where an associate will be able to assist you.
6. ID Required. Bring your unexpired photo ID to complete your check cashing transaction.
7. Collect your receipt. Once you’ve paid the fees and collected your cash, ask for a receipt for your records.

Cashing a check:

Pros of cashing a check

• You can cash a Government or Payroll check at Money Services.
• You can have access to the funds immediately.
• You do not need a bank account.

Cons of cashing a check

• Usually costs a small fee to process.
• Has a limit to how much you can cash.
• Sometimes has a limit to how much you can cash

Protect yourself from check fraud

Check Fraud usually involves someone you do not know asking you to cash a check – often for a higher amount than expected, then asking for the difference back.

Because checks can take a few days to clear, the scammer will hope that you send the extra money before the check bounces. Sometimes you may be asked to send some money to a different person, and they have an excuse as to why you cannot keep it yourself.

The best way to avoid falling victim to check fraud is to only accept checks from businesses you know. Another way to prevent check fraud is to only endorse the check when you are ready to cash it.

FAQs

Can you cash a check without a bank account?

Yes, it is possible to cash a check without a bank account.

Do you need ID to cash a check?

Yes, ID is required to cash a check. It must be a non-expired, photo ID.

For more information on how to spot fraudulent or suspicious checks, take a look at our Fraud Prevention hub.

Save time and money by cashing your check at Money Services, located in the Kroger Family of Companies.