Cashing a Check in 2026: The Fastest Methods -- and Fees To Avoid

Cashing a Check in 2026: The Fastest Methods -- and Fees To Avoid

Angela Mae Watson

Thu, September 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM GMT+3 4 min read

Cashing a check isn't all that difficult, but it's become much less common in recent times.

If you're like 96% of U.S. households and have a checking account, all you need to do is take your check to the bank and they'll cash it for you. Or you could simply scan the front and back of it and deposit it directly from the app.

But which method is fastest, and what are their main fees? Here's what you should know.

Fastest Methods To Cash a Check

According to Citi, it usually takes no more than one to two business days to cash a check, but delays can occur. This can happen if your name is misspelled or different from what's on your bank account. If the check itself is fraudulent, it can also cause delays or bounce. Cross-verify your information for accuracy and only cash checks when you know who sent them.

As for check-cashing methods, these are some of the fastest options and their typical fees.

1. Bank or Credit Union

One of the easiest ways to cash a check is at a bank or credit union. You've got two options here:

• Your financial institution (different from the issuing body): As long as you have a checking account and an ID, you should be able to cash a check at your bank or credit union.

• Issuing institution: You might not need a bank account to cash a check if you go to the bank that issued it in the first place. You'll still need some form of identification, like a government-issued ID.

With these options, the check funds will generally be available the following business day. In fact, banks must legally make the first $225 available the day after the deposit. For newer accounts (under 30 days old) or larger checks (up to $5,525), expect it to take up to two business days to process.

Cashing a check this way doesn't usually come with fees. However, your account might come with monthly maintenance or minimum balance fees.

2. Local ATM

Depositing a check at an ATM can be convenient, especially if you're using an in-network machine. You'll just need your debit card, PIN and the physical (and signed) check itself. You'll also need to manually enter the amount listed on the check.

While the deposit itself is nearly instantaneous, it can still take between one and five days for the full amount to clear. Withdrawing funds from an out-of-network ATM could also come with a surcharge, so be sure to use an in-network ATM. Note that some institutions will actually reimburse ATM fees, up to a certain amount.

3. Bank App

You can make a mobile deposit using your bank's app. Once you're logged in, simply scan both sides of the endorsed check.

This method usually doesn't come with fees, but check your institution's fine print anyway. It can also take one to two business days for the funds to come through.

4. Other Digital App

If you don't have a bank account, you may be able to cash a check through a digital payment app like Cash App. Many of these apps are free and fast. You can even deposit non-personal checks, like cashier's or government-issued checks.

Note that these options are often slower than the rest. With Cash App, for example, it can take up to six or eight business days for the funds to be made available.

Be wary of any payment apps that charge fees. Some have loading funds or instant transfer fees.

5. Major Retailer

Some major grocery chains and retailers will also cash your check. For example, Walmart cashes government, personal, payroll and other checks. There's a $4 maximum fee for checks up to $1,000. Anything above that comes with an $8 fee.

With this option, you'll typically receive your money right away. You'll just need the physical endorsed check and an ID. Just know that some states won't let retailers cash checks.

6. Check-Cashing Store

While faster than a bank deposit, check-cashing stores tend to be on the pricier side. Many will charge either a flat fee or one based on a percentage of the check amount.

For example, Amscot charges 9.9% on personal checks and money orders. Other types of checks, like tax refund or cashiers checks, have a lower fee.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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