How to cash a check

How to cash a check online

When you ask yourself the question ‘where can I cash a check?’, it’s good to know that one of the answers is ‘online’. Times have moved on and you can now  deposit your checks digitally from the comfort of your home. All you need is a smartphone and a bank account that allows you to deposit checks digitally. Here’s the process once you’ve confirmed that your bank allows this type of deposit using the banking app. 

1. Endorse your checks. Use your banking app to endorse the check. The way to do this will vary from bank to bank, but usually involves signing the check on the back.  2. Enter the details of your check. In your app, enter check details. Depending on your bank and app, you may need to enter these manually:

• the amount on the check 

• the account name you wish to deposit it into

3. Photograph of your check. To verify the check you may need to take a clear photograph of it. Make sure the photograph is well-lit and all the details are legible.

4. Review the details and complete the deposit. Review the details you’ve submitted. Confirm that the name, check amount, and the account you wish to deposit it into are all correct before confirming. Any mistakes could cause the check to bounce, which will delay how long it takes to deposit.

5. Wait for confirmation. Confirmation may come through the app, via email, or via text. How long this takes depends on your bank.

Can you cash a check at any bank?

The answer is - it depends. Not every bank will cash a check for you if you’re not a customer of theirs. But many will do. You can usually cash the check at your own bank, and you may be lucky by visiting the bank the check was issued from. Other banks may cash your check, as long as they can verify the account holder has enough funds to cover the check amount. It might be helpful if a family member or friend has an account there and goes with you. Banks (other than your own) may also charge you a fee for cashing a check, so it’s worth checking first.

Can you cash a check at an ATM?

You can cash your check at an ATM, as long as it's part of your bank’s network. You may also be able to deposit the check and withdraw the same amount, depending on your bank’s policies and daily withdrawal limits. 

To cash a check you’ll need your debit card, and from there, you can follow the prompts on the screen. Some ATMs automatically read the numbers on the check, while others need you to type in the amount. You must endorse your check before depositing it in the slot.

What ID do you need to cash a check?

Depending on your bank, there are a number of acceptable forms of ID for cashing a check, including:

• a driver's licence 

• a government-issued photo ID passport

• military IDs or your Matricula card are also valid for this purpose

How to cash a check: FAQs

Please note that the answers below may not apply to all checks or banks.

How long do you have to cash a check?

Personal checks are typically good for 6 months (180 days), but business checks, government checks, U.S. Treasury checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and traveler’s checks are different - so check with your bank to find out how long they last. 

Can you cash someone else's check?

Yes, it’s possible to deposit a check for another person, either to their account or yours. But individual banks and credit unions set their own guidelines for depositing checks that aren’t made out to you, so the exact process and requirements do vary.

How to verify if a check has been cashed?

There are a number of ways to see if a check has been cashed.

• You can call the issuing bank or credit union, but they may not want to share this information with you anonymously over the phone. 

• You can call into a bank branch in person. Make sure you have a photo ID with you, as well as your account number, and all the details of the check that's in question.

• If you have internet banking or your bank’s mobile app, you’ll have the tools to see exactly what checks have been presented to your checking account for payment, and which have been paid, as well as your resulting balance.

• You can also see on your monthly statements

 Need to send money abroad? Use WorldRemit to send money fast

We hope that you’ve found this article informative. If you have, you may also find these complementary articles useful: 

• How to Write a Check

• Everything You Need to Know About ATMs

But remember, if you need to get money to your friends and family fast, then a check is almost certainly not the fastest way to go. Send money abroad with WorldRemit. Our service is fast, secure and always low cost. Plus, It’s easy to sign up to the WorldRemit app in seconds. You’ll even get your first three transfers free with code 3FREE. 

The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice, you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.