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Several major banks in the United States allow account holders to deposit and cash third-party checks. However, some banks extend this service to non-customers but often with conditions. For non-account holders, there might be extra charges involved. The regulations regarding cashing third-party checks can vary among banks.
To complete the transaction, you must present a valid photo ID. Moreover, in certain cases, the presence of the other individual who endorsed the check may also be required when cashing the check.
It’s essential to understand the specific policies set by banks and credit unions that accept third-party checks. These policies dictate the terms and conditions under which third-party checks are processed, outlining the requirements and any potential fees involved for both account holders and non-customers.
What is a third-party check?
A third-party check is when someone receives a check from one entity, but instead of cashing or depositing it themselves, they sign it over to someone else.
Usually, checks involve two parties: the person or business who writes the check (the payer) and the person who cashes or deposits it (the payee). However, in a third-party check scenario, there’s a third person involved—the check gets signed over to someone other than the original recipient.
For example, let’s say you get an insurance check from your car insurance company to cover repairs. Instead of cashing it and paying the repair shop yourself, you can endorse the check to the repair shop. By signing it over to them, the repair shop becomes the new recipient or payee, turning the check into a third-party check.
Requirements for cashing a third-party check
Cashing a third-party check involves certain strict requirements due to the higher risk of fraud or theft associated with them. These checks need proper endorsement on the back, typically with signatures from both parties. It’s important to do this in person at a bank or credit union rather than using ATMs or mobile apps, as they might reject such endorsements.
Additionally, to cash or deposit a third-party check, you’ll need to show a current government-issued photo ID. Verification procedures for the check’s payees can vary among different banks. Some may contact the original payee to confirm their identity, while others might waive this step for established account holders. Certain banks may require both parties to be physically present for in-person verification.
To maximize the chances of successfully cashing a third-party check, it’s advisable to visit either the bank or credit union that issued the check or the one where you hold an account. However, policies regarding these checks differ between institutions, so it’s wise to contact your bank’s branch beforehand to understand their specific verification requirements.
Banks that accept third-party checks (& credit union)
When it comes to banks and credit unions that accept third-party checks, the list provided below is organized based on their overall reliability and convenience. The institutions listed at the beginning are considered the most preferable choices due to factors such as fewer restrictions, better customer service, and more accommodating policies when it comes to accepting third-party checks.
As the list progresses, institutions might have more limitations or stricter criteria for accepting such checks, which might affect their overall ranking in terms of being favorable options for this purpose.
1. Citibank
Citibank operates over 600 branches with more than 2,300 ATMs across the country. Within its network, there are around 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs available to customers.
Citibank offers check cashing services for various types of checks, including cashier’s checks and government checks. However, there are specific guidelines for cashing third-party checks, and customers need to meet certain requirements.
Non-customers are restricted to cashing checks drawn from Citibank only. For account holders, they can cash checks within the available balance in their checking account. If the check amount exceeds the account balance, the excess can be deposited.
To ensure security, Citibank might request the original payee to verify or guarantee their endorsement on the check.
Customers holding accounts with Citibank can cash checks without incurring fees. Non-account holders are allowed to cash third-party checks drawn on Citibank, with a maximum limit of $5,000, subject to a fee.
2. US Bank
US Bank offers services for cashing third-party checks, allowing U.S. Bank customers to cash or deposit these checks at a branch. However, non-customers are limited to cashing third-party checks specifically drawn on U.S. Bank.
For non-customers, there is a $7 fee associated with cashing third-party checks. Additionally, U.S. Bank permits the cashing of personal checks and various other types of checks beyond third-party ones.
3. Bank of America
Some Bank of America branches will cash third-party checks. However, the ability to cash or deposit these checks depends on individual circumstances and is not guaranteed. The decision to accept third-party checks is made by the manager of each Bank of America branch.
To deposit a third-party check, both the person issuing the check and the recipient must be present. It’s advisable to inquire at your local Bank of America branch to confirm if they are willing to cash your specific third-party check.
For Bank of America account holders, cashing third-party checks typically incurs no fees. However, non-account holders may be charged an $8 fee for checks exceeding $50.
4. Chase
If you have a third-party check, you can go to Chase to cash it. However, if you’re not a customer at Chase, you can only cash third-party checks that are drawn specifically on Chase. There’s an $8 fee for cashing these checks if they’re over $50 in value and you don’t have an account with Chase.
5. HSBC
At HSBC, individuals who don’t have an account with the bank can only cash business checks and personal checks that are issued from HSBC. Cashing personal checks at HSBC is free of charge. However, for cashing business checks, non-account holders will incur a fee: for checks up to $100, there’s a fee, and for larger checks, the fee is $5.
6. Truist
Truist, previously known as SunTrust Bank and BB&T, allows the cashing of third-party checks, but certain conditions apply. If the check is over $50 and you don’t have an account with Truist, you’ll be required to pay a fee for cashing it.
7. M&T Bank
M&T Bank permits cashing third-party checks, but only those drawn specifically on M&T for non-customers. There’s a fee for non-account holders, set at 2% of the total check amount, with a minimum charge of $3 and a maximum of $20.
To cash the check, both the person named on the check and the third-party individual must be physically present for verification at an M&T Bank branch.
8. TD Bank
TD Bank will cash third-party checks in certain situations. Similar to other banks mentioned, they decide whether to cash third-party checks on a case-by-case basis. To know if they’ll cash your specific third-party check, it’s best to contact your nearby TD Bank branch directly.
For individuals who aren’t TD Bank customers, there’s a $7 fee charged per check when cashing third-party checks at the bank.
9. First National Bank of Omaha
The First National Bank of Omaha might cash third-party checks, but this decision varies depending on individual situations. This bank, like some others, assesses each request separately. You’ll need to contact your nearby branch to inquire if they will cash your specific third-party check. For non-customers, there’s typically a $5 fee charged per check.
Credit unions that cash third-party checks
Credit unions, like banks, often allow the cashing of third-party checks. To do so, you’ll typically need to present identification. In certain instances, both the original recipient and the new recipient might need to be present for the check to be cashed or deposited. This ensures proper verification and security before processing the transaction.
10. Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) allows cashing of third-party checks, but certain conditions apply. For NFCU members, they must sign these checks in front of a teller. Non-members can cash third-party checks drawn on NFCU if both the check owner and the recipient are present for in-person verification.
NFCU only accepts checks issued by their institution from non-members. However, non-members can cash third-party checks issued by NFCU if both parties are available for in-person verification.
At NFCU, there are no fees for cashing checks, whether you’re a customer or not.
11. Connexus Credit Union
Connexus Credit Union is a financial institution that offers check cashing services exclusively to its members. Non-members are not eligible to cash their checks at Connexus.
When a third-party check needs to be cashed, the individual or entity the check is made out to must endorse it in the presence of the credit union’s bank personnel. Notably, Connexus Credit Union does not charge any fees for cashing third-party checks, making this service free of charge for its members.
12. Chartway Federal Credit Union
Chartway Federal Credit Union provides the option for both members and non-members to cash or deposit third-party checks. Members have the privilege to cash or deposit any third-party check, whereas non-members can only cash third-party checks specifically issued by Chartway Federal Credit Union. Cashing checks at Chartway Federal Credit Union is free of charge.
Check cashing stores that cash third-party checks
Check cashing stores offer services where they cash various kinds of checks. These places usually have longer operating hours compared to banks, which can be helpful if you need to cash checks after your regular work hours.
However, there’s a catch: check cashing stores typically charge a fee for cashing checks. The exact fee can differ depending on the specific store. To know the amount you’ll have to pay for cashing your particular type of check, it’s a good idea to contact the store beforehand.
Additionally, many check cashing stores offer more than just check cashing. They might provide other financial services like payday loans (which are best avoided whenever possible), installment loans, and money transfer services.
13. ACE Cash Express
ACE Cash Express is a store that allows you to cash third-party checks. They charge a fee, typically around 2% of the check’s value, but this fee can differ based on the specific location and the type of check.
The requirements for cashing a third-party check might differ between various ACE Cash Express stores. In some cases, both the person cashing the check and the check’s original recipient may need to provide confirmation of their endorsements.
14. Advance Financial
Advance Financial is a financial services company with over 100 stores situated across Tennessee. Some of these locations operate 24 hours a day, providing an option for individuals seeking round-the-clock check cashing services. It’s recommended to check the specific opening hours of your nearby store before visiting.
They offer check cashing services for various types of checks, such as insurance and personal checks. The fees for cashing checks typically range from 1% to 5% of the check amount, except for personal checks, where the fee is 10%.
For third-party checks to be cashed at Advance Financial, the check must be endorsed in person. Additionally, endorsers might need to confirm their original signatures as part of the verification process.
15. Check ‘n Go
Check ‘n Go is a financial service provider that offers the option to cash third-party checks. When cashing a third-party check at Check ‘n Go, fees typically begin at approximately 2% of the total check amount. However, these fees can differ based on the specific type of check and its amount.
To cash a third-party check at Check ‘n Go, both the person presenting the check and the individual named on the check must be physically present for in-person verification. This ensures the legitimacy of the transaction and helps prevent fraudulent activities.
16. The Check Cashing Store
The Check Cashing Store is a place where you can cash a third-party check. Not all of their locations accept third-party checks, so it’s important to check with your local store beforehand.
The fees for cashing a third-party check at these locations can differ based on factors like the store’s location, the amount of the check, or the type of check it is. It’s advisable to contact your nearby store to find out if they’ll cash your specific third-party check and to understand the fees associated with it.
17. Speedy Cash
Speedy Cash is a company that operates 160 locations across the United States. A few of these locations stay open 24 hours for convenience. They offer check cashing services for various types of checks like cashier’s checks, insurance checks, and personal checks.
The fees for cashing these checks typically begin at $2. When you cash a check at Speedy Cash, they’ll need to verify the original recipient of the check and contact the issuing bank via phone for confirmation.
Banks and credit unions that don’t accept third-party checks
These banks and credit unions listed do not accept third-party checks:
- Alliant Credit Union
- Ally Bank
- Bank of the West
- Charles Schwab Bank
- Citizens Bank
- Discover Bank
- KeyBank
- PenFed Credit Union
- Regions Bank
- Wells Fargo
This means they won’t cash checks that are endorsed by someone other than the original recipient named on the check. It’s essential to verify their policies directly with their customer service representatives since rules and guidelines can sometimes change.
The bottom line
There are various ways you can cash a third-party check, at banks, credit unions, and check cashing stores. Banks typically cash these checks for their account holders without fees, making them a cost-effective choice.
On the other hand, check cashing stores offer extended hours for convenience but charge fees. If avoiding fees is a priority, banks or credit unions are preferable, but it’s crucial to confirm their specific policies regarding cashing third-party checks beforehand.