Citizens Bank will cash a check for you even if you don't have an account there, but you'll pay a fee and the bank has limits on which checks it will accept.
Most Citizens Bank locations will cash checks drawn on Citizens Bank itself at no charge if you have an ID. If the check is drawn on a different bank, Citizens Bank will cash it for a fee — typically between $5 and $10, though the exact amount varies by location and the check amount. Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks or checks that look altered or suspicious, regardless of whether you have an account.
The key difference is the source of the check. A check drawn on Citizens Bank (meaning the account it comes from is at Citizens Bank) is easier for the bank to verify when ready. A check from another bank requires Citizens Bank to trust that the other bank will honor it, which is why they charge you for that service.
Key Takeaways
- Checks drawn on Citizens Bank itself can be cashed for free at any Citizens Bank branch with a valid ID.
- Checks drawn on other banks will be cashed for a fee, usually $5 to $10, depending on your location and the check amount.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID to cash any check, whether you have an account or not.
- Some Citizens Bank branches may refuse checks that appear altered, are very large, or are post-dated (dated in the future).
- Calling your local Citizens Bank branch before you go can save you a trip, since not all locations may have the funds available for large checks.
What ID you need to bring
Citizens Bank requires a government-issued photo ID to cash any check. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. A library card, credit card, or work ID will not be accepted on its own.
If your ID has expired, some branches may still accept it, but this varies. Call ahead to ask. If you don't have a photo ID at all, you will not be able to cash a check at Citizens Bank — you would need to open an account first or use a check-cashing service elsewhere.
How the fee works for out-of-bank checks
When you cash a check drawn on another bank, Citizens Bank is taking on a small risk that the check might bounce (the account might not have enough money). The fee compensates them for that risk and the work of processing it. The fee is charged to you, not deducted from the check amount — so if you cash a $100 check and the fee is $5, you receive $95.
The fee amount can depend on how large the check is. A $50 check might cost $5 to cash, while a $1,000 check might cost $10. Ask the teller what the fee will be before you hand over the check, so you know exactly what you'll receive.
Checks Citizens Bank may refuse to cash
Even without an account, you have the right to attempt to cash a check at Citizens Bank. However, the bank can refuse for legitimate reasons. Post-dated checks (dated in the future) are the most common refusal — Citizens Bank policy typically does not allow cashing these until the date on the check arrives.
Checks that appear altered, damaged, or suspicious may also be refused. If the signature looks forged, the amount is written unclearly, or there are corrections on the check, the teller may decline. Very large checks (the threshold varies by branch, but often $5,000 or more) may be refused if the branch doesn't have that much cash on hand.
If a check is refused, ask the teller why. If it's a post-dated check, you can return on the correct date. If it's a damage or clarity issue, you can ask the person who wrote the check for a replacement. If it's a size issue, the branch may be able to order the cash and have you return the next day.
Alternatives if Citizens Bank won't cash your check
If the check is drawn on a different bank, you could take it directly to that bank and cash it there. Most banks will cash their own checks for free or a much lower fee if you don't have an account, as long as you have ID.
Check-cashing services and some grocery stores with check-cashing counters are another option, though their fees are often higher than bank fees — sometimes 2 to 3 percent of the check amount. A $100 check might cost $2 to $3 to cash at a check-cashing service, compared to $5 at a bank.
If you receive checks regularly, opening a free checking account at Citizens Bank or another bank is usually the cheapest long-term option. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, which would eliminate check-cashing fees entirely.
What happens after you cash the check
Once the teller hands you the cash, the transaction is complete from your perspective. Citizens Bank will send the check to the bank it was drawn on for processing, which usually takes one to three business days. If the check bounces (the account doesn't have enough money), Citizens Bank absorbs that loss, not you — you keep the cash.
This is why Citizens Bank charges a fee for out-of-bank checks: they're taking the risk that the check might not be good. In rare cases, if a check bounces and you've already spent the cash, the bank might ask you to repay them, but this is uncommon for a one-time transaction with someone who has no account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Citizens Bank customer to cash a check there?
No. Any check drawn on Citizens Bank can be cashed for free with a photo ID, and checks from other banks can be cashed for a fee. You do not need an account.
What if the check is post-dated?
Citizens Bank will not cash a post-dated check (one dated in the future) before that date arrives. You can return on the date written on the check, or ask the person who wrote it for a new check with today's date.
Can I cash a check if my ID is expired?
It depends on the branch. Some will accept an expired ID if it's still recognizable; others won't. Call your local Citizens Bank branch before you go to confirm their policy.
What if the check is very large?
Branches may refuse to cash very large checks if they don't have enough cash on hand. Call ahead with the check amount, and the branch can tell you whether they can do it or whether you need to return another day.
Is it cheaper to cash the check at the bank it's drawn on?
Yes. If the check is from another bank, that bank will usually cash it for free or a lower fee than Citizens Bank charges. If you know which bank the check is from, going there directly saves you money.