Are you looking for a place to cash a third-party check near you?
You can cash a third-party check at some banks, credit unions, and several check-cashing stores across the country. Some of the top banks and credit unions where you can cash third-party checks include the Bank of America, Citibank, HSBC, Chase, M&T, and Chartway Federal Credit Union.
Several check-cashing stores also offer third-party check-cashing services. Leading the pack in the category are stores like The Check Cashing Store, ACE Cash Express, and Check ‘N Go.
Regardless of where you choose to cash a third-party check, be ready to show proof of identity. In most cases, you’ll need a government-issued photo ID. Also, some institutions require that both payees must be present at the time of cashing the check.
Most credit unions won’t charge you any fees but expect to pay third-party check-cashing fees in most banks and check cashing stores if you are a non-customer. Also, note that grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations offer other check-cashing services, but they will not cash a third-party check for you.
What is a Third-Party Check?
A third-party check is a check that involves two payees. The check is originally drawn for one person (written to someone.) Instead of the original payee cashing the check you decide to designate payment to a second person who then cashes or deposits it.
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Third-party checks are common in insurance claims. For instance, you may receive an auto insurance check for your car to cover accident repairs. The insurance company sends the check directly to you instead of the auto repair shop. In this case, you have two options:
- You can cash the check yourself and use the funds to pay whoever fixed your car.
- Sign the check over to the repair shop so they can cash it themselves. In this case, the insurance payment becomes a third-party check.
A third-party check is simply a two-party check that has been signed over to another person in a nutshell. That means any check can become third-party, including personal checks, payroll, and other types, as long as the original payee signs it over to you. The original payee of the check has to sign the check and endorse it before it can be used as a third party check. A third party check is also known as a double endorsed check.
In the case of a third party check, the primary party is the bank from which the check is initially drawn. Then comes the secondary party, which represents the person or establishment that drew the check against funds to deposit in their bank. Finally, the third party is the person who endorses the check.
Can I Deposit Someone Else’s Check into my Account?
You can deposit a check made out to someone else in your bank account if the payee endorses the check over to you. To endorse it to you, they will need to write “Pay to
However, it is important to remember that banks aren’t obliged by law to accept third-party checks. The decision to accept or refuse the check is up to the bank; you will need to prove your identity when cashing a third-party check.
As long as the check is endorsed correctly, some banks will process it in the absence of the original payee. Other banks will not accept such a check unless the original payee is present and brings a valid ID.
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Some other banks will accept such checks only when the check is jointly made out to two parties. For example, with a married couple, one person endorses it over the other person allowing him/her to deposit it in a separate account.
A few banks will require the joint check to be deposited into a joint bank account, especially if it is a government check, such as a stimulus check or an IRS refund. No bank will accept it if both parties are non-account holders in the bank.
What do I Need to Cash a Third-Party Check?
Third-party checks carry an increased risk of theft and fraud. To protect you, as well as themselves from losses, banks, credit unions, and other places that cash third-party checks impose strict conditions and requirements before accepting. Others will not cash a third-party payment in any of their locations.
Here is what you need to cash a third party check:
- Endorsement: For a third-party check to be accepted, it must be properly endorsed to you on the back with signatures from both parties. It is even better when the endorsement is done in front of the bank personnel.
- Identification: You will need to provide a government-issued photo ID to cash or deposit a third-party check. Verification for the original payee is also required. Some banks may call the original payee for confirmation or a guarantee. In contrast, others require both parties to be present when cashing the check to provide in-person verification. For established account holders that have a relationship, a few banks may waive the second-party verification requirement.
Due to these policy variations, consider calling your bank ahead of time to inquire about their conditions and requirements for cashing a third-party check.
How to Endorse a Third-Party Check
You can endorse a third-party check by signing it over to another person. Instead of signing on the first line as you would do when cashing the check yourself, write “Pay to the order of
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Then you (the original payee) signs the second line on the back of the check. The third-party will sign their name on the third line.
It’s very simple! Always consider endorsing a third-party check in front of bank personnel such as a teller or cashier so that they can witness your signature. For example, I always make sure I sign a document in front of the personal banker when I need something notarized.
Other places may require the original payee to be present for in-person verification.
Because third party checks change hands more often than regular checks, there are some factors you need to consider while signing one. The first thing to keep in mind is that you should confirm with the recipient’s bank if it accepts a third party check. If not, you might run into some problems and dissatisfied customers.
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When you’re depositing a check on someone’s behalf, you should know that you’re responsible for the check’s funds if it doesn’t go through. Being liable for a bounced check means that you need to be much more careful when dealing with third party checks.
Banks are not obliged to honor third party checks. There is more room for fraudulent transactions when it comes to these checks, which means that banking personnel are usually very careful when dealing with them.
If you try to add extra signatures to the back of the check and try in different places, it might also lead to confusion. For this reason, you should always check with your bank before you endorse or accept a third-party check.
Another tip you can keep in mind when dealing with these checks is to go to the bank with the person depositing the check. This will help speed up the process as the bank will not suspect any criminal activity when you’re present.
17 Third-Party Check Cashing Places Near Me
Now it’s time to answer the big questions in your mind: Where can I cash a third-party check near me?
Here is a rundown of 17 places near you.
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Banks
The most reliable way to cash a third-party check should be your bank, where you’re an account holder. Since you are a customer, your bank is always happy to help you.
You may also be able to cash a third-party check at an issuing bank. However, most banks charge a fee to non-customers for cashing a third-party check.
It is important to note that banks are not obliged by the law to accept third-party checks. Therefore, the bank’s policies will determine whether you can cash or deposit it. A branch manager can be the determining factor for each branch.
Consider depositing the check-in person rather than via mobile or ATM deposit to tilt the odds of acceptance in your favor. Always bring a valid government-issued photo ID for identification purposes.
Call your bank or branch ahead of time since the requirements can vary.
Here is a rundown of banks where you can cash a third-party check, starting with the best options overall.
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1. Bank of America
The Bank of America is a top overall option for anyone looking to cash a third-party check. They have financial centers in over 39 states across the US and have ATMs that dispense $10 bills. For them, third-party checks are handled on a case-by-case basis. That means the discretion on whether to accept or not to accept a third-party check rests with the Financial Center Manager.
Bank of America account holders can cash third-party checks for free. Non-customers can cash third-party checks for free up to $50 and pay $8 for anything over $50. Both parties must be present with valid photo IDs at Bank of America to cash it.
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2. Citibank
With nearly over 700 branches in the US, Citibank is a great place to cash a third-party check.
Requirements to cash a third-party check at Citibank:
- Citibank account holders can only cash it up to the available checking account balance. If the check amount is more than the balance, the remaining balance may be deposited.
- Non-account holders can only cash checks drawn from Citibank.
- May require the original payee to verify or guarantee their endorsement.
Citibank customers will not pay fees. Non-account holders can enjoy cashing third-party checks drawn on Citibank for free up to $5,000.
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3.Chase Bank
Chase Bank has more than 4,700 branches in different states across the country, making it an ideal place to cash a third-party check. They are also one of the few banks that have ATMs that let you withdraw $5.
Requirements to cash a third-party check at Chase Bank:
- Non-account holders cannot cash third-party checks drawn on Chase.
- Make sure that endorsements are correctly placed. Wrongly endorsed checks may attract a charge or a loss of use.
Chase Bank account holders can cash third-party checks for free. Non-customers can transact checks up to $50 for free, then pay an $8 fee over $50.
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4. First National Bank
First National Bank has nearly 340 banking offices across the country. Third-party checks are handled on an exception basis for non-customers. That means the bank may refuse endorsements by non-account holders. Alternatively, the bank may require independent verification for each endorsement.
Cashing third-party checks is free for First National Bank customers, while non-customers pay a $10 fee per check.
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5. HSBC
HSBC has over 200 branches in the US.
Requirements to cash a third-party check at HSBC:
- Non-account holders may only cash business and personal checks drawn at HSBC.
- Endorsements must match the exact names on the check.
- Improper endorsements may result in charges; you will be charged for any items returned.
Cashing personal checks is free for customers. Non-customer business checks up to $100 face a fee of $3, and transactions over $100 pay a $5 fee.
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6. Suntrust Bank and BB&T (now called Truist)
Now known as Truist, the combined banks have over 2,000 branches in the US
Requirements to cash a third-party check at Suntrust includes:
- All endorsements require verification, and both payees must be…
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