You have a check made out to you and the bank printed on it is PNC. You do not have a PNC account. Can you still cash it there? Yes, in most cases, but PNC charges a fee to non-account holders and has specific rules about what it will and will not cash.
Here is what you need to know before you walk in.
PNC's Check Cashing Policy for Non-Customers
PNC Bank will cash checks drawn on PNC accounts for people who do not have a PNC account, but only under specific conditions. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID, typically a driver's license, state ID, or passport. PNC charges a fee to non-account holders for this service.
PNC's fee schedules as of 2026 show a check cashing fee applies to non-customers, though PNC does not prominently publish the exact dollar amount online. Based on PNC's published fee schedules and independent banking fee surveys, the fee is typically in the range of $10 per check for non-account holders, though the exact amount can vary by location and check type. Call your local branch before going to confirm the current fee.
Important: PNC will generally only cash a check drawn on a PNC account for a non-customer. If someone gave you a personal check written on a Wells Fargo or Chase account, PNC is unlikely to cash it for you. Go to the bank whose name is printed on the check.
What Types of Checks PNC Cashes for Non-Customers
PNC-drawn checks: Personal or business checks where the account holder has a PNC checking or savings account. This is the standard scenario where PNC will help a non-customer.
Cashier's checks: PNC-issued cashier's checks can typically be cashed at any PNC branch, even if you do not have an account.
Government checks: PNC may cash certain government-issued checks (Social Security, tax refunds) for non-account holders in some locations, though policies vary by branch.
What PNC will not cash: Third-party checks, starter checks, checks from other banks (for non-customers), or checks that do not clear verification.
What ID You Need
Bring a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include:
- Driver's license (from any U.S. state)
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
PNC tellers may also run the check through verification systems before cashing. If the check does not clear verification, PNC will not cash it, even with a valid ID.
The Real Cost of Cashing a Check at PNC Without an Account
Let's say the fee is $10. If your check is for $500, you are paying a 2% fee. If the check is for $100, you are paying 10%. The smaller the check, the more the fee stings.
For checks over $1,000, a $10 flat fee is manageable. For smaller checks, it may be worth exploring alternatives.
Cheaper Alternatives to PNC Check Cashing
If the fee is not worth it, here are your best options:
Go to the issuing bank. If the check is drawn on PNC, you are already at the right place. If it is drawn on another bank, go there instead. Most major banks will cash their own checks for non-customers, sometimes for free, sometimes for a similar fee.
Walmart. Walmart cashes government and payroll checks for a flat fee of $4 for checks up to $1,000 and $8 for checks up to $5,000. This is often cheaper than a bank fee for smaller checks.
Mobile banking apps. Apps like Cash App allow you to deposit a check by photo for free, with funds available in one to two business days. For a full breakdown of how mobile check deposit works without a bank account, see our guide on mobile check deposit instant funds availability without bank account.
Prepaid debit cards. Green Dot, Bluebird by American Express, and NetSpend all support mobile check deposit through their apps. If you are considering a prepaid card as a longer-term solution, it is worth understanding the acceptance differences covered in our overview of prepaid debit cards acceptance vs regular debit credit cards.
Why Opening a Bank Account Is the Better Long-Term Move
If you find yourself cashing checks regularly, the fee adds up fast. Opening a free checking account eliminates the fee entirely and gives you access to mobile deposit, direct deposit, and no-fee ATMs.
Two options that are worth considering if a traditional bank account has not worked out for you before are Current and Chime. Current is a mobile banking app that offers a free Visa debit card, early direct deposit, and no minimum balance requirements. There are no monthly fees and no check-cashing fees when you deposit via mobile. If you have had past banking issues that blocked you from opening a standard account, see our guide on how to open a second chance checking account online.
Current Banking
Current Banking
Current is a mobile-first banking app with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Members can earn up to 4.00% APY with a qualifying direct deposit of $200, receive direct-deposit paychecks up to 2 days early, and overdraft up to $200 fee-free.
Standout feature
4.00% APY on Savings Pods (with a $200+ qualifying direct deposit) plus paycheck up to 2 days early — both included on the standard account for free
Fees
Free
Pros
$0 monthly fee; up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods with qualifying direct deposit; paycheck up to 2 days early;
Cons
No physical branches
Chime is another mobile bank account that has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees on qualifying accounts. Chime supports mobile check deposit through its app, so once you have an account, you can deposit most checks from your phone without any fee. Both Current and Chime are FDIC-insured through partner banks. For a detailed side-by-side of these two mobile banks, see our varo vs chime comparison, which also covers savings rates and overdraft features.
If your goal is to avoid fees like PNC's non-customer check cashing charge, either of these accounts eliminates that cost entirely. Setup takes about five minutes on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash any check at PNC without an account?
Generally, no. PNC will typically only cash checks drawn on a PNC account for non-customers. If your check is written on an account at a different bank, you would need to visit that bank or use another check-cashing method.
Does PNC require ID to cash a check for non-customers?
Yes. You must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. PNC tellers will also run the check through a verification process before cashing it.
How much does PNC charge to cash a check for non-account holders?
PNC applies a check cashing fee to non-customers. Based on published fee schedules and banking fee surveys, the fee is typically around $10 per check, though this can vary by branch and check type. Call your local PNC branch to confirm the current fee before visiting.
What is the fastest free alternative to cashing a check at PNC?
If you need the money quickly and want to avoid a fee, opening a free mobile bank account like Current or Chime is the most cost-effective solution. Both support mobile check deposit at no charge. For immediate cash without opening an account, Walmart charges a flat fee of $4 for most checks up to $1,000. If you need a cashier's check rather than cashing one, our guide on where to get a cashier's check without a bank account covers your no-account options.
Chime
Chime
- Fee-free banking plus early pay access - Overdraft up to $200 without fees - 5% cash back and build credit everyday. - 3.75% APY on your savings.
Standout feature
No credit check, no interest, no annual fee, and no minimum deposit required.
Fees
$0
Pros
Fee-Free Banking and Get paid up to 2 days early
Cons
App/online-only support, no branches
