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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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I tried to cash a check at a bank/credit union where I don't have an account. The bank/credit union made me show identification. Is that allowed?

Answer:

Yes, a bank or credit union can require identification before it cashes a check. 

However, if you are at a bank or credit union where the check is from and you show the identification they require, the bank or credit union must cash the check if there is enough money in the account on which the check is written.

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