Verified answer

Your roommate could probably endorse the back of the check and make it payable to you. The best thing to do is call the branch where you do your banking and ask them how this transaction can be processed. Some banks like to have both parties present to confirm the identity and signature of the original payee to make sure the check wasn't stolen.

Also, some banks will cash checks for non-customers, but may charge a transaction fee. There's also check cashing places, but their fees will be much higher.

Some banks will do this, but most require some kind of id from the owner of the check. And most will not cash unless you have enough money in your account to cover it. Your roommate has to get some ID (how can he not have one?), and a bank account.

He could maybe endorse it over to you and deposit into your account, and then you give him the cash. I would call a bank and ask. Most of the time an ID is needed for anything though.

He endorses the back with his signature. You take it to the bank and cash it. You give him the money.

Bad idea, but that is how it works

No, it won't be cashable by you at all.

He needs to get his own bank acct and ID.