It is difficult to cash a check if you don’t hold a bank account.
The majority of financial transactions are now done online.
Online apps such as Venmo, PayPal and Zelle allow you to exchange money with family members and friends. These apps require a linked bank account for most of them.
This means that if you are one of the 7% who do not have a bank account in the United States, managing your money and cashing checks is more difficult.
Cashing a check can be made super simple if you have a bank account. You can visit the bank, or use an ATM. You can also use the app of some banks to quickly take a picture of your check and deposit it.
You can’t simply walk into any branch without a bank account. You will have to pay a fee each time your check is cashed.
You don’t need a bank account but still need cash quickly, so you can visit one of these check cashing locations.
7 places where you can cash a personal check
It’s possible to cash a check even if you don’t have any bank accounts. Although there are many companies that can cash checks, you will likely have to pay a small fee.
You can walk out today with cash in your hand.
Each check cashing location will have its own rules and requirements. You might not be able to cash some types of checks at certain places, so make sure you call before making any special trips.
1. The Bank that is listed on the check
You can cash checks without opening a bank account.
This information is located in the upper left corner of the memo line. To find out the check cashing policy of your local branch, call us.
It is possible to verify that funds are available by checking the balance of the person who wrote the check. As a security measure, some banks will give the account owner a call right away to verify that there has not been any fraud.
The check’s bank listing used to be the best option for getting your cash. Most banks now charge fees to cash your check if you don’t have an account. Many banks charge either a flat fee or a percentage of your check amount, up to a maximum.
Each bank has its own terms and conditions for cash checks tied to it institution. It is best to contact the bank ahead of time and inquire about its fees and policy.
To confirm that the check is valid, you will need to present 1-2 forms. Make sure you have a driver’s licence, passport or other government-issued ID.
2. Walmart
Walmart is the best place to cash checks. Nearly 90% of Americans live within 15 miles of a Walmart, with over 5,000 locations.
Walmart charges $4 for checks under $1,000, and $8 for any orders above that amount. This fee is comparable to what major banks charge.
The best thing about cashing a check at Walmart? is the variety of options. You can either get cash back straight away or a Walmart Moneycard that you can reload.
Walmart Check Cashing Options:
- Pre-printed checks
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Tax checks
- Cashiers’ checks
- Checks for insurance settlement
- Retirement distribution checks and 401k
- MoneyGram money orders
- Personal checks for two persons (maximum $200)
Two important things to remember:
- Walmart has recently begun to cash personal checks. However, there is a $6 fee as well as a $200 limit. You might want to consider other options if you are looking to cash personal checks.
- There are strict limits on the amount of checks that can be cashed. You can cash checks as long as they are less than $5,000 for most of the year. This limit increases to $7,500 during tax season (Jan-April).
To enter the store, you will need to bring your check and a valid identification.
3. Ace Check Cashing
Many businesses are solely focused on this goal. A check cashing station may be the only option if you don’t have access a bank nearby.
These stores charge the most fees than any other option on the list. Check cashing stores often have different fees between branches. Make sure you call to inquire.
Ask if the store requires a credit check before you cash your check. Because they will give you a loan for a short time, some stores may run credit checks before cashing your check.
Ace Check Express is the most preferred option, with physical locations throughout 24 states. As long as you have valid identification, it will cash virtually any type of check.
Ace Cash Express Options
- Personal checks
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Refunds of tax
- Checks for insurance settlement
- Money orders
Ace Cash Express is able to cash personal checks for you, which is a big advantage over Walmart and other retailers. There are no fees on the website so you will need to call your local store to find out how much it will cost to cash your check.
4. Station for gas
Gas stations were once a better option than other places to cash checks. However, many have stopped offering this service due to the high risk of fraud. The gas station cannot track down the individual responsible for the check once it is cashed.
7-Eleven still cashes check. Vcom kiosks are available at many locations. It is a touch-screen station that allows you to cash checks, pay bills and perform other financial tasks.
It is easier to download the Transact by 7-Eleven app. With your phone, you can deposit checks. Your reloadable 7 Eleven prepaid card will add the cash to your account. It functions exactly like a Debit MasterCard. They are accepted by most online and retail shops.
It takes approximately 48 hours for the funds to be loaded onto your card.
It can be used to make direct deposits from your employer or government benefits checks.
Additional gas station check-cashing options:
- Pilot Flying J
- TravelCenters of America
Not all locations can cash checks at gas stations or travel centers. So make sure to call ahead to see if one is available.
5. Your employer
Sometimes, your employer may be able to cash personal checks on your behalf.
Employers are advised not to offer check cashing because of the regulations. Some do, however. Employers can cash checks up to a maximum dollar amount daily, as long as they’re payroll checks.
Employers may also cash non-payroll check as long as the daily limit is not exceeded $1,000. Any more than that, and the employee would be considered a “check casher” under banking regulations.
6. Grocery Store
Grocery shops are one of most reliable and convenient ways to cash a check. Most people visit the grocery store at least once a week. This means that you don’t need to travel far to cash a check at a store that offers this service.
This is not a service offered by every grocery store, but there are some that offer it:
- HEB
- Kroger
- Publix
- Winn Dixie
- Albertsons (limit $1,000)
- WinCo
- Stop & Shop
- Hyvee
While fees and check limits may vary from one store to the next, all stores will require proof of government identification.
Many banks won’t allow you to cash personal checks due to fraud risk. However, if you are trying cash a government check or payroll check, cashier’s check, or money order then your chances of success are high.
7. Refer a friend or family member to your check
If you don’t have a bank account, you can endorse the check to someone you know who does.
It is easy to endorse a check in two steps:
- Write “Pay to the Order of [Name]”
- Sign underneath
The check can be cashed for free by the recipient and the funds transferred to them.
This requires trust. In some cases, both of you will need to be there in person to prove that you have not been forced or pressured to sign this form. To certify your endorsement, you will likely be asked to complete a form.
It may be easier to open your own checking account and not have to use this intermediary. You don’t want money getting in the way your relationships with family and friends.
Check out these Cashing FAQs
Can you cash a check at an ATM to cash it?
You technically cannot cash a check at an ATM even if you have a bank account.
You can deposit a check, and then withdraw cash from your account immediately. You can withdraw funds from your account for up to 24 hours if there is nothing in your account before you deposit the check.
However, without an account, it is impossible to do so.
Can I cash a cheque without a photo ID?
Except for the endorsement of a check to a friend, family member or relative, all check cashing locations will require at minimum one form of identification. Sometimes, it may even be two. Your ID that isn’t valid is considered invalid and will not be accepted as identification.
You have three options if you don’t have an ID:
- Sign the check for someone else
- Online cash the check
- Register with your bank to use the online app
How do I cash a check online
There are several options for those who don’t have access to a bank account, but do have an internet connection or a smartphone. PayPal and Ingo Money are the most popular apps that don’t require you to have a bank account.
Ingo money can be used to deposit virtually any type of check, even personal checks. Simply endorse the check by signing and taking a photo of the front and the back. The funds will be sent to the address you have designated once the check has been approved.
Ingo offers a variety of ways to access your money.
- Prepaid debit card
- Cash can be picked up in person at any MoneyGram location
- Amazon gift card
- PayPal account
However, Ingo fees can quickly add up. Payroll checks and government checks cost $5 each. A 2% fee will be charged if the check is more than $250. For a $1,000 check you will pay $20. All other checks will be subject to a 5% fee.
PayPal fees are slightly lower than other payment methods. For government checks and payroll checks, you’ll be charged 1% and 5% respectively. Transfer the funds to a pre-paid debit card, then withdraw cash at any ATM.
If you’re willing to wait at least 10 days before you have access to the funds, both online apps can help you avoid these fees.
With a bank, cashing a check is the easiest and most cost-effective way to cash a check
If you don’t have any bank accounts, you will always have to pay fees to get your checks cashed.
You might consider opening a bank accounts if you are tired of driving around the town and paying fees to find out about policies. The Best Online Checking Account allows you to get the best interest rates on your savings, and your checks are cashed without any fees.
