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If you have a bank account, cashing a check is a simple process; you just deposit it and can then use the funds once it’s cleared.

However, about 4.5% of American households don’t have a bank account, according to a recent study from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. They must therefore rely on alternative methods to cash a check. These workarounds can take a bit of time and energy, but can help you access cash if you are in this situation.

Here, you’ll learn about how you can cash a check if you don’t have a bank account or can’t use it for some reason. You’ll find out the pros and cons of each technique, as well as some important information about using checks and checking accounts.

7 Places Where You Can Cash a Check

There are several ways to cash a check if you don’t have a bank account. Some of these alternatives may come with fees or extra legwork. And some may have restrictions on the dollar amount they will cash. Here’s a closer look at the different ways you can cash a personal or business check without a bank account.


💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure online banking app.

1. Cash the Check at the Issuing Bank

Look at the check to see which bank issued it and if there is a brick-and-mortar branch near you. Sometimes that bank will allow a non-customer to cash a personal check without a bank account if the payee comes in person. The teller can usually determine whether funds are available. The same often holds true for business checks.

•  Those that do provide this service often charge a flat fee (say, $8) or percentage of the check amount.

•  Some large banks will cash a check under a certain amount, $5,000 for example, without a fee.

•  Worth noting: If a bank does collect a fee, it may try to persuade the non-customer to open an account to avoid paying that charge.

2. Cash at a Retailer

Where else can you cash a check without a bank account? Several retailers such as Walmart and some grocery-store chains offer check-cashing services through their customer-service departments, usually for a flat fee based on the size of the check. For instance, at Walmart, there is a $4 fee for checks of up to $1,000 and a $8 fee for those over $1,000.

The amount charged and restrictions on the types of checks cashed will vary, however. For this reason, it’s important to check with each retailer in your area that offers this service to find one that works for your situation.

3. Payday Lending Store

Stand-alone check-cashing and payday-lending stores will cash many types of checks of varying amounts. However, the problem with payday loan check cashing services is that they are often the most expensive, charging a percentage of the check amount as well as a flat fee. For many people, this is best thought of as a last-chance option.


💡 Quick Tip: Fees can be a real drag when you’re trying to save money. SoFi’s high-yield checking account has no account fees, including overdraft coverage up to $50.

4. Prepaid Debit Cards

Some banks and financial institutions allow unbanked consumers to deposit checks directly to a prepaid debit card. Some big banks allow you to use their ATM system to deposit checks onto the card for a monthly service fee.

In other cases, using an app, you can use your smartphone to take pictures of your checks and deposit them into any type of account, including a prepaid card. This is often free, but you may have to wait up to 10 days before the funds from the check are available. In some cases, you can pay a relatively large fee, usually about 2% to 5% of the check value, for quicker access to the funds.

5. Employer-Sponsored Payroll Debit Card

Some large employers have programs that allow you to deposit your paycheck directly onto a reusable debit card. Be sure to look at the various types of fees associated with these cards. You may wind up paying overdraft, ATM, transfer, and inactivity fees in addition to general service fees.

6. Sign Your Check Over to Someone Else

Another option would be to sign a check over to a trusted friend or relative. This person could then deposit the check in their account and withdraw the funds, once available, and give them to you.

This is a simple process. Some verification is involved, and then you usually just need to write “Pay to the order of” and the name of the person on the back of the check and then sign it. However, it’s vital that this person can be relied upon to give you the cash.

7. Check Cashing Outlet

If you need to cash a check without a bank account, you could also visit a check cashing outlet. This can be expensive, though: Fees can be around 10% of the check’s value.

Here, consider the pros and cons of each in chart form:

Method	Pros	Cons
Cash at Issuing Bank	Convenience	Not all banks offer this; may charge fees
Cash at a retailer	Convenience	Fees; may be a cap on the dollar amount that can be cashed
Payday Lending Store	Convenience	May charge very high fees
Prepaid Debit Cards	Convenience	Fees; wait time for funds to clear
Employer-Sponsored Payroll Debit Card	Convenience	Potential fees
Sign Over Your Check	Convenience; typically no fees	Must trust person who receives check; must wait for check to clear
Check Cashing Outlet	Convenience	May charge very high fees

What to Consider Before Cashing a Check

To help determine which check-cashing option is best for you, keep the following in mind.

Check Amount

In general, larger checks are harder and more expensive to cash without a bank account than smaller sums. Walmart, for instance, will usually only cash checks up to $5,000 or $7,500.

Check-cashing stores may have similar limits, or higher fees for larger checks. For large checks, depositing into a prepaid debit card may be the best option.

Fees

As we’ve seen above, almost every non-bank checking service entails fees when cashing your check. They can vary widely, with check-cashing and payday-lending stores usually being the most expensive.

It can pay to look for the least expensive alternative in your area, especially if you are able to access the bank that issued the check.

Identification Requirements

To show that the check rightfully belongs to you, you’ll need to show at least one form of government-issued identification, such as a license or passport. With large checks, you may be required to show two forms of ID.

Recommended: How to Write a Check to Yourself

Personal Checks

Personal checks can be more difficult to cash without a bank account than government-issued or payroll checks. Many check-cashing stores won’t accept any personal checks, and retailers may have lower limits on how much they’ll cash, usually a couple hundred dollars.

Here’s one workaround: Ask the person writing you the personal check to send a money order or cashier’s check instead.

Can You Cash a Check Without ID?

To cash a check without ID, you have a few options:

•  Check with your bank or the issuing bank and see if they will allow you to cash it without identification or with an alternative method of identification.

•  Sign the check over to someone else, have them cash it, and give you the funds.

•  Deposit the check (provided you have an account), wait for it to process, and then withdraw the funds.

•  Use ATM check cashing, if possible.

Recommended: What Is an E-Check?

How to Cash a Large Check Without a Bank Account

The methods for cashing a large check without a bank account are similar to methods for cashing any other check. You will likely want to be a bit more cautious and double-check the process in advance:

•  Sign the check over to a trusted friend or relative

•  Visit a check-cashing outlet.

Opening a Bank Account

Cashing a check without a bank account can often be costly and inconvenient. After exploring the options above, you may find that your best option for the long term involves opening a bank account. A bank account makes saving and spending easy, safe and flexible. Some points to consider when opening an account:

•  What do you need to open a checking account? You’ll usually need to make sure you qualify for an account, have an ID, and be willing to share basic personal information such as your birthdate, address, phone, social security number, etc. You’ll also need an initial deposit, which can often be as little as $25.

•  Keep in mind, most banks have a minimum age to open a bank account; they won’t allow those under 18 to have an account without a parent or guardian as the joint owner.

•  If you have a history of banking issues, such as unpaid overdraft fees, you may not qualify for a traditional checking account. Instead, you may want to consider what’s known as a second-chance account, offered by many lenders. These accounts often charge a monthly fee and come with more restrictions than a traditional checking account. That said, many allow solid customers the opportunity to convert to a regular checking account in six months to a year.

The Takeaway

It is possible to cash a check without a bank account. Options include signing the check over to a trusted friend to cash it and give you the funds; seeing if the issuing bank will cash it; using the check to buy prepaid debit cards; and other tactics.

That said, opening a bank account can be a simple process and can provide not just check cashing but the foundation for your daily financial life.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can I cash a $5000 check without a bank account?

You will likely be able to cash a $5000 check at a retailer, such as Walmart, or at a check cashing outlet. Inquire about fees, though, before proceeding to be sure you are prepared.

How can I cash a large check immediately?

To cash a large check immediately, try your bank if you have one or the bank that issued the check. You might also be able to cash it by signing it over to a friend or relative who can give you the cash once it clears; buying prepaid debit cards with it; or going to a check cashing outlet.

What bank will cash a check without an account?

It’s often best to go to the bank that issued the check and see if they will cash it. They will be able to verify that the funds are available and may be willing to give you the money.

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Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you ever see a bank error made in your favor, you might think, “Free money!” but the truth is, you need to report the error ASAP.

An unfortunate fact of life is that people — and sometimes technology — can make mistakes. Every once in a while, your bank might make an error and deposit cash into your account that wasn’t meant for you. A teller at a bank branch could have entered the wrong digit in an account number as a customer tried to deposit a check or transfer funds, for example. Whatever the reason, you’ll notice that your bank account balance is higher than it ought to be.

While this may seem like a cash windfall and you might be tempted to keep the money, you should report the error to your bank as soon as you notice it. That way, the mistake can be corrected as quickly as possible.

Can I Keep the Money from a Bank Error in My Favor?

So what happens when money is accidentally deposited into your account? You may wonder if it’s a case of “finders, keepers.” Well, the only time that you can keep funds added to your account is when the money deposited was legitimately meant for you.

When a bank error occurs in your favor, you cannot keep the money — even if the error seems small and likely to fly under the radar. The money isn’t legally yours, so you must return it.

What’s more, the customer whose money accidentally landed in your account will probably notice the mistake and ask the bank to track down the money. Or, the bank will catch the mistake in one of the regular audits that it makes on accounts and withdraw the money again. If the money isn’t in your account, they may ask you why you didn’t report the mistake earlier.

Recommended: Ways to Deposit Money into a Bank Account

What Is the Penalty for Attempting to Spend or Keep the Money?

Now, let’s consider what would happen if you didn’t report and return the money mistakenly put in your account. Even if you are a person who doesn’t pay much attention to your banking details and assume the money is yours, it is still a big problem if you use it. If you spend the money from a bank error in your favor, move it to another account, invest it, or give it away, you could wind up in a lot of hot water.

Failing to return the money may be tantamount to theft, and you could face criminal charges, such as theft of property lost by mistake or receiving stolen property. Criminal charges may be made to get a court order to force you to repay the amount, and in some cases, you could end up with probation or prison time. That’s a very good reason to get the funds back to your bank as soon as you realize there’s been an error.

A few years ago, a Pennsylvania couple went on a spending spree when their bank accidentally deposited $120,000 in their account instead of a business’ account due to a teller error. The couple bought various vehicles with the money and also gave $15,000 away to friends in need.

The bank requested that the couple return the money and then reversed the transfer, causing an overdraft on the couple’s account of over $100,000. The couple was eventually convicted of theft, sentenced to seven years’ probation, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to repay the money they stole. Surely, this is a good example of why there’s no such thing as free money in this situation.

When Should I Report the Error?

If you discover money in your account and can’t explain where it came from, contact your bank right away, and ask them to figure out the origins of the funds. If it turns out the money really was for you — perhaps a relative deposited it in your account as a gift, for example — your bank will let you know that you are free to access the funds and use them for whatever you’d like.

If the funds weren’t originally meant for you, the bank can start the process of reversing the transaction.

To report the error, first call your bank. Take down the name of the person you talked to and make a note of the time and date. Follow up your call with an email that outlines the details of the error. That way, you’ll have a paper trail of your attempts to correct the issue. The time frame in which to report a bank error varies, so check with your particular account’s fine print to know the specifics.

What Happens if the Bank Does Not Respond?

Generally speaking, banks have 10 days to complete an investigation into an account error. But it is possible the investigation could take as long as 45 days. You can take a look at your deposit account agreement to find out how long it should take your bank.

If nothing has changed after that period of time, contact your bank again to check in on the progress of the investigation. Do not assume the money has somehow become rightfully yours. You don’t want to make a bad situation worse, cause legal action, and wind up eventually having to hire a lawyer to represent you.

What Should I Do So That I Don’t Get in Trouble?

When an erroneous deposit is made to your account, here are the steps you should take to help ensure that you don’t get into any trouble.

Do Not Touch or Transfer Money

First things first, if you notice money in your account that’s not yours, don’t touch it. Don’t spend, don’t give it to someone else, and don’t move it into a different account. Don’t even spend the money if you plan to repay it and report the mistake later. Anything you do to tamper with the money, no matter how benign it seems, could have big consequences later.

Contact Your Bank

As we mentioned above, contact your bank immediately when you notice the error, and keep records of your interactions.

Monitor Your Account

Get in the habit of scoping out your financial accounts regularly, whether it’s checking your credit report, bank account, or even checking medical bills for errors. The fact that even your bank can accidentally deposit money into your account illustrates the necessity of reviewing your bank account regularly.

If you don’t look at your account statement frequently, you may not notice small errors, and these can have a big impact on your personal finances. How often should you check your bank account? There’s no precise answer, but between once a week and once a month can be a good place to start.

For example, say a small deposit of just a few hundred dollars is accidentally made to your checking account. Say, too, that you don’t notice the deposit and spend some of the funds. When the bank discovers the mistake, they can withdraw the funds without your permission, freeze your account, or put a hold on your funds. If you’re still operating unaware of the erroneous deposit, this can wreak havoc on your account. It could cause overdrafts or your checks to bounce. It might gum up the works on any automated bill pay that you may have set up.

As a result, you may be on the hook for overdraft fees, or you may end up paying some bills late.

Keeping careful tabs on your account can help you catch errors so you can avoid these situations and improve your financial health. Consider setting up alerts for deposits in your account. That way you can spot any mistakes as soon as they happen. You may want to consider other automatic ways to monitor your finances, such as credit score monitoring and card security and protection, to help keep your accounts safe.

The Takeaway

Now you know what to do if money is accidentally deposited into your bank account. If a financial institution makes a mistake in your favor, sorry to say, this isn’t the moment to go on a spending spree. The best thing you can do is act quickly to alert your bank. That way, the error can be corrected, the right person can receive the money they need, and you can continue banking as usual. If you fail to do so, you could wind up with overdrafts and other issues when the bank takes the money back. Worse still, you could face legal consequences with far-reaching effects. So do the right thing, and keep your financial life on the up and up.

Here’s a no-funny-business way to help your money grow: Bank with SoFi. We’re committed to zero account fees as well as superior interest rates. Sign up for our Checking and Savings with direct deposit, and you’ll earn a super competitive 4.60% APY which is 41 times the current national checking account average. Plus, we won’t deduct any monthly, minimum balance, or overdraft fees.

Bank smarter with SoFi.

FAQ

Can I keep money credited in error to me?

No, you cannot keep money that is deposited in your account in error. You should alert your bank and have the funds redirected to their rightful owner.

Do I have to report a bank error?

Yes, you should report the error. Contact your bank and report the mistaken deposit as soon as you notice it so the problem can be corrected.

What happens if the bank makes a mistake? Who is responsible and why?

If your bank makes a mistake, you should alert them as soon as you notice it. Your bank will also run regular audits of your accounts, which can help them catch errors. When they do catch a mistake, it must be resolved with the funds going back to the correct account. To do so, the bank can reverse transfers, withdraw funds from your account, freeze your account, or place a hold on the funds without your permission. If the money isn’t there, you will be asked to repay it, and you may face criminal charges.

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Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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Offloading your used items can do you good on a couple of fronts. You can declutter your home, help fight waste (since you’re not just throwing things out), and you can make money by selling your still-useful stuff.

Whether you are getting rid of clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, housewares, books, electronics, or anything else, you can probably find a platform to help you get the job done. Some ways to sell are online, others aren’t, but all can do their part to connect your items with buyers. And get some additional cash flowing your way.

Here’s a guide to dozens of places that can help you sell your used items.

36 Places Where You Can Sell Your Stuff

If you have items you no longer want or need, and you’re looking to make some extra money, why not kill two birds with one stone? You might do this on a regular basis to keep your place (especially your closets) streamlined, or it could help you out at a moment when you are living paycheck to paycheck.

The following resale apps, sites, and stores may be able to help. Some of these services are free to list and sell, some take a percentage of profits, some pay cash outright, and others consign (meaning they sell your stuff and pay you once it sells).

1. Craigslist

One of the original online marketplaces, Craigslist (Craigslist.org) , is where you can sell used things. You can list all sorts of things, from tools to toys to DVDs to antiques (and much more) for free.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to sell items in your local area. It’s free to create a listing that can be seen by anyone on and off Facebook. You can also choose to post your listings to any “Buy and Sell” Groups you’re a member of.

However, a word of caution: Facebook Marketplace and other similar platforms can be used for banking scams. Read up on common ploys and proceed with caution when selling this way.

3. Amazon

While you may think that Amazon is where you can buy new things, there are also a lot of opportunities to list used items, especially books. Current pricing can be $39.99 a month plus selling fees, so you will likely want to be confident you can sell more than that before enrolling.

4. eBay

The original selling platform, eBay can still be a good way to sell your stuff, especially if you want to reach buyers from around the world who are looking to save money daily. Or it can be a huge help if you’re looking to unload an unusual item (there is almost nothing you can’t sell on eBay). But you may want to keep an eye out for selling fees, which may include a listing fee, a percentage of the sales prices, and possibly other fees.

One example of fees: For most categories, you will pay 35 cents per listing and, when an item sells, you will owe 13.255 of the total sales amount up to $7,500. If the item’s price is higher than that, you’ll pay an additional 2.35% on the overage.

5. OfferUp

Developed as a locally-driven platform, OfferUp is another good bet for selling used things. It allows you to sell to someone local, or ship an item to a buyer who lives anywhere in the US. Most items are free to post. When you sell a shipped item on the site, you may be charged a fee that is 12.9% of the sale price, with a minimum of $1.99.

6. Poshmark

Primarily a site for selling used clothing, Poshmark also lets you list home decor, jewelry, and beauty products. For sales you make under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95. If you make a sale that’s worth $15 or more, it takes 20%.

7. Etsy

Etsy may be best known as a platform for artists to sell their handmade goods and launch a low-cost side hustle. But the site also allows you to list some used goods. However, you can only resell in the “Vintage” and “Craft Supplies” categories. There is a listing fee of 20 cents per item, and, when you sell an item, there’s a transaction fee of 6.5% of the price, plus the amount you charge for shipping and gift wrapping.

8. thredUP

An online consignment and thrift store, thredUP sells thousands of major brands. You can send your gently used clothing directly to the service. If they accept (and sell) your clothing, you can choose from cash or credit.

A $2.99 Clean Out Kit fee and a service charge of $14.99 or higher may be assessed when you send in your clothes.

9. eBid

Like eBay, you can sell just about anything on eBid, either for auction or at a fixed price. eBid is organized into three tiers of selling, with different membership costs and selling fees. eBid may or may not wind up costing you less than other selling platforms, depending on how much you will sell and at what price.

10. Bookoo

Another platform for selling stuff locally is Bookoo, which doesn’t charge any listing or selling fees. Bookoo may not be as well known as other sites, but it is available in nearly every state throughout the U.S.

11. Vinted

If you have a lot of gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories to sell, you may want to check out Vinted (Vinted.com), a peer-to-peer online marketplace that focuses on vintage and second-hand fashion. And, for sellers, it’s free. Buyers pay a “protection fee,” typically 5% of the purchase price plus 70 cents.

12. Vestiaire Collective

If you have luxury items you want to sell, you may want to try Vestiaire Collective, a resale website where you can buy and sell high-end clothing, handbags, and accessories. When you sell an item, you can usually keep up to 85% of your money from the sale, minus a payment processing fee (usually 3%).

13. TheRealReal

TheRealReal is a luxury consignment site where you can drop off or ship designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry, as well as fine art and upscale home decor. They sell your items for you in exchange for a percentage of the profit.

Recommended: Ways to Make Money Online

14. Rebag

If you have a designer bag that you no longer want, you might consider selling it on Rebag, a site that’s focused on buying, selling, and trading luxury handbags. The site will let you know how much your bag is worth. If you like the offer, you can send them your bag with no shipping charges. Once it’s received and approved, you’ll get your payment.

15. Bag Borrow or Steal

Another site for selling luxury handbags is Bag Borrow or Steal. You can sell directly to the site (and get paid right away), or you can consign and receive 70% of the sales price after it’s sold.

16. PreOwned Wedding Dresses

If you aren’t sentimental about keeping your wedding dress, bridal party gown, or accessories, then you can list it on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, with a $25 listing fee and an 80% payout of the sale price when someone buys it.

17. Garage Sales

If your goal is to unload a large amount of stuff all at once, hosting a garage sale can be a good way to go. You could even get some neighbors together and hold a community garage sale to attract more people.

Just be sure to double-check community guidelines first to see if a permit is required.

18. Flea Markets

Community flea markets can be a great way to sell unwanted things. The owner and operator of the flea market will likely charge you a fee for a booth. If you live in a big city, you may have to register early to get a spot.

19. Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is a vintage and used clothing store with locations throughout the U.S. If one of their stores is convenient to you, you can make an appointment to meet with a buyer. If they like your stuff, they will pay 25% of their selling price in cash or 50% in store credit. (Using that store credit could prove to be a good way to save money on clothes.)

20. Crossroads Trading

Crossroads Trading is a second-hand clothing store with brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. If you visit a store, you may be able to receive cash for your clothing on the spot. For higher-end pieces, you can opt to consign. Crossroads also offers mail-in service.

21. Plato’s Closet

You can bring your gently used brand-name clothing and accessories to a Plato’s Closet near you. They’ll review your items and, if accepted, you’ll get paid on the spot.

22. Style Encore

A women’s resale store, you can bring in stylish, gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories to one of Style Encore’s retail locations. If they (style-encore.com) like your items, you will get paid right away in cash.

23. Once Upon a Child

If you have gently used children’s clothing and shoes, toys, and/or baby gear lying around, you may want to cart it over to Once Upon a Child, which has locations throughout the U.S. An employee will check out your goods and, if they think they sell them, will give you cash in return.

Recommended: Weird Ways to Make Money

24. Play It Again Sports

If you live near Play it Again Sports, you may want to consider bringing in all the no-longer-used sports equipment in your garage. You’ll clear out the space, and may get a nice amount of cash in return.

25. Music Go Round

Live in a musical household? Music Go Round is a resale music shop where you can bring in used instruments and sound equipment (like amps, MIDI equipment, and mixers) and get paid cash in return.

26. Local Thrift Stores

Unlike Goodwill or Salvation Army which accept donations, thrift stores — specifically ones that sell high-end or vintage clothing — might be willing to buy your clothes and other items. Look up local stores, and ask them what they buy and how much they typically pay.

27. Used Book Stores

Your local used book stores may be looking to purchase your books from you. You can call ahead, let them know what you have, and see if they are interested. You might wind up selling your old things for cash.

28. BookScouter

If you’re looking to sell textbooks, you may want to check out BookScouter. The platform simplifies the process by searching sites that buy used textbooks, then displaying the prices from those sites, so you can compare and decide where to sell your books.

29. GoTextbooks

GoTextbooks also allows you to sell your college textbooks and hopefully recoup some of the money you spent on them. When you let the site (sellback.gotextbooks.com/) know about what you have for sale, they will give you an instant quote. You can then ship your books for free and receive your money.

30. DeCluttr

If you mainly have electronics to sell, you may want to check out DeCluttr, which buys used tech, cell phones, DVDs, and video games. The site will give you an instant valuation. If you like the price, you can ship your item for free. If it meets expectations, you receive payment a few days later.

31. Gazelle

You may be able to turn your old cell phone into some quick cash at Gazelle. The site will give you an instant quote. If you like the numbers, you can ship the phone to them for free, and get paid via Amazon Gift Card, PayPal, or check.

32. Pawn Shop

You may be able to make some quick money selling your old stuff to a local pawn shop. Typically, pawn shops are only interested in things of value, such as jewelry, collectible coins, and electronics. It can be a good idea to bring in proof of purchase so that the owner knows you aren’t trying to sell stolen goods.

33. Facebook Groups

If you’re in any local or niche Facebook groups, you may want to post items that might appeal to members of the group. You simply need to snap a picture, describe your item, set your asking price, and see what offers you get.

34. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a network of local community websites and can be a good place to post items. You click on the “Sell or give away an item” option when posting and can set your terms. While the number of people who are in a particular area’s community will vary, Nextdoor does have approximately 37 million active users, so you just might find a buyer.

35. Instagram

If you have a fair number of followers on Instagram, you might consider listing items you’re looking to sell there. As with Facebook groups, you simply need to snap a photo, write a brief description, and name your price. Or, you can go the more professional route and integrate Instagram’s shopping tools.

36. A “Raid My Closet” Event

Do you have friends who might be interested in checking out what you have for sale? You may want to consider inviting them over for a “raid my closet” event, or a “raid my garage” party. You can offer food and drinks, and make it a fun celebration to declutter your home.

What Are the Benefits of Selling Your Things?

Selling your things can have several benefits:

•   You can declutter or downsize by selling unwanted items.

•   You can help the environment by passing the item along versus throwing it in the garbage.

•   You can help someone who is looking for a gently used item that you have and wants to get a good deal on it.

•   You can bring in extra income.

However, as mentioned before, there are also downsides of selling your stuff. There is the possibility of being scammed in some direct sales, and there are also income tax implications to doing those kinds of transactions as well. Educate yourself on these situations.

Keeping Your Cash in a SoFi Savings Account

If you’re holding on to clothes, furniture, books, or other items you no longer want or need, you could be sitting on a way to make some extra money while decluttering.

What to do with all the profits that start rolling in? You might want to bank it and earn some interest.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

The FAQ

What is a good website to sell stuff on?

The right website to sell stuff on will depend on the item you are selling to some extent. If you are selling a piece of furniture or large appliance, you might try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For clothing, there are sites like thredup and Vinted, among others.

How do I sell my stuff online for free?

This will depend on the kind of item you are selling. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted are some examples of platforms that typically don’t charge the seller any fees.

What is the best app for selling used items?

Among the apps to consider when selling your used items are eBay, OfferUp, and Poshmark. These can reach a large number of potential buyers, though as a seller, you will likely pay some fees.

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The Black-Scholes option pricing model is a mathematical formula used to calculate the theoretical price of an option. It’s a commonly-used formula for determining the price of contracts, and as such, can be useful for investors in the options market to know and have in their pocket for use.

But there are some important things to know about it, such as the fact that the model only applies to European options, and more.

What Is the Black-Scholes Model?

As mentioned, the Black-Scholes model is one of the most commonly used formulas for pricing options contracts. The model, also known as the Black-Scholes formula, allows investors to determine the value of options they’re considering trading.

The formula takes into account several important factors affecting options in an attempt to arrive at a fair market price for the derivative. The Black-Scholes options pricing model only applies to European options.


💡 Quick Tip: How do you decide if a certain trading platform or app is right for you? Ideally, the investment platform you choose offers the features that you need for your investment goals or strategy, e.g., an easy-to-use interface, data analysis, educational tools.

The History of the Black-Scholes Model

The Black-Scholes model gets its name from Myron Scholes and Fischer Black, who created the model in 1973. The model is sometimes called the Black-Scholes-Merton model, as Robert Merton also contributed to the model’s development. These three men were professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Chicago.

The model functions as a differential equation that requires five inputs:

•   The option’s strike price

•   The amount of time until the option expires

•   The price of its underlying stock

•   Interest rates

•   Volatility

Modern computing power has made it easier to use this formula and made it more popular among those interested in stock options trading.

The model only works for European options, since American options allow contract holders to exercise at any time between the time of purchase and the expiration date. By contrast, European options come at cheaper prices and only allow the owner to exercise the option on the expiration date. So, while European options only offer a single opportunity to earn profits, American options offer multiple opportunities.

Recommended: American vs European Options: What’s the Difference?

What Does the Black-Scholes Model Tell?

The main goal of the Black-Scholes Formula is to determine the chances that an option will expire in the money. To this end, the model goes deeper than simply looking at the fact that a call option will increase when its underlying stock price rises and incorporates the impact of stock volatility.

The model looks at several variables, each of which impact the value of that option. Greater volatility, for example, could increase the odds the options will wind up being in the money before its expiration. The more time the investor has to exercise the option also increases the likelihood of it winding up in the money and lowers the present value of the exercise price. Interest rates also influence the price of the option, as higher rates make the option more expensive by decreasing the present value of the exercise price.

The Black-Scholes Formula

The Black-Scholes formula expresses the value of a call option by taking the current stock prices multiplied by a probability factor (D1) and subtracting the discounted exercise payment times a second probability factor (D2).

Explaining in exact detail what D1 and D2 represent can be difficult because the original research papers by Black and Scholes didn’t explain or interpret D1 and D2, and neither did the papers published by Merton. Entire research papers have been written on the subject of D1 and D2 alone.


💡 Quick Tip: If you’re an experienced investor and bullish about a stock, buying call options (rather than the stock itself) can allow you to take the same position, with less cash outlay. It is possible to lose money trading options, if the price moves against you.

Why Is the Black-Scholes Model Important?

The Black-Scholes option pricing model is so important that it once won the Nobel Prize in economics. Some even claim that this model is among the most important ideas in financial history.

Some traders consider the Black-Scholes Model one of the best methods for figuring out fair prices of European call options. Since its creation, many scholars have elaborated on and improved this formula. In this sense, Black and Scholes made a significant contribution to the academic world when it comes to math and finance.

Some claim that the Black-Scholes model has made a significant contribution to the efficiency of the options and stock markets. While designed for European options, the Black-Scholes Model can still help investors understand how an option’s price might react to its underlying stock price movements and improve their overall options trading strategies.

This allows investors to optimize their portfolios by hedging accordingly, making the overall markets more efficient. However, others assert that the model has increased volatility in the markets, as more investors constantly try to fine tune their trades according to the formula.

How Accurate Is the Black-Scholes Model?

Some studies have shown the Black-Scholes model to be highly predictive of options prices. This doesn’t mean the formula has no flaws, though.

The model tends to undervalue calls that are deeply in the money and overvalue calls that are deeply out of the money.

That means the model might assign an artificially low value to options that are much higher than the price of their underlying stock, while it may overvalue options that are far beneath the stock’s current value. Options that deal with stocks yielding a high dividend also tend to get mispriced by the model.

Assumptions of the Black-Scholes Model

There are also a few assumptions made by the model that can lead to less-than-perfect predictions. Some of these include:

•   The assumption that volatility and the risk- free rate within a stock remain constant

•   The assumption that stock prices are stable and large price swings don’t happen

•   The assumption that a stock doesn’t pay dividends until after an option expires

Recommended: How Do Dividends Work?

Such assumptions are necessary, even if they may negatively impact results. Relying on assumptions like these make the task possible, as only so many variables can reasonably be calculated.

Over the years, math scholars have elaborated on the work of Black and Scholes and made efforts to compensate for some of the gaps created by the original assumptions.

This leads to another flaw of the Black-Scholes model, unlike other inputs in the model, volatility must be an estimate rather than an objective fact. Interest rates and the amount of time left until the option expires are concrete numbers, while volatility has no direct numerical value.

The best a financial analyst can do is calculate an estimation of volatility by using something like the formula for variance. Variance is a measurement of the variability of an asset, or how much prices change from time to time. One common measurement of volatility is the standard deviation, which is equivalent to the square root of variance.

The Takeaway

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is among the most influential mathematical formulas in modern financial history, and it may be the most accurate way to determine the value of a European call option. It’s a complicated formula that has some drawbacks that traders must understand, but it’s a useful tool for European options traders.

Given the Black-Scholes model’s complexity, it’s likely that many investors will never use it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t important to know or understand, of course, but many investors may not get much practical use out of it unless they delve deeper into the world of options trading.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

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