Getting a check is typically good news — money is coming your way. However, it’s not available to spend just yet. First, you need to convert that check into cash. While there are many options for cashing checks that are free, some places charge a hefty fee for this service, shrinking the value of your check. Here’s how to cash a check for free (or a low fee).
Key Points
• Account holders can typically cash a check for free at the bank or credit union where they have an account.
• Non-account holders may be able to cash a check at the bank that issued it, sometimes for a small fee.
• Large retail stores and supermarkets often offer check-cashing services for a low fee, typically around $4 for checks up to $1,000.
• Many payment apps and prepaid card providers allow mobile check deposits, often with fees for expedited access to the funds.
• Check-cashing stores tend to charge high fees for their services, sometimes up to 10% of the check’s value.
1. Your Bank or Credit Union
Banks and credit unions generally allow you to cash a check for free if you’re an existing customer. As an account holder, you can typically cash or deposit a check in person at a branch, at an ATM, or through the bank’s mobile app. If you deposit a check at an ATM or through a mobile app, however, you may not get the entire amount of the check immediately. Usually the first $225 is available right away or in one business day, with the rest of the money being released on the second business day.
If you’re cashing a check in person, you’ll need to bring your debit card and, in some cases, a photo ID.
If you attempt to cash a check at a bank where you do not hold an account, you may be charged a fee, or the bank may simply refuse to cash the check. If you don’t have a bank account, opening a checking account will give you an easy way to cash checks for free.
2. Check Writer’s Bank
Another option for cashing a check for free, or a small fee, is to visit the bank where the funds were drawn from, also known as the issuing bank. You can find the name of the issuing bank on the front of the check.
Banks will typically cash a check for free if the check is written from one of their own accounts. However, some banks may charge a small fee for non-account holders, such as a percentage (like 2%) of the check. In some cases, a bank might offer free check-cashing up to a certain dollar amount (such as $25), with a fee for higher amounts. To cash a check as a non-account holder, you may also have to supply two forms of ID.
3. Retail Stores
Some large retail stores and supermarkets offer check-cashing services, though there is typically a fee. For example, Walmart will cash payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and some other types of pre-printed checks for a low fee (at the time of publication, up to $4 for checks up to $1,000; a max off $8 for larger checks). Certain grocery store chains, such as Kroger or Albertsons, also offer check-cashing for payroll, government, insurance, or business checks for a fee (typically around $4).
If you’re heading to a store to cash a check, be sure to bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Also keep in mind that retail stores might not cash certain checks, such as personal checks.
Recommended: Can You Cash Checks at an ATM?
4. Payment Apps
Some payment apps offer the ability to deposit checks into your account without a fee if you’re willing to wait a while to access the funds. PayPal and Venmo, for example, have mobile check deposit features that allow users to take a photo of a check and deposit it electronically into their account.
With PayPal, there is no fee if you’re willing to wait 10 days to access your funds. If you want expedited check cashing, the fee is 1% for payroll and government checks with a pre-printed signature (with a minimum fee of $5) and 5% for all other accepted check types, including hand-signed payroll and government checks (with a minimum fee of $5). Venmo offers similar terms.
5. Load Onto a Prepaid Card
Another way to cash a check (potentially for free) is to load it onto a prepaid card using the card’s mobile check deposit feature. Once the check clears, you’ll be able to access the funds as cash by making a withdrawal at an ATM. Depending on the service, you may be able to get some of the funds right away.
Before using this option, however, you’ll want to check whether your prepaid card provider charges fees for reloading the card and/or cashing a check, as terms vary by company.
Recommended: What Is a Second Chance Checking Account?
Where Not to Cash a Check
If you’re looking to cash a check for free or a low fee, you’ll generally want to avoid check-cashing stores. These stores specialize in cashing checks for individuals without bank accounts, and typically charge steep fees for their services. Costs can run as high as 10% of the check’s value, which can be a hefty sum, especially for large checks.
Some check-cashing services are located in low-income areas, often within or alongside payday loan shops. In some cases, a check-cashing outlet might try to lure you into taking out a high-interest payday loan, which can trap you into a cycle of fees and high costs.
Recommended: What to Know if You’ve Been Denied a Checking Account
The Takeaway
Banks generally allow you to cash a check for free if you’re an account holder. If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to cash a check for free by visiting the check writer’s bank, loading it to a prepaid card, or using the check-deposit feature on a payment app. You can also cash payroll and government checks at some retail stores, but expect to pay a fee.
If you don’t have a bank account, opening one will provide a long-term solution for cashing checks. Cashing a check at a bank where you have an account is free and, typically, the most convenient method.
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.
FAQ
Where is the cheapest place to cash a check?
The cheapest place to cash a check is likely the bank or credit union where you have an account, where it’s likely to be free. Another option is to cash the check at the check writer’s bank; many banks offer this service for free or for a minimal fee if you are not an account holder. Retail stores like Walmart also offer check-cashing services at a low fee, typically under $4 for checks up to $1,000. Additionally, some prepaid cards and payment apps provide free mobile check deposit options if you’re willing to wait for processing.
Where can I cash a check without having a bank account?
If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to cash a check at the check writer’s bank or at a large retailer or supermarket (for a fee). Other options include loading the check onto a prepaid card or using a payment app’s mobile check deposit feature. You can also cash a check at a check-cashing store, but this tends to be the most expensive option.
What app will cash a check immediately?
Several payment apps allow you to cash a check immediately, but it typically comes with a cost. For example, PayPal and Venmo also offer mobile check deposit services. If you can wait 10 days before the funds are available in your account, the service is free. If you want immediate access, you’ll pay a fee of 1% to 5%, depending on the type of check.
About the author
Julia Califano
Julia Califano is an award-winning journalist who covers banking, small business, personal loans, student loans, and other money issues for SoFi. She has over 20 years of experience writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Fly View Productions
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