The world is changing and there are places where to actually cash a check without a bank account. So if you don’t know that it is possible to cash a check without a bank account, I’ll be showing you otherwise. It is not only possible but there are several ways you can cash a check without a bank account in the United States and some service providers in this field work 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about whether it is too late or not.
However, note that this cashing check service usually comes at a fee. Sometimes it is essential to inquire about the fee and the type of checks accepted before proceeding to patronizing the service. Some charges might be too high and you need to make your mind ahead before cashing your check and do your calculations first.
This guide will show you the various centers or places to cash a check without a bank account. Carefully analyze them to choose the one you prefer, and you are okay with fees and terms of service.
Where To Actually Cash A Check Without A Bank Account
If you do not have a bank account, below are places to cash a check without a bank account.
1. Retail Stores
Many retail stores, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and big-box stores like Walmart, Kroger, and its subsidiaries, offer check-cashing services, where you can cash a check without a bank account. They may have specific requirements, such as a valid ID, and potentially charge a fee.
Walmart, for example, doesn’t cash handwritten checks, but it can cash other types of checks, such as:
- Government checks
- Tax checks
- Two-party personal checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Preprinted checks
- Payroll checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- 401(k) disbursement checks
2. Check-Cashing Stores
Other places where to actually cash a check without a bank account are check cashing stores. Check-cashing stores specialize in cashing checks for a fee and are one of the best places to cash a check without a bank account. They may require you to provide identification and charge a percentage or a flat fee based on the check amount.
However, cash checks at check-cashing stores are probably the most expensive. Some check-cashing stores will demand you become a “member” or buy check-cashing ID cards before you can cash a check.
Check-cashing centers typically charge 1% to 12% of the face value of the check, while some have a flat fee.
3. Prepaid Cards
If you do not have a bank account, you can use prepaid cards to cash your checks. Some companies offer prepaid debit cards that allow you to deposit checks onto the card. You can then use the card to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases.
Prepaid cards give various options for check cashing. Some prepaid cards allow you to set up a direct deposit that will allow checks to be automatically loaded onto the card. While others come with an app requesting you take a picture of your check to load it onto your card. Also, some may ask you to deposit your check at an ATM to enable the money to be loaded onto the card.
The major drawback of using prepaid cards is the fee. For example, the Walmart MoneyCard charges a fee of $2.50 to withdraw money at an ATM (this does not include the fee the bank charges or the bank teller window fee and 50 cents for checking your card balance at an ATM).
Also, Walmart MoenyCard charges a monthly fee of $5.94 unless you make a direct deposit of at least $500 a month to the card.
4. Mobile Check-Cashing Apps
Mobile apps, such as Ingo Money and PayPal, allow you to deposit checks by taking a photo of the check with your smartphone. Afterward, you can access the funds through the app and use them for various purposes.
It’s important to note that each option may have fees associated with cashing the check, so inquire beforehand about the costs and requirements.
Where Can I Cash A Personal Check Without A Bank Account?
Not all retail stores that allow you to check without a bank account accept personal checks. For example, Walmart accepts two-party personal checks for up to $200 for a maximum fee of $6.19. So, if you must use a retail or convenience store, you must first inquire whether they accept personal checks.
Also, you can consider using a prepaid debit card to deposit checks. Most prepaid cards accept personal checks. The cards allow you to access the funds on the card through ATMs or make purchases. Some prepaid card providers offer mobile check deposit features.
Another good option is to go through friends or family members with a Bank account. If you trust someone with a bank account, you could ask them to cash the check. They can deposit the funds into their account and provide you with the cash.
How To Cash A Large Check Without A Bank Account
It is essential to remember that cashing large checks without a bank account may be more challenging and involve higher fees or stricter requirements. You cannot cash a check above $5,000 outside the bank. You must visit the bank, especially the issuance bank, to cash a check over $5,000. You can’t finish it immediately as you must wait for some days.
The Regulation CC stated that banks might take up to seven business days to process large checks. Suppose the check is less than $5,000. You can try retail stores. Walmart, for example, charges up to $8 for checks over $1,000, up to the limit of $5,000 (or $7,500 from January to April). And you mustn’t have a bank account to access this service at Walmart.
Additionally, you can cash large checks at some check-cashing stores specializing in handling large checks. They may have specific policies or requirements for cashing larger amounts, so it’s advisable to contact them beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
How To Cash A Check Online Without A Bank Account
Ingo Money, PayPal, and Venmo offer cash checking services that allow you to cash a check online without a bank account deposit checks using your smartphone.
For example, Ingo Money is an app that allows you to cash checks on your mobile phone without a bank account. Ingo Money is a check cashier that PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo go through to process the checks.
Creating an account on Ingo Money only takes a few minutes. You must submit your personal information, such as your birth date, legal name, address, social security number, and phone number, to verify your identity. After that, you will be requested to link any accounts you want. It can be a bank account, reloadable credit card, PayPal, etc.
Once you have set up your account, you can cash a check with a maximum limit of $5,000 (personal checks, business checks, paychecks, and money orders) and then send the money to another account.
Also, you can look for prepaid card providers that offer mobile check deposit features to cash a check online without a bank account. Once the check is deposited to the prepaid card, you can access the funds on the card for various purposes.
Furthermore, some check-cashing stores have expanded their services to include online check-cashing. They may allow you to upload a photo of the check and provide identification information for verification. If approved, they can send the funds to you electronically or load them onto a prepaid card.
Additionally, ensure that you carefully review the fee, terms, and conditions of any service you choose to use, considering any potential risks and fees associated with the transaction.
Can I Cash A Check At Any Bank Without An Account?
Yes, you can typically cash a check at any bank, even if you don’t have an account with that particular bank. However, it’s important to note that some banks may have policies prioritizing serving their customers over non-customers. Additionally, banks charge a fee for check-cashing services for non-account holders.
To cash a check at a bank without an account, follow these general steps:
- Endorse the Check: Sign the back of the check in the designated endorsement area. Make sure to sign exactly as your name appears on the front of the check.
- Visit the Bank: Take the endorsed check to the bank where it was issued or to a bank that offers check-cashing services to non-customers.
- Provide Identification: Present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay any applicable check-cashing fees the bank charges. The fee amount may vary depending on the bank’s policies and the check’s amount.
- Receive Cash: Once your identification is verified and the check is authenticated, the bank will provide you with the cash equivalent of the check’s value minus any fees.
It’s advisable to contact the bank in advance or check their website to confirm their check-cashing policies, any applicable fees, and whether they offer services to non-account holders.
Conclusion
It is possible to check a check without a bank account. You can take advantage of any options provided: retail stores, cash-checking centers, prepaid cards, and using friends or family members.
Note that all these routes have their terms and come with their fees. So carefully analyze the fees, terms of service, and potential risk before cashing a checking with any of them, especially when cashing out large checks.
