Top Checking Offers of April 17, 2024
*Annual Percentage Yield
Where Can I Cash a Check Without a Bank Account?
Below, we’ll detail the pros and cons of four methods for cashing a check without a bank account:
- Cashing it at the bank that issued it
- Cashing it at a grocery or retail store
- Depositing the funds on a prepaid debit card
- Cashing it at a payday lender or check-cashing store
Check-Cashing Fees
The table below shows how much each check-cashing method could cost. Prices may be flat fees or a percentage of the check amount. They may also vary by state, the type of check and the amount of the check.
| Check-Cashing Method | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Bank (for non-members) | $0 to $8 or 0% to 2% |
| Grocery or retail store | $3 to $8 |
| Prepaid debit card | 0% to 5%* |
| Payday lender or check-cashing store | 2% to 10% |
*Fees may depend on whether the transfer is expedited. Monthly and one-time fees for the prepaid card account may also apply.
1. Cashing at the Issuing Bank
One option for cashing a check without a bank account is going to the bank that issued it. The issuing bank’s name should be stated on the check. If there’s a branch near you, then a bank teller can verify that the writer of the check has enough funds in their account to cover the amount listed.
If the bank is willing to cash it for you, you’ll have to show a government-issued ID to prove you’re the payee named on the check. Some forms of ID you could use are your driver’s license, passport or military ID.
Not all financial institutions offer check-cashing services to non-customers, so you should call the bank first to ask. Also, you may have to pay a fee to the bank for it.
Checks typically expire after six months, so even if a bank offers check-cashing services, your check likely won’t be accepted if it’s older than that.
Pros
The bank that issued the check may allow you to cash it even if you don’t have an account there.
Some states have laws that prohibit the bank that issued a paycheck from charging a non-member a fee for cashing it.
Cons
Not all banks will cash checks for non-account holders.
You’ll have to show at least one valid form of ID.
You might have to pay a fee.
2. Going to a Major Retailer
Some larger retail stores, such as Walmart, Publix, Kroger and H-E-B, offer check cashing through their customer service departments. Another option might be a gas station travel center, especially if you’re in the trucking industry. TravelCenters of America and Pilot Flying J both cash checks from billing companies or members of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators.
In most cases, these retailers require you to show valid ID and pay a fee to have your check cashed.
Pros
Walmart and many supermarkets throughout the country cash checks
Most retailers list their check-cashing fees in store and online, making it easy to know what your costs will be.
Cons
Check-cashing fees vary by the check amount and retailer.
Some retailers may have limits on the dollar amount they’ll cash.
You’ll need your ID to cash your check at a participating retailer.
3. Depositing Funds on a Prepaid Debit Card
You can also deposit checks on a prepaid debit card. These types of cards run on the Visa, Mastercard or American Express networks and can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. There are multiple prepaid debit cards, like Netspend®’s Visa or Mastercard, PayPal’s Mastercard and Bluebird®’s American Express.
These allow you to add money online, in person at retail stores or through mobile check deposits in their apps. You can also set direct deposit up to get your paychecks on a prepaid debit card if you don’t have a bank account. These options generally come with fees, so review the details of any card you’re considering.
Some prepaid cards can be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. if you register them. This would mean up to $250,000 of your funds would be covered by the FDIC if the issuing bank fails.
Pros
Some prepaid debit cards offer mobile check deposits through their apps.
You can use the prepaid debit card anywhere you shop that takes a credit card.
There usually isn’t a credit check, so your credit score won’t affect your ability to get a prepaid card.
Cons
Most prepaid cards charge monthly fees, transaction fees or both.
There can be limits on how much can be loaded and spent with a prepaid card, depending on the card issuer and the transaction type.
You may not be able to use a prepaid debit card for certain transactions, such as renting a car or hotel room.
4. Using a Payday Lender or Check-Cashing Store
Although a payday lender or check-cashing store can cash your check if you don’t have a bank account, they’re often the most expensive options. The fees and requirements for this method vary.
When you cash a check at a check-cashing store or payday lender, you’ll often get your money on the spot. In exchange for the level of risk the store assumes by giving you the cash right away, it often charges fees higher than other check-cashing options.
However, these stores will generally cash nearly any type of check, such as these:
- Personal checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Insurance checks
- Student loan checks
- Money orders
- Tax refund checks
Pros
Payday lenders and check-cashing stores often cash your check on the spot, without a waiting period.
They tend to cash many types of checks.
They may be open outside of traditional working hours, making them more convenient.
Cons
The fees are usually far higher than with other check-cashing options, eating away at the value of your check.
How To Get a Bank Account Quickly for Check Cashing
If you’ve decided that opening a bank account makes the most sense for cashing your checks, it can be done relatively quickly. Online banks and credit unions and most larger ones allow you to apply online, and you could receive approval in just a few minutes.
For example, Bank of America and Chase both offer online applications that can be completed with some basic information, including:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Physical address
- Employment information
While a financial institution might run a credit check to verify your identity and credit history when you apply for an account, it will usually look at your ChexSystems report. This type of report covers your banking history, including the accounts you’ve had and whether you’ve been suspected of committing fraud. If you have a history of overdrafts on another bank account, you may not get approved.
The process to apply for a bank account is the same in person, except you’ll meet with a banking representative at a local branch and they’ll ask you for the same information.
To get a bank account quickly, check out our picks for the best online banks.
To get a checking account quickly, check out our picks for the best checking accounts, best online checking accounts, and best free checking accounts.
FAQ: Cashing Checks Without a Bank Account
Here are five ways to cash a check without a bank account:
- Cash the check at the bank that issued it.
- Cash the check at a retailer such as Walmart or Kroger.
- Deposit the check on a prepaid card such as NetSpend or Bluebird.
- Cash the check with a payday lender or check-cashing store. This is typically the most expensive option.
- Endorse your check to a trusted friend or relative and have them give you the cash.
Yes, you can cash checks at Walmart without a bank account in most states and Washington, D.C. You’ll need to give your endorsed check to the cashier at Walmart’s Money Service Center or customer service desk, along with a valid ID, and pay the required fee.
Walmart charges up to $4 per pre-printed check up to $1,000, up to $8 per pre-printed check above $1,000 and up to $6 for two-party personal checks up to $200.
To cash a check quickly, you could consider the following options:
- Cashing the check at the bank that issued it
- Cashing your check at a retailer such as Walmart or Kroger
- Using mobile check depositing to add it to a prepaid debit card
- Endorsing your check to a trusted friend or relative in exchange for cash
- Going to a payday lender or check-cashing store, though this tends to be the most expensive option
**Data accurate at time of publication.
Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someoneyou trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.
Adam FrankelContributor
Adam B. Frankel is a MarketWatch Guide team contributor and portfolio manager. When he’s not managing money in the stock market, he teaches financial topics and other core concepts at local schools from elementary through high school.
Alyssa TrostleEditor
Alyssa is a MarketWatch Guides team editor covering personal finance, insurance and loans.
