How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

With more than 5 million people in the U.S. living without a bank account, knowing where to cash paper checks can come in handy. Providers like Western Union can cash money orders and help you send money without a bank account. And if you need to know how to cash a check without a bank account, you have a few options. Learn more about where to find this service and what you should expect before you go.

Key takeaways

• You can cash a check without a bank account, but you’ll probably have to provide ID and pay a fee.
• Grocery stores and discount retailers often offer low-cost check-cashing services, but they may limit the amount or the type of check that they will cash.
• Sometimes, you may be able to cash a check at a bank even if you don’t have an account there.
• Check-cashing stores will also cash a check for you, but the fees are usually very steep.

Can you cash a check without a bank account?

Yes, cashing a check without a bank account is possible. In fact, there might be a check-cashing service nearby that you can use. Some services might cash paper checks along with money orders.

However, cashing a check when you don’t have a bank account can be a bit inconvenient compared to using a bank:

• You’ll need to go in person.
• You should be prepared to show ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
• You’ll probably need to pay a fee for the service, too.

The cost to cash a check without a bank account will vary depending on where you go and which service you use. You might also be limited by the type of check (government, personal) or the amount of the check, as different service providers have different rules on cashing checks.

Where can I cash a check without a bank account?

Without a bank account, cashing your check will probably require a trip.

If you live near a branch of the bank that issued the check, you can ask whether they’ll cash the check for you. Some won’t provide this service if you don’t have an account with them, though. Other banks will be willing to cash a check for you even if you don’t bank there, so it’s worth asking around.

You can often cash checks at larger supermarkets or discount retailers without a bank account. They usually charge a flat fee for the service. Check-cashing stores are another option, although they often charge high fees, often as a percentage of your check amount.

Another way you can cash the check without owning a bank account is by loading the funds onto a prepaid card via an ATM or by using the card provider’s app on your phone.

Check-cashing stores

Check-cashing stores specialize in cashing checks without a bank account. They often accept all kinds of checks, not just personal checks or government-issued checks. That means you may be able to cash a 401(k) check, paycheck, insurance check, or company check if you need to.

They often accept checks of all sizes, too. That can be handy if you need to cash a large check, because other places may put a limit on the amount. If you have a large check to cash, it’s a good idea to call first to make sure they will cash it for you. Check the company’s reviews and policies, too, to make it is a reputable business.

Supermarkets and retail stores

A convenient way to cash checks without a bank account is to visit the customer service desk at your local grocery store or discount retailer. While some stores have stopped offering check-cashing, plenty of others still provide this service, and you don’t need a bank account to use it.

Retailers usually charge a flat fee for check-cashing, and you’ll need to bring identification, such as a driver’s license. You simply can endorse the check, present your ID, pay the fee, and get your cash. Some stores offer check-cashing services alongside Western Union local agents, so you can cash your check and then send money as needed.

Prepaid debit cards

If you want to cash a check but don’t want to carry money around, look for a prepaid debit card with a “mobile check load” feature. These cards let you use an app on your phone to snap a picture of your check and deposit right onto your prepaid card. Then you can shop or spend with the prepaid card just like you would with a debit card from a bank.

One thing to keep in mind with this option is that you may have to wait for a period before the funds are available on your card, and there may be a fee to pay.

Fees and limitations

The cost of cashing a check without a bank account depends where you go and how much the check is for.

At a discount retailer, for example, you might pay $4 to cash a check under $1,000, which works out to a fee of 0.40%. That’s much less than the rate you’ll pay at most check-cashing stores, which can charge as much as 15% to cash a personal check.

Some places that charge for check-cashing charge a low percentage rate but with a minimum fee of $5 or so.

The state you live in matters, too. Different states have different regulations on how much a business can charge for check-cashing.

The smart move is to compare fees at several different check-cashing locations so you can avoid overpaying for the service. Make sure you know how much the check is for, since some retailers won’t cash checks over a certain amount, such as $5,000. It’s possible that the store will raise the limit during tax season, though.

Managing checks without a bank account

Protect yourself and your money by taking a few important steps:

• Confirm the check is legitimate: Double-check that all the information is correct and that it matches. You can also call the bank that issued the check to be sure that it’s real.
• Know the fees: Look closely at each service provider’s rates, including allowable amounts and the types of checks they will accept. You want to compare “apples to apples” when deciding where to cash your check.
• Keep your receipts: If there’s any trouble later, you can present your receipt as proof of the transaction.

Now that you know where you can cash a check without a bank account, explore other options for managing your money quickly and securely. With Western Union, you can safely transfer money online or in person, or use the Western Union app to send money from your phone.