Last Updated on June 15, 2022 by Roger Brown
No matter if it’s a full-time job or a part-time gig, payday just can’t come soon enough for most of us. And while most transactions are done electronically, there are still places issuing paper checks. If your bank’s business hours don’t suit your schedule or if you don’t have a bank account, you’ll probably be wondering, “Where can I cash a check near me?”
Luckily, banks aren’t the only places where you can cash checks. There are many places local to you where you can instantly cash a check without a problem. Some will have fees attached but you’re very likely to receive your money there and then. All you’ll need are one or two pieces of ID to ensure an easy transaction.
It should be noted that check cashing places should be considered an alternative if you can’t open a bank account or you can’t get access to your bank for one reason or another. If you’re receiving checks often then ultimately opening a bank account will be the best way to cash out checks without having to pay fees on top.
What are the best places to cash a check near me?
Several of the following places offer 24-hour check cashing. Some places may have little to no fees while other places might have higher fees. Much of it depends on where you live. If you’re unsure about fees, it’s best to call ahead and ask.
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The Issuing Bank
You can cash a check by visiting a nearby branch of the bank that’s listed on the check itself. You’ll find the name of the bank in the bottom left-hand corner of the check. The process is quick overall since the bank teller can tell you if there are sufficient funds in the account of the person who issued you the check.
Depending on the bank, you may be charged a small fee or none at all. Capital One for example charges zero fees. Citibank only charges fees if the amount is greater than $5,000. Other banks like Bank of America, BB&T, and SunTrust charge fees of $7.00 to $8.00 for checks that are greater than $50.00.
Other large banks like Chase, TD Bank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo will charge upfront fees between $5 to $10 for any check cashing transaction. And some banks like KeyBank and M&T Bank will charge a small percentage. It’s always best to inquire by phone beforehand regarding any fees just to be sure.
Walmart Stores
With over 4,700 Walmart locations across the U.S alone, you probably have a Walmart store fairly close by. If you’re looking for a check cashing place other than the bank, Walmart is a great choice.
The store cashes just about everything including government checks, tax checks, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, pre-printed checks, insurance settlement checks, retirement distribution checks, Moneygram money orders, and two-party personal checks.
For checks amounting to up to $1,000, there is a $4.00 fee. And for checks over $1,000 and up to $5,000, the fee is $8.00. Walmart allows a maximum daily cashing limit of $7,500 between January to April. And $5,000 from May to December. And for two-party personal checks, the cashing limit is $200.
Grocery Stores
If Walmart isn’t an option for you, other stores will cash your checks. Your local grocery store might already offer check cashing services for instance. If not, some big brand stores that you could consider are Albertsons, Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, Winn-Dixie, Safeway, Hy-Vee, WinCo, and Stop & Shop.
If you’re looking to cash a handwritten check instead of a printed check, you might want to call the store first to confirm. Fees also may vary. Some stores may offer you store credit as an option and waive the fee entirely. You’ll also want to call ahead and ask about the cash limit since each store has its own policy.
Check Cashing Stores
Many check cashing stores will instantly cash your check as long as you have a valid government ID. The most popular stores across the states include ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, Money Mart, Moneytree, Amscot, PLS Check Cashers, Payomatic, Speedy Cash, Friendly Check Cashing, and United Check Cashing.
If you have any of the above stores in your area, you can visit them or view their website regarding their fees and policies. Many of the respective stores don’t mention their fees directly so you may need to inquire over the phone or at the store itself. Most if not all will also cash personal checks.
Check Cashing Apps
If you want to cash a check through an app, you can do so with PayPal and Ingo Money. And you aren’t required to be a customer for either one.
Ingo Money
Ingo Money allows you to cash almost any type of check, including handwritten checks. After you install the app, you’ll tap the ‘Cash A Check’ option, take a photo of both the front and back of your check and then choose where and to whom you want your money to go.
Your money can be deposited straight into your bank, a prepaid debit card, your PayPal account, or an Amazon gift card. You can also pay your credit card bills or pick up your money at your local MoneyGram store.
You can cash checks from $5.00 to up to $5,000. There is a $5.00 fee for cashing handwritten personal checks under the amount of $100. For personal checks over $100, the fee is 5%. For pre-printed payroll and government checks under $250, the cashing fee is $5.00. And for checks over $250, the fee is 2%.
PayPal
You’re probably already familiar with PayPal. Much like Ingo Money, you can cash a check by taking a picture of the front and back and then uploading it. The fee for cashing payroll and government checks with a pre-printed signature is 1%. For all other checks, the fee is 5% with the minimum fee being $5.00.
You can avoid the fee entirely by waiting for 10 days if you choose. All checks must be $5.00 to $5,000. Once the money is deposited into your PayPal account, you can transfer it over to an alternative bank account or to a debit card. PayPal also offers debit cards that can be used at any ATM.
Endorse Check to a Friend
Signing a check over to a friend, family member or a close relative is often referred to as a third-party check. In such cases, you’ll simply sign your signature underneath the name of your chosen recipient (whoever it may be) in the “pay to the order of” box. Once the check is cashed, the recipient can withdraw the funds for you.
Certain banks may not accept third-party checks so you will likely need to call ahead of time. Some banks may also request the presence of both parties during a transaction. And in other instances, you might need to fill out a form or pay a fee. Depending on the bank, the deposit can clear immediately or take a few days.
Check Cashing Summary
The best way to avoid any type of hassle when cashing checks is to have a bank account. That way you have access to an ATM and can have your funds immediately. But again, if this is not feasible for you then the above methods will certainly help.
Most checks should be easy to cash without a bank account. Personal checks on the other hand may require a verification process that includes both parties being present. For this reason, it’s better to request a money order or cashier’s check from the person if possible instead of a handwritten personal check.
Again, before heading out to cash a check, you’ll want to call ahead just to ensure that you’re not wasting your time. You’ll want to inquire about fees first and foremost. And if it’s a personal check that you’re wanting to cash, ask what the process is and what’s required. Also, remember to bring a couple of pieces of ID with you.
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