How To Cash a Check Without a Bank Account or ID

According to the latest figures from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., almost 6 million U.S. households were “unbanked” as of 2021. That means that no one in the household has a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. This rate is the lowest since the FDIC started tracking the figure in 2009.

However, the millions of Americans without a bank account sometimes still need access to banking services, such as check cashing. If you’re wondering where you can cash a check without a bank account or ID, keep reading to learn how and where. Some methods even let you cash a check without ID.

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How To Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

There are many ways to cash a check even if you don’t have a bank account. Here are some options to consider:

• Bring it to the bank that issued it.
• Go to a retail store that cashes checks.
• Visit a check-cashing store.
• Deposit it to a prepaid debit card.
• Sign it over to someone with a bank account.
• Deposit it to a mobile payment app.
• Open a checking account.

1. Bring It to the Bank That Issued It

You can try to go to the bank that issued the check and see if they will cash it for you since it was written by an account holder at that bank. However, some banks may not cash a check if you don’t have an account. They may also charge a fee, and they will require identification to cash it.

2. Go to a Retail Store That Cashes Checks

Some retailers offer check-cashing services for a small fee. Walmart, for example, will cash payroll, government, tax refund, cashier’s, insurance settlement and 401(k) checks at most stores and two-party personal checks at select stores for a maximum fee of $4 for checks up to $1,000. The cashing limit at Walmart is $5,000 — or $7,500 from January to April — and you’ll pay a fee of up to $8. You can get cash or load a Walmart MoneyCard for convenience — all you need is a valid ID card.

Other retailers will have varying policies. For example, some may only cash personal checks, while others may only cash paychecks or checks from a government entity. When using paycheck-cashing services, you may need to register with the store of your choice, which takes a little more time.

Some retailers, however, may only offer check-cashing services at certain locations, if at all. Most stores will have their policies online so that you can check them before making the trip.

3. Visit a Check-Cashing Store

Though they are in the business of cashing checks, check-cashing stores may have the highest fees. Still, it’s an option for you to consider. Amscot, for example, will cash almost all kinds of checks with no limits. However, according to Amscot’s posted rates, it charges a minimum of $3 for all checks and fees of 9.9% on personal checks and money orders.

The benefits of check-cashing stores include fast processing time — you can get the cash almost instantly. Some stores may also be open during late hours or on weekends.

4. Deposit It to a Prepaid Debit Card

Another option is to get a prepaid debit card. Some prepaid cards will allow you to deposit checks through mobile deposit. You might need to download an app and deposit your check by endorsing it and taking photos to upload. However, free processing may take up to 10 days. To get your money sooner, you may need to pay relatively high fees.

If you are trying to cash paychecks, some prepaid cards allow you to set up direct deposit by using the routing number for your card. Therefore, you can skip the check-cashing process altogether.

5. Sign It Over to Someone With a Bank Account

If all else fails, you can consider signing the check over to a trusted individual who has a bank account and have them cash it for you. You might want to go with them in case they have questions about the check or require your identification.

Here’s an example of how a check typically looks:

how to cash a check without a bank account

Your name should appear on the payee line, and the person who wrote the check will sign the signature line. To sign the check over to someone else, you’ll need to sign the back of the check, on the line that says “Endorse Check Here.“

6. Deposit It to a Mobile Payment App

Several mobile apps let you deposit checks into your account by mobile or direct deposit and then use your account balance to send money and make purchases — without a prepaid card. For example, PayPal users with a PayPal Balance account can mobile-deposit checks and then draw against their balance to pay for purchases and send money.

7. Open a Checking Account

Despite valid reasons for not opening a bank account — difficulty being approved because of past banking history, or concern over account minimums and fees, for example — the truth is that just about everyone age 18 or older can and should have one, regardless of banking history. Capital One stopped using ChexSystems to screen new customers a decade ago, and its checking account has no fees or minimums. SoFi also doesn’t use ChexSystems. It combines its interest-bearing checking account with a high-yield savings account. There are no fees or minimums.

It only takes a few minutes to open an account online. Deposit your check into the new account and withdraw the money after it clears.

Who knows — opening an account to deposit checks might lead to other positive financial habits. You could even wind up socking away money in a savings account or CD.

How To Cash a Large Check Without a Bank Account

Amscot will cash large checks if you have a valid ID. The check goes through the company’s verification system, which can take 15 or 20 minutes. If the store doesn’t have the cash on hand, it can issue you money orders in $1,000 increments that you can cash for free at any Amscot store. However, you’ll still pay a fee to cash the check.

Where Can I Cash a $20,000 Check Without a Bank Account?

You can cash a $20,000 check at Amscot. It’s a good idea to call in advance to make sure they have the cash on hand, though. If not, you can still cash the check, but you’ll have to take money orders for it instead of cash.

Can You Cash a Check at an ATM Without a Bank Account?

Not directly because you need an account to cover the check in case it bounces. However, you can load it onto a prepaid card and then use the prepaid card to withdraw money at the ATM.

How To Cash a Check Without an ID

Most check-cashing methods require an ID because most service providers are required to verify your identity, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. One possible exception is signing a check over to a third party. While some banks will only accept the check if you and the individual cashing or depositing it both are present, that individual’s bank might not.

What To Consider Before Cashing a Check Without a Checking Account

While there are several options for cashing a check without a checking account, there are a few things you should consider.

You May Have To Pay a Fee

Depending on where you cash your check, you may need to pay a fee. Check-cashing stores have the highest fees and should be avoided if possible.

Prepaid cards are reloadable, so once you buy the card, you can deposit checks repeatedly without additional fees.

You Will Likely Need Some Form of Identification

Typically, if you are cashing your check at the issuing bank, a retailer or other stores, you will have to provide some form of identification.

Daria Uhlig and Scott Jeffries contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of April 23, 2024.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Cash a Check Without a Bank Account or ID