I know what you’re thinking: why would I care about the best places to cash a check? Who writes checks anymore?
Honestly, you’d be surprised how many side hustles will pay you in checks, and when you see those checks pour through your mailbox (that’s the dream!), you may want to cash them immediately. But cashing a check can be complicated.
If you’ve started a profitable side hustle and received your first check or two, you may be confused about how it all works. Knowing how to cash personal checks conveniently and inexpensively is a must if you receive checks from various income sources.
6 Best Places to Cash a Check Near Me
Here are the best places to cash checks you can go to today:
1. Your Local Bank or Credit Union
One of the best places to cash checks is your local bank or credit union. At most institutions, account holders won’t pay a fee for this service – and you can deposit your funds first, then withdraw the cash later.
Many other check cashing options will include a small fee – but if your bank offers free check cashing service, it’s probably your best bet.
2. The Issuing Bank
If there’s a branch of the check writer’s bank nearby, you may also be able to cash your check there. You’ll be able to find the issuing bank info on the check itself, making things easier. It’s probably one of the easiest ways to cash a check – with a minimal charge or for free.
By visiting the issuing bank, the teller can look up the availability of funds immediately. As long as funds are available, they can cash the check and deduct any fee from the cash you receive.
3. Your Employer
Some employers offer check cashing services. Check with your employer to see if they do, and if so, the type of checks they will cash. Some will only cash your payroll checks, while others only cash personal ones. Most also have limits as to how much they’ll cash.
4. Grocery Stores
Another convenient way to cash a check is at a grocery store. Numerous grocery stores all over the U.S. offer check cashing services.
Each grocery store has different rules regarding the types of checks you can cash: payroll, personal, or government-issued. Most grocery stores charge a small fee to cash a check, which typically varies based on the check amount. Some popular grocery stores with check-cashing services include Albertsons, Kroger, and Publix.
5. Gas Stations
You probably wouldn’t think of a gas station when wondering where you can cash a check, but they are a great option! Gas stations have later hours than banks and are located everywhere.
In general, Shell, Chevron, and Citgo gas stations cash checks. They each charge a small fee and require a government-issued ID. However, whether your local gas station cashes checks is up to the individual owner, so always check the location first.
6. Walmart
At Walmart, you can cash checks up to $5,000, but two-party personal checks are an exception – you can only cash them up to $200. At Walmart, you can cash government, tax refund, payroll, 401(k) distribution, insurance settlement, and cashier’s checks. You will pay a flat fee ($4) for checks up to $1,000 – but the charge will double for checks over $1,000.
Check Cashing Near Me
When looking for places to cash checks, you’re most likely looking for something near you.
Convenience is key – but fees are also incredibly important. After all, you shouldn’t pay a ridiculous 10% fee for cashing a personal check, especially if you have to cash checks repeatedly – that could accumulate to a serious loss of profit over time.
Keep in mind that the fees vary by region, the type of check you want to cash, and the amount of the check. However, the good news is that the state regulates check cashing fees that a store can charge.
Not all check cashing places will be upfront about their fees, so it’s always best to ask first to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Cashing a Personal Check: What You Need to Know
- Bring your I.D., Social Security Number, or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). You’ll likely need official identification to cash a personal check – so don’t waste any time and make sure you’re prepared.
- Do your research to find the lowest fees. I’ve provided plenty of information to start with – but make sure you do some research to find out the cheapest and most convenient way to cash a check in your area. You may need to call first because most of the places that cash checks won’t disclose their fees.
- Personal checks are riskier. Another thing to consider is that personal checks are generally riskier for the person depositing them into their account – and they often have to go through a verification process to ensure it’s legit.
FAQs
Can I cash a check online without a bank account?
If you have a prepaid debit card that allows mobile deposits, you may be able to cash a check online without a debit card. Each prepaid card works differently, so read the fine print before choosing one.
Can I cash a business check without a bank account?
Yes, you can cash a business check at any of the places mentioned above, such as a grocery store, Walmart, or the issuing bank. The cheapest and fastest place to cash them, though, is the issuing bank because they have the account the funds will come from.
Can I cash a check without an ID?
Typically, you need an ID to cash a check, but there are a few workarounds if you don’t have one. You can deposit the check via mobile deposit or at an ATM. You can also sign the check over to a trusted person, like a family member, and have them deposit it for you.
Can I cash a check at an ATM?
If you have an account at the bank whose ATM you’re using, you can usually cash the check there; however, you probably won’t be able to access the entire amount. Check with your bank to see their limits regarding cashing checks and when you can access the funds.
Final Thoughts
Like it or not – paper checks are still part of our culture. Knowing how and where to cash a check efficiently and without paying high fees can save you time and money.
The most important thing when cashing checks is choosing a reliable place that doesn’t charge high fees. Cashing a check doesn’t have to be costly or tedious – if you know where to go.
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