Most employees receive their salaries through direct deposits, money transfers, or apps. However, paper checks may still be used for specific jobs, and you might also accept checks as gifts from family or friends. These checks can be cashed or deposited at the bank or credit union where you hold an account. Grocery stores and other services offer check-cashing options for individuals without a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- The simplest way to cash a check is by taking it to a bank where you already have an account.
- Check-cashing services are available at Walmart and various grocery stores.
- Checks are typically issued as personal gifts, payroll payments, or government disbursements.
Local Banks or Credit Unions
The most straightforward way to cash a check—personal, payroll, certified, cashier’s, or government-issued—is through a bank or credit union where you already hold an account. You can do this by visiting a local branch in person or depositing the check electronically through your bank’s mobile app. When visiting a branch, you’ll need to fill out a deposit slip or a check-cashing form, present your ID, and endorse the back of the check. If you’re using the mobile app, you’ll need to take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the check amount, and submit the deposit. The bank will then verify the check, and the funds will be made available in your account or given to you in cash, depending on your preference.
Banks are under no legal obligation to cash checks for non-customers. However, those that do may impose fees that typically range between $3 and $10, or they may ask you to sign up for their check-cashing services. Many banks offer specific checking accounts for teens, designed for those under 18, usually waiving monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements.
In certain states, minors as young as 15 can open their bank accounts at state-chartered banks.
The Issuing Bank
If you don’t have a bank account, you can cash your check at the issuing bank, which the bank name can identify in the upper left corner of the check. While banks are not required to cash checks written by their account holders to individuals without accounts, many banks offer this service. Even if you’re under 18, you can cash a check, but you will need proper identification, and a fee may be charged.
Walmart
Walmart offers check-cashing services for individuals over 18 with valid identification. To cash a check at Walmart, you’ll need to present your ID and the check at a participating Walmart store. The cashier will verify the check and your identity, usually by comparing the signature on the check with the one on your ID. If everything is in order, they will cash the check for you. You can cash two-party personal checks for up to $200 and pre-printed checks for up to $5,000. However, from January through April, Walmart increases the limit on pre-printed checks to $7,500 due to tax refund season.
Walmart’s fees for check cashing:
- For checks up to $1,000, the fee is $4.
- For checks over $1,000, the fee is $8.
- For two-party personal checks, the fee is $6.
The following types of checks can be cashed at Walmart:
- Payroll checks
- Government-issued checks
- Cashiers’ checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- Retirement distribution checks
- MoneyGram money orders
- Two-party personal checks (except in New Jersey)
Grocery Stores
Chains like Publix and Kroger also offer check-cashing services, typically for a small fee and without specific age restrictions. To cash a check at a grocery store, you must provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport. After verification, you can receive cash or have it loaded onto a prepaid card, depending on the store’s services.
At Kroger:
- For checks up to $2,000, the fee is $4 for those with a Shopper’s Card and $4.50 for others.
- For checks over $2,000, the fee is $7 for Shopper’s Card holders and $7.50 for others.
Employer
Some employers may cash your paycheck for you, but this usually comes with limitations on the value of the checks they will cash.
PayPal
If you have a PayPal account, you can use the platform’s mobile app to check cash by taking photos of both sides. You can either wait for the money to be deposited into your account for free within ten days or pay a $5 minimum fee for immediate access.
Third-Party
Suppose you don’t have a bank account or cannot meet identification or age requirements. In that case, you can sign the check to a parent or guardian, turning it into a third-party check. The adult can deposit the check into their account and give you cash.
Check-Cashing Service
Check-cashing services are available for individuals without a bank account. These services typically require only a government-issued ID and are available at various locations, including physical check-cashing centers.
What Do You Need to Cash a Check?
When cashing a check, you will typically need the check itself, a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport), and enough funds to cover any check-cashing fees.
How Long Do You Have to Cash a Check?
You generally have six months from the date the check was written to cash it. After this period, the check becomes stale, and a bank or credit union may choose not to honor it.
Can I Cash a Check Without an ID?
While cashing a check with an ID is easiest, you can also endorse the check to someone else who can cash it for you at their bank.
The Bottom Line
Cashing checks without a bank account can be challenging, but options remain, including visiting the issuing bank or a local grocery store. Age restrictions may apply, so minors may need a parent or guardian’s assistance.
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