Need to Cash a Check? Here’s Where to Go and What to Watch Out For
If you don’t have a bank account (or need immediate access to funds), check cashing services can be a quick but expensive way to get your money. While there are plenty of options—including banks, retailers, and online apps—fees and policies vary.
Before you head to the nearest check cashing service, let’s break down:
- Where to cash a check (banks, stores, apps, and more)
- The best check cashing services (and what they cost)
- Online and mobile check cashing options
- Better alternatives to check cashing services
Where to Cash a Check
Banks and Credit Unions
The cheapest way to cash a check is at the bank or credit union that issued it. If you have an account, most banks will cash checks for free.
BEST FOR: Those with a bank account or access to the check-issuing bank.
| Where? | Any major bank or credit union |
| Cost | Free for account holders $5–$10 for non-customers |
| Limitations | May have funds availability delays (1–2 business days) |
Retail Stores
Many major retailers cash payroll and government checks for a flat fee, often at customer service desks.
BEST FOR: Quick in-person check cashing without a bank account.
WATCH OUT FOR: Fees can add up over time, especially for frequent check cashing.
Retailers Who Cash Checks
| Retailer | Check Cashing Fee | Max Check Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks over $1,000 | $5,000 ($7,500 during tax season) |
| Kroger and Affiliates | $3–$5 | $5,000 |
| 7-Eleven (via Check Cashing Kiosks) | Varies | Varies |
| Publix | Free for payroll checks (select states) | $500 |
Check Cashing Stores
Dedicated check cashing stores like ACE Cash Express, The Check Cashing Store, and PLS offer instant access to cash without a bank account—but at a cost.
BEST FOR: People without a bank account who need cash immediately.
WATCH OUT FOR: High fees make this an expensive option.
| Fees | Typically 1%–12% of the check amount |
| Example | Cashing a $1,000 check could cost anywhere from $10 to $120 |
Online and Mobile Check Cashing Apps
Several online services now let you deposit and cash checks via mobile apps, often depositing the money directly into a prepaid card or bank account.
BEST FOR: People who don’t want to visit a store and need digital cashing options
WATCH OUT FOR: Instant cash options charge high fees (up to 5% of the check amount!)
Best Online and Mobile Check Cashing Services
| Service | Fee | Payout Time | Deposit To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingo Money App | 1%–5% of check amount (or free if you wait 10 days) | Instant (or free in 10 days) | PayPal, Venmo, prepaid card |
| PayPal Check Cashing | 1% for payroll/government, 5% for personal | Instant (or free in 10 days) | PayPal balance |
| Venmo Mobile Deposit | 1%–5% | Instant (or free in 10 days) | Venmo balance |
| NetSpend Mobile Check Load | 1%–5% | Instant (or free in 10 days) | NetSpend prepaid card |
What Check Cashing Services Cost
Check cashing isn’t free unless you cash it at your own bank. Here’s a breakdown of common fees:
| Service Type | Typical Fee | Example Cost for $1,000 Check |
|---|---|---|
| Banks (for account holders) | Free | $0 |
| Banks (non-customers) | $5–$10 | $5–$10 |
| Retail Stores (Walmart, Kroger, etc.) | $3–$8 | $8 |
| Check Cashing Stores (ACE, PLS, etc.) | 1%–12% | $10–$120 |
| Mobile Apps (Ingo, PayPal, Venmo, NetSpend) | 1%–5% (Instant) | $10–$50 |
If you’re paying 5% or more per check, you’re losing a huge chunk of your money over time.
Alternatives to Check Cashing Services
If you regularly cash checks, consider these alternatives to avoid excessive fees:
Open a Free Checking Account
Many banks offer fee-free checking accounts with no minimum deposit—giving you free check cashing and direct deposit options.
Best Banks for Free Checking
| Chime | Online banking, no fees |
| Capital One 360 Checking | No fees, mobile check deposit |
| Ally Bank | Online, no fees, free mobile deposits |
If you’re worried about fees, which everyone should be, direct deposit eliminates check cashing altogether.
Use a Prepaid Debit Card with Mobile Check Deposit
If you don’t want a bank account, a prepaid debit card with mobile check deposit can be a good alternative.
Best Prepaid Debit Card Options
| Bluebird by American Express | Free mobile check deposit |
| NetSpend Prepaid Card | Instant check cashing with fees |
PLEASE NOTE: Some prepaid cards have monthly fees or high ATM withdrawal costs.
Use BuckUp for Quick Cash
Instead of paying 5%+ fees to cash a check, you can get instant cash for something you already own—like your phone.
Why BuckUp is a Smarter Option:
- Instant cash—no waiting ✅
- No credit check or fees ✅
- Payouts as high as the value of your device ✅
Check the value of your devices.
The Best Way to Cash a Check
If you need to cash a check, your cheapest option is always a bank or credit union. If you don’t have a bank account, retailers like Walmart offer lower fees than check cashing stores.
| Best for free check cashing | Your bank or credit union |
| Best for convenience | Walmart or Kroger |
| Best digital option | PayPal or Venmo check deposit |
| Worst option | Check cashing stores charging 5%+ fees |
Need fast cash without fees? Check your phone’s value at BuckUp—it’s instant, easy, and doesn’t take a percentage of your money.
Citations
- FDIC: Check Cashing Services Study
- Federal Reserve: Unbanked Households and Check Cashing
- PayPal Check Cashing Terms: PayPal.com
- Walmart Check Cashing Fees: Walmart.com