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BlogCash AdvanceNeed to Cash a Check? Here’s Where to Go and What to Watch Out For

Need to Cash a Check? Here’s Where to Go and What to Watch Out For

Ben
March 5, 2025
Cash Advance, Check Cashing, Quick Cash

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
CostFree for account holders
$5–$10 for non-customers
LimitationsMay 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

RetailerCheck Cashing FeeMax 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)VariesVaries
PublixFree 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.

FeesTypically 1%–12% of the check amount
ExampleCashing 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

ServiceFeePayout TimeDeposit To
Ingo Money App1%–5% of check amount (or free if you wait 10 days)Instant (or free in 10 days)PayPal, Venmo, prepaid card
PayPal Check Cashing1% for payroll/government, 5% for personalInstant (or free in 10 days)PayPal balance
Venmo Mobile Deposit1%–5%Instant (or free in 10 days)Venmo balance
NetSpend Mobile Check Load1%–5%Instant (or free in 10 days)NetSpend prepaid card

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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 TypeTypical FeeExample 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

ChimeOnline banking, no fees
Capital One 360 CheckingNo fees, mobile check deposit
Ally BankOnline, 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 ExpressFree mobile check deposit
NetSpend Prepaid CardInstant 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.

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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 cashingYour bank or credit union
Best for convenienceWalmart or Kroger
Best digital optionPayPal or Venmo check deposit
Worst optionCheck 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
Best Online Check Cashing BuckUp Cash Check Cashing Services Mobile Check Cashing No Bank Account Check Cashing PayPal Check Deposit Walmart Check Cashing Where to Cash a Check

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