As surprising as it may be to you, some 1.7 billion adults worldwide still don’t have access to a bank account, according to data released by the World Bank. This is what you call being “unbanked.” However, there are still several ways you can cash a personal check without a bank account.
Remember though, personal checks are still much harder to cash without a bank (More on that at the end). Ideally, you want to pick the one with the lowest fees to keep more money in your pockets. However, it will depend on what places are nearest to you.
1. The Bank That Issued the Check
The first option you have to cash the personal check is to go to the issuing bank or credit union. That would be the bank information you see on the check made out to you.
It might be your best option, especially if you want to ensure the check is valid, that there are sufficient funds, and want potential fees are. That way, you know you will get your money and if it makes sense to cash elsewhere based on fees. This will potentially be your cheapest option and may even be free pending the amount on the check.
2. Walmart
The store can cash checks and money orders in any amount up to and including $5,000. Now there are some fees involved too, which I’m sure will change (as you know, prices always seem to go up!).
And what is cool about cashing a check at Walmart is you can receive your funds in cash or have them load the money on a Walmart MoneyCard. Some additional stipulations may apply, but you can read the full details here.
3. Local Grocery Stores
So another potential option to cash a personal check is at your local grocery store. Now, most mom & pop grocery stores probably will not do this (you can always ask!), but if there is a franchise store located in your area, then you might be in business.
Some may only offer only certain check types up to a certain limit and not allow personal handwritten checks. It may also vary by store location, so ensure to read their website information first.
4. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers prepaid cards and money orders, but if a 7-Eleven near you has a check-cashing kiosk, you can cash a check there, pay bills, etc. They also have an option you can use by signing-up for their Trans@ct prepaid Mastercard.
Probably not the best option to sign-up for another prepaid card, but if you don’t mind and want the card, you can take the check and load it onto this card. You can learn more here about the card.
5. Ace Check Express
Ace Cash Express is a popular option. The business states they’ll cash most any check as long as you bring it in with a valid photo I.D. (like the government issued driver’s license or other I.D.).
It does mention that they will cash checks of any amount, but that is subject to their terms and conditions. Lastly, they do not list the fees so if you do go in person, make sure to find out!
They have over 900 locations, so likely there is a store located near you potentially. You can find a local store and read more about cashing checks at Ace Cash Express here.
6. Check into Cash
According to their website, Check into Cash has more than 1,000 retail locations for check cashing and other monetary services. Check into Cash store locations also cash various kinds of checks including:
As with any location, there may be check limits as well as various levels of fees pending location. If you want to learn more or find a store near you, go to the Check into Cash website here.