When you have a check and a bank account, cashing a personal check is super simple. You can either go in person and deposit or cash it out. And if your bank has a solid mobile app, you can even quickly take a picture of it and deposit via your phone.
Yet, 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” and there are a few reasons why someone might not use a bank:
Lack of access via a nearby bank branch or mobile phone, Minimum balance fees, Distrust of the banking system, No access to government-issued ID, which is required to open a bank account.
And that’s okay if you fall into any of those categories. There are still several ways you can cash a personal check without a bank account. Below are a few places you can go where some will be cheap and others might cost you some fees.
What You Need to Cash A Personal Check
Before we get into the options of where you can cash a personal check made out to you, it’s important to know what you may need to bring with you.
After all, all locations that offer cashing checks for you still need to protect themselves from any potential fraud before handing out money. This is especially true if you are cashing a fairly large check.
But not even just fraud, these locations also are taking a potential risk as the issuer of the check may not have sufficient funds to cover the amount.
When you cash a check in person, you will mostly likely be required to show a valid photo I.D. For example, your driver’s license will be a top choice.
Additional I.D. options would be your passport if you have one or a Green Card. In some cases, military or school I.D.s may also be accepted. Typically, that will be all you will need. But having two forms with you if you have it, will be good just in case!
Best Places to Cash A Personal Check
What’s great about cashing a personal check without a bank is there are a few options to choose from. 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.
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.
But, this might not be an option if the issuing bank does not have any branch offices close to you. However, it’s strongly recommended that this should be the first place to consider.
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!).
Local Grocery Stores
Although technically you could potentially bucket Walmart under here since they sell groceries, I’m keeping these separate. 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.
7-Eleven
Honestly, while I was researching a bit I was surprised to see 7-Eleven offer some financial services. I’m just used to the idea of getting slushi’s, that it didn’t even come to mind that the convenience store would off some money options. But here we are!
Okay, so you may know that 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.
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.
Check into Cash
According to their website, Check into Cash has more than 1,000 retail locations for check cashing and other monetary services. As with any location, there may be check limits as well as various levels of fees pending location.
There may be some more local ones to you that are not franchises or in multiple states. Before committing to one, make sure you do your due diligence. Read reviews, look them up on the Better Business Bureau, and Google them a bit to ensure there isn’t anything fishy about them. The last thing you want to do is set yourself up for a scam or pay ridiculously high fees.
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