Have a paper check to cash, but don't have a bank account? No worries, you can still cash a check without a bank account and you can do this by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store.
When most people receive a check, they deposit it in their bank account, cash it at their bank, or show their ID and cash it at the bank that issued the check. It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store. It’s also possible to cash a check if you’ve lost your ID by using an ATM or signing it over to someone else. Learn more below.
Cash a Check without a Bank Account
It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account, but it’s not as convenient and you’ll pay some fees.
How to cash a check without a bank account, but you have ID:
- Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check)
- Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.)
- Cash the check at a check-cashing store
- Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account
All of these options will have fees and may be time-consuming. The fees might be small, but they add up. If you’re earning $300 a week and paying $7 to cash your paycheck, that’s 2% of your paycheck used just to convert your paycheck to cash. That’s $360 in fees per year!
Save yourself money and time and open a bank checking account. Once you have a checking account, you can probably get direct deposit (your employer deposits your paycheck directly into your account) or you can deposit your check through an ATM.
Do I need an ID to cash a check?
How to cash a check without ID:
- Deposit it into your account through an ATM at your bank
- Take advantage of ATM check cashing if your bank offers it
- Sign the check over to someone else
Most banks require your ID be presented before they cash a check, but there’s no standard list for what’s considered an acceptable form of ID. Check with your bank or the bank that issued the check to see if you have a document that they’ll accept as ID.
As a last resort, you can sign the check over to someone you trust and ask them to cash it for you. This creates a third-party check. However, if you choose this option, keep in mind that many banks will require verification that original payee authorized the signing over of the check, by having the original payee present and presenting their ID. Read about how to endorse a check to have a friend cash it for you.
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FAQs
Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check) Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.) Cash the check at a check-cashing store. Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.
What can I use to cash a check if I don't have an ID? ›
Options for cashing a check without an ID
- ATM: If you have a bank account but don't have an ID on hand, you may be able to cash your check at one of your bank's ATMs. ...
- Mobile check-cashing app: Some mobile apps allow you to cash a check without a bank account.
How to cash your check. We make it simple for you to cash your check while you're at Walmart. All you need to do is present your endorsed check to the cashier at our Money Service Center or Customer Service Desk, along with valid identification, and pay the required fee.
Can someone else cash my check for me? ›
Once someone signs a check over to another person, it becomes a third-party check. Banks can accept third-party checks for deposit or cash them, but they're not required to. If your bank has a no third-party checks policy, then you won't be able to deposit a check for someone else to your account.
Where can I cash a check instantly without verification? ›
The top instant check cashing apps without verification include Ingo Money, Brink's Money, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Chime, and Flare Account. These apps allow you to quickly cash checks by taking photos with your phone for deposit into bank accounts or prepaid cards.
Can I use my social security card to cash a check? ›
Here are some examples of secondary IDs that might be accepted for check cashing: Employment ID: An ID issued by your employer. U.S. Birth Certificate: An official document certifying your birth in the U.S. Social Security Card: The card issued as part of the Social Security system.
Can I cash my check on Cash App? ›
Yes, you can deposit a check on Cash App. To deposit a check on Cash App, you will need to have a verified account and a linked bank account. You can deposit checks up to $7,500 per day and $15,000 per month, with a fee of 5% for instant deposits or 1-3 business days for free deposits.
What app will cash a check immediately? ›
With the Ingo® Money App, cash paychecks, business checks, personal checks—almost any type of check—anytime, anywhere. Get your money in minutes in your bank, prepaid card and PayPal accounts. Choose to pay credit card bills or split a check and fund multiple accounts.
What forms of ID are acceptable to cash a check at Walmart? ›
These are the most widely accepted forms of ID:
- Driver's license.
- State ID.
- Passport.
- Military ID.
Some banks will let you cash a check at their ATMs if the money is loaded onto a prepaid card account. This is a great way to avoid the hassle of long lines at a bank, store, or retailer. Expect to pay a per-check fee, as well as a monthly service fee for the card account.
However, many banks do accept third-party checks. Banks that allow you to cash someone else's check can set their own requirements. For example, they may require the original payee to accompany you to the bank so their identity and signature can be authenticated.
How do you endorse a check for someone else? ›
Typically, there will be text indicating "Endorse here". Sign your name in the indicated space exactly as it appears on the "Pay to" line on the front of the check. Directly underneath your signature, print "Pay to the order of" and the recipient's full name in clear, legible handwriting.
Can I cash a check with my name and another name on it? ›
If the check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank or credit union generally can require that the check be signed by both of them before it can be cashed or deposited. If the check is issued to John or Jane Doe, generally either person can cash or deposit the check.
What is the best way to cash checks without a bank account? ›
5 ways to cash a check without a bank account
- Cash your check at the issuing bank.
- Cash your check at a retailer.
- Load funds onto a prepaid debit card.
- Sign your check over to someone you trust.
- Cash your check at a check-cashing outlet.
The easiest way to cash a check is to take it to a bank where you have an account. Check-cashing services are found at Walmart and many grocery stores.
Does Cash App deposit checks instantly? ›
The funds won't immediately become available after you go through this process. How quickly the money becomes available depends on where the check comes from. Cash App claims US Treasury checks are usually available in one business day. Other checks may take up to 15 days to clear.
What online banks don't require ID? ›
Revolut, Majority, and Wise are three virtual bank accounts that do not require social security numbers or ITINs to open a bank account. Can I open a bank account with no deposit? Yes, Chime, Monese, Majority, Wise, Revolut, and most neobanks have no opening deposit requirement.
How to cash a check at an ATM without an account? ›
Consider a Prepaid Debit Card
With this option, you can get a debit card that enables you to deposit your check directly – likely by mobile check deposit – onto the card without needing to open an account with a bank. Then you should be able to get cash from an ATM by using the card.
Can you cash a check at Walmart with an expired ID? ›
Will Walmart cash my check if I have an out-of-date drivers license? No, they will not cash any check with an outdated driver's license. Your drivers license must be current. Some places may do this but Walmart will not, it is against their policy.
Can you cash a check at an ATM machine? ›
Your bank or credit union typically lets you cash a check at a branch, at an ATM or through a mobile app. But if you're depositing a check at an ATM or through a mobile app, you might not get the entire amount of the check right away, depending on your financial institution's policies and the amount of the check.
