08/18/2018
An estimated 4.5% (around 6 million) of American households don’t have a bank account*. But that doesn’t mean they can’t cash government or payroll checks. There are many ways to cash a check without having a bank account.
Can I cash a check without a bank account?
Whether you’re a temporary or contract worker, if you have a payroll check or an income tax refund check, you don’t have to go to a bank or need a bank account to cash it.
Just take it to your nearest Money Services location for it to be processed with our check cashing service. We’re open evenings and weekends – unlike most bank branches – you can cash your check with us even if the bank is closed.
Where can I cash a check without a bank account?
There are several places and ways that you can cash a check without a bank account, including:
- At Money Services.You can cash your government or payroll checks at Money Services. Find your local Money Services using the store locator.
- Using Prepaid Cards.You can load the value of your check onto a prepaid card at Money Services, to be spent at your local grocery store, or to withdraw in cash at an ATM. The prepaid card must be registered before you can withdraw cash.
What type of checks can be cashed without bank account?
You can cash almost any type of check without a bank account. At Money Services, you can cash the following checks:
- payroll
- income tax refund (for income tax refund checks made payable to two parties, both parties must be present to cash the check)
- government
- insurance settlement
- 401 (k), retirement disbursement
- Western Union® issued Money orders
You can get cash back off of your debit card, your bank may set specific limits.
How to cash a large check without a bank account
We don’t accept starter or personal checks, or third-party checks at this time. Checks of a value over $5,000 are considered ‘large checks’, and the process of cashing them is slightly different.
If you want to cash a check that’s over $5,000, you’ll usually need to visit a bank and you may have to wait a while to get your money. Under Regulation CC, banks may take up to seven business days to process large checks.
If you want to cash a large check without a bank account, you’ll need to visit the bank or credit union that issued the check to you. If you’re not an account holder, you may also be charged a fee for the service. These vary depending on the state and store.
The required ID will vary depending on where you’re planning to cash your check. You’ll need a valid photo ID at most stores, and at places like the Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase Bank. You’ll also need two forms of ID – one of which will need to be photo ID.
To find out more, visit our check cashing page.
*https://www.fdic.gov/householdsurvey/2015/2015report.pdf
