Can you cash a check without a bank account?
Having a checking account and savings account at a local credit union or bank comes with convenient financial services, such as check cashing privileges. However, if you do not have a bank account, you may be wondering how to cash a check without a bank account.
While cashing a check without a bank account is possible, you will likely have to pay fees to do so. Additionally, when using check cashing stores or check cashing service providers there may be a limit to how large a check you can cash.
At Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal), we make opening a checking account easy!
Call 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn about our mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, checking and savings accounts, and other banking products. As a full-service financial institution, we look forward to helping you with all your banking needs.
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What to know before cashing a check without a bank account?
Before cashing a check without a bank account, here are some things to keep in mind:
Identification requirements. Regardless of where you go to cash a check, identification will be required to provide you're the rightful owner of the check. Be prepared to show your government-issued identification, such as a license or passport.
Rules for handwritten checks. Also known as personal checks, a handwritten check is one made out to you from another individual. Regardless of whether the check is payment for freelance work, money from a friend or relative, or another source, it may be more challenging and more costly to get personal checks cashed, as there it more risk that the check could bounce.
Check Amount
. Check cashing services may charge more for cashing larger check amounts.
Fees. When using a check cashing service not affiliated to a bank at which you have an account, fees will likely be charged. These fees cover the check-casher's risk of cashing a fraudulent check or a check from an account with insufficient funds.
Where to cash a check without a bank account
If you do not have a bank account and need to know how to cash a check without a bank account, there are resources you can turn to, however, be aware there are typically fees for these services.
Issuing bank or credit union. If the check is not a personal check from an individual, look to see if the issuer of the check is printed on the check. Determine if the bank that issued the check has branch offices in your area. If they do, you can visit the branch and ask for the check to be cashed, even if you don't have an account there. There may be a fee associated with this service.
Grocery store or other retailers. Some stores, supermarkets and retailers (including Walmart) offer check cashing services for a fee.
Online banking providers. Many providers of online bank accounts have check cashing features online and in their mobile app. To cash a check, you'll use your smart device to take a photo of both sides of the check and using the app, upload the photos for deposit into your online account. For example, the PayPal app provides the Cash a Check feature which lets users cash checks on their mobile device and have the funds credited to their PayPal Balance account.
Prepaid debit cards. A prepaid card contains only the amount of money you paid for it (less any fees) and cannot be used at an ATM. Prepaid debit cards may be purchased at supermarkets and retail stores. Some prepaid debit cards let card holders deposit checks into their card account through the card's mobile app.
Check-cashing stores. These are stores that specialize in providing check cashing services, for a fee.
Endorse check to a friend or family member. A trustworthy family member or friend can cash the check for you at their own bank, if you endorse the check to them. To endorse a check that's payable to you, you must write "payable to the order of" and the name of the person you are giving the check to, then you sign the back of the check. The individual to whom you've endorsed the check should bring the check to their bank to cash it or deposit it and give you the cash value of the check.
Use an employee-sponsored payroll debit card. According to the credit bureau Experian, a payroll card is a prepaid debit card that allows employees to access their paychecks and receive wages directly on the card. Check with your employer to see if they offer this option.
How much does it cost to cash a check without a bank account?
Banks may charge up to $20 to cash a check if you do not have an account with them. Supermarkets, retailers, and check cashing services may charge a flat fee or charge a percentage of the value of the check.
How large of a check can I cash without a bank account?
The amount will vary depending on the type of check cashing service location. When it comes to finding out where and how to cash a large check without a bank account, start by looking for a check cashing store. These stores can often cash larger checks than a grocery store.
Can I cash a check without an ID?
No, all check cashing service will require that you show identification to prove that you are the person who the check is made payable to.
Can I cash a check on my phone without a bank account?
Yes, many online banking apps offer mobile check deposits if you have an account.
How can I open a bank account?
It's easy to open a bank account, particularly at a credit union. There are many
advantages to banking at a credit union, including higher returns, better savings rates, low or no fee loans, low interest on loans, and check cashing privileges. These are just some of the many benefits of Membership at CU SoCal. You can start now, by
opening a checking account online. Or visit us in-person at one of these
credit union branch locations.
Why Savvy Consumers Choose CU SoCal
For over 60 years CU SoCal has been providing financial services, including HELOCs, car loans, personal loans, mortgages, credit cards, and other banking products, to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Please give us a call today at 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our HELOC experts.
Get Started on Your Checking Account Today!