The idea of cashing a check sounds old school since we are in the era of internet banking. However, it will amaze you how many side hustles still pay in checks.
Imagine when you have multiple streams of income that pay in check. You have no other option than to cash the check when they arrive in the mailbox.
In this case, it becomes necessary to cash them at cheap places.
Luckily, we have compiled a list of the 15 cheapest places to cash a check. Save the extra bucks for other necessities.
Table of contents
Cheapest Place to cash a Check Near me
Cashing a check can be quite expensive if you do not have a bank account.
Even with a bank account, if you need the fund urgently, you may be forced to just get it at a quick but expensive cash checking center near you.
Whatever is the case, you can still cash your checks at a very cheap place. Use the services of these 15 cheapest places to cash a check t get urgent funds at a cheap rate.
#1 Your Local Bank
One of the cheapest places to cash a check is your local bank. Oftentimes, account holders are free of charge. Otherwise, it will be for a very minute fee. You will basically deposit the fund and withdraw it later.
So, if your bank offers free check-cashing services, this is your best bet because you won’t have to worry about going to deposit the cash later on.
#2 A Local Credit Union
Usually, credit unions charge lower than many banks. And you are not required to hold any minimum balance.
Many may ask why this is so. The answer is simple: banks are profit-making entities while credit unions are not-for-profit. For instance, Capital One charges $0.
There’s no need to be afraid because local credit unions can cash all checks that banks can cash.
#3 The Issuing Bank
The cheapest place to cash a check is the issuing bank. Most of the time, their services are free of charge for account holders. This is because they are in a better position to verify the check and for fund availability. In addition, their rates are also very minimal.
For example, Bank of America charges a flat $6 fee to cash checks. M&T Bank will charge you 2% of the check amount with a $3 minimum. Call a local branch to find out their exact fee for your check.
#4 Money Services
Money Services is also a place that offers the cheapest cash checking services. Their charges are pretty low and there are often special promotions you can take hold of and save some cash.
The cash payroll, government, Income Tax Refund, Insurance settlement claims, and even business checks.
Money Services offer instant cash checking for those who are in urgent need. Look out for them in grocery stores near you.
#5 PLS Check Cashing
This is another place to cash a check.
PLS is available throughout the USA. Here, you can cash personal as well as government and payroll checks. But, the fees depend on the type of check you want to cash.
Just check the store for the fees.
#6 Retailers Stores
This is another one of the cheapest places to cash a check. While some cash checks for a fee, others do it for free with the presumption that you’ll make some purchases. In other words, their fees are not expensive.
However, you will endorse the check or sign it over to the store. It will be better if you are a regular customer.
Recently, I came across a retail store that only cashes checks for those who wish to make purchases at their stores. Ether way, these riles are in a bid to curtail the risks of bad checks.
For instance, Kmart Stores cash checks for a $1 fee only to members of the Shop Your Way Program.
Just ask about cash checking service at their customer service.
#7 Endorse your check to a trusted fellow
This is actually the cheapest way to cash a check if you do not have a bank account. Write the check to a family member or someone you trust.
You will simply write ‘Pay to the order of name’ and sign underneath.
They will cash the check for free in their bank and hand you over the cash. You may have to follow them to the bank to fill out an endorsement form.
You need to see this: Check endorsement gone wrong; Do this while endorsing
Depending on how often you use checks, you may just open a checking account for easier use.
#8 Regions Bank
This is another great option to cash checks because there are many outlets near you.
The fees range from about 1% to 5% of the value of the check. And this may depend on the type of check.
Actually, you don’t need an account with the bank to cash your checks. Also, there are discounts to look out for. For instance, there is a 10% discount on cash Tax Checks.
#9 Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are one of the most convenient places to cash a check.
Here are some of the grocery stores that offer this service: HEB, Publix, Alberta with a $1,000 limit, WinCo, Stop & Shop, etc.
You will be required to provide a government identification. Every store has its fee and checks limit.
#10 Transact by 7-Eleven
The easier option is to download the Transact by 7-Eleven app. With it, you can deposit checks with your phone. Just take a shot of the check, and upload it to the app.
The cash gets added to your 7-Eleven prepaid card, which is just like a Debit MasterCard. Within 48 hours, the fund will be on your card. Most online and retail stores will accept them.
#11 Gas Station
Many gas stations cash checks for people. Because of the high risk of fraud, some gas stations have stopped cashing checks. This is because they cannot track down people after the transactions have been made.
You can visit their Vcom kiosks- a touch screen station where you can cash checks, pay bills, and handle financial tasks still offers its services.
#12 Prepaid Cards
If you use a prepaid/reloadable debit card like Netspend or Bluebird by American Express, you can deposit your check as a reload.
How do you use their services?
Use either the mobile app or go to a location and perform the reload.
However, it is important to know that prepaid debit cards can be expensive if you don’t use it wisely. Read 9 Simple Ways To Use Credit Card Wisely.
Again, if it is a payroll check, you can eliminate the check fees by going for direct deposit.
Wanna know-how the companies who own these cards make money? Check How Do Credit Card Companies Make Money
#13 Use an App
These are also cheap places to cash a check. They are Paypal and IngoMoney.
With PayPal, you can cash a check by taking a picture of the front and the back of the check and uploading it on the app. The maximum is $1,000 daily. You receive the cash in your PayPal account within 3 business days. Expect to pay either in cash or percentage.
Similarly, with IngoMoney you can cash a check online via direct deposit, PayPal account, prepaid debit card, Amazon gift card or use it to pay bills online. The process is really quick!
There are different fees for different checks. Let’s look at some of them.
- Handwritten Personal Checks – From $5 for balances of less than $100 to 5% for balances higher than $100.
- Pre-printed payroll and government checks – $5 to cash amounts less than $250, and 2% for checks of more than $250.
#14 Walmart
Walmart offers an in-store check cashing service for many types of checks like payroll, government, tax, cashier, insurance, retirement checks, etc. They don’t pay personal checks.
They charge $3/4 for checks of $1,000 or less and $6/8 for those above $1,000 and under $5,000.
You’ll need to bring a valid ID to the store and the check.
You should read this: Does Walmart Cash Checks? Detailed Guide – theWealthCircle
#15 Check Cashing Stores
This is an expensive option, but you can try this out if you have a personal check and no bank account.
Some local cash checking places charge a flat rate of 10% for personal checks. However, they will call your bank to verify the check before paying you.
You may also get cash advance, title loans, and payday loans from them.
Conclusion
These are the cheapest places to cash a check near you. Use their services for a quick, efficient, and cost-effective cash checking service.
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