You can deposit a check at a check-cashing service, a prepaid card issuer, or through a retailer that offers check cashing — you do not need a traditional bank account.
The most straightforward option is a check-cashing service, which will convert your check to cash or load it onto a prepaid card. These are storefront businesses found in most neighborhoods, often near grocery stores or in strip malls. They charge a fee — usually a percentage of the check amount, ranging from 1% to 5% depending on the check size and the service — but the process takes minutes.
If you want to keep the money in an account rather than walk away with cash, a prepaid card can work like a bank account without requiring one. Some prepaid card companies let you deposit checks by mail or through their mobile app, and the funds appear in your card balance within a few business days. Others partner with check-cashing services so you can deposit in person.
A third option is retail check cashing at stores like Walmart, Target, or grocery chains. Many of these retailers will cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee, usually between $3 and $6 per check. This is often cheaper than a dedicated check-cashing service, especially for larger checks.
Key Takeaways
- Check-cashing services convert your check to cash or load it onto a prepaid card within minutes, but charge a percentage fee that varies by check size.
- Prepaid card companies often let you deposit checks by mail or mobile app, keeping the money in an account you can use like a debit card.
- Retail stores like Walmart and Target cash checks at customer service for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, which can be cheaper than dedicated check-cashing businesses.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID to cash a check anywhere, and the check must be made out to you or signed over to you by the person it was made out to.
What you need to bring to cash a check
Every check-cashing location requires a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Without it, they cannot cash your check, even if you have the cash in your wallet. This is a federal requirement designed to prevent fraud.
The check itself must be made out to you by name, or it must be signed over to you. If someone else wrote the check to themselves and then signed the back and wrote your name, that is called a third-party check. Many check-cashing services will not accept these because the risk of fraud is higher, though some will if you both show ID. Call ahead before you go.
You should also bring any card or account number the service asks for. If you are depositing to a prepaid card, bring that card. If you are opening a new prepaid card account as part of the deposit, bring a phone number and address so they can set it up.
Check-cashing services versus prepaid cards: which costs less
A check-cashing service charges a percentage of the check amount — typically 1% to 5%. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $25. On a $100 check, it is $1 to $5. The fee is highest for smaller checks because the service's cost to process them does not change much with size.
A prepaid card often has no fee to deposit a check by mail or app, but the card itself may have a monthly fee (usually $5 to $10) or a fee to load money in other ways. If you plan to use the card regularly, the monthly fee spreads across many transactions, so it can be cheaper than paying a percentage on each check. If you only deposit one check and never use the card again, you may pay more in monthly fees than you would have paid in check-cashing fees.
Retail check cashing is usually the cheapest single transaction — a flat $3 to $6 per check — but you walk away with cash, so there is no account to hold the money if you want to save it.
How long it takes to get your money
At a check-cashing service or retail store, you get cash or a card load when ready — usually within 15 minutes. The money is yours to use right away.
If you deposit by mail to a prepaid card company, the check takes 3 to 7 business days to arrive, and then another 1 to 3 business days to clear and post to your account. Total time is usually 5 to 10 business days. Some prepaid card companies offer mobile check deposit through their app, which works the same way as a bank's mobile deposit — you photograph the front and back of the check, and the funds post within 1 to 3 business days.
The speed difference matters if you need the money soon. A check-cashing service is fastest. A prepaid card with mobile deposit is next. Mailing a check to a prepaid card company is slowest.
What happens if the check bounces
If the check is returned unpaid — because the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds or is closed — the check-cashing service or prepaid card company will reverse the deposit and take back the money. If you already spent it, you will owe them the amount of the check plus a fee, usually $15 to $30.
This is why check-cashing services hold some checks for a few days before releasing the cash, especially for larger amounts. They are waiting to confirm the check will clear. If you are in a hurry, ask whether they will release the cash when ready or if they need to wait.
Prepaid card companies do the same — they may hold the funds for a day or two while the check clears. Once it clears, the money is yours. If it bounces, they will remove it from your card balance.
Prepaid cards that let you deposit checks
Many prepaid card companies offer check deposit as part of their service. NetSpend, Chime, Varo, and Green Dot all let you deposit checks by mail or mobile app. Some also partner with check-cashing networks so you can deposit in person at a physical location.
The cards work like debit cards — you can use them to buy things, withdraw cash at ATMs, and pay bills online. Some prepaid cards also offer a small interest rate on your balance, though it is usually less than 1%. The monthly fee varies by card, and some cards waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of a paycheck.
Before you open a prepaid card account, compare the monthly fee, the check deposit fee (if any), and the ATM withdrawal fee. A card with a $5 monthly fee but free check deposit and free ATM withdrawals may cost less over time than a card with no monthly fee but a $2 fee per check deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back of the check and writes your name. This is called endorsing the check to you. Many check-cashing services will not accept third-party checks because the fraud risk is higher. Call ahead to ask if they will take it, and bring both your ID and the other person's ID.
What if the check is post-dated (dated in the future)?
Most check-cashing services and prepaid card companies will not cash or deposit a post-dated check until the date on the check arrives. If you need the money before then, ask if they will make an exception — some will, but many will not.
Do I need to open a bank account eventually?
No. You can use check-cashing services and prepaid cards indefinitely. A bank account can be useful if you want to build credit history or get a lower interest rate on a loan, but it is not required to cash checks or manage money.
What if I lose the prepaid card after I deposit a check?
Contact the card company when ready. They can freeze the card to prevent fraud, and you can request a replacement card. The money in your account is protected — it belongs to you, not the physical card.
Are check-cashing fees the same everywhere?
No. Fees vary by location, check size, and the business. A check-cashing service in one neighborhood may charge 2% while another charges 4%. Call a few places near you to compare before you go, or ask online if they post their fees.