You can receive money through check-cashing services, prepaid cards, money transfer services, and cash pickup options — each with different costs and speed
If you don't have a bank account, you have several ways to receive money from employers, government programs, family, or friends. The method that works best depends on who is sending the money, how often you need it, and what fees you can afford. Some options are free or nearly free; others charge a percentage of the amount you receive.
The most common routes are check-cashing services (for paper checks), prepaid cards (for direct deposit), money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram (for cash sent by another person), and cash pickup at retail locations. Each has different rules about speed, cost, and what identification you need.
Key Takeaways
- Check-cashing services charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) but let you walk out with cash the same day.
- Prepaid cards can receive direct deposits from employers or government programs for free, though you may pay fees to withdraw cash or check your balance.
- Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let someone send you cash that you pick up at a retail location, but charge both the sender and you.
- Some employers and government agencies offer payroll cards or debit cards that work like prepaid cards and do not require a bank account.
- Your state ID, driver's license, or passport is required by most services to prevent fraud.
Check-cashing services for paper checks
A check-cashing service is a business that turns your paper check into cash on the spot. You bring the check and a form of ID, the service verifies the check is real, and you pay a fee. The fee is usually between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount — so a $500 check might cost you $5 to $15 to cash. Some services charge a flat fee instead (like $5 per check) regardless of the amount.
Check-cashing services are fast: you typically walk out with cash within minutes. They are available at dedicated check-cashing stores, some grocery stores, and some retail chains like Walmart. The downside is the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly. If your employer offers direct deposit instead, that is usually free and faster.
You will need a valid ID — a state ID, driver's license, or passport. Some services also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify. If the check is made out to someone else, most services will not cash it.
Prepaid cards for direct deposit
A prepaid card is a plastic card that works like a debit card but is not connected to a bank account. Money is loaded onto the card in advance, and you can spend it or withdraw it as cash. The key advantage: employers and government programs can send money directly to a prepaid card without you needing a bank account.
If your employer offers direct deposit, you can set up a prepaid card to receive your paycheck automatically. The same applies to government programs like unemployment benefits, tax refunds, or Social Security. The deposit is free and usually arrives within one to two business days. You then withdraw cash at ATMs (though some cards charge per withdrawal) or spend the card like a debit card at stores.
Prepaid cards do charge fees — typically $5 to $15 per month for the card itself, plus fees for ATM withdrawals, balance checks, or customer service calls. Read the fee schedule before you choose one. Some cards have lower fees if you use direct deposit regularly. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS sell prepaid cards at checkout, and you can set up them when ready.
Money transfer services for cash sent by another person
Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let someone send you cash that you pick up at a retail location. The sender goes to a Western Union or MoneyGram location (or uses their website or app), pays the amount they want to send plus a fee, and provides your name. You then go to any Western Union or MoneyGram location with your ID and pick up the cash.
The process is fast — money can arrive within minutes to a few hours — but both the sender and you pay fees. The sender typically pays 3 to 10 percent of the amount sent, depending on how much and how far it is going. You do not pay a fee to pick up the money, but you do pay if you want to receive it as a prepaid card load instead of cash.
You will need a valid ID to pick up the money. The sender needs to know your full name and the location where you plan to pick it up. Western Union and MoneyGram have thousands of locations worldwide, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and dedicated agent locations.
Payroll cards and government debit cards
Some employers offer payroll cards — debit cards that receive your paycheck directly without requiring a bank account. The card works like a prepaid card: your paycheck loads onto it automatically, and you can withdraw cash at ATMs or spend it at stores. Payroll cards are free to use for direct deposit and usually have lower fees than retail prepaid cards.
Government programs also issue debit cards for benefits. For example, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and tax refunds can be sent to a state-issued debit card. These cards are free and designed specifically for benefit payments. You receive the card in the mail, set up it, and the money deposits automatically.
Ask your employer or the government program you are receiving money from whether they offer a payroll card or debit card. If they do, it is usually the cheapest and fastest option because there are no fees for receiving the deposit.
Cash pickup at retail locations
Some retailers let you pick up cash without a bank account through services like Walmart2Walmart or similar programs. Someone sends you money through the retailer's app or website, and you pick it up at a store location with your ID. The process is similar to money transfer services but may have lower fees because the money stays within one retailer's network.
Walmart2Walmart, for example, charges the sender a flat fee (usually $2 to $15 depending on the amount) and is free for you to pick up. Other retailers like Target or CVS may offer similar services. Check with the retailer to see what options they have and what the fees are.
What ID you need and how to protect yourself
All services that give you cash or load money onto a card require a valid ID to prevent fraud. Acceptable forms are a state ID, driver's license, passport, or sometimes a tribal ID. Some services ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify your identity.
When you receive money, keep your receipt and check the amount when ready. If someone is sending you money through a transfer service, make sure you know them and trust them — scammers sometimes use these services to send money they claim you owe or to test whether your information is valid before committing fraud. If you receive money you did not expect, do not pick it up.
Comparing costs and speed across methods
| Method | Cost to You | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-cashing service | 1–3% of check amount or flat fee ($5–$15) | Same day, minutes | One-time checks, when ready cash |
| Prepaid card with direct deposit | $5–$15 monthly fee plus ATM fees | 1–2 business days | Regular paychecks or benefits |
| Money transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram) | Free to pick up (sender pays 3–10%) | Minutes to hours | Cash sent by another person |
| Payroll card from employer | Free | 1–2 business days | Regular paychecks |
| Government debit card | Free | 1–2 business days | Benefits, tax refunds, unemployment |
| Retail cash pickup (Walmart2Walmart) | Free to pick up (sender pays $2–$15) | Minutes to hours | Cash sent by another person within same retailer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive a paycheck without a bank account?
Yes. Ask your employer about direct deposit to a prepaid card or payroll card. If they do not offer that, you can cash your check at a check-cashing service, though you will pay a fee each time. Payroll cards and prepaid cards are cheaper in the long run if you receive paychecks regularly.
What if I do not have an ID?
All money-receiving services require a valid ID to prevent fraud. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID or driver's license first. Contact your state's DMV to learn what documents you need and where to explore. Some community organizations also help people get IDs for free or low cost.
Is it safe to use money transfer services?
Money transfer services are safe if you know and trust the person sending you money. Be cautious if someone you do not know sends you money — this is sometimes a scam. Never send money back to someone who sends you unexpected cash, and do not pick up money you did not ask for.
Can I receive government benefits without a bank account?
Yes. Most government programs (unemployment, Social Security, tax refunds, SNAP) can send money to a prepaid card or state-issued debit card. When you first explore or enroll, you will be asked how you want to receive your money. Choose direct deposit to a card if you do not have a bank account.
Which option costs the least?
Payroll cards and government debit cards are free. Prepaid cards cost $5 to $15 monthly plus ATM fees. Check-cashing services charge 1 to 3 percent per check. Money transfer services are free for you to pick up but the sender pays 3 to 10 percent. If you receive money regularly, a payroll card or prepaid card saves the most money.