ATMs won't cash tax refund checks, but you have other options
No, you cannot cash a tax refund check at an ATM. ATMs only accept deposits—they do not dispense cash in exchange for checks. Even if you could deposit the check into an ATM, you would still need a bank account to do it, which defeats the purpose if you are looking for cash without banking.
The real barrier is that tax refund checks are government checks, and most places that cash checks without a bank account have strict rules about what they will accept. Some check-cashing services will cash a federal tax refund check, but not all of them, and the fees can be steep. Your fastest option is usually a retail location that you already shop at, or a bank branch that does not require you to be a customer.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs only accept deposits into existing accounts—they cannot cash checks for you.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash tax refund checks at their customer service desks, usually for a flat fee between $3 and $6.
- Check-cashing services will cash federal tax refund checks, but fees vary widely and some locations refuse government checks entirely.
- Banks that are not your own will sometimes cash a tax refund check if you show ID, though this is becoming less common.
- If you filed taxes electronically, you can request a direct deposit refund instead of a check, which avoids the cashing problem entirely.
Where retail stores will cash your tax refund check
Walmart and Target both cash federal tax refund checks at their customer service desks. You will need a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The fee is usually $3 to $4 per check, though this can vary by location. You do not need to be a customer or have a membership, and you do not need a bank account.
Some grocery store chains also cash tax refund checks, but policies differ by store and by region. Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons locations in some states will do this, but not all. Call ahead to confirm your local store participates before you make the trip. Fees are typically $2 to $5.
The advantage of retail cashing is speed—you walk in, show your ID and the check, and walk out with cash in minutes. The disadvantage is that not every location honors this, even within the same chain. If you are near a Walmart or Target, that is your most reliable bet.
Check-cashing services and their restrictions on government checks
Check-cashing businesses will cash federal tax refund checks, but many of them impose higher fees than retail stores—sometimes $10 to $20 or more, depending on the check amount. Some charge a percentage of the check value instead of a flat fee, which can be worse if your refund is large.
The catch is that not every check-cashing service accepts government checks. Some refuse them because of fraud concerns or because they do not want to deal with the verification process. Call before you go, or ask the clerk when you arrive. If they say no, do not argue—move to the next option.
Check-cashing services are most useful if you are in a rural area or a neighborhood where Walmart and Target are not nearby. They are less useful if you are trying to minimize fees, because the cost will be higher than retail.
Banks that will cash a check without an account
Some banks will cash a federal tax refund check even if you are not a customer, but this is becoming rarer. You will need a valid ID, and the bank may charge a fee—usually $5 to $10. Call the bank ahead of time to ask if they do this, because policies vary by branch and by institution.
Banks are most likely to cash a check if it is drawn on their own institution. For example, if your tax refund check is from the U.S. Treasury (which it is), the bank may treat it as a government check and explore different rules. Some banks will cash it; others will not.
This option is worth trying if you live near a bank branch, but do not count on it. Retail stores are more reliable.
What to bring when you cash the check
You will need the tax refund check itself and a valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID all work. Some places may ask for a second form of ID, though this is uncommon for checks under $1,000.
Do not sign the back of the check until you are at the location where you are cashing it. Some places require you to sign in front of the clerk. If you sign it early and then lose it, anyone can cash it.
Bring the check in its original condition—do not write on it, fold it, or damage it. If the check is torn, faded, or hard to read, some places will refuse it.
If your check is delayed or lost
If you have not received your tax refund check within 21 days of filing, you can check the status on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.
If the check is lost or stolen, contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. They can stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement. This process takes time—usually four to six weeks—so do not expect a quick resolution.
If you are in a situation where you need the money urgently and the check is delayed, a short-term loan or a cash advance from your employer may be faster than waiting for a replacement check.
Why direct deposit is better if you can arrange it
If you have not yet filed your taxes, you can request that your refund be sent by direct deposit instead of by check. This requires a bank account, savings account, or prepaid card account in your name. The refund arrives in two to three weeks instead of three to four weeks, and you avoid the cashing fee entirely.
If you do not have a bank account now but are planning to open one, filing for direct deposit is worth the effort. Even a basic savings account at a credit union or online bank will work. The fee to open an account is usually zero, and you can close it after the refund arrives if you do not want to keep it open.
If you have already filed and requested a check, you cannot change it to direct deposit. You are stuck with cashing the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a tax refund check into an ATM if I have a bank account?
Yes, if you have a bank account, you can deposit a tax refund check into an ATM that belongs to your bank. The check will be held for verification—usually one to three business days—before the funds appear in your account. This is faster and cheaper than cashing the check at a retail location.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people whose names are on the check must be present when you cash it, and both must sign the back. Some retail stores and check-cashing services will refuse a two-name check because of the added verification burden. Call ahead to confirm.
Can I cash a tax refund check at a different bank than the one it is drawn on?
Technically yes, but most banks will refuse. Your best bet is to call the bank first and ask. If they say no, go to a retail store or check-cashing service instead.
What if I lost the check or it was stolen?
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and the check amount. They will stop payment on the original and mail a replacement, which takes four to six weeks. If you need cash sooner, you will have to find another source.
Do I have to pay taxes on the refund I receive?
No. A tax refund is your own money being returned to you—it is not income, and you do not owe tax on it. The IRS will not send you a 1099 or any other tax form for the refund.