You can deposit a mailed tax refund check at any bank or credit union where you have an account, at most check-cashing services, or at some retail locations that offer check cashing

A mailed refund check from the IRS is a regular check. You deposit it the same way you would deposit any other check: in person at a teller window, through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile deposit, at an ATM if your bank has check deposit capability, or by mailing it to your bank. The check is drawn on the U.S. Treasury and will clear through the standard banking system, which typically takes three to five business days after deposit.

The fastest deposit method is usually mobile deposit through your bank's app, if you have it. You photograph both sides of the check, enter the amount, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. If you do not have a bank account, you can cash the check at a check-cashing service, though you will pay a fee—usually between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount, depending on the service and the check size.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile deposit through your bank's app is the fastest way to deposit a tax refund check, usually crediting your account within one to two business days.
  • In-person deposit at a bank or credit union teller window takes three to five business days to clear and requires no fees if you have an account.
  • Check-cashing services will cash your refund check without a bank account, but charge a fee of 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
  • ATM check deposit is available at many banks and credit unions and works the same way as mobile deposit, though processing times vary by institution.
  • Mailing your check to your bank is an option but adds several days to the process and carries a small risk of loss in transit.

Depositing through your bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account, your bank or credit union is the simplest place to deposit your refund check. Walk into any branch during business hours with your check and a form of ID, hand it to a teller, and they will process it on the spot. The funds will be available within three to five business days, though some banks credit the first $200 or $300 when ready and hold the rest. There is no fee for this deposit.

Many banks also let you deposit checks by mail. You sign the back of the check, write your account number on it, and mail it to the address your bank provides. This takes longer—typically seven to ten business days total—because of mail transit time plus processing time. Include a deposit slip if your bank provides one, or write a note with your account number and the check amount.

If your bank offers it, mobile deposit is faster and more convenient. Open your bank's app, select "deposit check," photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The check is usually credited within one to two business days. You will need to keep the physical check for a period set by your bank—usually 30 days—in case there is a problem, then destroy it.

ATM check deposit

Many banks and credit unions have ATMs that accept check deposits. You insert your card, select "deposit," choose the account, insert the check into the slot, and confirm the amount on the screen. The machine reads the check and credits it to your account. Processing time is the same as a teller deposit—three to five business days—and there is no fee.

Not all ATMs have this capability, and not all banks that offer it have it at every machine. Check your bank's website or app to find which ATMs near you accept check deposits, or call your branch to confirm before you go.

Check-cashing services and retail locations

If you do not have a bank account, check-cashing services will cash your refund check for a fee. Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores offer check cashing at customer service desks. Dedicated check-cashing businesses like ACE Cash Express and Check Into Cash also cash tax refund checks. The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—so on a $2,000 check, you would pay $20 to $60. Some services charge a flat fee instead, usually $5 to $15.

You will need a government-issued photo ID to cash a check at any of these locations. The check is usually cashed on the spot, and you walk out with cash or a prepaid card, depending on the service. This is the most expensive option, but it is the fastest if you need the money when ready and do not have a bank account.

Some check-cashing services also offer the option to deposit the check into a prepaid card account they provide. This costs less than cashing the check outright—sometimes just a few dollars—and the funds are available when ready on the card. You can then transfer the money to a bank account if you have one, or use the card to pay bills and make purchases.

What happens after you deposit

Once you deposit your refund check, the bank or service sends it through the clearing system. The check is routed to the Federal Reserve, which processes it against the Treasury account it is drawn on, and the funds are transferred to your bank. This process takes three to five business days for most deposits, though some banks credit the funds faster.

During this time, the check is "pending" in your account. Your available balance may not include the full amount until the check clears. Once it clears, the funds are yours and cannot be reversed. If there is a problem with the check—for example, if it is damaged or the amount is illegible—your bank will contact you and may return it.

Protecting your check before deposit

A mailed tax refund check is valuable and should be treated like cash. If it is lost or stolen before you deposit it, you will need to contact the IRS to report it and request a replacement, which takes time. Do not leave it in your mailbox for long. Deposit it as soon as you receive it, preferably using mobile deposit or by taking it to your bank in person.

If your check is damaged—torn, water-damaged, or marked up—some banks will still accept it, but others will not. If a bank refuses your check, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to report the damage and request a replacement. Keep the damaged check in case the IRS asks to see it.

If your check is lost or stolen, file a report with the IRS as soon as you notice. You can do this by calling 800-829-1040 or by mailing Form 3911, process for IRS Transcript, to the IRS office that issued your refund. The IRS will issue a replacement check, which takes about four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a tax refund check to clear after I deposit it?

Most banks credit the funds within three to five business days. Mobile deposit and some ATM deposits may be faster—one to two business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and when you deposit the check. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.

Can I deposit my tax refund check at any bank, even if I do not have an account there?

No. Banks only accept deposits into accounts held at that bank. If you do not have a bank account, use a check-cashing service instead. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts if you have been denied in the past.

What if my tax refund check is made out to two people?

Both people named on the check must endorse it (sign the back) before it can be deposited. If you are depositing into a joint account, both account holders should sign. If only one person is depositing it into a single account, the other person must also sign, and the bank may ask questions about the arrangement.

Is there a fee to deposit a tax refund check at my bank?

No. Banks do not charge fees for deposits, whether you use a teller, ATM, or mobile app. Check-cashing services do charge fees, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.

What if I lost my tax refund check?

Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to report it lost or stolen. The IRS will issue a replacement check, which takes about four weeks. Do not deposit the original check if you find it after requesting a replacement—you will need to return the replacement or the IRS may pursue the matter.