Have a paper check to cash, but don't have a bank account? No worries, you can still cash a check without a bank account and you can do this by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store.
When most people receive a check, they deposit it in their bank account, cash it at their bank, or show their ID and cash it at the bank that issued the check. It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store. It’s also possible to cash a check if you’ve lost your ID by using an ATM or signing it over to someone else. Learn more below.
Cash a Check without a Bank Account
It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account, but it’s not as convenient and you’ll pay some fees.
How to cash a check without a bank account, but you have ID:
- Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check)
- Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.)
- Cash the check at a check-cashing store
- Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account
All of these options will have fees and may be time-consuming. The fees might be small, but they add up. If you’re earning $300 a week and paying $7 to cash your paycheck, that’s 2% of your paycheck used just to convert your paycheck to cash. That’s $360 in fees per year!
Save yourself money and time and open a bank checking account. Once you have a checking account, you can probably get direct deposit (your employer deposits your paycheck directly into your account) or you can deposit your check through an ATM.
Do I need an ID to cash a check?
How to cash a check without ID:
- Deposit it into your account through an ATM at your bank
- Take advantage of ATM check cashing if your bank offers it
- Sign the check over to someone else
Most banks require your ID be presented before they cash a check, but there’s no standard list for what’s considered an acceptable form of ID. Check with your bank or the bank that issued the check to see if you have a document that they’ll accept as ID.
As a last resort, you can sign the check over to someone you trust and ask them to cash it for you. This creates a third-party check. However, if you choose this option, keep in mind that many banks will require verification that original payee authorized the signing over of the check, by having the original payee present and presenting their ID. Read about how to endorse a check to have a friend cash it for you.
Open a Huntington Checking Account
If you want a basic checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, or an interest-earning checking account, we've got the options that are right for you.
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FAQs
Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check) Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.) Cash the check at a check-cashing store. Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.
Where can I cash a check instantly without verification? ›
The top instant check cashing apps without verification include Ingo Money, Brink's Money, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Chime, and Flare Account. These apps allow you to quickly cash checks by taking photos with your phone for deposit into bank accounts or prepaid cards.
Can I use my social security card to cash a check? ›
Here are some examples of secondary IDs that might be accepted for check cashing: Employment ID: An ID issued by your employer. U.S. Birth Certificate: An official document certifying your birth in the U.S. Social Security Card: The card issued as part of the Social Security system.
How to cash a check at an ATM without an account online? ›
Consider a Prepaid Debit Card
With this option, you can get a debit card that enables you to deposit your check directly – likely by mobile check deposit – onto the card without needing to open an account with a bank. Then you should be able to get cash from an ATM by using the card.
What online banks don't require ID? ›
Neobanks are digital-only banks that offer a variety of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, debit cards, and money transfers. Some neobanks, such as Revolut and Wise, allow you to open an account without an ID.
What is the best way to cash checks without a bank account? ›
5 ways to cash a check without a bank account
- Cash your check at the issuing bank.
- Cash your check at a retailer.
- Load funds onto a prepaid debit card.
- Sign your check over to someone you trust.
- Cash your check at a check-cashing outlet.
When you cash or deposit a check and there's not enough funds to cover it in the account it's drawn on, this is also considered non-sufficient funds (NSF). When a check is returned for NSF in this manner, the check is generally returned back to you. This allows you to redeposit the check at a later time, if available.
What can I use to cash a check if I don't have an ID? ›
Options for cashing a check without an ID
- ATM: If you have a bank account but don't have an ID on hand, you may be able to cash your check at one of your bank's ATMs. ...
- Mobile check-cashing app: Some mobile apps allow you to cash a check without a bank account.
With the Ingo® Money App, cash paychecks, business checks, personal checks—almost any type of check—anytime, anywhere. Get your money in minutes in your bank, prepaid card and PayPal accounts. Choose to pay credit card bills or split a check and fund multiple accounts.
Can someone else cash my check for me? ›
Once someone signs a check over to another person, it becomes a third-party check. Banks can accept third-party checks for deposit or cash them, but they're not required to. If your bank has a no third-party checks policy, then you won't be able to deposit a check for someone else to your account.
Some banks will let you cash a check at their ATMs if the money is loaded onto a prepaid card account. This is a great way to avoid the hassle of long lines at a bank, store, or retailer. Expect to pay a per-check fee, as well as a monthly service fee for the card account.
Does Walmart cash checks without ID? ›
How to cash your check. We make it simple for you to cash your check while you're at Walmart. All you need to do is present your endorsed check to the cashier at our Money Service Center or Customer Service Desk, along with valid identification, and pay the required fee.
How to cash a check for someone else? ›
You can improve the odds of your bank accepting the check by having your friend come with you to the bank to provide the teller with identification and consent. Your friend will have to endorse the back of the check and write “pay to the order of” and your name on the endorsem*nt area.
Is my Social Security number a bank account? ›
Myth: Your Social Security Number is a secret bank account.
Which bank account can be opened online instantly? ›
HDFC Bank's InstaAccount journey is a fully digital, no contact process that helps you open a savings account. Be it our Regular Savings Account or our premium SavingsMax account, open it instantly from the comfort of your home.
What is the easiest bank to get approved for? ›
Summary: Easiest Bank Accounts To Open in 2024
| Account | Approximate time to complete application | Minimum opening deposit |
|---|
| SoFi Checking and Savings Account: Best for Member Perks | 1 to 3 minutes | $0 |
| Wise: Best for Non-Residents | 1 to 3 minutes | $0 |
| Chime® Checking Account: Best for Bad Credit | 3 to 4 minutes | $0 |
7 more rowsApr 2, 2024
Netspend
Netspend offers a service called Instant Check Cashing that allows you to cash checks online without using a bank account. To use the service, you will need to create a Netspend account and load funds onto your Netspend card.
How can I cash a paper check instantly? ›
PayPal lets you manage all your money in one app, and the Cash a Check feature in the PayPal app allows you to cash checks on your mobile device and have them credited to your PayPal Balance account. You simply take a picture of the check you want to cash and send it to us for review.
Can you cash a check at ATM without signing? ›
Enter the deposit amount: Some ATMs automatically read the amount of your check when you insert it. However, others may ask you to enter the check amount. Insert the check: Make sure you've signed your check on the back to endorse it, then place it in the deposit slot.
