Convenient Places to Cash a Check Near Me for FREE or Cheap

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you. As always, I only recommend links I personally use and love!

Cashing a check can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a bank account. But don’t worry, there are several places where you can cash your checks conveniently and quickly. Whether it’s a personal check, a government check, or a paycheck, there are numerous options available to you. Let’s explore some of the best places to get your checks cashed near you.

Walmart

Your local Walmart is a great place to start. They can cash personal, payroll, government, insurance settlement, 401(k), MoneyGram money orders, tax, and cashier’s checks. For checks up to $1,000, there’s a $4 fee, and for anything over $1,000 (up to $5,000), you’ll pay up to $8. For 2-party checks, there’s a $6 fee and checks can’t be over $200 in value.

The Bank on the Actual Check

If the issuing bank of the check has a local branch, you can visit it to get the check cashed. They’ll be able to verify that the account has sufficient funds and most will cash the check for a small fee.

Gas Stations

Many gas stations, especially those attached to a grocery store chain, will cash checks. Others like Citgo, Chevron, Pilot Flying J, and Love’s will also cash checks for a fee.

Grocery Stores

Some national grocery stores that cash checks include Kroger, Publix, Giant Eagle, Safeway/Albertsons, Winco, Ralphs, Hy-Vee, H-E-B, and Fred Meyer. The fees vary by location but usually average between $3 – $6 depending on the amount of the check.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven cashes checks via their in-house Transact card which is essentially a prepaid MasterCard that you can cash checks onto. Once you sign-up and get your card, you can use your smartphone to deposit checks via their Mobile Check Load feature.

Check Cashing Stores

Stores like Check Into Cash and Ace Cash Express are national spots that you can walk into and get your check cashed for a fee. They’ll even put some, or all, of your money on a Prepaid Visa Card so you don’t have to carry around a large amount of cash if you wish.

Amscot

Known as “The Money Superstore,” Amscot offers a range of financial services, including check cashing. They accept payroll, government, insurance, and personal checks. Amscot is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a convenient option for those who need to cash checks outside regular business hours. They do charge a fee for their services, so be sure to inquire about the cost when you visit.

Your Employer

If you work at a grocery store or store that handles cash, in many cases they can cash your paycheck immediately. This is a fee-free method and a pretty easy way to get cash in your pocket without ever having to visit a bank or check cashing store.

Endorse to a Friend

A solid last option is to sign your check over to a friend who can then take it to their bank to deposit it. On the back of the check write “Pay to the Order of FRIEND’S FULL NAME”. Then sign it and collect your cash from them.

Remember, each of these places has its own policies and fees, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check. Also, always bring a valid ID when you’re cashing a check. With these options, you should be able to cash your check conveniently and quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cashing Checks

1. Do I need an ID to cash a check?

Yes, you will typically need a valid form of identification to cash a check. This can be a driver’s license, passport, or another form of government-issued ID. Some places may also accept a student ID or employer-issued ID.

2. Can I cash a check at any bank?

You can usually cash a check at the bank that issued the check, even if you don’t have an account there. However, other banks may only cash checks for their own customers.

3. What types of checks can I cash?

Most places will cash payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks. Some locations may also cash money orders, cashier’s checks, and insurance settlement checks.

4. Are there fees for cashing a check?

Yes, many places charge a fee to cash a check. The fee can vary depending on the amount of the check and the location where you’re cashing it. Some places may waive the fee for their customers or for certain types of checks.

5. Can I cash a check that’s made out to someone else?

In general, you can only cash a check that’s made out to you. However, if the person who the check is made out to has endorsed the check over to you, you may be able to cash it.

6. What if I don’t have a bank account? Can I still cash a check?

Yes, you can still cash a check even if you don’t have a bank account. Many grocery stores, gas stations, and check-cashing stores will cash checks for a fee. You can also cash a check at the bank that issued the check.