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If you’re looking to cash a check without paying hefty fees, there are several options to consider. You can visit grocery stores like Albertsons and WinCo Foods, which offer check cashing services. Check cashing stores like PLS Check Cashing and Speedy Cash are also viable options.
Some gas stations, such as 7-Eleven, also provide check cashing services. These establishments typically accept various types of checks, including payroll and cashier’s checks.
While there are various convenient options for depositing a check, it’s important to know the associated fees. For instance, many grocery stores charge a fee for cashing a check, and dedicated check cashing stores also impose fees, which may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the check value.
One specific example is PLS Check Cashing, which charges fees starting at $1 plus 1% of the check amount. If you’re seeking free check cashing services, these options may not be suitable.
However, there are places where you can cash a check for free.
Where to cash a check without paying fees
Need to access funds from a check but want to avoid unnecessary fees? Here are some smart ways to cash your check without spending extra:
1. Your bank
When depositing checks, most banks do not charge their account holders. If you need to cash a check, the best option is to visit your bank where you hold an account. Major banks such as Bank of America and Chase offer check-cashing services free of charge to their customers.
Typically, banks allow customers to cash various types of checks, including personal, payroll, government, tax refund, cashier’s, and stimulus checks.
If you do not currently have a bank account but anticipate needing to deposit checks frequently, it would be beneficial for you to consider opening one. By opening a bank account, you can easily cash checks without incurring fees. This can ultimately lead to significant savings.
However, if obtaining a bank account is not an option, there are still alternative ways to cash a check for free. For more information, please refer to the “Endorse the check to a friend or family member” section.
2. Your credit union
Credit unions, like banks, usually do not charge fees for depositing checks, and most credit unions allow account holders to cash checks for free. If you don’t have an account with a credit union, it might be worth considering opening one to avoid fees.
If you prefer not to open an account with a credit union, there are still other options for cashing a check without fees. You may want to explore the option of endorsing the check to a friend or family member for more information.
3. Ingo Money App
Ingo Money is a convenient check-cashing app that allows you to cash various types of checks, including paychecks, personal checks, and business checks, without the need to visit a physical location.
If you prefer to access your funds instantly, you can do so for a fee. Alternatively, you can opt to wait for ten days to receive the funds for free.
Additionally, you can choose the deposit destination for your money, whether it’s your bank account, prepaid card, or PayPal account.
4. Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J operates approximately 750 travel centers across over 40 states, offering various services, including check cashing.
One key advantage of using Pilot Flying J for check cashing is that this service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While there are fees associated with this service, the fees can vary depending on the specific location.
However, there is a way to cash a check for free at Pilot Flying J. By purchasing a minimum of 25 gallons of fuel, customers can cash a check of up to $200 for free at the same location within two hours of fueling.
5. PayPal
If you have a PayPal account, you might want to consider using the Cash a Check feature available in the PayPal app. This feature allows you to cash physical checks and have the funds credited directly to your PayPal Balance account using your mobile device.
To do this, simply take a photo of the check you wish to cash and submit it to PayPal for review. Once the check is approved, the money will be credited to your PayPal account.
If you need the funds to be available within minutes, you can opt for this service by paying a small fee. However, if you don’t mind waiting up to 10 days to receive the money, you won’t be charged a fee as long as the check is not returned unpaid.
6. Road Ranger
Road Ranger operates over 40 convenience and travel centers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. At all its locations, Road Ranger offers 24-hour check-cashing services for fueling and non-fueling customers. Customers can cash checks up to $999.99, but a fee applies.
However, there is an opportunity to cash a check for free. Customers who fuel a minimum of 25 gallons can cash a check of up to $200 for free at the same location within 2 hours of fueling.
Additionally, Road Ranger provides 24-hour ATM services for the convenience of its customers.
7. Endorse the check to a friend or family member
If you don’t have a bank account and the other available options are not suitable for you, there’s still a solution. One alternative to consider is endorsing your check to a trusted friend or family member with a bank account.
They can then cash the check at their bank on your behalf, and this service is typically free of charge. This process, known as a third-party check, allows someone else to cash the check for you, provided they have a bank account.
Many banks have specific policies regarding endorsing third-party checks due to the potential for theft and fraud associated with this practice. While some banks, such as US Bank and Citibank, allow customers to deposit third-party checks, others do not. It’s important to contact your bank to understand its specific policy on third-party checks.
You should also inquire with both the bank that issued the check and the bank where you intend to deposit it to ensure they allow third-party checks.
To create a third-party check, you will need to write the following in the endorsement space below your signature: “Pay to the order of [insert name of new payee].” This method allows you to transfer the check to someone else, making it payable to them. It’s also important to leave enough space in the endorsement area for the new payee to sign the check. Once the new payee signs the check, they can deposit it and give you the funds.
Typically, when you need to authorize someone to cash your check at the bank, you will have to accompany them to the bank to verify your identity. Each bank has its specific policy for cashing endorsed checks.
For instance, some banks might require you to fill out a form to confirm that your friend or family member has permission to cash your check. It’s best to check the bank’s website or call them to learn about their requirements and procedures for cashing endorsed checks.
8. Grocery stores and supermarkets (Not free, but cheap!)
When looking for the most cost-effective place to cash a check, it’s important to explore various options. If traditional banks and credit unions are not suitable for your needs, consider checking local grocery stores. Retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and Food City offer check-cashing services with relatively low fees.
For instance, Walmart charges up to $4 to cash a check up to $1,000, while Kroger’s fees start at $3 with a Shopper’s Card for checks up to $2,000. On the other hand, Food City has a $1,000 check-cashing limit with a $3 fee. These options can provide a convenient and affordable means of cashing checks.
The bottom line
If you want to cash a check without incurring fees, your best bet is to visit your bank or credit union. Most banks allow account holders to cash checks for free.
Gas stations like Pilot Flying J and Road Ranger also offer free check cashing services. If you prefer online options, you can use the Ingo Money App or the PayPal Cash a Check feature, which offers free check cashing services.
Give these options a try and access your funds without paying any fees.