Can you cash a check anywhere

When you deposit a check at an ATM at your bank, the funds can be used or withdrawn on the second business day. The bank may decide not to cash checks if something is suspicious, or if it chooses not to serve non-customers. Check-cashing stores, cash advance, and payday loan shops can also cash checks for you. Over time, the fees add up, and you end up with less money to spend.

You can probably do better or avoid fees altogether by opening an account at a bank or credit union. If you receive more than a few checks each year, open a bank account. Many grocery stores and supermarkets enable you to cash a check, and they are typically less expensive than check-cashing stores. Prices might range from one to three dollars or less. Ask about money services at the customer service desk in the front of the store.

If opening a bank account isn't possible, consider using a prepaid card account instead. Some prepaid cards even allow you to deposit checks with your mobile phone, and they might not charge any monthly fees. You can then use the card to withdraw cash or make purchases, although you might have to wait for the check to clear before you can spend all of the money.

Take the time to learn about all of the branches available to you, including ATMs that accept deposits. Credit union members may have additional options: If your credit union is part of a shared branching network, you can use thousands of branches nationwide to cash checks. You might not need to cash a check.

You can also deposit the money without taking cash. With that option, the bank adds funds to your account, and you can use the money later. Only get cash if you plan to spend the money soon. The money is safe in the bank, and you won't be tempted to spend more than you need to. It might even be more convenient to deposit the check. Accessed April 7, Food Lion. Money Services. American Express. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Banking Checking Accounts. Table of Contents Expand. If you deposit the check in your checking account, the funds will usually be available in one or two business days.

Some banks and credit unions do provide fee-based check cashing services, including to consumers that do not have an account with the bank or credit union and who are presenting third-party checks.

Searches are limited to 50 characters. Please do not share any personally identifiable information PII , including, but not limited to: your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, account information, or any other information of a sensitive nature. Or, you might be able to deposit your check at an ATM to load the money onto the card. Fees are a big drawback of prepaid cards. Reload fees can be steep. Sometimes, prepaid card fees are scaled according to how quickly you want your money, and you can get dinged for expedited availability.

Check-cashing outlets are probably the most expensive places to cash checks. In addition to a membership fee, they might charge a first-time use fee. Fees to cash a check can range from 1 percent to 12 percent of the face value of the check. Some businesses charge a flat fee on top of the percentage.

Not only are check-cashing stores exorbitantly expensive, there is a risk of deceptive practices. The Better Business Bureau, for example, alerts consumers to a scam where customers of a check-cashing store are called by someone who claims to represent the business.

The caller offers the customer a loan and requests payment to secure the loan. Of course, the loan is never received and the customer of the check-cashing store gets scammed out of their cash.

Make sure the person you are signing over your check to is willing to cash the check, and that his or her bank will cash it. You should accompany your trusted friend to the bank in case the teller requires your ID or has questions about the check. Your friend must have the proper identification and be prepared to have his or her check dinged by a check-cashing fee. In all of the methods laid out above, there is a personal and financial safety risk.

Paper checks and cash can be lost or stolen. How We Make Money. Libby Wells. Written by. Libby Wells is a contributor covering banking and deposit products.