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.
Learn More
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.
What app cashes checks without ID? ›
Deposit the check using a mobile payment service like PayPal. Many mobile payment services like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App have a check depositing feature that adds the funds to your online account, without requiring an ID.
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? ›
Use A Prepaid Debit Card
Some will allow for the direct deposit of funds, such as payroll, to the debit card, while others may let you deposit funds at an ATM or use a mobile app to take a picture of the check for deposit.
Can I cash a check at Walmart 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.
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 app can I take a picture of my check and cash it? ›
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 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.
How to cash a check online without a bank account? ›
Use a payment app like PayPal or Venmo
Some banking alternatives offer check-cashing services. For example, Venmo allows most customers to snap a photo of the front and back of the check for easy deposit. (It's not available for customers in New York.)
How do I get cash from my Social Security debit card? ›
Purchases at retail locations, cash back with purchases, or cash withdrawals through bank or credit union tellers. One ATM cash withdrawal for each deposit posted to your account each month when using a Direct Express® card network ATM.
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.
Can I cash a check with insufficient funds? ›
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.
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.
What forms of ID are acceptable to cash a check at Walmart? ›
These are the most widely accepted forms of ID:
- Driver's license.
- State ID.
- Passport.
- Military ID.
In general, your birth certificate will not suffice as a primary ID, and you won't be able to use it unless you have another secondary ID (usually with a photo). Without a secondary photo ID, most places will not allow you to cash a check with just a birth certificate, so you will be cashing your check without an ID.
How do I cash a check online asap? ›
How it works
- Download the Money Mart app.
- Sign-in or create an account.
- Tap "Cash a Check"
- Take a photo of the front and back of your check.
- Review your details and fees, and tap "Submit"
It usually takes a few seconds to review a check for approval, although it can take 10-15 minutes and in rare circ*mstances, up to 1.5 hours while we work to verify enough information to approve your check. If your check is approved, your money can be credited to your Venmo account usually within minutes.
What is the lodefast check cashing app? ›
The Lodefast Check Cashing app allows you to cash checks and access your money anytime, anywhere, without waiting in lines or driving to a store or bank. The app is easy to use.
Can I cash a check at Walmart with an expired ID? ›
Will Walmart cash my check if I have an out-of-date drivers license? No, they will not cash any check with an outdated driver's license. Your drivers license must be current. Some places may do this but Walmart will not, it is against their policy.
