Where to Cash a Check Without a Checking Account

A check can be cashed without a checking account using at variety of locations such as check cashing kiosks and pawn shops. However, the type of check and its amount can influence if the check will be cashed. Some types of checks are more likely to get cashed than others as with government checks and cashiers checks.

Government and cashier checks are easier to cash than personal checks because it is more probable than not the check will not bounce. Depending on the check cashing service offered, and the meeting of check cashing requirements, a range of check types may be cashed.

To cash a check without a checking account it can be helpful to know which types of places, or who in these places, are willing to cash a check. The criteria for cashing checks may vary from check cashier to check cashier based on things like proper identification, personal information, type of check and the amount of check. Verifying the amount of the check to be cashed, whether or not the check can be cashed, and what type of documentation is needed in advance may be helpful.

Locations to cash checks

Some places that cash checks have check cashing limits and/or fees, and not all financial institutions cash checks endorsed over from another check recipient. Additionally, some retailers will only cash checks if they are in exchange for a purchase, and if there is money left over. However, other retailers may provide cash checking services for a fee or with membership. Locations that cash a check without a checking account are listed below, but are not guaranteed to cash all types of checks in all types of circumstances.

• Pay check cashing ATM's ex-Swipe USA machines
• Fast cash and loan services; ex-Cash 1
• Some commercial retailers’ ex-Price Chopper
• Banks and other financial institutions with personal accounts

Additional check cashing locations:

• AMEX Card Check Cashing and Travelers checks
• Currency exchange ex: http://www.mycurrencyexchange.com (CCEAI)
• Business affiliates and check cashing services
• Pawn shops ex: Fast Cash Pawn and Check Cashiers

Each one of the above locations to cash checks without a checking account is likely to have specific rules or policies in place regarding check cashing procedures, requirements and allowances. To verify what restrictions and rules apply, contact the specific location where you are interested in cashing a check.

Check type and issuer affects check cashing

As mentioned above, the type of check may be a factor in determining if a check can be cashed without a checking account. For example, a travelers check can often be used like cash but protects the check holder from theft. An out of state 3rd party personal check for over $10,000 on the other hand might be quite a bit harder to cash if it can be cashed at all. Some of the aforementioned check cashing locations are more likely to cash more checks than others, however ultimately it is up to the organization, legal requirements regulating the check, and individual or business to determine whether or not the check will be cashed. Not including crossed checks, some types of checks that may be cashed are below:

• Treasury checks
• Personal checks
• Travelers checks
• Third party checks

Other types of checks:

• Cashiers checks
• Business checks
• Class action suit checks
• Tax refund anticipation checks

Check cashing requirements

To cash a check, an identification such as a driver’s license or pin code verification access is needed. Additional check cashing requirements may include purchase, fee, registration or membership with a retailer, and a cash back or cashing limit. If cashing a check at a bank, an endorsement may be requested on the back of the check by the bank’s teller to reduce the bank’s liability.

Additionally, in the case of a crossed check, the check may not be able to be cashed without some kind of account as these checks are protected from being cashed. However, some financial institutions may cash checks with only a savings account, whereas others may not require an account at all. This is especially so if the check is from an account at that financial institution or more specifically, at that financial institutions branch location.

Summary

To cash a check without a checking account is easier than it sounds, but may not always be possible. This is because some checks are more readily cashed than others. Nevertheless, there are several places mentioned in this article where you can go to cash a check without a checking account. Some check cashing locations. The check cashing locations that cash checks vary in the types of checks they will cash, what documentation is required, and how much they will cash a check for.