Checks are inconvenient in the modern age. They act as an extra set of steps between you and your money.
This inconvenience grows if you don’t have a bank account to deposit the check into.
Is it possible to cash a check without a bank account? Thankfully, yes, it is. Here are five ways to cash a check without a bank account.
1. Go to the Original Bank
The original bank is the bank that issued the check.
The bank will know immediately if the person or company who issued the check has the cash available. Most banks will then give you money for the check amount.
This saves many steps when it comes to cashing the check.
2. Go to a Big Bank
A big bank might do the same thing.
A big bank usually means it is one of the following banks:
- Bank of America
- JP Morgan and Chase
- Wells Fargo
- CitiGroup
- US Bank
- TD Bank
Even if they didn’t issue the check, they still might provide check services for you.
These banks have huge processes that make sure that they get their money one way or another. By giving you the cash for your check, they will handle getting the money from the original bank.
To be clear, this is not guaranteed to work. Depending on who’s working at the branch you’re visiting, they are not required to cash the check. But because they are larger banks, they are more likely to do so.
3. Check a Local Store
Many local stores provide check services. This includes cashing a check without a bank account.
Check your nearest convenience store first. 7 Eleven, for example, has a robust network of basic financial services. However, it’s probably best to call ahead of time just to make sure.
Another example is Walmart. This is not a huge surprise, considering how many things Walmart does. For example, most locations have a section in the front dedicated to checking services.
4. Find a Paycheck Advance Service
If the check is a paycheck, then you have a whole category of options for you.
Paycheck advance services usually provide a loan against your paycheck.
The best part about these services is that they can be completed entirely online if you want to.
5. PayPal
Many of us use PayPal to pay for things online. But, did you know they also have several financial services?
The process is simple. Open the PayPal app and use it to take a photo of the check. After a few basic steps, the money will be available in your PayPal account.
This does require a PayPal account to do. But signing up is free and only takes a few minutes.
Ready to Cash a Check?
It should be effortless to cash a check. Even without a bank account, there are many options available to you.
Are you looking for more advice on money? If you are, then check out this article on money management.