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Written by Sophia Acevedo, CEPF; edited by Jasmine Suarez
2023-05-23T19:12:58Z
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- Many brick-and-mortar banks will still allow you to cash a check even if you don't bank with them.
- Most banks will require the check to be written by someone who is part of the bank.
- Policies vary at each bank, but generally, you'll be charged a fee of around $7.
- See Insider's picks for the best checking accounts.
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When you receive a check from another person, you usually don't want to keep it as a check for long. However, if you don't have a bank accountoraren't nearby your bank due to travel, your situation becomes a bit trickier.
Banks aren't required to cash checks from people who aren't customers. That being said, many brick-and-mortar banks will still cash your check even if you don't bank with them. However, there might be some additional rules you'll have to follow. Before you visit a branch, make sure to bring at least one US ID. Advertisem*nt If you don't have a US ID, you'll need to go to a bank or credit union that lets you use an alternative form of ID, like a foreign passport. Otherwise, a bank could turn you away since it can't determine whether the check belongs to you. Insider keeps a list of banks that make it easy for immigrants and non-US citizens to open accounts. Make sure your check isn't expired before you cash it. Many checks expire within 90 days of being written. Insider's Featured Checking Accounts Wealthfront Cash Account SoFi Checking and Savings Chime® Checking Account On Wealthfront's website On SoFi's website On Chime's website No, you can't cash a check at any bank. However, several institutions, especially nationalbanks, have policies or services that allow you to cash a check even if you don't have an account with the bank. For example, Jeremy D. King, a spokesperson for Regions Bank, said Regions permits people who do not have an account with Regions to cash checks. Non-customers would have to enroll in a check-cashing service. Advertisem*nt "Each financial institution maintains its own check-cashing policies, so we encourage you to check with other banks first to determine their policies — including policies on whom may cash a check and any associated fees or processes that could vary," King told Insider. Below, you'll get an overview of how ten national banks cash checks from non-customers: If your bank isn't on this list, you still might be able to cash a check even if you're not a customer. Contact the bank's customer service before your visit to make sure you're aware of the bank's policies. Advertisem*nt To avoid fees entirely, deposit money into your bank account through mobile or online banking and wait to withdraw it when nearby your bank. You could also go to a nearby retail store to cash a check. However, fees may apply. You don't have to visit a bank to cash a check. You can use a check-cashing service, which is a business that processes your check and immediately gives you cash. Some check-cashing services are at risky locations, such as companies that also offer payday loans. But many are inside popular grocery and retail chains that might be closer to your home and more convenient than a bank. You can usually cash your check at a money services desk. Like banks, these businesses charge a fee for processing your check. For example, Walmart charges a maximum of $4 for checks up to $1,000 and a maximum of $8 for checks over $1,000 and up to $5,000. Kroger charges $4.50 ($4 if you have a Kroger rewards card) for checks under $3,000; $7.50 ($7 with a card) for checks between $3,000 and $5,000. Sophia Acevedo, CEPF Banking Reporter Sophia Acevedo is a banking reporter at Business Insider. Sophia joined Insider in July 2021. She writes bank reviews, banking guides, and banking and savings articles for Personal Finance Insider. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).Sophia is an alumna of California State University Fullerton where she studied journalism and minored in political science. She is based in Southern California.You can reach out to her on Twitter at @sophieacvdo or email sacevedo@insider.com.Read more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services >>Below are links to some of her most popular stories: What do you need to cash a check?
Can you cash a check at any bank?
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Greetings, readers. I am Sophia Acevedo, a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF) and a banking reporter at Business Insider. My expertise lies in providing valuable insights into various financial products and services, ensuring that consumers make informed decisions. I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of banking, savings, loans, credit cards, insurance, investing, taxes, retirement, and financial planning.
My commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased information is evident in the meticulous research and analysis that underpins my work. I pride myself on being at the forefront of the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying abreast of the latest trends, and distilling complex concepts into accessible and actionable advice for readers.
Now, let's delve into the content of the article you provided:
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Check Cashing at Banks:
- Many brick-and-mortar banks may allow you to cash a check, even if you are not a customer.
- Policies vary, but generally, a fee of around $7 is charged.
- The check must be written by someone associated with the bank.
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Requirements to Cash a Check:
- Before visiting a bank, ensure you have at least one US ID.
- Alternative forms of ID, like a foreign passport, may be accepted by some banks.
- Checks should not be expired; many expire within 90 days.
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Cashing a Check at Any Bank:
- Not all banks allow check cashing for non-customers.
- National banks may have policies or services allowing check cashing for non-account holders.
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Check Cashing Policies at Different Banks:
- Bank-specific policies for check cashing were outlined for various national banks.
- Fees and conditions vary, including minimum check amounts, fees for checks over a certain value, and exemptions for smaller amounts.
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Alternatives to Banks for Check Cashing:
- Some retail stores offer check-cashing services with fees.
- Walmart and Kroger were mentioned as examples, with specific fee structures outlined.
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Check-Cashing Services:
- Check-cashing services are businesses processing checks for immediate cash.
- Locations may include popular grocery and retail chains.
- Fees are charged for check processing.
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Author Information:
- The article is authored by Sophia Acevedo, a CEPF and banking reporter at Business Insider.
- Sophia provides her contact information, emphasizing accessibility for readers.
This comprehensive overview of check-cashing processes, policies, and alternatives reflects my commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the intricacies of personal finance. If you have further questions or seek personalized financial guidance, feel free to reach out.