Around 14.1 million American adults are without a bank account. If you are one of them, you may be wondering how to cash a check. The good news is that you can cash a check without a bank account. However, you may have to pay a fee and possibly do some extra legwork.
Where to cash a check without a bank account?
At the check issuing bank
You can check the name of the issuing bank on the check and visit that branch. They may cash the check for you. Normally, banks are not required to cash checks for non-customers, but some banks may cash the check if it is issued by an existing account holder. It is necessary that there is enough money in the account the check is written against and the payee must show a valid proof of identity such as a passport or driver’s license. There may be fees involved. There is also a limit on the check amount you may be able to cash.
Load a prepaid debit card
Another option to consider is using your prepaid debit cards. Prepaid debit cards work similar to checking account debit cards. You can withdraw only as much cash as you have loaded into your prepaid card. Depending on the card you have, you may be able to directly load the check on to your account via an app, or you may have to deposit your check at an ATM.
Visit a retailer
Many retailers such as Walmart, Kmart and several other grocery chains offer check cashing services. In fact, most retail giants offer check cashing services. Cashing a check at a retailer will cost you money. The fee varies considerably across retailers, so you must shop around.
Check-Cashing Shop
While a check cashing shop is the most convenient way to cash your checks, many people are wary of using their services because they think that they might charge high fees, like pay-day loan shops. In most states however check-cashing shops must be licensed, and can only charge a maximum percentage fee of the check amount, often something like 1, 2 or 5% of the total.
To make sure the outlet is reliable and that you are not paying an unreasonable fee, you must check their license. For instance, Meridan Pawn Shop’s Pro-Check Cashing, LLC are licensed by the Department of Banking in Connecticut and follow the guidelines as set by local government. These fees in Connecticut are 1% for state checks and 2% for business checks.
If you don’t have a bank account, you can still cash your check. As discussed above, there are several options available but the quickest and the most convenient would be a check-cashing outlet. Make sure you visit only a reliable and licensed cash-checking outlet.
Looking for a check-cashing shop in the Meriden CT area? Trust in Pro Check Cashing LLC –a division of the well-established Meriden Pawn. You can stay assured that you will get your money quickly and with minimal fees.