You can cash a check online through check-cashing apps, but you will need a mobile wallet or prepaid card to receive the money
Cashing a check without a bank account is possible, but the method depends on what you have access to. The fastest online route uses a mobile check-cashing app — you photograph the front and back of the check, the app verifies it, and the money lands in a digital wallet or prepaid card within one to three business days. The most common apps are Chime, Cash App, Varo, and MoneyLion, though not all of them work the same way and not all accept every type of check.
If you do not have a smartphone or prefer not to use an app, you can also cash a check in person at the issuing bank (the bank printed on the check), a check-cashing store, or a retail location like Walmart or Target. In-person cashing is usually faster — often same-day — but costs a fee that ranges from $1 to $10 depending on the check amount and where you go.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check-cashing apps require a smartphone, a photo of both sides of the check, and either a linked debit card or digital wallet to receive the money.
- Not all apps accept all check types — some reject two-party checks, post-dated checks, or checks over a certain amount, so read the app's rules before you photograph the check.
- In-person cashing at the issuing bank is free, but cashing at a check-cashing store or retailer costs a fee that typically ranges from $1 to $10.
- The issuing bank will cash any check drawn on that bank for free if you bring the original check and a photo ID, even if you have no account there.
How mobile check-cashing apps work
The process is the same across most apps: you open the app, select "deposit check" or "cash check," photograph the front and back of the check in good light, and the app's software reads the routing number, account number, and amount. The app then sends the check image to a partner bank for verification. If the check clears, the money appears in your account within one to three business days.
The catch is that you need somewhere for the money to land. Most apps require you to link a debit card, prepaid card, or digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay). If you have neither, some apps will issue you a prepaid card as part of signing up, though this usually costs $5 to $15 upfront and may charge monthly maintenance fees. Read the app's fee schedule before you sign up.
Check limits and restrictions vary by app. Chime, for example, accepts checks up to $10,000 but rejects two-party checks (checks made out to two people). Cash App has a $5,000 limit per check and a $20,000 rolling 30-day limit. Varo accepts checks up to $25,000. Some apps also reject post-dated checks (checks dated in the future) or checks that are more than 180 days old. Before you photograph a check, open the app and look for the deposit rules or limits section.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank for free
The issuing bank — the bank whose name is printed on the check — must cash the check for free if you bring the original check and a valid photo ID, even if you have no account there. This is a legal requirement under the Uniform Commercial Code. The teller will verify the check is not fraudulent, confirm the account has funds, and give you cash on the spot or within one business day.
To find the issuing bank's location, look at the check itself. The bank name and routing number are printed at the bottom left. You can also search the routing number on the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup tool to confirm the bank name and find a nearby branch. Call ahead to confirm the branch accepts third-party check cashing, since some branches may have restrictions or require you to come during certain hours.
Bring the original check and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Some banks may ask for a second form of ID or your phone number. Do not deposit the check into an account — ask the teller to cash it instead.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores (also called currency exchanges) and retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery store customer service desks will cash checks for a fee. The fee is usually a flat amount ($1 to $5 for small checks) or a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent for larger checks). A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash depending on the location.
Bring the original check and a valid photo ID. Some locations ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes, and you receive cash immediately. Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account, which is why they are convenient for people without bank accounts — but the fee adds up if you cash checks frequently.
Walmart and Target typically charge $3 to $6 per check, depending on the amount. Check-cashing stores vary widely; call ahead or ask at the counter what the fee will be before you hand over the check. Some stores also have limits on the check amount they will cash (often $1,000 to $5,000).
What happens if the check bounces
If the check bounces (the account does not have enough money), the app or bank will reverse the deposit and take the money back from your wallet or card. If you have already spent the money, you will owe it back. Some apps charge a fee ($5 to $15) when a check bounces, on top of the reversal.
If you cashed the check at a check-cashing store or bank and it bounces, the store or bank may pursue you for the amount, though most will simply reverse the transaction and ask you to return the cash. If you cannot return it, they may send the check to collections or report it to a check verification system like ChexSystems, which can make it harder to open a bank account later.
To protect yourself, only cash checks from people or organizations you trust. If you are unsure whether a check is good, ask the person who gave it to you to confirm the account has funds, or wait a few days before spending the money.
Comparing the cost and speed of each method
| Method | Speed | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile app (Chime, Cash App, Varo) | 1–3 business days | Free (if you already have a linked card or wallet) | Smartphone, linked debit or prepaid card |
| Issuing bank in person | Same day or next day | Free | Original check, photo ID |
| Check-cashing store | Same day (minutes) | $1–$15 depending on check amount | Original check, photo ID |
| Walmart or Target | Same day (minutes) | $3–$6 | Original check, photo ID |
What to do if you cannot cash the check
Some checks cannot be cashed online or at all. Two-party checks (made out to two people) are rejected by most apps and many check-cashing stores, though the issuing bank will usually cash them if both payees are present with ID. Post-dated checks (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until the date on the check arrives. Checks older than 180 days are considered stale and banks may refuse to cash them, though they are not legally required to.
If the check is damaged, torn, or the ink is faded, the bank or app may reject it. If the amount written in words does not match the amount in numbers, the bank will not cash it until the discrepancy is resolved. Contact the person who issued the check and ask them to issue a new one or provide written authorization to correct the error.
If the check is from a closed account or the account holder has stopped payment on it, the bank will refuse to cash it. The only option is to contact the person who issued the check and ask them to issue a replacement or provide a refund another way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. A check made out to another person is not yours to cash, even if they give you permission. This is considered check fraud. If someone wants to give you money, ask them to write a new check in your name or send the money another way.
Do I need to endorse the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check with your name before you photograph it for an app or hand it to a teller. Most apps will not accept a check image without a signature on the back. If you are cashing it in person, sign it right before you hand it over.
What if the check amount is very large?
Apps have limits — Chime caps checks at $10,000, Cash App at $5,000. For larger checks, go to the issuing bank in person with your photo ID. Banks will cash checks of any amount if the account has sufficient funds, though they may place a hold on the money for a few business days.
Can I use a check-cashing app if I have a prepaid card?
Yes. Most apps accept prepaid cards as long as the card is linked to your name and the card network (Visa, Mastercard) is supported. Link the card to the app before you try to deposit a check. If the app rejects your card, try a different app — not all of them accept all prepaid card types.
What if I lose the original check after photographing it?
If you deposited it through an app, the app has a record of the image and the transaction. Keep the app receipt or confirmation number. If you cashed it in person, the bank or store has a record. You do not need the original check after it has been cashed, but keep your receipt for your records.