ATMs cannot cash checks — they only accept deposits
An ATM will not cash a tax refund check for you. ATMs are designed to let account holders withdraw money from their own accounts or deposit checks into those accounts. They cannot process a check as a cash transaction, and they cannot verify whether you are the person named on the check.
If you try to insert a check into an ATM's deposit slot, the machine will either reject it or accept it as a deposit to an account you control — meaning the money goes into a bank account, not into your hand as cash. There is no ATM function that converts a paper check directly into bills and coins.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs only deposit checks into bank accounts; they cannot cash checks as cash transactions.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with check-cashing services, and some retail chains will cash tax refund checks for a fee that ranges from 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- Your bank will cash your own refund check for free if you have an account there, even if you do not have a debit card.
- Prepaid card companies and some money transfer services offer check-cashing options that may cost less than traditional check-cashing stores.
- The IRS will not reissue a lost or damaged refund check immediately; you must wait and file a claim if the check does not arrive within 21 days of mailing.
Where to cash a tax refund check without a bank account
Check-cashing stores are the most direct option. These businesses cash checks for a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. A $1,200 refund check might cost you $12 to $36 to cash, depending on the store and your location. You will need to bring a photo ID and the check itself. Some stores also accept a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Grocery stores and retail chains often run their own check-cashing services at the customer service desk. Walmart, for example, cashes checks for a flat fee (usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount) if you have a photo ID. Kroger, Safeway, and other major grocers offer similar services, though fees and policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm the store near you offers this service and what they charge.
Some banks will cash a check drawn on that bank even if you do not have an account there. Walk into a branch with your photo ID and the check. They may charge a small fee ($5 to $10) or cash it free as a courtesy. This works best if the refund check is from the U.S. Treasury (which it is), because banks recognize it as a legitimate government instrument.
Prepaid card companies and money transfer services
Certain prepaid card providers, such as NetSpend and Chime, offer check-cashing features through their mobile apps or at partner locations. You photograph the front and back of the check using your phone, and the funds appear in your prepaid account within one to three business days. Fees are typically lower than check-cashing stores — often $1 to $2 — and some accounts offer free check deposits.
Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union also cash checks at their agent locations (often found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores). Fees vary but are usually comparable to check-cashing stores. The advantage is that these services are widely available, so you may find one closer to your home than a dedicated check-cashing store.
Opening a bank account to deposit the check instead
If you plan to receive refunds regularly or handle money over time, opening a basic checking account costs nothing at most banks and credit unions. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance, no monthly fee, and no overdraft fees if you opt out of overdraft protection. Once you have an account, you can deposit your refund check at an ATM, at a branch, or through a mobile app — and you avoid check-cashing fees entirely.
Some banks and credit unions offer accounts specifically for people without traditional credit or banking history. Credit unions in particular often have lower fees and more flexible requirements. You can search for a credit union near you at CO-OP.org or Alliant.org, which maintain networks of ATMs and branches you can use for free.
What to do if your refund check is lost or damaged
If your tax refund check does not arrive within 21 days of the mailing date shown on your IRS notice, or if it arrives damaged and the bank refuses to cash it, you will need to file a claim. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or use the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov to confirm the check was mailed. The IRS will not reissue the check immediately; instead, they will investigate and may issue a replacement after 60 days if the original check is not found.
If the check is damaged — torn, water-damaged, or marked in a way that makes it unreadable — take it to your bank or the check-cashing location anyway. Some will still cash it if enough of the check is legible and the routing and account numbers are intact. If they refuse, call the IRS to report the damage and request a replacement.
Comparing costs: check-cashing fees versus other options
| Method | Typical Fee | Time to Cash | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Same day | Photo ID |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $3–$6 flat fee | Same day | Photo ID |
| Your bank (if you have an account) | Free | Same day or next business day | Photo ID, account number |
| Bank that issued the check (no account) | $5–$10 or free | Same day | Photo ID |
| Prepaid card app | $1–$2 or free | 1–3 business days | Prepaid card account, smartphone |
| Money transfer service | $2–$5 | Same day | Photo ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes. Most banks will cash a check drawn on the U.S. Treasury (which your refund check is) even if you do not have an account there. Bring a photo ID and the check. Some banks charge a small fee ($5 to $10), while others cash it free. Call ahead to ask about their policy.
What if the check-cashing store or grocery store asks for more than one ID?
This is normal. Many check-cashing locations ask for a photo ID plus a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and address. Bring both to speed up the process. If you do not have a second ID, ask if they will accept an alternative, such as a recent tax return or government mail.
Can I deposit a tax refund check into someone else's bank account?
No. A check is payable to the person or entity named on it. If your name is on the check, only you can cash or deposit it. If you need someone else to handle it, you can sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [their name]," but many banks and check-cashing stores will not accept a third-party check. It is safer to cash it yourself and give them the cash.
How long does it take to get cash if I use a prepaid card app?
Most prepaid card check-deposit services take one to three business days to credit the funds to your account. This is slower than walking into a check-cashing store or grocery store, where you get cash the same day. However, the fees are usually lower, and you do not have to leave home.
What happens if I lose the refund check before I cash it?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or use the Where's My Refund tool to report it. The IRS will investigate and may issue a replacement check after 60 days if the original is not found. In the meantime, do not cash the original if it turns up — doing so after reporting it lost can cause problems with your account.