Best Check Cashing Apps
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Looking to cash a check without a bank? Skip the bank lines. Read this guide for the top 10 apps that can cash checks online instantly.
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Here are the best third-party apps for cashing checks:
- Brink's Money Prepaid: Most Secure App
- Ingo Money: Most Versatile App
- Venmo: Best for ATM Access
- PayPal: Most Trusted Cash Checking App
- Flare Account®: Best Nontraditional Bank Account
- NetSpend®: Best for Global Money Transfers
- Chime®: Best for More than Check Cashing
- The Check Cashing Store®: Most Simple App
- Waleteros: Best for People with Family in Central America
- GTE Mobile: Best Free Check Cashing Service
Need to cash a birthday check from your aunt? Or maybe a tax refund, or a security deposit?
Due to "Catch Me If You Can" style fraud, most banks won't cash your check without an account.
Luckily, there are several workarounds if your bank doesn't offer mobile check deposits. Read on for options if you're unbanked or if you just prefer using prepaid cards.
Best Third-Party Apps for Cashing Checks
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The apps below let you cash checks instantly using your phone's camera. These range from prepaid card providers to virtual alternatives and traditional checking accounts.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $450 Bonus
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
HSBC Premier - Earn Up to $2,500
Start an HSBC Premier relationship today. You'll enjoy premium banking with both local and global benefits and access to wealth solutions offered through HSBC Securities, (USA), Inc*.
You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities.
- Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements.
Brink's Money Prepaid: Most Secure App
Talk about tight security — Brink's is primarily known for their work in the armored transportation industry, delivering cash to ATMs and banks. They also offer a prepaid debit card and check cashing service using their mobile app.
Such features are offered through First Century Bank, N.A.
- 4.2 stars on Google Play Store | 3.2 stars on App Store.
- Get paid faster with direct deposit.
- 2% expedited check cashing fee for government and payroll checks.
- 5% expedited fee for all other checks.
- Earn cash back with Brinks Money Prepaid Points.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Ingo Money: Most Versatile App
There's a good reason Ingo is the most popular app in this category.
With Ingo, you can link your bank; prepaid, credit, or debit card; or PayPal account to deposit money. You can even split a check between accounts (for example, 50% to PayPal and 50% to a prepaid card).
You can also qualify for Ingo Gold Preferred Pricing if you cash checks frequently (at least six checks in the last 90 days).
- 4.3 stars on Google Play Store | 4.0 stars on App Store.
- $5 fee for payroll or government checks $250 or less (2% for checks over $250)[1].
- $5 fee for all other checks $100 or less (5% for checks over $100).
Build Credit While You Bank
- Get Paid Up to 2 Days Faster
- Build credit and earn points with every swipe
- 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
- No credit check, minimum balance or hidden fees
Venmo: Best for ATM Access
You may be surprised to learn that Venmo is more than just a person-to-person payment app. If you sign up for a Venmo Debit Card or direct deposit, you can cash checks inside the app.
- 3.5 stars on Google Play Store | 4.9 stars on App Store.
- 1% fee for payroll and government checks; 5% for all other checks, with a $5 minimum fee[2].
- No fee for 10-day approval option.
- Fee-free ATM withdrawals at 30,000+ MoneyPass locations.
- Earn cash back with Venmo debit Mastercard.
- Download the Venmo app.
- Sign up for Venmo Debit Card or set up direct deposit.
- Go to top right drop-down menu.
- Select "Manage Balance."
- Select "Cash a Check" and follow the prompts.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
PayPal: Most Trusted Cash Checking App
PayPal's check cashing service is another option provided through First Century Bank and Ingo. But it provides a better fee structure and a more trusted name.
- 4.2 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store.
- 1% fee for payroll and government checks; 5% for all other checks, with a $5 minimum fee[3].
- $5,000 maximum check amount.
- Near-instant approval.
Online Checking Account - Earn Cash Back
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See website for details
- No fees
- Early Pay - Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
- No credit impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
- Access to over 60,000 no-fee ATMs in the U.S.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $450 Bonus
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Flare Account®: Best Nontraditional
Provided through Pathward®, N.A. (in partnership with ACE Cash Express and NetSpend®), Flare Account® offers many of the same services you can receive at a traditional bank. These include check cashing, ATM access, a Visa debit card, and direct deposit.
While this is 100% a check-cashing app, it has an Optional Online Savings Account where you can even earn a competitive 6.0% APY on balances under $2,000.[4]
- 4.2 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store.
- Fee-free cash withdrawals at 950 ACE locations in 23 U.S. states.
- No charge for standard check cashing.
- 2% - 5% expedited check cashing fee.
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
NetSpend®: Best for Global Money Transfers
Netspend®, provided through Ingo, lets you cash checks via its mobile app. Additionally, customers can utilize their Netspend® Card to send or receive a Western Union Money Transfer to over 200 countries and territories.
- 4.7 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store.
- 2% or $5 fee for payroll or government checks (whichever is greater).
- 5% or $5 fee for all other checks (whichever is greater).
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
- Banking that helps you stay within your balance.
- No monthly maintenance fee each statement cycle when you meet one of the following: an owner of this account is under the age of 25 or maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chime®: Best for more than check cashing
While check cashing fees are fairly minimal, they add up especially if you find yourself having to cash checks frequently.
As such, Chime® is an option worth considering. Although you are unable to cash your checks on the spot, you don't have to pay anything. And besides, opening an account allows you to do other banking transactions without much hassle.
- 4.7 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store.
- No charge for standard check cashing and most banking transactions.
Deposit a Check Using a Mobile App (No Monthly Fees)
Mobile check deposits allow you to deposit checks without going to the bank. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
The Check Cashing Store®: Most Simple App
Nothing could be more straightforward than having a name as The Check Cashing Store®. This no-frills app will enable you to deposit checks on your mobile device and send the money to a linked Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.
The fee structure is not listed on the company website; it only says it varies by state. As such, you can expect the cost to be between 1% and 5% for each check.
- 3.3 stars on Google Play Store | 2.4 stars on App Store.
- Only available to Florida residents.
- Physical storefront locations available across the state.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Waleteros: With Family in Central America
If you have relatives in Central America, Waleteros is the optimal pick for you. It offers one-time $0.99 transfers to various locations in Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua at the beginning of each month.
Meanwhile, this app allows you to cash checks, receive your direct deposit, and send money with very few fees. There are no minimum account balances and no overdraft charges. Customers can enjoy over 20,000 nationwide fee-free ATM locations.
- 1.75% check cashing fee.
- $0.75 charge for sending money to family and friends.
Premier Savings - Up to 4.41% APY
- Earn 4.41% APY, on $1,000 or more
- No monthly account fees
- Up to $1 million FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions
GTE Mobile: Best Free Check Cashing Service
If you don't mind a retro-looking app that will bring you back to 2007, GTE Mobile offers fee-free check cashing for members of NCUA-insured GTE Financial.
- 4.7 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store.
- Free check cashing for GTE members[5].
- Deposit up to $10,000 per day.
Other Check Cashing Apps to Consider
Given a myriad of options, we have the following honorable mentions:
- Cash App
You can deposit checks at Cash App if you have a verified account and pay extra to get your funds immediately. - Green Dot®
Much like Chime®, using the Green Dot® app allows mobile check deposits for free but the funds may only be available after a few days. - GO2bank™
GO2bank™ is Green Dot®'s mobile bank account where you can cash your check instantly for a small fee.
How to Choose Best Check Cashing App
Some things to consider when choosing the best check cashing app include:
- Reasonable fees
- Quick processing
- App security
- Manageable transaction limits
- Good customer support
- Ease of use
- Reputation for being reliable and trustworthy
Check Cashing Apps Alternatives
Aside from check cashing apps, here are alternatives where you can at least deposit your check, if not cash it instantly.
Retail check cashing services
Places like Walmart, Kroger, or other dedicated check-cashing stores allow you to cash checks for a fee.
Check cashing kiosks
SAM Check Cashing self-service machines are conveniently located in many retail shops which can cash certain types of checks, i.e. paychecks, government-issued checks, and money orders.
Mobile banking apps
If you have a bank account, this is a no-brainer option that won't entail an additional cost. However, your funds may only be available after a few days.
FAQS
How do check cashing apps work?
Check cashing apps lets you deposit checks by taking photos of them with your smartphone. The funds are usually deposited into your prepaid card or linked account in minutes.
Are check cashing apps safe?
In general, check cashing apps are safe. They often use encryption and fraud detection measures to protect your personal information during transactions. Some are even backed by established financial institutions, which adds an extra layer of reliability.
Can you cash a check instantly?
Yes, you can cash a check right away, usually for a fee. However, if your check does not clear, your deposit will be reversed. As such, you could face some steep overdraft fees or returned check fees.
Where can I cash a check without verification?
The only true way to cash a check with no ID is to sign over a check to another person so they can cash it for you. If you don't have a bank account but willing to present your ID, you can cash it at the bank that printed and issued the check.
What are the check cashing apps without Ingo?
If you don't want to use the Ingo Money app, here are some of your options:
Bottom Line
Check cashing apps are a quick and easy way to deposit your check money. If you're unbanked, prefer using prepaid cards, or just like the convenience of a check cashing app, the picks on this list are definitely worth checking out.
Keep in mind, if you need to deposit checks frequently or rely on expedited deposits, be careful of the fees you might incur. Even a modest 1% fee for payroll checks can add up.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $450 Bonus
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
- Banking that helps you stay within your balance.
- No monthly maintenance fee each statement cycle when you meet one of the following: an owner of this account is under the age of 25 or maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Premier Savings - Up to 4.41% APY
- Earn 4.41% APY, on $1,000 or more
- No monthly account fees
- Up to $1 million FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions
References
- ^ Ingo. Cash Paychecks, Personal Checks, Money Orders & More, Retrieved 8/13/2024
- ^ Venmo. Cash a Check FAQ, Retrieved 8/13/2024
- ^ PayPal. Take a pic, cash your check., Retrieved 8/13/2024
- ^ Flare Account®. Optional Online Savings Account, Retrieved 8/14/2024
- ^ GTE Financial. Mobile Deposit, Retrieved 8/13/2024
Write to Justin Barnard at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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