Reasons to Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account will make it easier to cash your payroll checks, and it’s not expensive to get started. It can be quick and easy to open a bank account, and, in most cases, you can do it online.
Low Fees
You can even get a checking account without the checks. For example, Key Bank offers an “hassle-free checkless account” with a minimum deposit of $10 and no monthly fees. After the first 30 days as an account holder, you can deposit a check and have access to your funds with only a one-day hold. If you have an equivalent balance in your account, then you can cash the check immediately. Key Bank can issue you a debit card associated with the account that is accepted virtually everywhere, as good as cash, and will be insured against loss. However, many banks, like Key Bank, offer accounts without monthly maintenance fees as long as you keep the account open for a designated period of time.
Direct Deposit
A bank account will enable you to opt for direct deposit by your employer or government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security. The money can then be spent with your debit card without the bother of a visit to a bank or check-cashing entity.
Easy Access to Money in the Account
Most banks now allow you to deposit checks remotely online and then tap into those funds through a debit card. Another advantage of a bank account is gaining access to services like Venmo, which allows you to receive funds from other parties and have them transferred to your bank account or associated debit card. If you transfer from Venmo to a debit card, you should be able to access the funds within an hour.
What You Need to Cash a Check
To cash a check, you will typically need to provide one or two forms of identification, including a picture ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or state photo ID. A government-issued photo ID is the best, most widely accepted identification to use.
Where to Cash a Payroll Check
The following options are worth considering if you have decided a bank account is not appropriate given your circumstances.
Your Employer’s Bank
You may be able to cash the check through the bank your employer utilized to issue the check. If there’s a local branch, stop in and ask if they will provide that service. Also, check with your employer to see if they have made arrangements with the bank issuing its checks to offer this service or a low-cost option. According to a survey by My BankTracker, Citibank doesn’t impose a fee to cash a check under $5,000 that’s drawn on their bank, and Capital One will also cash a check drawn on its bank for free. Many banks charge a fee, generally ranging from $6 to $10, though some banks will charge a higher fee based on a percentage of the check amount. A few banks will cash checks not generated by their bank for non-customers. Fees will generally be higher for this service. Bank of America, for example, charges $8 per check, up to a maximum fee of $22.50.
Check Cashing Kiosks
Check cashing kiosks exist in many retail and convenience stores. Some provide 24/7 check-cashing services, while others are only open when the store’s customer service center is open. Options for receiving payment include cash or payment on a store gift card at some large retailers. A disadvantage of this option is a fee structure often ranging from 1 - 5%. 7-Eleven, for example, charges .99% of the check amount at its kiosk.
Check Cashing Services at Retail Stores
Check cashing services for payroll checks, government checks, tax checks, and money orders are available at many Walmart stores for a small fee—$4 for checks $1,000 or less and $8 for checks higher than $1,000, with a maximum check amount of $5,000. Walmart will also cash a personal check of up to $200 for a fee of $6. KMart will cash payroll, government, and personal checks (up to $500) for $1 in most participating locations. Other retailers, especially grocery stores and some liquor stores, often cash paychecks. With grocery stores, you may need a store membership card to have check cashing privileges. In many cases, there is a fee associated with these services. Check with the customer service department to see what services are offered.
Prepaid Bank Cards
Some financial institutions offer prepaid cards which you can get without having to open a bank account. In some cases, you can load cash and checks onto your card at an ATM or via an app on your phone. You can then use your card to withdraw money or make purchases. Note that there will be a monthly fee for these services.
Check Cashing Stores
An expensive option for cashing checks is a check-cashing store. Check-cashing stores typically charge a percentage of the check and a flat fee. Some may impose a fee that’s equal to a percentage of the check value. Others may charge a flat fee on top of a percentage fee. For instance, to cash a $2,000 check, a $5 fee plus 1% adds up to a $25 deduction from your paycheck. Check-cashing stores will often provide an advance on paychecks not yet issued for a sizeable fee, and will take the proceeds of the individual’s paycheck on its delivery date. These Payday Loans are the most expensive option, and once recipients get accustomed to a schedule for advance payments, they are more likely to continually tap this service at a significant cost. According to the Consumer Federation of America, payday loans can cost $15 to $30 to borrow $100 with interest adding up to 400% over the course of a year.
Ask Friends and Family
Some individuals without bank accounts approach their highly trusted contacts who have bank accounts and ask them to cash checks on their behalf. The information contained in this article is not legal or financial advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own state’s laws or the most recent changes to the law.
