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.
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
- AnytimeCheck: Best for Businesses
- 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
The apps below let you cash checks instantly using your phone's camera. These range from prepaid card providers to virtual alternatives to traditional checking accounts.
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 deposit(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 live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
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*
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 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 9/30/2024.
- 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.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
This rule helps you remember the key features to look for in check cashing apps:
- Quality: Ensure the app has good reviews and reliable service.
- User-friendly: The app should be easy to navigate and use.
- Instant: Offers quick processing of checks.
- Cost-effective: Low or no fees for cashing checks.
- Keep: Securely keeps records of transactions for future reference.
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. Brink's also offers a prepaid debit card and check cashing service using their mobile app.
The check cashing functionality and prepaid Mastercard debit cards 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
Most of the apps listed in this article will allow you to cash a check instantly. However, prepare to pay a 2%–5% expedited fee depending on the type of check.
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).
- 4.2 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)
- $5 fee for all other checks $100 or less (5% for checks over $100)
- Venmo
- PayPal
- NetSpend
- CashApp
- Boost Mobile Wallet
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% fee for all other checks)
- 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 that is 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% fee for all other checks
- $5,000 maximum check amount
- Near-instant approval
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.
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 deposit(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 live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Flare Account: Best Nontraditional Bank Account
Provided through Pathward, N.A., Flare Account provides many of the same services you can receive at a traditional bank, such as check cashing, ATM access, a Visa debit card, and direct deposit. However, this is 100% a check-cashing app.
ACE uses First Century Bank, N.A. — the same provider as Brink's and Ingo. With an optional ACE savings account, you can even earn a competitive 6.0% APY on balances under $2,000.
- 4.2 stars on Google Play Store | 2.8 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
Premier Savings - Up to 5.21% APY
- Earn 5.21% APY, on $1,000 or more
- No monthly account fees
- Up to $250K in FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions
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 | 4.7 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)
Rewards Checking Plus - Up to 2% Cash Back
- Up to 2% cash back on purchases.
- No monthly fees
- Get paid up to 2 days early.
- Maximize your rewards with direct deposit.
AnytimeCheck: Best for Businesses
With AnytimeCheck, business owners can get paid by customers by paper check without having to wait for the mail or visiting their bank to make a deposit.
- 3.4 stars on Google Play Store
- Basic Plan (20 checks): $1.75 per check
- Pro Plan (50 checks): $1.50 per check
- Premium Plan (150 checks): $1.25 per check
Free Checking Account for Small Business Owners
- Sign up in 3 minutes; no credit check
- No account fees - $0 monthly fee, overdraft fee, foreign transaction fee, or ATM fees at approximately 40,000 locations
- Automatic Savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early
The Check Cashing Store: Most Simple App
You won't get a lot of frills with The Check Cashing Store — indicated by the name — but you will be able 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 and customer service representatives will not disclose it over the phone. However, you can expect the standard fee schedule of between 1% and 5% for each check.
- 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: Best for People with Family in Central America
If you have relatives in Central America, Waleteros is the optimal pick for you. Waleteros offers one-time $0.99 transfers to various locations in Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua at the beginning of each month.
This app allows you to cash checks, receive your direct deposit, and send money with very few fees. There are no minimum account balances, no overdraft fees, and 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
Current Savings - Up to 4.00% bonus
- 4.00% bonus on up to $6,000 balance if you receive and maintain a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more in a rolling 35 day period. (Otherwise, 0.25%)
- Simply add money to your Savings Pods and enable the Boost feature.
- Earn bonus on up to 3 Savings Pods, up to $2,000 balance each.
- Bonuses accumulate daily.
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.
- 4.4 stars on Google Play Store | 4.8 stars on App Store
- Free check cashing for GTE members
- Deposit up to $10,000 per day
Can You Cash a Check Instantly?
Yep! Many apps on this list (including Ingo, Venmo, and PayPal) allow you to access cash within minutes of submitting your request.
Unfortunately, these companies know instant deposit is in high demand. While they may not charge for 10-day check clearing, they almost always charge fees for expedited deposits.
Be aware that if your check does not clear, your deposit will be reversed, and you could face some steep overdraft fees or returned check fees. Make sure that you trust the check issuer before utilizing the instant deposit feature.
Where Can I Cash a Check Without Verification?
The only true way to cash a check with no bank account and no identification is to sign the check over to another person by signing the back and asking them to cash it for you.
If you have an ID card but no bank and do not want to download a check-cashing app, you can cash checks by visiting the bank that printed and issued the check, also known as the "bank of origin."
The Bottom Line: Should You Cash a Check with an App?
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 deposit(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 live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Premier Savings - Up to 5.21% APY
- Earn 5.21% APY, on $1,000 or more
- No monthly account fees
- Up to $250K in FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions
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
Write to Justin Barnard at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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