Check cashing is becoming an increasingly popular trend in the financial space as the level of the unbanked is still at the top.
However, in today's fast-paced world, the evolution of digital banking methods has somehow eradicated the need for a bank account to carry out a couple of financial transactions—and yes! Cashing checks without a bank account is possible nowadays.
Let's see how you can cash checks online instantly without a bank account
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Can I Cash A Check Online Instantly Without A Bank Account?
Yes, you can cash a check online instantly without a bank account.
There are a few financial apps that let you cash a check online—call them check-cashing apps. Most of them will, however, propose to mobile deposit the check into your bank account.
Since you don't have a bank account, you'll be able to cash your check online instantly and deposit it in the app's digital or mobile wallet.
How To Cash A Check Online Instantly Without Bank Account
Usually, the most straightforward way to cash a check online is on your bank's online or mobile banking platform.
However, since doing online banking would require you to have a bank account with a bank before you can cash a check online, we'd consider a few financial apps instead.
That said, if you're looking to cash a check online instantly without a bank account, you'll find the below apps very useful.
1. Use the Ingo Money App
The Ingo Money App is one of the (if not the) best check cashing apps that you can find on the internet.
The app lets you cash checks and deposit them to your PayPal or bank account.
All you'll need to do is to download the app and send pictures of your check to the app which will then cash and deposit it to your PayPal account.
However, INGO Money App lets you cash a check online instantly without a bank account if the check value is between $5 and $5,000.
Additionally, you might be charged up to a 5% fee based on the requirements for cashing your check online.
Also Read: Check Cashing Apps That Don't Use Ingo
2. Use the PayPal App
PayPal is one of the best international money transfer apps out there that allows users to send and receive money to and from any part of the world.
Besides its money transfer services, PayPal features a "Cash a Check" feature that allows users to cash checks online instantly without a bank account and deposit them directly to their PayPal balance accounts.
All you'll have to do is take pictures of the front and back of your check and then send it to the PayPal app.
PayPal would verify the check and after approval, you would be required to pay a fee to cash the check instantly or wait for up to 10 days in case you don't need the money instantly.
To cash a check online instantly without a bank account through PayPal:
- Tap "Wallet" on your PayPal account.
- Tap Cash a check (PayPal will ask for permission to access your location and camera).
- You'll be asked to set up a PayPal Balance account (if you don't have one already).
- Enter the check amount, take a picture of the front and back of your endorsed check with your mobile device, and tap "Next."
- Select how quickly you want to have access to your money and tap "Confirm."
***The time it takes to review a check for approval is typically within a minute, but in rare cases, it could take up to an hour to confirm all the necessary check information. - If your check is confirmed, you'll be asked to mark the front of the check "VOID" and upload another photo proving that it has been voided. Wait until you are prompted to do so, following confirmation that your check was accepted, before writing "VOID" on your check.
- Once everything is completed, a confirmation page will be displayed showing the credit amount and the date the funds will be deposited into your PayPal account.
Important!
The Cash a Check feature offered by First Century Bank with support from Ingo Money, Inc. is no longer available to PayPal and Venmo customers located in the state of New York.
3. Use Venmo App
Venmo is one of the best payment services that has a wide cover in the United States.
Venmo typically allows users to send and receive payments online safely and conveniently.
Just like other payment services on this list, Venmo is a multi-financial app that offers a wide range of financial services including; money transfer services, and Venmo loans, and also features a "Cash a Check" feature.
To cash a check online instantly on Venmo, you'll need to complete the required verification to qualify for the Cash a Check feature — you'll need to apply for a Venmo debit card or set up direct deposit.
To cash a check online instantly without a bank account on Venmo:
- Download the Venmo app, and make sure you're using the latest app version.
- Go to the go to the "Me" tab by tapping your picture or initials
- Tap "Manage Balance."
- Select "Cash a Check." You'll be prompted to verify your account information if you have not already done so.
- Enter the check amount, use your mobile device to take a picture of the front and back of your endorsed check, and then select "Next."
- Choose how soon you want to be able to access your money (fees may apply).
***The time it takes to review a check for approval is typically within a minute, but in unusual cases, it could take up to 1.5 hours to confirm all the necessary check information. - If your check is accepted, you'll be asked to mark the front of the check "VOID" and upload another photo proving that it has been voided. Do not write "VOID" on your check until you are prompted to do so after you receive confirmation that your check was approved.
- When everything is done, a confirmation page will appear showing the exact amount of the transfer that will be available in your Venmo account.
Important!
The Cash a Check feature is no longer available for users in the state of New York starting as of February 14th, 2022 due to a recent change outside of Venmo.
4. Use Cash App
Cash App is one of the popular payment services among individuals and businesses in the US and UK.
It is also an untraceable money transfer app that allows users to transfer money anonymously keeping the transaction details private between the two users on each end making its person-to-person (P2P) payment scheme.
Besides its money transfer services, Cash App features a mobile check deposit feature that allows users to cash their checks online instantly without a bank account and deposit it directly to their Cash App account balance.
To cash a check online instantly without a bank account through Cash App:
- Download and sign up for the Cash App.
- Tap on your balance in the Cash App.
- Scroll down and tap on the to deposit a check option.
- After that, you'll be asked to enter the amount of the check you are depositing.
- Finally, take a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone's camera.
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5. Use Netspend App
Netspend is a prepaid debit card company whose cards are usually considered as alternatives to checking accounts.
Netspend app features a "Mobile Check Load" option that allows cardholders to top up their Netspend card accounts with checks.
All you'll need to do is to download the Netspend app and take pictures of your check and you're done.
To cash a check online instantly without a bank account on Netspend:
- Download the latest version of the Netspend Mobile App.
- Select "Mobile Check Load" from the menu to the left
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
You'll be guided through how to take pictures of your check and given information about your loading options.
In some cases, your money will be available in minutes.
Where Can I Cash A Check Without Bank Account?
Usually, cashing a check without a bank account is not a convenient option and comes with charges.
There are a few local options where you can cash a check without having a bank account which include:
- Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check).
- Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.)
- Cash the check at a check-cashing store.
- Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.
Also Read: Mobile Check Cashing For Prepaid Card Loading
How To Cash A Large Check Without Bank Account
You can cash a large check without a bank account at any retailer or store that offers check-cashing services.
However, each store has its own limitations on how much can be cashed on a check.
If you're looking to cash a check whose among is above the check cashing limit of a particular store or retailer, we recommend you go to a bank to cash your check.
Do I Need an ID to Cash a Check?
The majority of banks require an ID before they cash a check, though there is no set list of acceptable forms of ID.
To find out if you have a document that they will accept as ID, check with your bank or the bank that issued the check.
As a last option, hand the cheque over to a reliable person and ask them to cash it on your behalf.
In this case, the check will now be considered as a third-party check.
You can equally cash a third-party check online instantly.
To cash a check without ID:
- Deposit it into your account through an ATM at your bank
- Take advantage of ATM check cashing if your bank offers it
- Sign the check over to someone else
Frequently Asked Questions
What Apps cash checks immediately?
There are many apps that cash checks immediately including; Brink's Money, Ingo Money, Netspend, PayPal.
How can I cash a check online instantly?
You can instantly cash a check online through the "Cash a Check" feature offered by the apps mentioned on this list.
How can I cash a check online without Ingo?
Most online check cashing apps use Ingo cashing technology for cashing checks. If you're looking to cash a check online without Ingo, then we'll recommend you use your bank's mobile banking app.
Final Thoughts: Cash Check Online Instantly Without Bank Account
Checks have been one of the best ways to get paid.
Once you receive a check, you'll be looking for the best ways to cash the check (online) without having to visit your local bank branch, and if you don't have a bank, cashing your check will be a little tricky.
Thankfully, this guide compiles the best ways to cash a check online instantly without a bank account.
While considering these online check cashing options, keep a close eye on the fees and how long it will take for your check to be deposited in your preferred account.
References:
https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/article/what-is-the-cash-a-check-service-in-the-paypal-app-faq3725
https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061203533-Cash-a-Check-FAQ
https://www.netspend.com/prepaid-debit/features/mobile-check-load
https://topmobilebanks.com/blog/deposit-checks-cash-app/
https://www.huntington.com/learn/checking-basics/cash-check-without-bank-account