Where Can I Cash a Third-Party Check?

1. Debt fulfillment: If one person owes money to another person, they can use a third-party check to transfer the funds. For example, if Jim owes Pam money but has a check for the amount he owes, he can sign the check over to Pam.
2. Third-party cashing: If someone wants to cash a check but doesn’t have a bank account, they can use a third-party check to transfer the funds to someone who can cash it for them. For example, Michael could sign a check over to Dwight, who can then cash it for Michael.
3. Cash alternative: If someone wants to give money to another person but doesn’t have cash on hand, they can use a third-party check instead. For example, Phyllis could sign a check over to Ryan instead of giving him cash.

Types of Third-Party Check

Third-party checks come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are the most common types of third-party checks:

1. Personal Checks

This is the most traditional type of check used by most people. It is a check signed by the account holder that authorizes the transfer of funds from the payer’s account to a payee. A counter check is a type of personal check that you can get blank from a financial institution and use instantly. You can still use a check with an old address as long as the bank’s routing number and account number are current.

2. Certified Checks

Certified checks are similar to personal checks, but with an additional step. The bank or financial institution certifies that the account has sufficient funds to cover the amount of the check. This certification acts as a guarantee to the payee that the check will not bounce.

3. Cashier’s Checks

Cashier’s checks represent the issuing bank’s money, not the account holder’s funds. When you request a cashier’s check, you provide the bank with the full amount of the check plus any fees. The bank then issues a check drawn on its own account, guaranteeing that the funds are available.

4. Money Orders

Money orders are similar to cashier’s checks but are typically issued by a third-party provider, such as Western Union or the U.S. Postal Service. They are often used for smaller transactions or when the payee does not have a bank account.

Banks and Credit Unions

It is unlikely for non-account-holders to cash a third-party personal check at a national bank or local credit union unless the issuing bank is visited, where the original payee has a checking account. For a smooth transaction, it is advisable to visit one’s own bank, where sufficient savings or checking account balance can cover the check amount. Account holders can cash checks for free at their respective banks.

Credit unions and major national banks such as Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and Bank of America require individuals to provide proof that the check is not fraudulent before processing the transaction, which may take several business days and involve a processing fee.

Some banks, such as Citibank, Bank of America, and US Bank, allow third-party checks to be cashed, with fees being charged only to non-account holders. Third-party checks may also be cashed at select credit unions, such as the Navy Federal Credit Union. Additionally, check cashing stores, such as ACE Cash Express, Advance Financial, and Speedy Cash, offer this service for a fee, unlike banks that provide the service to customers for free. You will also need to bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of address.

Banks

1. Bank of America

Fees for Non-Customer: $8 for checks over $50
Fees for Customer: $4.95 monthly maintenance fee for Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, a $12 monthly maintenance fee for Advantage Plus Banking® and a $25 monthly maintenance fee for Advantage Relationship Banking.

2. Citibank

Charges for Customer: $5 for international withdrawals, International Transaction Fee – 3%, All foreign transactions and Cashiers Check Fee – $10 per check.
Fees for Non-Customer: Free for Citibank-issued checks up to $5,000
Single Fees: ATM Withdrawal Fee – $2.50.

3. Chase Bank

Charges for Customer: Monthly maintenance fees vary from $4.95 to $25 for the bank’s standard checking options, from $25 to $35 for the bank’s premium checking options.
Fees for Non-Customer: $10 for checks over $50
Single Fees: Your daily withdrawal limit is provided when you receive your debit card and is typically between $500 and $3,000.

4. First National Bank

Fees for Non-Customer: $10 fee per check.
Single Fees: Signature-Based “credit” purchase limit is $1000.00 per day and the PIN-Based “debit” purchase limit is $510.00 per day.

5. HSBC

Fees for Non-Customer: Business checks up to $100 face a fee of $3, and transactions over $100 pay a $5 fee.
Fees for Customer: Cashing personal checks is free for customers.
Single Fees: $200,000 per transaction and per day.

6. Suntrust Bank and BB&T (now called Truist)

Fees for Non-Customer: $7 flat fee per check over $50.
Single Fees: ATM withdrawal limit of $3,000 and daily purchase limit of $25,000.

7. M&T Bank

Fees for Non-Customer: 2% of the total check amount (minimum fee of $3, maximum fee of $20)
Maximum Limit: $20

8. TD Bank

Fees for Non-Customer: $7 charge per check.
Maximum Limit: $300 to $5,000
Minimum Daily Fees: $100 daily balance

9. U.S. Bank

Fees for Non-Customer: $7 only cash checks drawn on U.S. Bank
Minimum Opening Deposit: $25
Monthly Maintenance Fee: $6.95
Single Fees: $500

Credit Unions

1. Navy Federal Credit Union

Available Centers in States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
Checking: $10 monthly for Flagship Checking, if average daily balance is less than $1,500.
Overdrafts: Optional Overdraft Protection Service is available for $20 per overdraft, with a maximum of one per day.
International transactions: 1% of transactions.
What is Minimum Credit Limit: $500
Daily Cash Limit: $1,000, including cash at an ATM, manual cash at a financial institution, or as cash back with a purchase at participating merchants.
Daily Transaction Limit: $5,000
Who is Eligible: Active Duty members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Space Force.
Age Limit: 14 years of age or older
Available On: Android | iOS

2. Suncoast Credit Union

Available Centers in States: Florida
Checking: $5 opening deposit required when opening online only ($0 opening deposit in branch)
Overdrafts: Suncoast charges $29 per day for overdrafts.
International transactions: 9.9% to 17.9% of transactions
What is Minimum Credit Limit: $500
Daily Cash Limit: $615 a day
Who is Eligible: Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership.
Age Limit: 13 or older
Available On: Android | iOS

3. State Employees’ Credit Union

Available Centers in States: North Carolina
Checking: $1
Overdrafts: $30 (in addition to payment of the overdraft) each time we pay an overdraft using Courtesy Pay.
International transactions: 1%
Daily Cash Limit: $20 up to $500 a day
Daily Transaction Limit: Up to $1,000 each day
Who is Eligible: Individuals retired from the above employment or service as pensioners and/or annuitants from the above employment or service.
Age Limit: 13 to 19 years old
Available On: Android | iOS

4. Alaska USA Federal Credit Union

Available Centers in States: Alaska
Checking: $5
Overdrafts: Overdraft transfers will incur a $5 charge.
International transactions: 1%
What is Minimum Credit Limit: $500
Daily Cash Limit: Up to 10 checks or a maximum of $3,000 per day
Daily Transaction Limit: $1,515
Who is Eligible: Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alaska, Washington, California’s San Bernardino County, or Arizona’s Maricopa County can join Alaska USA. The immediate family members of current credit union members are also eligible.
Age Limit: 13 years of age
Available On: Android | iOS

5. Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Available Centers in States: Lowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
Checking: $25 and $100 to open a savings or checking account.
Overdrafts: $5.00 fee per transfer
International transactions: $40 per transfer
What is Minimum Credit Limit: $5,000.00 per day
Daily Cash Limit: Up to $500
Daily Transaction Limit: up to a maximum of $1,000 in any one day from an ATM machine.
Who is Eligible: Members 1st Credit Union is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in the counties of Butte, Glenn, Shasta, and Tehama.
Age Limit: 0 through 19
Available On: Android | iOS

6. America First Federal Credit Union

Available Centers in States: Alabama, Connecticut, West Virginia.
Checking: No Monthly Fees
Overdrafts: $25 charge if you use overdraft protection
What is Minimum Credit Limit: Up to $5,000
Daily Cash Limit: Up to $1,005 a day
Daily Transaction Limit: Up to 20 transactions per day
Who is Eligible: You’re eligible to join if you live, work, worship or attend school in one of these counties: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chilton, Coosa, Cullman, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Walker, and certain areas of Mobile.
Age Limit: 14 to 18
Available On: Android | iOS

Check-Cashing Stores

Check-cashing stores are another option for cashing a third-party check. These stores specialize in cashing checks and often have more flexible policies than banks or credit unions. However, they may also charge higher fees than banks or credit unions. It’s important to do your research and compare fees before choosing a check-cashing store.

Check-cashing stores specialize in cashing checks of all types, including third-party checks. These stores typically charge a fee, which can be a percentage of the check amount or a flat fee. Fees can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare rates before choosing a check-cashing store.

Check-cashing stores may also require additional documentation, such as a social security number or proof of income. Some stores may also limit the amount of the check they will cash.

Some popular check-cashing stores are:

• ACE Cash Express
• Check ‘N Go
• The Check Cashing Store
• Check Into Cash
• Money Mart Source
• Advanced Financial
• Speedy Cash

Grocery Stores

Several national grocery stores offer check cashing services, including Kroger, Publix, Giant Eagle, Safeway/Albertsons, Winco, Ralphs, Hy-Vee, H-E-B, and Fred Meyer. The fees for check cashing vary by location but generally range from $3 to $6 depending on the check amount.

For individuals who do not have a bank account, grocery stores can be a convenient option for cashing checks.

Money Transfer Services

Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram also offer check-cashing services. These services may be more expensive than banks or credit unions, but they can be convenient if you don’t have a bank account or need the funds quickly. Keep in mind that these services may also have restrictions on the types of third-party checks they will cash.

Mobile Check-Cashing Apps

Mobile check-cashing apps like Ingo Money and PayPal also offer the ability to cash third-party checks. These apps allow you to deposit the check using your mobile phone, and the funds are typically available within a few business days. However, these apps may charge a fee for the service, and they may have restrictions on the types of checks they will cash.

• Cash Apps
• Google Pay
• PayPal
• Chime
• CashApp
• Venmo
• Zelle (available to customers with a Chase account)

ATM

Some institutions only accept third-party checks in person. However, some allow you to cash third-party checks at their ATMs, though only current account holders are eligible for this service. Before attempting to cash a third-party check at an ATM, check with your local institution to make sure it’s allowed.

How To Cash a Third-party Check?

Cashing a third-party check involves a different process than cashing a traditional check. First, confirm with the intended recipient that they are willing to receive the check, and ensure that the financial institution or local bank where you plan to cash the check accepts third-party checks. Next, endorse the check by signing the back and including specific language if required by the bank. Some banks may also require a government-issued photo ID for cashing third-party checks. After endorsement, the original payee should give the check to the new owner who can then cash or deposit it. It may be helpful for the original payee to accompany the new payee during the transaction. If the intended recipient does not have a bank account, consider using an alternative method to send them money.

Things to Consider Before Cashing a Third-Party Check

Before cashing a third-party check, there are several things to consider. First, make sure that the check is legitimate and not a fraudulent check. If you have any doubts about the validity of the check, it’s best to take it to a bank or credit union to have it verified.

Second, be prepared to show identification when cashing the check. Most institutions will require a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to cash a third-party check.

Third, be aware of the fees associated with cashing a third-party check. Fees can vary widely depending on the institution and the amount of the check. It’s important to compare fees and choose the option that is most affordable for you.

What Places Don’t Cash Third-Party Checks?

Credit Unions That Don’t Cash Third-Party Checks

• Allied Federal Credit Union
• Connexus Credit Union
• PenFed Credit Union

Banks That Don’t Cash Third-Party Checks

• Ally Bank
• Bank of the West
• Charles Schwab
• Citizens Bank
• Discover Bank
• KeyBank
• Regions Bank
• Wells Fargo

Check Cashing Stores That Don’t Cash Third-Party Checks

• Community Financial Services Center (CFSC)
• Friendly Check Cashing
• Mr. Payroll
• Pay-O-Matic
• PLS Check Cashing
• United Check Cashing

Does Walmart cash third-party checks?