Getting a paper check in the mail can feel oddly exciting in our digital world. But what happens when you need to turn that check into cash right away? You may not have a bank account to deposit it or want to wait for it to clear. So where exactly can you cash a bill pay check sent in your name? Let’s explore the options.
What Is a Bill Pay Check?
First, let’s make sure we all understand what a bill pay check is. Bill pay is a service many banks and bill paying apps offer to let you pay your bills remotely. Instead of you mailing checks to all your service providers, the bill pay company will cut and mail the checks for you from your account.
So a bill pay check is a physical paper check the bill pay service sends on your behalf. It has all the typical check features – your name the date the amount, etc. The difference is it comes from the bill pay service initially, not directly from you.
Knowing it’s a regular personal check with your name on it opens up more possibilities for getting it cashed quickly. Let’s look at where you can cash bill pay checks without having an account.
Cash It at the Bank That Issued It
Banks will generally cash checks drawn on their own accounts. So if the bill pay check has the name of a major national bank printed on it, you can often cash it right at one of their local branches. Even without having an account there yourself
For example, say your bill pay check comes from a Bank of America account. You can walk into any nearby Bank of America branch and cash the check there. Simply show your ID to prove you are the payee named on the check.
The teller may place a hold on the funds if you don’t have an account. Or they may charge a fee, usually around $5-10 to cash a check for a non-customer. But otherwise cashing a bill pay check at the issuing bank is a straightforward option.
Use a Retail Store Check Cashing Service
Many supermarkets, discount stores, and pharmacies offer check cashing services these days. The fees are usually reasonable compared to other check cashing options, in the 1-3% range. And convenient if you happen to be shopping there anyway.
For example, Kroger and Walmart will cash checks up to $5,000 for a $3 fee. As will most Walgreens locations for checks up to $2,000 and a $3.74 fee. No purchase required to use their check cashing service.
The clerk will ask to see a current photo ID to verify your identity. If approved, you get your cash right away. Just be aware these retailers do report cashed checks to an industry database for fraud prevention.
Visit a Check Cashing Store
If you don’t mind paying somewhat higher fees, check cashing stores like Ace Cash Express will cash your bill pay check too. No bank account needed.
The fees vary but expect to pay around 5% of the check amount. There is often a minimum fee as well, such as $3-$5. So cashing a $1,000 check at Ace would cost $52.95 – $50 for their 5% fee plus $2.95 minimum charge.
The advantage with check cashing stores is you get cash immediately. No need to wait for a retail check to clear. Just be prepared to show current photo ID and probably thumbprint when cashing your check.
Deposit to a Prepaid Debit Card
Another option is to deposit your bill pay check to a prepaid debit card account. You can open a prepaid account at places like NetSpend or Brinks without a social security number.
Fees to load checks can range from 1-5% depending on the card. And withdrawals incur additional fees. So it’s not the cheapest route. But it lets you cash a check and use the money without having a formal bank account.
Have a Friend or Family Cash It
As a last resort, you can sign over a check to someone close to you and ask them to cash it. Just turn the check over and sign your name on the back. Write “Pay to the order of” above your signature and have them sign under you.
They can deposit or cash the check like normal by endorsing it again under your signature. You’ll want to pick someone highly trustworthy for this option though. Legally the check is now theirs to do with as they please.
Open an Account at a Local Bank
If cashing a one time bill pay check without an account, the options above will work. But if you get regular checks in the mail, you may want to open a basic checking account at a local bank or credit union.
This gives you an account to deposit checks into to clear them faster. And avoids fees associated with cashing paper checks without a bank account. Often you can open an account with just a photo ID and initial deposit.
Once you have a checking account, cashing checks is as easy as visiting an ATM or bank branch. Let the account eliminate the hassle for you.
Cash Bill Pay Checks Quickly Without Fees
Cashing a bill pay check without a bank account is definitely possible. But it usually involves some type of third party fee ranging from 1-5% of the check amount.
If cashing a lot of checks monthly, reducing these check cashing fees can really add up. The most cost effective option long term is opening your own checking account.
Then depositing checks through a smartphone app or ATM to clear them for free. But in a pinch, retail stores and check cashing services can provide quick cash for a bill pay check you need to cash right away.
Why Use Bill Pay at Check Into Cash?
Bill Pay at Check Into Cash is convenient, dependable, and secure. You can pay multiple bills with cash at almost all Check Into Cash locations. Paying bills has never been easier. We accept payments for thousands of billers. If you need to pay a bill now, or just prefer to pay in person, Western Union® Walk-In Bill Payment Services are available at a Check Into Cash location near you.
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FAQ
Is bill pay like sending a check?
You don’t have to write and mail checks or visit multiple websites, which are both time-consuming traditional ways of paying your bills. Most banks, including HFS Federal Credit Union, now let you pay your bills electronically through their websites and mobile apps.
Can I deposit a bill pay check?
Anyone who has a checking, savings, brokerage, or other type of deposit account at another bank shouldn’t use Bill Pay to move or deposit money into it, unless it’s an instant payment in response to a Request for Payment (RfP).
Is a bill pay check a personal check?
Bill Pay checks are not cashier checks. They are equivalent to a personal check and will feature your Fidelity account’s routing and account number.
How do I use bill pay services at check into cash?
All you need to pay your bills at Check Into Cash’s Bill Pay Services is the original bill and cash. With locations in over 19 states, finding a store nearby is quick and easy. Find your closest store location by entering your ZIP code below. Visit a nearby store to take advantage of our store services.
Where can I cash a check?
If you want to cash a check quickly, go to your own bank. You can also go to the bank that wrote the check. You can load prepaid cards, go to big stores, or use a payment service like PayPal or Venmo instead of a bank. Whatever your situation, there’s an option for you. Here are eight places you can cash a check. #1. Your Bank.
How do I cash a check?
For apps that cash checks, you can sign the back of the check and take a picture of it by following the app’s instructions. Then, you can choose between free standard processing, which takes 10 business days, and fast processing, which costs extra but gets you your cash in a few minutes. Do I need an ID to cash a check?.
How do I cash a personal check online?
You can also cash your personal check online. Pay Pal and Ingo Money are two apps that let you cash a check without having a bank account. This might be the best online app for cashing personal checks. You can use Ingo Money to cash most kinds of checks, including hand-written personal checks.
Where can I cash a check if I have an older check?
It’s worth asking if you have an older check. If you want to cash a check quickly, go to your own bank. You can also go to the bank that wrote the check. You can load prepaid cards, go to big stores, or use a payment service like PayPal or Venmo instead of a bank. Whatever your situation, there’s an option for you.
How do I cash a check in PayPal?
Go to your PayPal balance then select Cash a Check. Take photos of both sides of your signed check and select Next. Choose when you want to receive your money and tap Confirm. Take a picture of both sides of the check that you’ve signed in the PayPal app, then choose when you want to get the money in your PayPal Balance.
