Places that will cash your federal tax refund check

You can cash a federal tax refund check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. Not all locations will do it, and the ones that will may charge a fee or require you to have an account with them. The fastest option is usually a check-cashing store if you need the money the same day, though you will pay a percentage of the check amount. Banks and credit unions typically cash checks for free if you have an account, but may refuse to cash a check from someone without one.

The IRS does not restrict where you cash your refund check — any business that cashes checks can handle it. What matters is whether that specific location will accept a check from someone without an account there, and what they charge for doing so.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions will cash your refund check for free if you have an account, but many will not cash checks for non-customers.
  • Check-cashing stores will cash your refund check the same day but typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount as a fee.
  • Walmart and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee (usually $3 to $6) if you have a valid ID, and do not require an account.
  • Bring your original check, a valid government-issued ID, and be prepared to provide your Social Security number or tax ID number.
  • If your check is lost or stolen before you cash it, contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040 to report it and request a replacement.

Banks and credit unions

Your own bank or credit union will cash your refund check for free if you have a checking or savings account with them. This is the cheapest option. Walk in with your check and ID, and they will process it when ready or within one business day depending on the time you arrive and their internal procedures.

If you do not have an account at a bank or credit union, most will refuse to cash the check. Some larger banks have policies allowing them to cash checks for non-customers, but they may charge a fee of $5 to $15. Call ahead before you go — do not assume they will do it. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks, especially if you live in their service area, but this varies by institution.

Check-cashing stores

Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They will cash your federal tax refund check the same day you bring it in, no account required. You need a valid government-issued ID and sometimes a second form of ID. The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — so on a $2,000 check, you would pay $20 to $60.

Check-cashing stores are fastest if you need cash when ready, but they are the most expensive option. Search online for "check cashing near me" or look for ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or similar chains in your area. Independent check-cashing businesses exist in most neighborhoods. Compare fees by calling a few locations before you go — the percentage varies.

Walmart and grocery stores

Walmart cashes checks at the customer service desk in most locations. The fee is a flat $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 and over. You need a valid government-issued ID and a Walmart receipt from the same day (or sometimes within 30 days, depending on the store). You do not need a Walmart account or bank account of any kind.

Many grocery store chains also cash checks — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and others offer this service at the customer service counter. Fees are usually $2 to $5 per check. Call your local store first to confirm they cash checks and what their current fee is, because policies change by location. Bring your ID and be prepared to provide your Social Security number.

What you need to bring

Bring your original federal tax refund check. Do not try to cash a photo, a copy, or a mobile deposit image — you must present the physical check. Bring a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some locations ask for a second form of ID as well, such as a utility bill or lease showing your current address.

Be ready to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The business cashing the check is required by federal law to record this information. If the check is made out to multiple people (you and a spouse, for example), all payees may need to be present to sign the back of the check, though this varies by location.

Timing and what to expect

Check-cashing stores and Walmart will give you cash the same day, usually within minutes. Banks and credit unions may hold the check for one business day before releasing the funds, depending on the amount and their internal policies. Grocery stores typically process checks the same day as well.

The check must be signed on the back by you (and any other payee named on the check). Some locations will witness your signature; others will not. If the check is damaged, torn, or illegible in any way, some businesses will refuse to cash it. If that happens, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement check.

If your check is lost or stolen

If your refund check is lost in the mail or stolen before you cash it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize it is missing. Have your Social Security number, tax filing status, and the amount of the refund ready. The IRS will place a stop on the original check and mail you a replacement, which typically arrives within two to four weeks.

Do not try to cash a check you know is lost or stolen — the IRS tracks which checks have been cashed, and attempting to cash a stopped check can create problems with your account. Report it first, wait for the replacement, and cash that one instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash my refund check at a bank where I do not have an account?

Most banks will not cash checks for non-customers. Some larger banks have policies allowing it for a fee of $5 to $15. Call the bank first and ask — do not assume they will do it. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible, especially if you live in their service area.

What is the cheapest way to cash my refund check?

If you have a bank or credit union account, cashing it there is free. If you do not, Walmart ($3 to $6) and grocery stores ($2 to $5) are cheaper than check-cashing stores (1 to 3 percent of the check amount). For a large refund, the flat fee at Walmart or a grocery store saves you money.

Do I need to bring anything besides my check and ID?

Bring your check, a valid government-issued ID, and be ready to provide your Social Security number. Some locations ask for a second form of ID showing your current address. Walmart requires a receipt from the same day, though some stores accept receipts from the past 30 days.

What happens if my refund check is damaged or torn?

Most businesses will refuse to cash a damaged check. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it and request a replacement. The replacement typically arrives within two to four weeks. Do not attempt to tape the check back together — that will not work.

Can someone else cash my refund check for me?

No. You must be present to sign the back of the check and present your ID. The business cashing the check needs to verify that you are the person named on it. Having someone else attempt to cash your check is considered check fraud.