Places that cash tax refund checks without a bank account
You can cash a tax refund check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. Banks and credit unions usually require you to have an account with them, though some will cash checks for non-customers for a fee. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with customer service desks, and Walmart will cash your check on the spot without an account, but each charges a fee that ranges from $2 to $15 depending on the check amount and the location.
The fastest option is usually a check-cashing store or Walmart, because they process the transaction in minutes and you walk out with cash. Banks and credit unions may hold the funds for one to five business days even after you deposit the check, though they will sometimes make the money available the same day if you have an account. Grocery stores vary widely—some cash checks when ready, others send them to a processing center and hold the funds for several days.
Your choice depends on which places are near you, how much the fee will cost, and whether you need the cash today or can wait a few days. If you have a relationship with a bank or credit union, that is usually the cheapest option. If you do not, a check-cashing store or Walmart is the most reliable way to get cash the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Check-cashing stores and Walmart cash tax refund checks without requiring an account, and the transaction takes minutes.
- Banks and credit unions usually charge less to cash a check if you have an account, but may hold the funds for several days.
- Grocery stores with customer service desks often cash checks, but policies and processing times vary by store and location.
- Fees range from $2 to $15 depending on the check amount and where you cash it, so compare your options if you have time.
- You will need to bring your tax refund check and a government-issued photo ID to any location that cashes checks.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They are fast—you hand over your check and ID, they verify the check is real, and you get cash within minutes. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent, though some stores charge a flat fee instead. On a $1,200 tax refund, a 2 percent fee would cost you $24.
The downside is that check-cashing stores are more expensive than banks. The upside is that they do not require an account, do not hold your money, and do not ask questions about why you need the cash. You can find check-cashing stores by searching online for "check cashing near me" or by looking for ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or CheckSmart locations in your area. Call ahead if you can, because some stores have limits on how much they will cash in a single transaction, and some do not cash government checks.
Walmart and grocery store customer service desks
Walmart cashes checks at the customer service desk in most locations, including tax refund checks. The fee is usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. You need your government-issued photo ID and the check itself. The process takes about five minutes, and you get cash when ready—Walmart does not hold the funds.
Many grocery stores also cash checks at their customer service desk, though the policy varies by chain and by individual store. Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons locations often cash checks, but some do not. Call the store before you go, because policies change and some locations have stopped cashing checks altogether. Fees at grocery stores are usually $2 to $5, and like Walmart, they typically give you cash the same day.
The advantage of Walmart and grocery stores is that you may already be shopping there, so you can cash your check while you are in the building. The disadvantage is that not every location cashes checks, so you need to confirm before you make the trip.
Banks and credit unions for non-customers
If you have a bank account anywhere, your own bank will cash your tax refund check for free or for a small fee, and may make the money available the same day. If you do not have an account at a particular bank, some banks will still cash checks for non-customers, but they charge a fee—usually $5 to $15—and may hold the funds for one to five business days.
Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members. Some credit unions will cash checks for anyone in their field of membership (for example, anyone who works for a certain employer or lives in a certain county), even if you do not have an account. Call ahead to ask whether they cash checks for non-members and what the fee is.
The main reason to use a bank or credit union is cost: the fee is lower than a check-cashing store. The main reason not to is that you may have to wait several days for the funds to clear, and you need to find a branch that is open during hours that work for you.
What you need to bring and what to expect
Every place that cashes checks requires two things: your tax refund check and a government-issued photo ID. The ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID or a phone number, but the check and one photo ID are the minimum.
When you hand over your check, the cashier will look at the check to make sure it is real, check that your name matches your ID, and verify that the check has not been altered. They may ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes at a check-cashing store or Walmart, and up to fifteen minutes at a bank or credit union.
If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on it that looks like an alteration, some places will refuse to cash it. If the check is made out to more than one person, you may need all the payees to be present with ID. If you have questions about whether a particular location will cash your specific check, call ahead rather than making the trip.
Comparing costs across locations
| Location Type | Typical Fee | Speed | Requires Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Same day, minutes | No |
| Walmart | $3–$6 | Same day, minutes | No |
| Grocery store | $2–$5 | Same day to several days | No |
| Bank (non-customer) | $5–$15 | 1–5 business days | No |
| Credit union (non-member) | $0–$10 | Same day to several days | No |
On a $1,200 tax refund, the cost difference is real. A check-cashing store charging 2 percent would cost you $24. Walmart would cost $3 to $6. A grocery store would cost $2 to $5. A bank charging $10 would cost $10. If you have time to shop around, the grocery store or Walmart is usually the cheapest option for someone without an account.
If your refund is smaller—say $400—the percentage fee at a check-cashing store becomes less painful (about $8 at 2 percent), but Walmart or a grocery store is still cheaper. The only time a check-cashing store makes sense financially is if it is the only place open when you need the cash, or if it is much closer to you than other options.
What to do if you cannot find a place open today
If it is evening, a weekend, or a holiday, many check-cashing stores stay open later than banks and grocery stores. Some Walmart locations are open 24 hours, though the customer service desk may close earlier. Search online for "check cashing open now" or "24 hour check cashing near me" to find locations with extended hours.
If you truly cannot find anywhere open today, your check will not expire. Tax refund checks are valid for up to one year from the date they were issued, so you can cash it tomorrow or next week without penalty. The IRS does not charge interest or fees if you cash a refund check late. Write down the check number and amount in case you need to reference it later, and keep the check in a safe place until you cash it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check if it is made out to two people?
Yes, but both people must be present with photo ID, and both must sign the back of the check. Some places will refuse to cash a two-party check, so call ahead. If one person is unavailable, you may be able to have them sign a power of attorney form, but this varies by location and is more complicated than just both showing up together.
What happens if I lose my tax refund check?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or go to IRS.gov to report the lost check. The IRS can issue a replacement check, which usually takes two to four weeks. You will need to provide your Social Security number, the check amount, and the date it was issued. Do not try to cash a check you have already reported as lost.
Can I deposit a tax refund check into someone else's bank account?
No. The check is made out to you, and the bank will not deposit it into another person's account. You must cash the check in your own name and then give the cash to the other person, or open your own bank account and deposit it there. Some banks offer free checking accounts that you can open online in minutes.
Do I need to endorse the back of my check before cashing it?
Most places will ask you to sign the back of the check when you present it, so you do not need to do it beforehand. Some places will ask you to sign it before you hand it over. Either way, your signature on the back is required—a check cashed without an endorsement signature can be refused.
Will a check-cashing store report my cash withdrawal to the IRS?
No. Cashing a check is not a taxable event and does not trigger any reporting. The IRS already knows about your refund because the check came from them. You can cash your refund check anywhere without worrying about tax consequences.