 TITLE: How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account CONTENT: If you're looking to cash a check but don't have a checking or savings account of your own, here are your top options.\n### Cashing at the Check-Issuing Bank\nIf you take the check to a branch of the bank that issued the check, the bank teller can check the account it's drawn from to ensure the funds are available. The name of the bank should be listed on the check.\nIt's important to note that not all banks do this, and some may charge a fee. Also, if the check is issued by a bank with no branches in your area, you'll need to pursue other avenues. If there are branches of the bank near you and they provide this service free of charge, this is your best option.\n### Cashing at a Retailer\nSeveral retailers offer check-cashing services through their customer service departments. It's important to shop around, though, since cashing a check this way will cost you a fee that can vary by retailer.\nThis can be a convenient option, especially if the issuing bank doesn't have a physical branch nearby. But you might not be able to find a retailer that will help you if it's a larger check.\n### Check-Cashing Stores\nA check-cashing store is another convenient way to get access to your funds, but it can also be the most expensive one. Many of these stores charge a percentage of the check, which can range from 1% to 4%. Some may even charge a flat fee on top of that rate. As a result, consider these stores as a last resort.\nCheck-cashing stores may also provide other services, including payday loans, title loans and more.\n### Deposit to a Prepaid Debit Card\nPrepaid debit cards typically allow you to load funds via mobile check deposit. Prepaid debit cards are relatively easy to get approved for, even if you can't open a checking account.\nThat said, many prepaid cards have up to a 10-day waiting period before you can access your check funds. If you want the money faster, you may have to pay a fee of up to 5%, which can be expensive.\n### Cash With Select Apps\nApps like Ingo Money allow you to deposit your check into an account of your choosing, which can be a prepaid debit card, PayPal account or bank account. However, the same drawback applies as with prepaid cards. You have to wait 10 days to get access to your funds unless you pay a fee of up to 5% of the check amount for rapid access. END