Where Can I Cash My Stimulus Check?

If you don't have a bank account, here are a few check-cashing options to consider if you receive a paper stimulus check in the mail.

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There are three ways to receive your $1,400 third stimulus check (if you're eligible to receive one). You could have it deposited directly into your bank account, you could receive a prepaid debit card, or you could receive a paper check in the mail. Over 100 million Americans have already received electronic third stimulus payments from the IRS via direct deposit. About 5 million debit cards have been sent, and the IRS has already mailed paper checks over 15 million more people.

If you end up getting a paper stimulus check, you can either cash it or deposit it into your existing bank account. But what if you don't have a bank account—what are your options? Assuming you don't want to open a bank account with your stimulus check, here are a few other ideas to consider. (Use our Third Stimulus Check Calculator to see how much you should get.)

Rocky Mengle

Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.