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.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

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 (opens in new tab) to see how much you should get.)

Ask a Local Bank to Cash Your Stimulus Check
Since government checks are considered "safe," some banks will cash stimulus checks for non-customers—but you might have to pay a fee. While many banks are waiving fees for stimulus checks, it's best to call ahead to make sure. If there is a fee, it could run anywhere from $5 to over $20. Also make sure you bring at least two photo IDs with you (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.).
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which helps regulate banks and insures bank deposits, has encouraged financial institutions to work with people impacted by the coronavirus crisis, including by waiving fees and easing restrictions on cashing non-customer checks. So, hopefully, there's a bank (or credit union) near you that will cash your stimulus check without a fee.

Go to Walmart (or Another Store that Cashes Checks)
Some large retailers will cash your stimulus check for you. Expect to pay a fee, though. Walmart, for example, will cash a government check of up to $5,000. Their fee is $4 for a check up to $1,000; $8 for a check above that amount. You can also have the amount of your stimulus check added to a Walmart "MoneyCard," (opens in new tab) which is a prepaid debit card.
Your neighborhood grocery store might cash your check, too. For example, if you shop at Kroger, Dillons, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's Food, or another affiliated grocery store with a Money Services counter, you can cash your stimulus check for a small fee (restrictions may apply). Other grocers across the country cash government checks—so touch base with your local store to see if they offer this service.

Have the Money Credited to a PayPal (or Similar) Account
PayPal has a service that lets you cash checks and have the amount credited to a PayPal "Cash Plus" (opens in new tab) account. You can do it all on your phone or other mobile device using the PayPal app. Just take a picture of the check and send it for approval. You pay a fee if you want the money credited to your account immediately, but there's no fee if you can wait 10 days. And now for the good news—PayPal is waiving the fees for paper stimulus checks, so you can get the money into your PayPal account right away for free.
Convenience story giant 7-Eleven also has a debit card program that you can use. Anyone with a Trans@ct Card (opens in new tab) can cash a check and apply the funds to your debit card account using a smart phone. Undisclosed fees may apply, though (see the cardholder agreement for details).
Netspend (opens in new tab), Ingo Money (opens in new tab), Venmo (opens in new tab), and others provide similar services that let you cash a stimulus check using your phone. Again, make sure you understand the fees before you sign up.

Visit a Cash-Checking Store
Every city and even many small towns have cash-checking businesses that will handle a stimulus check for you. However, there's a good chance you'll pay higher fees at these stores than if you use one of the other options discussed above. For some people, though, the extra cost is worth it because of the store's hours, location, or additional services—and you don't have to have a pre-existing relationship with them.
Some states limit the fees charged by check-cashing businesses. Pennsylvania, for example, limits the charge for cashing a government check to 1.5% of the check's face value (or $21 for a $1,400 stimulus check). In California, the maximum fee for cashing a government check is $3. In other states, like Michigan or Texas, check-cashing businesses are not regulated. As a result, there is no limit on the fees businesses in these states can charge for their services.
Rocky was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023. He has more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, he 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 has a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
-
A Retirement Income Distribution Plan Is as Critical as Saving
Designing a strategy to efficiently use your retirement savings is a critical step on your retirement planning journey to maximize your income and ensure a long-lasting retirement.
By Bradley Rosen • Published
-
The Markets Were Miserable Last Year, But That’s Great News
It’s all about perspective. Hopefully, you learned that your financial plan can withstand market downturns. If not, now you know you need to make adjustments.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP • Published
-
Child Tax Credit Changes and FAQs for Your 2022 Tax Return
Tax Breaks The bigger and better child tax credit for 2021 is gone, replaced by a new set of rules for taking the credit on 2022 returns.
By Joy Taylor • Published
-
How 12 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement Don't forget about taxes on your pensions and other retirement income while planning for your golden years.
By Joy Taylor • Published
-
10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
state tax It can cost your family thousands of dollars each year if you end up in one of the worst states for taxes after a move.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
-
10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
state tax If a move from one state to another is in your future, you could save big bucks by relocating to one of these states where the tax bite is light for middle-class families.
By David Muhlbaum • Published
-
15 States That Tax Military Retirement Pay (and Other States That Don't)
retirement Taxes on military retirement pay vary from state-to-state. How generous is your state when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time?
By Sandra Block • Published
-
5 Tax Deadlines for October 17
tax deadline Many taxpayers know that October 17 is the due date for filing an extended tax return, but there are other tax deadlines on this date.
By William Neilson • Last updated
-
5 States With No State Sales Tax
Tax Breaks A handful of states don't impose a sales tax, but that doesn't necessarily make them the best states for low taxes.
By Rocky Mengle • Published
-
Penalties for Filing Your Tax Return Late
tax deadline Stiff penalties await those who didn't file their return (or pay any tax owed) by the tax filing deadline.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated