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RyanJLane / Getty Images From getting fast access to a birthday check to turning that tax refund check into cash, there are a number of reasons why you might need to cash a check from your phone. If you don’t have a bank account with access to mobile check deposit, you can still compare the top check-cashing apps to find the best one for your needs. Best Check-Cashing AppsIf you need to cash a check on the go, doing so from your mobile phone is a fast and easy option. Here’s a look at the best apps for cashing checks. 1. Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile AppHow it works: The Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App offers mobile check cashing to a prepaid Mastercard debit card with many of the same benefits as bank debit cards. You add funds by loading a check, scheduling direct deposits or transferring money from another Brink’s card or a bank account. When you enroll in direct deposit, you can receive your paycheck up to two days faster. Cost: The check-cashing fees are third-party fees that are subject to change. Expedited services range from 2% to 5% or a $5 flat fee. What the app is best for: Transferring money to family and friends who use Netspend accounts Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store 2. Ingo Money AppHow it works: The Ingo Money App is a favorite choice for payroll check cashing. When you sign up, you must link at least one debit card, prepaid card, credit card or PayPal account to your user profile. To cash a check, take a photo of it in the app, choose when and where you want to receive the money and submit the check for review. Cost:
What the app is best for: Transferring money to a debit card or gift card Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store 3. NetspendHow it works: The app makes it easy to reload a Netspend prepaid debit card without stopping at an ATM. In addition to check-cashing services, you get direct deposit and the option to receive paychecks up to two days early. Cost: No mobile check load fee applies for standard service. For expedited service, you’ll pay either 2% to 5% of the check amount or a flat $5 fee. What the app is best for: Sending money to family and friends with Netspend accounts Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store 4. PayPalHow it works: The PayPal app has a check-cashing feature that lets you add funds from checks to your PayPal Balance account. Cost: No fee applies if you choose the 10-day delayed funding option. Cash government and payroll checks with a preprinted signature for a 2% fee or $5 flat fee. All other checks have a 5% or $5 flat fee. What the app is best for: An alternative to a traditional checking account Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store 5. Western Union Netspend Prepaid Mastercard MobileHow it works: The Western Union Netspend Prepaid Mastercard offers popular features like direct deposit and cashback rewards in addition to check cashing through the mobile app. You also have the ability to send and receive money through a Western Union money transfer. Cost: A card purchase fee of up to $4.95 is applicable. No mobile check load fee applies for standard service. For expedited service, you will pay 2% to 5% of the check value or a flat $5 fee to cash checks. What the app is best for: Sending and receiving money from long distances Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store 6. Green DotHow it works: Green Dot makes your paychecks and government benefit checks available up to two days sooner and pays you 2% cash back on online and mobile purchases. There’s no minimum balance requirement. The app offers up to $200 in optional overdraft protection. Cost: Accessing funds in 10 days is free; accessing funds in minutes is 2% or 5% with a $5 minimum. What the app is best for: Combining a spending account with a savings account, which pays a 2% annual percentage yield Where to download the app: Google Play or the App Store How Can I Cash a Check Instantly?Most check-cashing apps offer expedited service that processes the check within a few minutes or hours. Alternatively, the following options are available if you’d like to get your cash in person:
Cynthia Measom and Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article. Information is accurate as of Aug. 15, 2022. This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication. Can I electronically deposit a 3rd party check?Checks that cannot be electronically deposited include: Savings Bonds. Foreign checks. Third party checks.
How can I cash a third party check without a bank account?Online banking
You may be able to cash third-party checks through your mobile device. Some banks and credit unions accept third-party checks through their online banking systems. In fact, some mobile apps allow you to cash third-party checks without having a bank account.
Can I deposit a third party check on my mobile app?Most banks allow mobile depositing of personal checks, business checks, cashier's checks, and government-issued checks. This includes tax refunds and stimulus checks. Usually, foreign checks, third-party checks, money orders, and traveler's checks are not allowed, but this varies slightly from bank to bank.
Does PayPal cash 3rd party checks?If the check is from a third party, PayPal generally will not cash the check. Make sure the check is to you, the person who owns the PayPal account. Business checks are also accepted if written out to cash. Your check could also be rejected if you did not provide identity information.
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