Is it always better to cash a check at a bank?

Question

yesterday i received a check from my friend and i tried cashing it at my check cashing place but the cashier told me it isnt listed.so i told my friend about it and he said always go to a bank so that way there are no problems.so im going to my bank tomorrow and i just wanted to know if its better to always go to a bank.also can u be 17 and still cash a check at a bank.thanks alot

Answer 1

If you don't have a bank account, you can go to the bank where the check is written from, and cash it there.  Make sure that you have a photo ID with you.

Answer 2

Banks don't charge you to cash a check. Check cashing places take a percentage of the money away from you or charge you a fee. Which do *you* think would always be better?

Answer 3

You go to the bank where you have your account. However, unless you already have sufficient funds (and if it is a personal check) they won't change it right away: you have to deposit it and wait for the money to clear, a matter of 3 or 4 days. (They do that in case that check bounces).

Answer 4

1.  Go the bank.  If possible to the branch of your friends bank.  They may charge you a "small" fee.

2.  At 17 you can open a bank account with one of your parents sharing your account (their name on it to) until you are 18.

3.  If you don't have an account and your friend's bank does not have a branch in your area, you will need to sign your check over to someone (an adult with an account) and have them cash it.  Best option: Your parents.

Answer 5

Due to more stringent federal regulations, banks on which a check is drawn can no longer cash it for non-customers.  Even with 2 photo IDs.  Banks cannot cash checks for non-customers.  Cash-cashing services cannot cash personal checks.  

You are underage, so you have to open an account (checking or savings) with a parent as trustee for you.  You can convert that to your own account when you turn 18.  This is the wisest solution for many reasons, which I cannot detail in a short post.

Otherwise, go to your friend and tell him you cannot cash the check since you have no bank account and have him give you cash.

Answer 6

Yes you can cash the check if you are 17. The best way to do it is go to the bank listed on the check. All you should need is picture id and possibly your thumb.  As some banks ask for your thumb print if cashing check and you don't have an account. Also if you have a savings account at a bank you can cash it there, as long as you have that amount in your account.  Hope this helps.