Where can I cash a check without a bank account?

Question

Okay, we just moved to a small town, and I just received a check in the mail from my previous landlord returning my deposit and some interest :). However, this small town doesn't have a branch of the bank I use, or a Giant Eagle where I have a check cashing card(we moved to be near my inlaws and because my bf got a good job with benefits). I am now a SAHM with no income, and I'm not interested in starting a checking account because I don't and won't have any income. This check is a one time thing. So the bank that has the account(their name is on the check in small print) has a branch in this town, can I go there to cash the check without an account? I'm currently trying to do a settlement with this particular bank because I overdrafted my account by 36 cents, and by the time I was notified, they wanted 170 dollars in late fees, and won't settle for the original 36 cents plus the 35 dollars overdraft fee, which I offered to pay, I just couldn't afford the whole thing for such a little amount. Wal-mart won't cash it cause it's not a payroll check and even though it's a state regulated housing authority, it doesn't qualify as a government check. Will they just charge me a fee to cash it? And how much would this fee be at national city? Thanks!

Answer 1

Banks usually won't cash your check without an account there...if you just moved there I would seriously think about opening an account with one of the banks there, but a grocery store will usually cash your check if you purchase so much from their store...at one where I live its $20 you must spend.

Answer 2

unfortunately u need to have an account to deposit it; thats to my understanding, interested in knowing if there is any other way. or ask your landlord to transfer online to ur account and cancel his previous cheque.

Answer 3

Go to any check cashing place. THey will charge you a few cents per every dollar but you can cash it. It is usually not that much they take out.  

Answer 4

Regardless of whether you owe them money or not they will cash the check drawn on an account in GOOD standing with their bank, they may make a quick call to the person who owns the account to verify he/she wrote it then they will ask you for Valid ID and possibly a Major Credit Card in your name, then cash the check.No the bank will not charge you a fee to cash a check from their own bank.

Answer 5

fees are different every where you go, i would look at the top of the check ,and go to the original back that it was made at. they will cash it free of charge,with no account, just an id with picture. if you are in the "check" system, no checking account is advaible , you can open a savings account, although they may require  a min. balance at all times.

if you dont want the monthly fee on savings acc. g. eagle maybe your best bet. the fee is less and an average bank.

how can banks charge you to use your own money anyways.....right!!!!!! but they do, and now you must shop for the best. good luck. its confusing out there.

Answer 6

Most banks won't.  You might try taking to the bank where you landlord banks and see if they will cash it.

Answer 7

You might want to try to endorse it to your mate at his bank. I f he is in good standing with his bank they will most likely let it go and cash it.   Pay to the order of.........husband name and then your name signed.  he will then write his account number and then sign.  Make sure his signature is below his account number.  His signature is saying that all the info is true what is written on the check.  Good luck and don't spend it all in one place.  

Answer 8

Little grocery stores usually cash checks, but I'm not sure. Drive around and ask them if they have check cashing and what their policies on check cashing are.

Answer 9

usually you can just take the check to the bank that it is from...which is the bank whose name is on the check and they will cash any check that came from thier bank regardles of if you have an account or not...they also do not check to see if you owe them money...all you need is ID...but I live in ny but thats how it works here