William Lipovsky
If you need to cash a check during non-business hours, if you don’t have a bank account, or if you simply want to get your check cashed quickly and conveniently, a check cashing ATM or kiosk may be the right solution.
Below, we discuss what you need to know about using check cashing machines, as well as where to find a check cashing kiosk.
What Is a Check Cashing Kiosk?
Check cashing kiosks are freestanding machines that allow you to cash paper checks. They’re usually found in retail or convenience stores and are provided as a banking alternative for customers.
These machines typically have a touchscreen interface. They use several types of third-party verification systems to ensure that the checks are genuine, and they charge users a fee for cashing checks. Many check cashing kiosks also offer additional services, such as gift card or prepaid debit card loading.
Accepted Checks
Most check cashing kiosks will accept payroll and government checks, such as Social Security and tax rebate checks. Depending on the company that provides them, check cashing machines may also cash other types of checks, such as personal checks and cashier’s checks.
Requirements
In addition to the check you want to cash, you will need an official form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license or other state-issued ID. Remember that you still have to sign the back of the check to cash it at a kiosk.
Where To Find a Check Cashing Kiosk
A particular store chain may operate check cashing kiosks, or the kiosks may be run as a franchise similar to fee-based ATM networks.
We list two of the major check-cashing kiosk providers below.
1. Mr. Payroll
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, 401(k), money orders, insurance, tax, cashier’s checks, comchecks, two-party, personal checks[1]
- Fees: Typically from 1% to 2% of the check amount, depending on franchisee’s fees and type of check being cashed[2]
- Locations: In select convenience stores, with locations in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.[3]
- Find a kiosk
2. SAM Corp
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, unemployment checks, money orders, insurance checks, and more[4]
- Fees: Vary by retailer and state regulations; typically between 2% and 7%[5]
- Locations: SAM Corp check cashing machines are located in a number of grocery and convenience stores, including Hy-Vee, Schnucks, Keith’s, Shell, Marathon, and more.[5]
- Find a kiosk
ATMs With Check Cashing
Some banks and credit unions offer ATM check cashing services for customers and account holders, and a few have ATMs where non-customers can cash checks. We list them below, starting with the best overall options.
1. Regions ATM
- Types of checks cashed: Payroll, government, business, personal, handwritten, two-party, out-of-state, insurance, money orders[6]
- Requirements:Account holders can use their Regions Bank cards; non-account holders must apply for a free Regions Now card that can be used at any ATM.
- Fees: Free for account holders; Regions Now card users pay 1% to 4% of the check amount, depending on the type of check and the amounts, with a $5 minimum fee unless you’re cashing a Regions check that’s $25 or less.[6]
- Locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
- Find an ATM
2. CO-OP Solutions
- Types of checks cashed: Varies by financial institution[7]
- Requirements:Must be a member of a participating credit union. Find participating credit unions online.
- Fees: Generally none; some institutions may charge a fee.[7]
- Locations: Nationwide
- Find an ATM
3. Bank of America ATM With Teller Assist
- Types of checks cashed: Any type of check that’s payable in U.S. funds[8]
- Requirements: Must be a Bank of America account holder[9]
- Fees: None[9]
- Locations: Nationwide
- Find an ATM (choose “Find locations with…” and check the “ATM with Teller Assist” box)
Find even more options in our post about cashing a check at an ATM.
