How & Where to Cash a Check Online

Online check cashing is a convenient way to quickly cash a check without having to make a trip to the bank.

There are many different companies that offer online check cashing. Some banks offer this service through their own apps, and there are also third-party apps available.

We have more details about how the process works and which apps to use below.

How to Cash a Check Online

When you cash a check online, you’re depositing the money into your account to make it available for use.

Keep in mind that if you need actual cash, you’ll still need to go somewhere where you can physically cash the check and take the money with you.

You could also deposit the check online and withdraw cash next time you go to an ATM or at stores where you can get cash back.

Cashing a check online is one of the easiest ways for most people to cash a check without going to a bank, check cashing store, or supermarket.

Most places that offer online check cashing simply require you to input your banking information, endorse the check, write “For Online Deposit Only” underneath your signature, and then upload pictures of the front and back of the check.

You can use any standard smartphone camera to take these pictures. The mobile app that you use to deposit the check will give you easy-to-follow instructions.

After you deposit the check, it will go to a queue for approval. If you’re using an app connected to your bank, the money will go directly into your bank account. Depending on your bank’s policy, only a portion of the funds may be available immediately.

If you’re using an app that’s not associated with a traditional bank and you want to withdraw it, you’ll have to take an extra step to transfer the money to your bank account.

We also have the details on how to cash or deposit a check in person.

Comparison Table

See the table below for a quick comparison of the non-bank apps that offer mobile check cashing, including information about fees.

Then, select any app or scroll for more information.

Online Check Cashing With Non-Bank Owned Apps

There are several apps that offer online/mobile check cashing and that do not require you to have an account with a specific bank to do so.

These apps typically accept your check and then hold the money for you so that you can transfer it to your own bank account or put it on a prepaid debit card.

This requires additional effort compared to depositing the check with your bank, but the apps are still secure; some banks even use Ingo Money’s technology to power their own online check cashing services.

We’ve ordered the list of apps below starting with the best overall options:

1. Ingo Money (Includes Brink’s Mobile)

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[1]
• Fees (Standard Pricing):
  • Pre-printed payroll and government checks: $5 for checks under $250, then 2%
  • All other checks and money orders: $5 for checks under $100, then 5%
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[2]
• Fees (Ingo Gold Preferred Pricing):
  • Pre-printed payroll and government checks: $5 for checks under $500, then 1%
  • All other checks and money orders: $5 for checks under $125, then 4%
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[2]
• Get the app

2. PayPal

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[3]
• Fees:
  • Payroll and government checks: 1% ($5 minimum)
  • All other checks: 5% ($5 minimum)
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[4]
• Get the app

3. NetSpend

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[5]
• Fees:
  • Preprinted payroll and government checks: 2% ($5 minimum) for the “In Minutes” option
  • Handwritten/personal checks: 5% ($5 minimum) for the “In Minutes” option^[6]
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[7]
• Get the app

4. ACE Mobile Loads (ACE Cash Express)

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[8]
• Fees:
  • Payroll and government checks added to an Ace Elite Prepaid debit card: 2% ($5 minimum) for expedited funding
  • All other checks added to an Ace Elite Prepaid debit card: 5% ($5 minimum) for expedited funding
  • Payroll and government checks added to any other card: 3% ($5 minimum) for expedited funding
  • All other checks added to any other card: 6% ($5 minimum) for expedited funding
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[9]
• Get the app

5. Boost Mobile Wallet

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[10][11]
• Fees:
  • Pre-printed payroll and government checks: $5 for checks under $250, then 2%
  • All other checks and money orders: $5 for checks under $100, then 5%
  • No fees if you wait 10 days for the deposit to process^[12][2]
• Get the app

6. The Check Cashing Store

• Platforms: iOS and Android^[13]
• Fees: Vary; contact The Check Cashing Store for exact pricing^[13]
• Get the app

Banking Apps With Mobile Deposit

Many banks also offer online check cashing, also known as mobile deposit. You may want to consider choosing a bank that has this option when you’re opening a checking account.

Some of the major U.S. banks that offer mobile deposit include Bank of America, Citibank, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo.

If you have an account with one of these banks, you should be able to use the online check cashing service; if you have any questions about your eligibility, check with your bank to make sure.

What to Do With a Check After You Cash It Online

Most banks and financial services will instruct you to keep your paper check for at least 14 days or until you’re sure that the check has cleared and the correct amount has been deposited into your account.

Once you’ve confirmed that the check was correctly deposited, you should shred or destroy the paper version.

Always be sure to safely destroy the check to avoid security issues with your bank account. If you don’t destroy it, someone else may find it and attempt to deposit it.

See our article for the details of what can happen when you try to cash or deposit a check twice.