William Lipovsky
If you have an account at a bank or credit union, you can usually cash your tax refund check there without fees.
However, if you don’t have an account, you have two options: find a bank that will cash checks for non-customers, or open an account.
Banks That Cash Checks For Non-Customers
Not all banks are willing to cash checks for non-customers, but many do, especially if your check is from a reliable source, such as the government.
We contacted the following banks and found that they will usually cash tax refund checks for non-customers. Even so, keep in mind that bank policies can vary from branch to branch, so you may want to check with a local branch before visiting to be sure.
American Heritage Federal Credit Union
- Fee for non-customers: $5
- Check amount limit: None
- What you need: Two forms of ID
- Find your nearest American Heritage Credit Union branch
Citibank
- Fee for non-customers: None
- Check amount limit: Bank representatives told us there is a limit, but Citibank does not make the amount public.
- What you need: Driver’s license and Social Security card
- Find your nearest Citibank branch
Find out more about Citibank check cashing.
Fifth Third Bank
- Fee for non-customers: Varies based on the check amount
- Check amount limit: $5,000
- What you need: Government ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Find your nearest Fifth Third Bank branch
HSBC
- Fee for non-customers: Varies by branch
- Check amount limit: Varies by branch
- What you need: Government ID; other requirements may vary by branch
- Find your nearest HSBC branch
PNC Bank
- Fee for non-customers: 2% of the check amount with a $2 minimum; waived for checks of $25 or less
- Check amount limit: $500
- What you need: Driver’s license and another form of ID (credit card, debit card, etc.)
- Find your nearest PNC branch
Wells Fargo
- Fee for non-customers: $7.50 per check
- Check amount limit: $10,000; checks above this amount may be redeemable for a cashier’s check
- What you need: Two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID
- Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch
Opening a Bank Account
You may want to consider opening a bank account and funding it with all or part of your tax return.
In addition to providing check cashing, bank accounts allow you to track your money with monthly statements, keep your earnings in a secure location, access ATMs, use direct deposit, and (with some accounts) earn interest.
- What to look for: Accounts that offer low/no fees and low required minimum balances
- Where to look: Accounts with major national banks usually have monthly fees if you keep less than a specified amount in the account at any given time. You may have better luck finding low fees through a local bank, online bank, or credit union.
- What do you need to open an account? See our research on the account requirements at major U.S. banks.
- How to get your money: Once you have an account, you can either cash your check directly or deposit it and withdraw the funds later from a branch or ATM.
Retail Stores That Cash Tax Refunds
Many large grocery chains and retailers cash checks for a small fee.
We contacted the following stores and found that they cash tax refund checks:
Food Lion
- Fees: Varies by state; Food Lion posts its fees in each store
- Check amount limit: $1,000
- What you need: Government ID
- Find your nearest Food Lion
Find out more in our research on Food Lion’s check cashing policy.
Fred Meyer
- Fees: Varies by store and based on the check amount; $3 to $8
- Check amount limit: $5,000
- What you need: Government ID and your Social Security number
- Find your nearest Fred Meyer
Find out more in our research on the Fred Meyer check cashing policy.
Kroger
- Fees: Vary by location and check amount; usually between $3 and $8
- Check amount limit: $5,000
- What you need: Your Social Security number or a taxpayer ID number and a government-issued ID
- Find your nearest Kroger
Find out more in our research on Kroger’s check cashing policy.
Safeway
- Fees: $2.25 for every $200 you cash
- Check amount limit: $1,499
- What you need: Government ID, such as a passport or driver’s license
- Find your nearest Safeway
Find out more in our Safeway money services FAQ.
Stop & Shop
- Fees: Varies by store
- Check amount limit: Varies by store
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID. You must also apply for a Payroll and Business Check Cashing card at any Stop & Shop location.
- Find your nearest Stop & Shop
Find out more in our research on Stop & Shop’s check cashing.
Walmart
- Fees: $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks over $1,000
- Check amount limit: $5,000
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID
- Find your nearest Walmart
Find out more in our research on Walmart’s check cashing policy.
Check Cashing Stores That Cash Tax Refunds
Check cashing stores will cash your tax refund check, but their fees are much higher than those at banks or retailers. Some may offer better rates for government-issued checks, but it’s best to check the fees before visiting and compare them with other nearby options.
ACE Cash Express
- Fees: Vary by location; usually 2% to 10% of the check amount
- Check amount limit: Vary based on check verification
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID
- Find your nearest ACE Cash Express
Check Into Cash
- Fees: Vary by state; usually between 3% and 5% of the check amount
- Check amount limit: None
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID and Check Into Cash preferred check cashing card (Note: There is a $2 enrollment fee if you haven’t cashed a check at Check Into Cash before.)
- Find your nearest Check Into Cash
Check ‘n Go
- Fees: Vary by state; usually around 6% of the check amount
- Check amount limit: $10,000 per customer, per day
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID
- Find your nearest Check ‘n Go
Speedy Cash
- Fees: Vary by state; minimum fee of $2
- Check amount limit: None as long as the store has enough cash on hand
- What you need: Government-issued photo ID
- Find your nearest Speedy Cash
