You can cash your check in several places depending on your needs and location:
- Banks or Credit Unions: If you have an account, your own bank or credit union is the easiest place to cash a check. Even without an account, you can sometimes cash a check at the bank that issued it (the bank name is on the check), though fees may apply
- Retail Stores: Many large retailers and grocery stores offer check cashing services, often with lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores. For example, Walmart cashes payroll, government, tax refund, cashier’s, and some personal checks with fees up to $4 for checks under $1,000. You just need to bring the endorsed check and valid ID to their Money Service Center or Customer Service desk
- Check-Cashing Services: Specialized check-cashing stores or kiosks can cash your check for a fee. These are widely available but fees vary, so it’s good to compare rates
- Mobile Apps: Services like PayPal allow you to cash a check by taking photos of it through their app. Funds can be deposited into your PayPal balance, with options for faster access for a fee or free access after a waiting period
- Government Cheques: Government of Canada cheques can be cashed for free at banks, including federal credit unions and authorized foreign banks
If you don’t have a bank account, options like retail stores, check-cashing services, or mobile apps are convenient alternatives to get cash from your check quickly
. In summary, you can cash your check at your bank, the issuing bank, large retailers like Walmart, check-cashing stores, or via mobile apps like PayPal, depending on your situation and the type of check you have. Always bring valid ID and endorse the check before cashing. Fees and limits vary by location and service.
