How to cash your tax refund depends on how you received it
If the IRS sent you a paper check, you can cash it at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, or some retail locations. If your refund went to a bank account by direct deposit, it's already there and you can withdraw it like any other deposit. The method you use depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and what fees you're willing to pay.
The IRS doesn't mail refund checks to specific locations—they go to the address on your tax return. Once you have the check in hand, the options below are all available to you. Some are free, some charge a fee, and some have restrictions on the amount you can cash.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash refund checks for free if you have an account, or for a small fee if you don't.
- Check-cashing stores and some retail locations will cash your refund check but charge a percentage fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- Direct deposit is the fastest and cheapest way to receive a refund, but you can only use it if you provided banking information on your return.
- The IRS mails paper checks to the address on your tax return, and delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the check is issued.
- You need a valid ID to cash a check at any location, and some places require the check to be endorsed on the back.
Cashing at a bank or credit union
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can deposit your refund check for free. Walk in with the check and your ID, endorse the back of the check by signing it, and hand it to a teller. The funds are usually available within one to two business days, though some banks hold checks longer depending on the amount.
If you don't have an account at a bank or credit union, many will still cash the check for you, but they typically charge a fee—usually $5 to $15 depending on the bank. Call ahead to ask about their non-customer check-cashing policy, because not all banks offer it and fees vary widely. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks about cashing checks for non-members.
You'll need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to cash a check at any bank or credit union. Some institutions also require a second form of ID or proof of address if you're not a customer.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores will cash your refund check on the spot, usually within minutes. They charge a fee based on a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent. On a $2,000 refund, that's $20 to $60. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, which may be cheaper for larger checks.
Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores also offer check-cashing services at customer service desks. Their fees are often lower than dedicated check-cashing stores—sometimes $3 to $6 for a tax refund check. Call the location near you to confirm they cash tax refund checks and what their current fee is, because policies vary by store and location.
You'll need a valid photo ID to cash a check at any retail location. Some stores also require you to be a customer or have made a recent purchase, though this is less common for check-cashing services.
Direct deposit (fastest option)
If you provided your bank account number and routing number on your tax return, the IRS deposited your refund directly into your account. You don't need to do anything—the money is already there. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund; the IRS typically deposits funds within 21 days of processing your return, though many refunds arrive in 5 to 7 days.
You can check the status of your direct deposit refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool updates once per day and will tell you the expected deposit date once the IRS has processed your return.
Once the refund is in your account, you can withdraw it at an ATM, transfer it to another account, or use a debit card—just like any other bank deposit. There are no fees from the IRS for direct deposit.
What to do if you lost or damaged your check
If your refund check arrived but you lost it, damaged it, or it was stolen, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can issue a replacement check, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive by mail.
If your check was cashed by someone else without your permission, report it to the IRS immediately and file a police report. The IRS will investigate and may issue a replacement check, but this process takes longer than a standard replacement.
If you haven't received your check within 21 days of the IRS issuing it, use the Where's My Refund tool to confirm the mailing address on file. If the address is wrong, you'll need to contact the IRS to request a replacement check sent to the correct address.
Comparing your cashing options
| Method | Cost | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank account (yours) | Free | 1–2 business days | Valid ID, account at that bank |
| Bank (non-customer) | $5–$15 | Same day | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check | Same day | Valid ID |
| Retail store | $3–$6 | Same day | Valid ID |
| Direct deposit | Free | 5–21 days | Bank account info on return |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at any bank?
Most banks will cash a refund check if you have an account there for free. Non-customers can usually cash checks for a fee of $5 to $15, but not all banks offer this service. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy and fee before you go in.
Do I need to endorse the back of my refund check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area before handing it to a teller or check-cashing clerk. Some places also require you to write your ID number on the back. The person cashing the check will tell you if they need anything else.
How long does it take to get a replacement check if mine was lost?
The IRS typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to issue and mail a replacement check. Call 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and refund amount ready. The process is faster if you contact them within a few weeks of the original issue date.
What if the check amount doesn't match what I expected?
Before you cash the check, verify the amount against your tax return or the IRS notice you received. If there's a discrepancy, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before cashing it. The IRS can explain why the amount differs and issue a corrected check if needed.
Can I deposit a tax refund check into someone else's bank account?
No. The check is made out to you by name, and banks require the person whose name is on the check to endorse it. You can cash it and give the cash to someone else, but you cannot deposit it into another person's account without their permission and involvement.