Places that will cash your tax refund check
You can cash a tax refund check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. Banks and credit unions are free if you have an account there; if you don't, they may charge a fee or refuse to cash it. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with customer service desks, and Walmart all cash checks for a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount. Some Walmart locations cash checks for a flat $3 fee.
The fastest option is usually a place you already go to regularly. If you shop at a grocery store, call ahead and ask if they cash payroll checks or tax refund checks—many do. Walmart locations are widespread and have consistent pricing. Check-cashing stores are designed for this exact purpose and will cash almost any check, but the fee is higher than other options.
Bring your check and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Some places may ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. Call ahead if you're unsure whether a specific location will cash your refund check, since policies vary by location and by the amount of the check.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash checks free for account holders but may charge $5 to $15 for non-account holders or refuse to cash them.
- Check-cashing stores, Walmart, and grocery store customer service desks all cash tax refund checks for a fee between $2 and $10.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID and sometimes a second form of ID to cash the check.
- Calling ahead to confirm the location cashes checks and asking about their fee can save you time and money.
Banks and credit unions
If you have a bank or credit union account, you can deposit or cash your refund check there for free. Walk into any branch with your check and ID, and they will either deposit it to your account or give you cash. This is the cheapest option and usually takes a few minutes.
If you don't have an account at that bank or credit union, they may still cash it, but they will charge a fee—typically $5 to $15 depending on the check amount and the institution. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-account holders entirely. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask about their policy before you go.
Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members, especially if you live in the area they serve. If you're a member of any credit union, call them first—they may cash it free or for a small fee.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They will cash your tax refund check the same day you bring it in. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $1,000 refund might cost $10 to $30 to cash. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage.
You can find check-cashing stores in most neighborhoods—search online for "check cashing near me" or look for signs on storefronts. Bring your check and a valid ID. The process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Ask about the fee before you hand over the check, since it varies by location and by check amount.
Check-cashing stores are reliable and fast, but they are the most expensive option. Use them if no other option is available to you, or if you need the cash immediately and cannot wait for a bank to open.
Walmart and grocery stores
Walmart customer service desks cash checks, including tax refund checks, for a flat $3 fee at most locations. This is one of the cheapest options available. Bring your check and a valid ID to the customer service desk—not the checkout lane. The transaction takes about 5 minutes.
Many grocery stores also cash checks at their customer service desk or courtesy counter. The fee varies by store, usually between $2 and $5. Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash tax refund checks and ask what the fee is. Some stores only cash checks for customers who have a loyalty card or have made a recent purchase.
Both Walmart and grocery stores are convenient because they have many locations and extended hours. If you already shop at either place, this is often the cheapest option after a bank account.
Online banks and mobile payment apps
If you have an online bank account (like Chime, Varo, or LendingClub), you may be able to deposit your refund check using mobile check deposit. This feature lets you photograph the front and back of the check with your phone and deposit it to your account without visiting a branch. The money usually appears in your account within one to three business days.
Some online banks offer accounts without a minimum balance or monthly fee, making them worth opening if you plan to receive refunds regularly. However, opening an account takes time, so this option works best if you have a few days before you need the cash.
Mobile payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo sometimes offer check deposit features, but availability varies. Check your app to see if the feature is available to you.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring your tax refund check and a valid government-issued ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease, or insurance card with your name and address on it.
The check must be signed on the back. If it is not signed, sign it in front of the person cashing it. Do not sign it before you arrive—some places require you to sign it in their presence.
Most places cash checks during business hours only. Banks typically close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and may have limited Saturday hours. Walmart and grocery stores stay open later and on Sundays. Check-cashing stores vary by location but often stay open until 7 or 8 p.m.
Fees and how to avoid them
The only way to avoid a fee entirely is to have a bank or credit union account and cash or deposit the check there. If you don't have an account, your cheapest option is usually Walmart at $3 or a grocery store at $2 to $5.
Check-cashing stores charge the most—1 to 3 percent of the check amount—but they are the fastest and most accessible option if you need cash immediately and have no other choice. If you have a few days, opening a free online bank account and using mobile check deposit can save you the fee entirely.
Never pay a fee to cash a government check if you can avoid it. If a place quotes you a fee higher than $10 for a typical refund check, try another location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at any bank, or only my own bank?
You can cash it at any bank, but banks typically charge a fee ($5 to $15) for non-account holders and may refuse to cash it. Your own bank will cash it free if you have an account there. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible about cashing checks for non-members.
What if my name is spelled differently on the check than on my ID?
Minor spelling differences usually don't matter, but significant differences can cause problems. If your name on the check doesn't match your ID closely, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a corrected check before you try to cash it. Attempting to cash a check with a name mismatch may result in the place refusing to cash it.
How long does it take to cash a tax refund check?
In person at a bank, credit union, Walmart, or grocery store, it takes 5 to 15 minutes. Check-cashing stores usually take 5 to 10 minutes. If you deposit it using mobile check deposit through an online bank, the money appears in your account within one to three business days.
Can I cash a tax refund check if it's made out to two people?
Usually both people named on the check must be present with ID to cash it. Some banks and check-cashing stores allow one person to cash it if the other person has signed the back, but policies vary. Call ahead and ask before you go.