Bill pay services allow you to pay your monthly bills, like utilities, cable, insurance, etc., by mailing a check on your behalf. It’s a convenient way to ensure your bills are paid on time if you don’t want to deal with writing checks, buying stamps and mailing payments yourself.
But what if you get a bill pay check made out to you that you need to cash right away? This article covers where you can cash a bill pay check even if you don’t have a bank account,
How Bill Pay Checks Work
With bill pay services, you provide the bill pay company (either through your bank or third party provider) with details on the bills you want to pay – the company name, account number, payment amount, mailing address, etc.
On the due date, the bill pay service prints a check made payable to that company and mails it for you. The check comes from the bill pay provider, not your personal checking account.
Sometimes, if there is an overpayment or billing error, the company will mail you a refund check. This will be a check made out in your name from the bill pay provider.
Other times, you may request the bill pay service to cut a check payable to you rather than the company. For example, to pay a friend for your share of a group trip.
Either way you may need to cash a bill pay check written out to you personally.
Challenges Cashing Bill Pay Checks
Cashing a check made out to you from a bill pay service poses some unique challenges:
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No originating account – The check is drawn on the bill pay provider’s bank account, not yours.
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Third party check – The check is issued by a company you don’t have an account relationship with.
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No ID match – A check made payable to you doesn’t necessarily match your government-issued ID.
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No backing funds – The bill pay service may place a hold on cashing their own checks to prevent fraud.
For these reasons, many banks will not cash checks issued by third party bill pay providers or will place long holds. So where can you cash a bill pay check?
Where to Cash Bill Pay Checks
Here are the best options for cashing bill pay checks made out to you personally:
1. Bill Pay Provider
The easiest option is cashing the check directly through the bill pay provider if they have physical locations. Major bill pay companies like CheckFree and Fiserv operate through banks and have local branches.
Take the bill pay check to a location of the issuing bill pay provider along with 2 valid IDs. They will verify the check is legitimate and cash it for you, often without a hold.
2. Prepaid Debit Card Accounts
If you have a prepaid debit card account with companies like Netspend, MoneyCard or Brinks, you can cash a bill pay check by mobile deposit or at affiliated check cashing stores.
With prepaid debit cards, funds become available quickly after depositing a check via mobile app. Then you can immediately withdraw cash from ATMs.
3. Retail and Grocery Stores
Many supermarkets, pharmacies, big box stores and retailers like Walmart and Kroger allow you to cash checks at customer service desks up to their limit, typically $5,000 or less.
Bring the bill pay check and valid ID. Fees are usually around $3 for checks under $1,000.Bounds may apply but funds are available right away.
4. Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores like Check Into Cash, ACE Cash Express and Check ‘n Go are designed specifically to cash checks for non-account holders.
Fees average 1-5% of the check amount. Provide 2 forms of valid ID and the original bill pay check. Cash is issued immediately.
5. Local Banks and Credit Unions
Small local banks and credit unions may cash checks for non-members. Fees average $5-10. Ask if they cash third party checks and the ID required. Funds may be available immediately or require a short 1-5 day hold.
6. Walmart MoneyCard
The Walmart MoneyCard Visa prepaid debit card allows you to cash checks of up to $5,000 for free at any Walmart customer service desk.
Load the money to your MoneyCard account instantly. Then withdraw cash from ATMs right away. It’s a great option for cashing larger bill pay checks.
Cash Your Bill Pay Check Hassle-Free
Don’t let a bill pay check made out in your name go to waste. Major bill pay companies, prepaid debit cards, retailers, check cashing stores and local banks provide convenient options to cash your check and get immediate access to the funds through cash or card withdrawals.
The key is bringing valid ID and the original check to verify legitimacy and avoid fraud. Do your research to pick a check cashing provider that offers immediate availability of funds without long hold times so you can put your bill pay check money to use right away.
Why Use Bill Pay at Check Into Cash?
Bill Pay at Check Into Cash is convenient, dependable, and secure. You can pay multiple bills with cash at almost all Check Into Cash locations. Paying bills has never been easier. We accept payments for thousands of billers. If you need to pay a bill now, or just prefer to pay in person, Western Union® Walk-In Bill Payment Services are available at a Check Into Cash location near you.
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FAQ
Is bill pay like sending a check?
Can I deposit a bill pay check?
Is a bill pay check a personal check?
How do I use bill pay services at check into cash?
All you need to use Bill Pay Services at Check Into Cash is the original bill and cash to make your bill payments. With locations in over 19 states, finding a store nearby is quick and easy. Find your closest store location by entering your ZIP code below. Visit a nearby store to take advantage of our store services.
Where can I cash a check?
The easiest place to cash a check is your own bank, but you can go to the check writer’s bank as well. Beyond banks, you can load prepaid cards, go to major retailers or use a payment service like PayPal or Venmo. Whatever your situation, there’s an option for you. Here are eight places you can cash a check. #1. Your Bank
How do I cash a check?
For check cashing apps, you can sign the back of the check and follow the app instructions to take pictures of your check. Then, you can decide if you want free standard processing to receive your funds within 10 business days or pay an extra fee for expedited processing to access your cash in a few minutes. Do I need an ID to cash a check?
How do I cash a personal check online?
You can also cash your personal check online. Two apps that don’t require you to be a bank customer to cash a check are PayPal and Ingo Money. This might be the best online app for cashing personal checks. You can use Ingo Money to cash most kinds of checks, including hand-written personal checks.
Where can I cash a check if I have an older check?
It’s worth asking if you have an older check. The easiest place to cash a check is your own bank, but you can go to the check writer’s bank as well. Beyond banks, you can load prepaid cards, go to major retailers or use a payment service like PayPal or Venmo. Whatever your situation, there’s an option for you.
How do I cash a check in PayPal?
Go to your PayPal balance then select Cash a Check. Take photos of both sides of your signed check and select Next. Choose when you want to receive your money and tap Confirm. You can cash a check in the PayPal app by taking a photo of both sides of your signed check and choosing when you want to receive the money in your PayPal Balance account.