We’ve previously discussed how to cash your check if you don’t have identification or a bank account, as well as how to cash different types of checks. This time we’ll cover where to cash personal checks when banks are closed.
Whether it’s in the late hours of the night, or on a Sunday, you can still cash your check even if your bank is closed. It might cost you an extra fee, so it’s a good idea to wait until Monday morning if you can. However, sometimes waiting isn’t an option. Here are your check cashing options when the banks are closed:
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Banks and Credit Unions With Extended Hours
Some banks operate business hours on Saturdays, or even extended hours on some weekdays. If you have an account with a bank or a credit union, familiarize yourself with their operating hours. Make sure to check specific locations as they can all vary even from the same bank.
When cashing a check that was issued from a different bank, you might also check their location hours. They might offer extended hours and could be a convenient way to cash your check. Be sure to call ahead and check hours before stopping by.
24 Hour ATMs
Most banks also have 24 hour ATMs which provides another option to cash your check after hours. However, if your check bounces, you will be responsible for the funds. Deposit your check through an ATM following these easy steps:
- Check to ensure the ATM accepts check deposits
- Insert your debit card
- Enter your pin number
- Endorse the check and write, “for deposit only” underneath your signature
- Select the “deposit” option
- Fill out a deposit slip
- Put your check and the deposit slip in a deposit check provided by the ATM
- Insert the sealed envelope into the deposit slot and verify your deposit
Note: If there is no deposit option to select at the ATM, this location might not offer ATM check deposit services. Also, some ATMs don’t require an envelope anymore, but they will have a clearly labeled slot for inserting your check for deposit.
Once you’ve verified your deposit, it usually takes some time before the funds are available in your account. Commonly, this process takes a full business day after the deposit is made, not including weekends and holidays. So if you deposited your check on a Sunday, the funds might not be available until the following Wednesday. Your specific location should have more details, so that you know exactly what to expect.
If using an ATM that doesn’t require an envelope and deposit slip, your funds will be available immediately and you can withdraw cash from your account.
Alternatively, most banks offer online or mobile banking services including check deposits. If you have an account with a bank that offers this service, simply log-in to your account on the mobile app and it should walk you through the steps to deposit your check into your account. This service is available 24/7.
Retailers and Grocery Stores
If you can’t make it to a convenient bank or ATM, a retailer or grocery store like Walmart or 7-Eleven could be your next best options. These stores are usually open 24 hours, but you’ll want to call ahead to verify check cashing hours at your nearest location. Be sure to also check on the associated fees and limitations on check cashing.
Walmart is known to offer check cashing services for some of the lowest fees out there, although it’s still more than your bank’s free services. For more information on Walmart’s Check Cashing Policy click here. Note that most retailers and grocery stores can only cash or deposit pre-printed checks, like paychecks and government-issued checks. They won’t cash personal or handwritten checks because of the associate risks, although some may accept personal checks for an extra fee.
Check Cashing Stores
Check cashing stores are always an option, but it’s rarely your best option. If you absolutely need to cash your check after hours or on a weekend, check cashing stores are often open late or operate 24-hours a day. Just keep in mind that this option will cost you a fee, so depending on the amount of your check, it might not be worth the trouble.
Try Depositing Instead of Cashing
If you’re desperate to cash your check outside of regular business hours, you could find a branch with extended hours, use an ATM, find a retailer or supermarket, or find a check cashing store. But if you don’t need cash immediately, you can simply use an ATM or online and mobile deposit options to get your check funds into your bank account.
Depositing checks into your bank account is always your safest option. Paying a fee just to get a check cashed on a Sunday is rarely worth it. Keep all your money safe and sound in your account and avoid paying extra fees whenever possible.
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