How to Cash a Check Online: Online Check Cashing Options Detailed

Online check cashing is an easy way to quickly cash a check without having to make a trip to the bank. Cashing a check online is easier than ever, and these days there are many different places that offer online check cashing. Some banks offer check cashing through their own apps, and there are also third-party apps available. We have more details about how to cash a check online below.

How to Cash a Check Online

When you cash a check online, you are depositing the money into your account to make it available for use. Keep in mind that if you need actual cash, you will still need to go somewhere where you can physically cash the check and take the money with you. You could also deposit the check online and then get cash next time you go to an ATM or a store that offers cash back, such as Walmart or CVS.

Cashing a check online is one of the easiest ways for most people to cash a check without going to a bank, check cashing store, or supermarket. Most places that offer online check cashing simply require you to input your banking information, sign your check, write “For Online Deposit Only” underneath, and then upload pictures of the front and back of the check. You can use any standard smartphone camera to take these pictures. The mobile app that you use to deposit the check will give you easy-to-follow instructions.

After you deposit the check, it will go to a queue for approval. If you’re using an app connected to your bank, the money will go directly into your bank account. Depending on your bank’s policy, only a portion of the funds may be available immediately. If you’re using an app that’s not associated with a traditional bank and you want to withdraw it, you’ll have to take an extra step to transfer the money to your bank account.

If you need to cash a check in person, we also list the places near you where you can cash a check 24 hours a day. We also have the details on how to cash or deposit a check in person.

Online Check Cashing With Non-Bank Owned Apps

There are several apps that offer online/mobile check cashing and that do not require you to have an account with a specific bank to do so. These apps typically accept your check and then hold the money for you so that you can transfer it to your own bank account or put it on a prepaid debit card. This requires additional effort compared to depositing the check with your bank, but are still secure; some banks even use Ingo Money’s technology to power their own online check cashing services. We’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options:

• Ingo Money
• PayPal
• NetSpend
• ACE Mobile Loads
• Boost Mobile Wallet

For more information about these services, including their fees and requirements, see our list of mobile check cashing apps.

Online Check Cashing With Banking Apps

Many banks also offer online check cashing, also known as mobile deposit. You may want to consider choosing a bank that has this option when you are opening a checking account. See our list of mobile check cashing apps to find out more about the apps available from major U.S. banks, including Bank of America, Citibank, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo.

If you have an account with one of these banks, you should be able to use the online check cashing service; if you have any questions about your eligibility, check with your bank to make sure.

What to Do With a Check After You Cash It Online

Most banks or financial services will instruct you to keep your paper version of the check for at least 14 days or until you are sure that the correct amount has been deposited into your account. Once you’ve confirmed that the check was correctly deposited, you should shred or destroy the paper version. Always be sure to safely destroy the check to avoid security issues with your bank account. If you don’t destroy it, someone else may find it and attempt to deposit it. See our article for the details of what can happen when you try to cash or deposit a check twice.