From quickly accessing your birthday check to cashing your tax refund check, there are a number of reasons why you should cash a check from your phone. Even if you don’t have a bank account with access to mobile check deposit, you can compare the top check cashing apps to find the best one for your needs.
best check cashing app
If you need to cash a check on the go, doing it from your phone is a quick and easy option. Let’s take a look at the best apps for cashing checks.
1. Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App
Usage: Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App offers mobile check cashing to a prepaid Mastercard debit card with many of the same benefits as a bank debit card. Add funds by loading a check, scheduling a direct deposit, or transferring money from another Blink card or bank account. Sign up for direct debit and get your paycheck up to two days early.
cost: Check cashing fees are third party fees that are subject to change. Express delivery services range from 2% to 5%, or a flat rate of $5.
Best uses for the app: Sending money to family and friends with a Netspend account
App download location: Google Play or App Store
2. Ingo Money App
Usage: The Ingo Money app is perfect for cashing paychecks. When you sign up, you must link at least one debit card, prepaid card, credit card, or PayPal account to your user profile. To cash a check, use the app to take a photo of the check, choose when and where you would like to receive the money, and send the check for verification.
cost:
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$5 or 2% (whichever is higher) for preprinted payroll and government checks
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$5 or 5% (whichever is higher) for other types of checks and money orders
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A preferred rate plan available to customers who have cashed 6 or more checks in the last 90 days offers a discounted rate.
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No fees if you choose to receive your money within 10 days
Best uses for the app: Transfer money to a debit card or gift card
App download location: Google Play or App Store
3. Net spending
Usage: With this app, you can easily top up your Netspend prepaid debit card without stopping at an ATM. In addition to our check cashing service, we offer direct deposit and the option to receive your paycheck up to two days in advance.
cost: Mobile check load charges do not apply to standard services. For expedited deliveries, a fee of 2% to 5% of the check amount or a flat $5 will be charged.
Best uses for the app: Send money to family and friends using your Netspend account
App download location: Google Play or App Store
4. PayPal
Usage: The PayPal app has a check cashing feature that allows you to add funds from a check to your PayPal balance account.
cost: There is no fee if you choose the 10-day late funding option. Cash pre-printed signed government and payroll checks for a 2% fee or a $5 flat fee. All other checks are subject to a flat fee of 5% or $5.
Best uses for the app: An alternative to traditional checking accounts
App download location: Google Play or App Store
5. Western Union Netspend Prepaid Mastercard Mobile
Usage: The Western Union Netspend Prepaid Mastercard offers popular features such as direct deposit and cashback benefits, in addition to cashing checks via a mobile app. You can also send and receive money through Western Union money transfers.
cost: A maximum card purchase fee of $4.95 applies. Mobile check load charges do not apply to standard services. If it’s expedited, we’ll charge you 2% to 5% of the value of the check or a flat fee of $5 to cash the check.
Best uses for the app: Sending and receiving money from afar
App download location: Google Play or App Store
6. Green dot
Usage: Green Dot makes payroll and government benefits checks available up to 2 days early and pays 2% cash back on online and mobile purchases. There are no minimum balance requirements. This app offers up to $200 in optional overdraft protection.
cost: Access to funds for 10 days is free. Get access to funds in minutes, 2% or 5% with as little as $5.
Best uses for the app: Combine a spending account with a high-yield savings account with a 2% annual interest rate.
App download location: Google Play or App Store
How can I cash my check immediately?
Most check cashing apps offer an expedited service that processes checks within minutes or hours.
Alternatively, if you prefer to receive cash in person, the following options are available.
Cynthia Measom and Daria Uhlig contributed reporting for this article.
Information current as of January 9, 2023.
This article has been updated with additional reports since its original publication.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Best Check Cashing Apps
