Low Fee Check Cashing
Financial Services

Check Cashing the CheckSmart Way

By Jessica Price

February 23, 2023

When you receive a paycheck in hand at the end of a long, hard week, it’s likely that the first thought that crosses your mind is, “Now, where can I cash my check?” Not all checks are given to employees via direct deposit, and not all people have access to a bank account. That’s where Check Cashing services like those offered by CheckSmart come in.


Check Cashing Basics

Check Cashing is a service utilized by millions of Americans every day. We offer Check Cashing Services at all CheckSmart locations. When you need to cash a check and either do not want to wait for the bank to release funds or alternately do not have a bank account, stopping by your local CheckSmart can prove convenient and helpful. For many people, the competitive fees offered by CheckSmart associated with check cashing services is often considered more affordable3 than the potential fees associated with traditional banking. For example, overdraft fees can quickly add up and cause unnecessary financial strain on people who are frankly already struggling. Keeping more of customer’s hard-earned money in their pocket is one of the many plus sides to choosing Check Cashing services at CheckSmart.


Millions of Americans do not have a bank account or a bank that they frequently use for financial transactions. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the FDIC2 in 2021, there are 5.9 Million unbanked households. However, in the same survey it was noted that 18.7 Million households qualify as “under-banked” which means even though there was existing access to a bank account those households chose to also utilize a financial service such as a check cashing service or money order purchase.2 There are various reasons why a person chooses not to work with a bank,1 and some people are not qualified to open a bank account.  Luckily, stores like CheckSmart exist to fill the gap and provide needed services to these individuals. So what are the benefits to using the Check Cashing service at CheckSmart?


Check Cashing at CheckSmart

One of the most inviting aspects of choosing to use the Check Cashing services offered by CheckSmart is the unbeatable customer service. In fact, great service and working with a friendly representative is one of the reasons many Americans choose to utilize check cashing services4 at countless stores like CheckSmart in general. Choosing your neighborhood CheckSmart store to be your regular check cashing place has perks. Our Lending Pros are always standing by and ready to help every customer that walks through our door looking for a place to cash a check. Getting to know our customers and developing a great working relationship is truly part of our motivation each day. So how does Check Cashing at CheckSmart work?


How does the process of Check Cashing work?

Cashing a check at CheckSmart is simple! Just bring your printed or handwritten check and a valid, government issued ID to the store, a Lending Pro will verify the check, and you’ll be on your way with cash in hand quickly. We also cash money orders quickly and conveniently. Any time you receive a check or need help cashing a personal check, a paycheck, or a money order we can help. We cash all types of checks. We work hard to make sure the process is convenient for our customers since fitting errands in like Check Cashing can be hectic. We offer store hours that are more accommodating than traditional banking hours because we know that our customers value their time and convenience. Check Cashing rates and fees apply and vary with your check type and state, see store for details.


When you cash a check at CheckSmart, you will have cash in your pocket before you leave the store. Unlike traditional banking institutions, we do not have any holding periods. We make the process simple and straight forward. We work hard to keep our check cashing fees competitive, but you’ll need to check with your local store to find out the exact cost of cashing your check. You can always pop into a local store and chat with a Lending Pro who will be happy to help you quickly. We welcome all questions and have a robust FAQ page where many frequently asked questions are highlighted!


We offer more than Check Cashing at CheckSmart

Making CheckSmart your local check cashing place is a Smart Choice. While you’re in the store, we can help with the other items on your to-do list as well! Did you know that CheckSmart offers various in-store services beyond Check Cashing? We offer Western Union® Money Orders, Bill Pay Services, we can help you send money via Western Union® Wire Transfer, you can obtain Green Dot® Visa® Debit Cards, and we even offer Gift Card Buyback! We’ll highlight each of these services and dive into the details in future blogs, so stay tuned!

Sources:


1Price, Jessica (2022, October 20). How to Cash a Check Without Having a Bank Account Retrieved from: https://www.speedycash.com/resources/645/loans/how-to-cash-a-check-without-having-a-bank-account/


2FDIC (2022, November 14). 2021 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households Retrieved from: https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/household-survey/index.html


3PBS Newshour Transcript (2017, June 22). The surprising logic behind the use of check cashers and payday loans Retrieved from: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/surprising-logic-behind-use-check-cashers-payday-loans


4Servon, Lisa (2013, October 9). The High Cost, for the Poor, of Using a Bank Retrieved from: https://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/the-high-cost-for-the-poor-of-using-a-bank

Jessica is hyper-focused on making information about the Personal Loans offered by CheckSmart including Payday Loans, Installment Loans, and Title Loans accessible and easy to understand. Learning the basics about finances shouldn’t be complicated after all! The key to responsible borrowing is understanding the loans you’re considering, and it’s Jessica’s mission to help anyone considering a loan make an informed decision. Jessica is passionate about sharing easy-to-follow Budgeting Tips and helping readers increase their financial literacy in the Financial Corner of the blog. You’ll find great budgeting tips, Simplified Savings tips, and information that will help you improve your financial wellness sprinkled throughout each of her blogs.

Customer Notice: There are a wide variety of financial products available in the marketplace, so your choice should match your financial needs. Small-dollar loans used over a long period of time can be expensive. 

Noticia al Consumidor: Existe una amplia variedad de productos financieros disponibles en el mercado, por lo que su elección debe coincidir con sus necesidades financieras. Los préstamos de poco dinero utilizados durante un largo período de tiempo pueden ser costosos. 

Green Dot: must be 18 or older to open an account. Online access, mobile number verification (via text message) and identity verification (including SSN) are required to open and use your account.  Mobile number verification, email address verification and mobile app are required to access all features.

1. Early direct deposit availability depends on payor type, timing, payment instructions, and bank fraud prevention measures. As such, early direct deposit availability may vary from pay period to pay period. The name and Social Security number on file with your employer or benefits provider must match your Green Dot account to prevent fraud restrictions on the account.

2. Opt-in required. Account must be in good standing and chip-enabled debit card activated to opt-in. Initial and ongoing eligible direct deposits are required for overdraft coverage. Additional criteria may apply which can affect your eligibility and your overdraft coverage. Overdrafts are paid at our discretion. Overdraft fees may cause your account to be overdrawn by an amount that is greater than your overdraft coverage. A $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid a fee.

3. See app for free ATM locations. 1 free in-network withdrawal per calendar month. $3.00 per withdrawal thereafter. $3.00 for out-of-network withdrawals and $1.00 for balance inquiries, plus any fee the ATM owner may charge. Limits apply.

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Loan Products: Subject to state regulations, eligibility, credit check, underwriting & approval, and meet state database eligibility, where required based on type of lending product requested. All products are not available at all locations. Rates, terms and conditions apply. See associate for details. Lending decisions and funding times subject to system limitations. Some applications may require additional verification, which can delay the lending decision. 

Non-Loan Store Services: Rules, restrictions, and fees apply. See store for details. 

Ohio Residents: Check Cashing provided by Buckeye Check Cashing, Inc., CC700000, Main Office 5165 Emerald Parkway, Suite 100, Dublin OH 43017. 

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