Check Cashing Fees

I had a reimbursement check from work cashed for free at a large chain supermarket, using my membership card there. There was no charge for the membership card or use of the check cashing. Some big-box chain stores and supermarkets also offer similar payroll-check cashing services for a small fee. They ask to see your ID, charge as much as three dollars, and cash your check. Many supermarket chains will do it for free if you're a member, but if you're willing to pay a dollar or three you can use one of the other options.

I found the service at the supermarket just fine. Sometimes there's a bit of a line at the checkout counter, and that might lead me to consider another option at certain times of day. Usually they'll cash your check with no trouble as long as you've got ID and it's not over, say one thousand dollars. I guess if I was a frequent payroll-check casher, I'd choose a supermarket. It is so much more pleasant than cashing a check at a check-cashing outfit, pawn shop, etc., and what's cheaper than free?

If you've got to cash a check regularly, get a membership at a supermarket, and assuming you have a check Friday night, just plan on doing your groceries or something at the market that night, or maybe Saturday morning.

What if you don't have a supermarket membership, and have a one-time need to cash a check, maybe even a personal check? Find a branch of the bank your check is drawn on, you can just cash it there for no fee. Check cashing places are also out there, if you can't find a bank. They will charge a few dollars or a small percent.

One last tip: if you ever need to cash a payroll check late at night, try a big box store. Some of those super centers are open as late as midnight.