Treasury checks, also known as government checks, are familiar to most people. They're so common, that you may not have noticed that they're issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. They represent your money. So how does the check cashing process work with a Treasury check?
What Are Treasury Checks?
When the IRS sends out a tax refund, it's written on a U.S. Treasury check. This is true for all paper checks that come from government agencies.
For example, another type of Treasury check that many received during the pandemic was stimulus checks. They were either sent through direct deposit or, if a person didn't have a bank account, they received paper checks.
Social Security payments are also paid via direct deposit or sent on a U.S. Treasury check.
Where to Cash Treasury Checks
If you don't receive your checks through direct deposit, you'll receive paper checks that need to be cashed.
- Your bank: If you have a bank account at a local bank or credit union, you can cash your check with them. But what if you don't have a bank account? Fortunately, you have many options. You'll still be able to cash your paper checks and get your money.
- Check cashing store: You can go to a check cashing store. You'll be able to cash your Social Security, tax refund or other Treasury checks. But most charge check cashing fees for Treasury checks between two percent and three percent. You don't need a checking account to use a check cashing store. But you do need to have a driver's license or other valid ID.
- Grocery store: Another place you can cash your Treasury check is a grocery store.
- Debit card alternative: If you prefer, when you cash the Treasury check, you can have it put on a debit card instead of taking your money out in cash.
Walmart Check Cashing
Walmart provides money services for its customers. If you don't have a bank account, you can get your money by taking advantage of Walmart's check cashing services.
You can take your tax refund checks to Walmart to be cashed. Any U.S. Treasury check can be cashed at Walmart. But they don't stop with Treasury checks; Walmart will also cash payroll checks and personal checks.
The requirement is that you have a driver's license or other valid ID. They also have check cashing fees ranging from $4 to $8, depending on the check amount.
Commonly Asked Check Questions
When you receive a Treasury check like a tax refund or Social Security, you probably want your money quickly. But you may have questions before you start out to have it cashed. Here are some commonly asked questions.
Can You Cash a Treasury Check at Any Bank?
If you have a bank account, use the bank that your account is with. That's the easiest and least expensive way to cash a Treasury check.
Some financial institutions will cash a Treasury check even if you don't have a bank account with them. But not all will, so call before you stop in.
If you don't have a bank account and the financial institution does allow you to cash your Treasury check with them, they will probably charge you a check cashing fee.
What Is the Process for Cashing a Treasury Check?
Once you find a place to cash your Treasury check, you'll need to be prepared.
First, make sure you have a driver's license or other valid ID. No one will cash your check without this. Next, you'll need to endorse the back of the check.
And finally, if you aren't using your own bank, you'll need to be prepared to pay check cashing fees.