Writing a check to "Cash" is one way to get cash from your checking account. However, this approach is risky in that anyone can endorse the back of the check and cash it in at a bank. If you do want to write a check to "Cash," it is generally best to fill it out at the bank to avoid losing it.
Other Check-Cashing Option
To avoid the risk of writing a check to "cash," you can simply make the check out to yourself. Write your name in the "Pay to the Order Of" section of the check. This step removes the potential that someone else comes across the check and is able to cash it.
References
- FDIC Money Smart: How to Write a Check for Cash
- Huntington. "How to Sign/Endorse a Check Over to Someone Else." Accessed Feb. 6, 2020.
- Citizens Bank. "Third Party Sign Over?" Accessed Feb. 6, 2020.
- Citibank. "Client Manual Consumer Accounts," Page 32. Accessed Jan. 9, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "How Quickly Can I Get My Money After I Deposit a Check Into My Checking Account? What Is a Deposit Hold?" Accessed Jan. 9, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "CFPB Takes Action Against Check Cashing and Payday Lending Company for Tricking and Trapping Consumers." Accessed Jan. 11, 2020.
- Kmart. "Check Cashing." Accessed Jan. 11, 2020.
- CO-OP Financial Services. "CO-OP Shared Branch." Accessed Jan. 11, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Understand the Fees You Will Pay." Accessed Jan. 11, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "How to Spot, Report and Avoid Fake Check Scams." Accessed Jan. 11, 2020.
Writer Bio
Neil Kokemuller has been an active business, finance and education writer and content media website developer since 2007. He has been a college marketing professor since 2004. Kokemuller has additional professional experience in marketing, retail and small business. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University.