If you’re just starting out, you might not have a relationship with a bank or credit union because you deal in cash or use a prepaid card. If someone pays you with a personal check, there's no need to fear. You do have options for getting the check cashed, though most of them will cost you. Just be ready to provide solid identification such as a driver's license or passport.
Sign the check over to a third party who does have a bank account -- a parent, for instance. Endorse the check on the back, and beneath your signature write, “Pay to the order of,” followed by the first and last name of the new payee. At the bank, that person signs the back and cashes the check.
Call the person's bank, which is listed on the front of the check, to see whether the institution will cash it. If the bank will cash it for you, expect to bring more than one form of identification. The bank might charge you for the service since you don’t have an account.
Investigate grocery and retail stores until you find one that will cash your check. If you’re calling ahead, make sure to ask specifically whether the store will cash a personal check -- not just a business check -- and find out if there is a limit on the size of the check they’ll cash. Kmart, for instance, cashes personal checks only up to $400. You will be charged a fee.
Visit check cashing stores, which specialize in cashing checks. They usually charge a flat fee plus a percentage of what the check is worth. The FDIC reports that the percentage is usually between 1 and 4 percent, so call around beforehand to get the best deal.
