Most people have a paper check which they want to cash but do not have a bank account. In that case, you can cash a check at a check cashing store, gas station, or issuing bank, even if you do not have a bank account. But they always ask for an ID. What will you do if they require an ID and you do not have one? When you are cash-checking from a convenience store, they will always ask for identification in case you do not have a bank account. But you might not have your ID with you either. From here, the article will review some of the gas stations that cash checks without ID.
Why is ID Required to Cash a Check?
The financial providers are bound to ask for an ID or Government-issued card to verify whether or not the person is you. They will not cash it if you fail to provide enough evidence that the check is meant for you. The providers follow this rule as otherwise, people would steal checks, and the wrong person will receive the cash.
For this reason, ID cards are a requirement. The acceptable ID cards have to be government-issued which means that student ID will not be helpful. You might not have your ID with you for whatever reason, and in that case, for cash checking, you have to find gas stations that do not require an ID for cashing out checks.
How to Cash Check without ID?
Showing an ID while dealing with cash is essential in most cases. In scenarios such as dealing with necessary procedures like purchasing properties or land, registering in an institution, or cash checking, an ID is necessary. It verifies that the applicant is the right person and can qualify for the privileges or rights to which they have applied.
However, some people do not feel comfortable submitting their Social Security Number or other ID documents on sites that might not be safe. Others may have lost or do not have IDs yet. Those people who do not have access to their IDs have alternate forms of identification to explore. They are –
- Birth certificate
- Visa
- Military ID
- Employment ID
- School ID
- Government Employment ID
- Passport
- Any insurance cards
Not every company or Government agencies accept IDs of all form. So, suppose you will apply or do something requiring an ID. In that case, you have to ask them beforehand about the acceptable IDs and provide information from the ones you have.
List of Gas Stations That Cash Checks Without ID
Most gas stations have convenience stores that do not cash checks without an ID. Luckily, many stores with many branches over the US do not require an ID to cash checks and are also open to cash checking 24/7. Some of them are:
1. Walmart
All over the United States, Walmart has more than 4,700 locations, and almost all of them are cash checks. Visiting Walmart is always a good option as not only do they sell various goods but they also provide help with financial services.
2. Publix
Publix has been around since 1930 and is mainly found in the southern part of the United States. They cash checks, and even if you do not have an ID, they will accept a valid driver’s license or military ID. Sometimes, you might need to have your Social Security Number with you. The payroll checks will need employer details, meaning the check needs to have a printed phone number.
3. Kroger
At Kroger, they will let you cash many types of checks without an ID. Checks like income tax refunds, business, payroll, government, insurance settlements, debit card cashing, and child support checks will be cashed out without having an ID. However, they want to see your Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number.
4. Food City Supermarkets
With more than 120 stores in the United States, you will find them in at least one gas station. For payroll and rebate checks, the Food City should have the paying company on its approval list, or the check will get rejected. If you do not meet certain requirements, then the management will have all the authority to refuse any request for cash checking.
5. Giant Eagle
Even though Giant Eagle is available in only five states, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland, cash checking is necessary for all regions. They accept a valid driver’s license if you do not have an ID. At times, they also ask for an additional photo to identify you for check transactions. Or you can use a Giant Eagle Advantage Card for cash checking at the stores.
6. Albertsons Stores
Many of the Albertsons stores cash checks, but their policies vary from store to store. They want to see an ID for verification, but a driver’s license would be acceptable if you do not have one. However, suppose the financial providers suspect the check is fake or something is off. In that case, that individual will have to face serious consequences.
Other than Gas Stations, Where Can You Cash a Check Without an ID?
If you want to extract the money from your check, you can look at the check cashing stores that do not require an ID near you. Options such as some retail stores, ATM check cashing banks, and specific financial service establishments usually do not require an ID to cash a check. Most cash-checking services are not available 24/7 so keep the limitation of time in your mind before going out to cash check. Also, this method is unreliable for withdrawing vast amounts of cash.
Moving large sums around is unsafe; not every financial provider will let you cash out a significant amount without showing them an ID. The best option is to add the cash to your e-wallet or bank account as it is safe, and you can do it anytime. There are many options besides bank apps such as Paypal, Venmo, and much more. All you need is a good internet service and a device that can connect to the internet.
Last Word
In the US, it is not uncommon to find gas stations that cash checks without ID. But these stores will still ask for some form of identification to verify that the check was directed to you. Stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Giant eagle, and much more will cash your check if you can meet their requirements and provide enough proof that the check is for you. It is also important to note that ID is vital for everyday chores and if you lose tours, ensure to make one as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What to do if I lose my ID card before cash checking?
In such cases, the best option would be to sign the check over to another person or use an ATM check cashing if your bank offers one.
What are some of the alternatives to using an ID?
An ID card is crucial for most things in your adult life, but if you lose it, then you can use the health insurance card, driver’s license, passport, PIV, or other government-issued cards.
Is it safe to cash checks from gas stations?
Gas stations will ask for enough identification before checking cash, and they will have to hand over the cash, or else their company will be at stake.
Does cash checking have any limits?
Every store that cash checks will have a specific limit of amount withdrawal, but the range varies from store to store. You will also need to pay a specific charge based on the withdrawal amount.
Do gas stations offer 24-hour check cashing?
Yes, gas stations do provide 24-hour check cashing, albeit some are in partnership with food shops and vary depending on the area. However, not all provide 24-hour financial services. A gas station’s regular hours are usually from 6 a.m. to midnight.
