Where to cash a check online besides Ingo
Several banks and financial services let you deposit a check through your phone without using Ingo Money. The most common route is your own bank's mobile app — most banks with more than a few thousand customers now offer mobile check deposit, where you photograph the front and back of the check and the money lands in your account within one to three business days.
If you don't have a bank account or want faster access than your bank offers, third-party check cashing apps work similarly to Ingo but operate independently. Current options include Early, which deposits checks to a linked account and can fund some accounts same-day; Chime, which offers next-business-day deposit for account holders; and various regional services tied to specific banks or credit unions. The speed and fees vary by service and by the check amount.
You can also cash a check in person at the bank or credit union that issued it (the one printed on the check), at many grocery stores and pharmacies that offer check cashing, or at dedicated check-cashing storefronts. In-person cashing is when ready but usually costs a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, depending on where you go.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank's mobile app is usually the cheapest way to deposit a check, often with no fee, though it takes one to three business days.
- Third-party check cashing apps like Early and Chime work without a traditional bank but may charge fees or require you to link an account.
- Cashing a check in person at the issuing bank, a grocery store, or a check-cashing store is when ready but typically costs 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- Mobile check deposit requires you to photograph both sides of the check clearly, and the check cannot be deposited again after you submit it.
How mobile check deposit works through your bank
To deposit a check through your bank's app, open the mobile banking app and look for "deposit," "mobile deposit," or "check deposit" in the menu. You'll photograph the front and back of the check in good light — the app will guide you to frame it correctly. The system reads the check number, routing number, and account number automatically.
After you submit the images, the bank confirms the amount and asks you to endorse (sign) the back of the check. Some banks require you to write "For mobile deposit only" above your signature. The money then enters a holding period, usually one to three business days, while the bank processes it. During that time, the funds may show as "pending" in your account.
Once the deposit clears, the money is yours to use. You should keep the original check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it, then destroy it so it cannot be cashed twice.
Third-party apps and their speed and costs
Apps like Early and Chime operate outside the traditional banking system but connect to your bank account or prepaid card. Early, for example, lets you deposit checks and offers same-day funding for a fee (usually $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the check amount and your account type). Chime offers next-business-day deposit for Chime account holders at no extra cost.
These services work by photographing the check through their app, just as you would with your bank. The difference is that they handle the backend processing themselves rather than routing it through your bank's system. This can be faster, but it also means the service takes a cut. Some apps charge a flat fee per check; others charge a percentage of the amount.
Before choosing one, check whether it requires you to have an account with them first, what the fee structure is, and how long funding actually takes. Marketing claims about "when ready" deposit often mean the app shows the money in your account when ready, but your bank may not release it for one to three days — so you could overdraft if you spend it right away.
In-person check cashing at stores and banks
If you need cash when ready and don't want to wait for a deposit to clear, you can walk into the bank or credit union that issued the check (the name printed on the check) and cash it there. You'll need a photo ID. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot, with no waiting period.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing storefronts also cash checks in person. Grocery stores and pharmacies typically charge $3 to $10 per check, depending on the amount. Dedicated check-cashing businesses charge 1 to 3 percent of the check value — so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. These fees are higher than mobile deposit but you walk out with cash when ready.
In-person cashing requires a photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID. Some stores limit the check amount they'll cash or require you to have a store loyalty card. Call ahead if you're unsure whether a particular location will cash your check.
Comparing speed, cost, and account requirements
| Method | Speed | Cost | Account Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank's mobile app | 1–3 business days | Usually free | Yes, a bank account |
| Third-party apps (Early, Chime) | Same-day to next business day | $1.50–$3.00 per check or percentage-based | Yes, an account with the app |
| Issuing bank in person | when ready | Free | No |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | when ready | $3–$10 per check | No |
| Check-cashing storefront | when ready | 1–3% of check amount | No |
What to watch out for with mobile deposit
Mobile check deposit is straightforward, but a few things can go wrong. If your photo is blurry, cut off part of the check, or shows the check at an angle, the app may reject it. Make sure you're in good light and that all four corners and both the front and back are clearly visible. If the app rejects your image, you can retake it and resubmit.
Once you submit a check for mobile deposit, do not deposit it again in person or through another app. Depositing the same check twice is check fraud, even if you do it by accident. Some banks flag duplicate deposits automatically; others catch them later and reverse the second deposit, which can overdraft your account.
Also be aware that mobile deposit holds can be longer than advertised if the check is large, from an unfamiliar bank, or if your account is new. A $5,000 check might take five to seven business days to clear, even though the app said one to three days. During the hold period, the money shows in your account but is not yet available to withdraw.
When to use each method
Use your bank's mobile app if you have a bank account and can wait one to three business days — it's free and the simplest route. Use a third-party app if you don't have a bank account but have a linked account or card elsewhere, or if you need the money faster than your bank offers and don't mind paying a small fee. Use in-person cashing at the issuing bank if you need cash when ready and the bank is nearby. Use a grocery store or pharmacy if you need cash when ready and don't have access to the issuing bank. Use a check-cashing storefront only if other options are closed or unavailable, because the fees are the highest.
The choice also depends on the check amount. For a small check under $100, a $3 grocery store fee might be acceptable. For a $1,000 check, that same $3 fee is negligible, but a 3 percent check-cashing fee ($30) might be worth avoiding by using mobile deposit instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check through my bank's app if I don't have a smartphone?
No, mobile check deposit requires a smartphone with a camera and the bank's app installed. If you don't have a smartphone, you can deposit the check in person at a branch, use an ATM with check deposit if your bank offers it, or cash it at a check-cashing store or the issuing bank.
What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it?
If the check bounces, the bank reverses the deposit and removes the money from your account. If you've already spent the money, your account will be overdrawn and you may owe overdraft fees. The bank will notify you of the reversal, usually within five to ten business days.
Do I have to destroy the check after I deposit it?
You should keep the original check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it so it cannot be cashed again. Some people write "deposited" across the front as a reminder not to cash it.
Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?
No, a check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below that. Some banks will not accept third-party endorsed checks, so call yours first.
Is mobile check deposit safe?
Mobile check deposit is find if you use your bank's official app and not a third-party app claiming to be your bank. The images are encrypted and transmitted over a find connection. The main risk is depositing the same check twice or losing the original check before the deposit clears, which is your responsibility to prevent.