Finance

Can You Cash a Check with Social Security Card?

You might be unsure of your options if your ID was stolen or lost and you need to cash the check. In this article, we will discover if you can cash a check with your Social Security card and discuss the specific types of identification you may require at various locations to cash your check.

What Will We Talk About Here?
  • In addition to your social security card, you will need to present identification verification to cash a check.
  • A photo ID proof such as a passport, driver’s licence, or student ID can be used to check a cash.
  • Cash the check without having a bank account by taking it to the bank that issued it or a check cashing company.

…and Much More!

Can You Cash a Check with a Social Security Card?

For check cashing, the social security card is not an acceptable form of identification.

Attention! A valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) may be required by many grocery stores, check cashing facilities, and other check cashing companies.

You must present a piece of identification with a photo of yourself on it, so the cashier can match your face to the image. This is because Social Security cards which lack photos are easily stolen and are frequent targets for identity theft.

Even though you don’t need to provide your Social Security card, grocery stores, check cashing stores, may ask for your Social Security number whenever you cash a check.

The only possible exception may be specific locations that offer check cashing services and have relatively lax regulations. However, even these shops will demand that you present photo identification and give other forms of identity verification.

You might be interested in reading: Cash an Estate Check With No Estate

Identification Documents In Addition to Cash a Check With Social Security Card

Whether you are seeking to cash a personal check or a payroll check, the financial firm will probably need you to show a valid type of identification.

The following types of ID are accepted:

Driving License

The most popular version of identification that is used cash a check is a driver’s license. A driver’s license includes your name, address, and other reliable information for comparison in addition to a photo of your face. Many locations also recognize a learner’s permit as identification.

Passport Card or Book

Another commonly accepted type of identification that may be used to cash a check is a passport. A conventional passport book or a passport card will usually be accepted instead of a state-issued identification card by financial associations.

State Identification Number Card

The government issues state identification cards which are available at any Department of Motor Vehicles office or state-specific equivalent. A state identification card which includes your picture, name, date of birth, and address is acceptable as identification when cashing a check.

Military ID Card

A military I.D. card works the same way as a driver’s license or state identity card for cashing checks. All the details a teller will need to verify your identify before cashing a check are on your military identification card.

Non-Government IDs to Cash a Check with Social Security Card

In most cases, you would only utilize a non-government issued ID, if the company where you are cashing a check demanded that you present TWO forms of identification.

In that situation, the second ID only needs to contain your name and possibly some other supporting personal information, whereas the first ID must be a government-issued photo ID. Additional forms of identification that could be used as backup IDs include:

  • School Or Work ID.

A work or school ID card with your name and photo on it is acceptable identification at some check cashing locations to cash a check.

  • A debit or credit card bearing your name.
  • Utility Bill.

If the financial institution won’t consider your photo identification alone, you could also need a utility bill as a second form of identity. This might occur if you use a bank that is out-of-state or with which you do not already have an account. You can usually cash a check with just a utility bill and a driver’s license, state identification card, or military identification card as additional forms of identification.

  • A government-issued identification document without your picture, such as a birth certificate, social security card, or other.

Major Banks and Their ID Requirements for Cashing the Checks

For account holders and non-customers, banks typically require different forms of identification. If you have a bank account, you will likely only need your account number to cash checks; your bank won’t normally ask for identification. You might need to present a government-issued photo ID and pay a check cashing fee if you’re a non-customer.

For those who aren’t customers, the following list of big banks accepts checks:

  • Bank of America
  • BB&T Bank
  • Chase Bank
  • Citibank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • HSBC
  • KeyBank
  • M&T Bank
  • PNC Bank
  • Regions Bank
  • SunTrust Bank
  • TD Bank
  • Wells Fargo

Companies/Stores for Cash Checking

The most popular check-cashing stores are listed below:

  • ACE Cash Express
  • Check Into Cash
  • Check ’N Go
  • Community Financial Service Centre-CFSC
  • Money Mart
  • Mr. Payroll
  • PLS Check Cashing
  • Speedy Cash
  • United Check Cashing

Grocery Stores Where You Can Cash Your Checks

The list below will assist you if you want to cash checks at a grocery store:

  • Albertsons
  • Food Lion
  • Hannaford
  • Hy-Vee
  • Kroger

Note:  Baker’s, Dillon’s, Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food, King Soopers, Ralphs, and Smiths are among the retailers in the Kroger family.

  • Publix
  • Safeway
  • Shaw’s
  • Walmart
  • Winn-Dixie

Can I Cash a Check Without a Bank Account?

You need to cash a paper check, but you do not even have a bank account. Fear not; you still can cash a check by taking it to the bank that issued it or a check-cashing institution without a bank account.

Most people either deposit checks they receive into their bank accounts and cash them at their bank. They can also present their identification and cash the check at the bank which issued it. A check can be cashed at the bank that issued it or at a check cashing company even if you don’t have a bank account. If you’ve misplaced your ID, you can still cash a check by going to an ATM or handing it over to another person. Find out more below.

Cash a Check Without Bank Account – Step By Step Guide.

Even though it’s less convenient and costs more, it is feasible to cash a check without a bank account.

If you don’t have a bank account but have ID, you can still cash a check by following these steps:

  • At the bank that issued it, cash it. This is the pre-printed bank name on the check.
  • Cash the check at a business that accepts checks, like a grocery store or discount retailer.
  • Use a check-cashing company to cash the checks.
  • Make an ATM deposit to a checkless debit card or pre-paid card account.

Each of these choices will cost money and maybe take time. Even if the costs seem minor, they add up. If you make $300 per week and pay $7 to cash your check, you are spending 2% of your income on this single transaction. That amounts to $360 in annual costs.

Open a checking account at a bank to save time and money. If you already have a bank account, you can usually sign up for direct deposit. It allows your company to put your pay check right into your account, You can also use an ATM to deposit a check.

Cash Your Check Without Any ID

  • Use an ATM at your bank to make a deposit into your account.
  • Whenever your bank allows it, utilize the ATM check cashing service.
  • Transfer the check to the next person.

There is no set list of forms of ID, but most banks demand to see your ID prior they cash a check. If you have a document that will be accepted as identification, verify with the bank or the bank which issued the check.

As a last option, hand the check over to a reliable individual and tell them to deposit it on your behalf. Thus, a third-party check is produced. If you decide to go with this option, consider that many banks will want you to bring the original payee in to sign the check. Moreover, they will also require showing them your ID to prove that you had their permission to do so. 

The Bottom Line

Can you use your Social Security card to cash a check? No. To cash a check, you might need to submit your Social Security number. However, you cannot cash a check using just your Social Security card.

Most places require a current, government-issued photo ID before you can cash a check. There are several alternative kinds of picture ID that might be acceptable with another form of identification. If you’re unsure about what you might need, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the place where you want to cash your check in advance to learn more about their identification criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cash a check using your Social Security?

Checks, Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and a current, valid ID are required to cash a check at your local Money Services. The following forms of ID are accepted: Driving Permit (US Only)

Without an account, how can a check be cashed at an ATM?

If the funds are deposited on to prepaid card account, some banks will allow you to cash a check using their ATMs. This is a wonderful approach to bypass the inconvenience of standing in line at a bank, shop, or retailer.

You should budget for both a per-check cost and a monthly service charge for said card account.

Which two types of identification are required at Wells Fargo to cash a check?

The main form of identification must be a driver’s license or another state- or government-issued document with a picture on it.

How can I quickly cash a check so I can get money?

Taking your check towards the check writer’s bank is the fastest and safest option to acquire cash. The money from the check writer’s account can be quickly withdrawn from that bank or credit union and placed in your hands.