If you have a check that you need to cash, a few options are available. Some banks allow their members to cash checks online through their banking services. Alternatively, you can visit a branch of the bank and have a representative cash the check for you. However, this option is only available to members of that specific bank, so those who use digital-only banks may have difficulty if they do not have access to a physical branch.
Certain banks and credit unions may allow you to cash checks that follow the rules set out by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This means that the check must be written by a member and the account must have sufficient funds to cash the check. Most banks will only cash checks that are less than six months old. Additionally, the institution might charge no members a fee for cashing the check, and in the case that you are allowed to cash it, be sure to bring a government-issued ID.
Major banks continue to close branches across the US
The decrease in the circulation of checks has happened in tandem with the increase in bank branch closures. As online banking becomes more popular, members make fewer trips to physical branches. This has led many of the largest banks in the country to scale back their physical presence.
In February and March, Chase will close twelve branches total:
Bank of America has also scheduled over a dozen closures in the coming months:
These closures come on top of hundreds that took place in 2023 and are likely to be followed by many more.