What Advance America Does

Advance America is a check cashing chain with locations across the United States that cashes checks, sells money orders, and offers payday loans. If you arrive with a paycheck, tax refund, government benefit check, or other valid check, they will cash it for you on the spot — you do not need a bank account. The company operates as a storefront business, so you walk in, show your ID and the check, and leave with cash the same day.

Advance America also offers services beyond check cashing. They sell money orders (useful if you need to send payment by mail), offer wire transfers to send money to other people, and provide payday loans — short-term borrowing against your next paycheck. This guide focuses on the check cashing side, since that is the most straightforward transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance America cashes checks without requiring a bank account, and you receive cash the same day you visit.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID and the original check — they do not cash copies or digital images.
  • Advance America charges a fee for cashing your check, and the amount depends on the check size and your state.
  • You can find Advance America locations online or by calling their customer service line to confirm hours and services at your nearest store.
  • If you use Advance America regularly, the fees can add up significantly compared to having a bank account.

What You Need to Bring

To cash a check at Advance America, bring the original check and a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The check must be made out to you — they will not cash a check made out to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you.

The check itself must be intact and legible. Advance America will not cash a check that is torn, water-damaged, or missing information. If your check is damaged, contact the person or organization that issued it and request a replacement check.

How Much the Fee Costs

Advance America charges a fee to cash your check. The fee is not a flat amount — it varies based on the size of the check and the state where you are cashing it. Larger checks typically cost more to cash than smaller ones. Some states regulate how much check cashing companies can charge, so the fee structure differs by location.

You can call your local Advance America store or visit their website to ask about the specific fee for your check amount before you go in. The fee is deducted from the cash you receive, so if your check is for $500 and the fee is $15, you will walk out with $485.

The Step-by-Step Process

When you arrive at an Advance America location, tell the clerk you want to cash a check. Hand over your ID and the check. The clerk will examine both, enter the check information into their system, and verify that the check is valid.

Once the check clears their verification process, they will tell you the fee amount and show you how much cash you will receive. If you agree, you sign a receipt, and they count out your cash. The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the store is.

Types of Checks Advance America Will Cash

Advance America cashes payroll checks, government benefit checks (including Social Security and unemployment), tax refund checks, business checks, and personal checks from individuals. They also cash cashier's checks and money market checks. The check must be from a U.S. bank and written in U.S. dollars.

They will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated for a future date), checks that are stale-dated (more than 180 days old), or checks that are written for more than the amount you are requesting to cash. If your check does not fit these categories, ask the clerk whether they can process it — policies can vary slightly by location.

Finding an Advance America Location

Advance America has hundreds of locations nationwide, but they are not in every state or every town. To find the store nearest you, visit the Advance America website and use their location finder tool. You can search by city, zip code, or street address. The tool shows store hours, phone numbers, and which services each location offers.

You can also call Advance America's customer service line to ask about nearby locations and confirm that the store is open before you make the trip. Store hours vary — some locations are open on weekends, while others close on Sundays. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip if the store is closed or if they are temporarily out of service.

When Check Cashing Fees Add Up

If you cash checks at Advance America regularly — say, every payday — the fees can total hundreds of dollars per year. A person who cashes a $2,000 paycheck every two weeks and pays a $20 fee each time will spend roughly $520 per year on check cashing fees alone. Over five years, that is $2,600 in fees for a service that a bank account provides for free or at low cost.

If you receive paychecks regularly, opening a checking account at a bank or credit union may save you money in the long run. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and direct deposit (where your employer deposits your paycheck straight into your account) is faster than cashing a check in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check if it is made out to two people?

Most Advance America locations will not cash a check made out to two people unless both people are present with valid ID. If only one person on the check is present, contact the issuer and request a new check made out to one person only.

What if my check is rejected during verification?

If Advance America's system flags your check as potentially fraudulent or invalid, they will not cash it. Ask the clerk why it was rejected. Common reasons include a closed bank account, insufficient funds in the issuing account, or a stop payment placed on the check. Contact the person or organization that issued the check to resolve the problem.

Do I need an account with Advance America to cash a check?

No. You do not need to be a customer or have any account with Advance America. Walk-in check cashing is available to anyone with a valid ID and a check. You do not need to provide personal information beyond what is on your ID.

Can I cash a check online or by mail?

No. Advance America only cashes checks in person at their physical store locations. You must bring the original check and your ID to the store. They do not offer remote check cashing or mail-in services.

What happens if I lose my receipt?

Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction. If you lose it, you can contact the Advance America location where you cashed the check and ask them to print a duplicate receipt. Bring your ID and be ready to provide details about the check amount and date.