Venmo will soon roll out a new “Cash a Check” deposit feature for all iOS and Android devices. It will allow all Venmo users cash a check using their mobile phone—no trips to an ATM or waiting in line at the bank necessary. The feature even works for users who don’t have a bank account connected to their Venmo account.
Like other Venmo transactions, users can select how fast they want their money—either “in minutes” or “in 10 days.”
The latter option will cash the check for the full amount, while opting to get it faster will result in a 1% transaction fee (the fee is waived for government checks for qualifying U.S. adults, including the latest $600 Covid relief stimulus payment). Venmo’s Cash a Check FAQ page says it normally takes “10-15 minutes and in rare circumstances, up to 1.5 hours” to verify and approve your deposit.
Cashing checks with your smartphone isn’t anything new—many banks and credit unions already offer digital check deposits in their mobile apps, but you need to maintain an active checking account with that institution, and it will typically be several days before the funds are available. Since you do not need a bank account to use Venmo (or its Cash a Check option), those who don’t use a bank or whose banking apps do not include mobile deposits will be able to cash their checks easily.
How to cash a check with Venmo
- Open the Venmo app, then tap the three-line menu button.
- Select “Manage Balance.”
- Select “Cash a Check.”
- Confirm your personal information
- Type in the check’s amount.
- Using the in-app camera, take a photo of the front and back of the check, then tap “Next.”
- Select if you want the funds available “In 10 Days” or “In Minutes.”
- After the deposit is confirmed, write “VOID” across the check and safely store it for your records.
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The check’s amount will be added to your Venmo balance. Your balance can be used to send money to other users, shop online, and for some in-store transactions. You can also transfer the balance to a connected bank account; doing so takes about 3 business days to clear, or you can transfer it instantly for another 1% transfer fee (capped at $10).
