Where can I cash EDD check with no bank account? Got check instead of Money Network card
So frustrated right now! I specifically selected the Money Network debit card option when I filed my claim last month, but yesterday I got a paper check in the mail instead?? This is my first payment after waiting 5 weeks and I NEED this money ASAP. Problem is I don't have a bank account to deposit it. Never needed one before since I always got paid in cash at my last job. Does anyone know where I can cash an EDD check without a bank? Will Walmart cash it? Is there a fee? I've heard check cashing places take like 10% which is ridiculous! Really wish they had just sent the card like I requested.
14 comments
Margot Quinn
You can cash an EDD check at most check cashing places, but yes they'll charge a fee (usually 1-3%, not 10%). Walmart will cash government checks up to $5,000 for a $4 fee if your check is under $1,000, or $8 if it's over. You'll need a valid ID. Some grocery stores like Food 4 Less also cash government checks. Another option is to go directly to the bank listed on the check (Bank of America for EDD checks) - they'll cash it even without an account, but bring your ID.
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Raúl Mora
•Thank you!!! Didn't realize Walmart was so cheap compared to the check cashing places. Definitely going there tomorrow. Do you know if the Money Network card will still come later or am I stuck with checks now?
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Evelyn Kim
i cashed mine at the check cashing place near my house last year. they charged me like $20 on a $450 check which sucked but i needed the money that day. walmart is def cheaper tho
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Diego Fisher
•Walmart is the best option, I use them all the time. Just make sure you have a valid government ID with you!
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Henrietta Beasley
The same thing happened to me! I requested a card and got a check instead. I called EDD about it (took like 40 tries to get through 🙄) and they said sometimes they send the first payment as a check even if you request the card. The Money Network card will come in the mail a week or two after your first payment, and all future payments will go on that card instead of paper checks. It's super annoying they don't explain this anywhere in their instructions.
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Raúl Mora
•OMG that makes sense now! No one told me this would happen. Wish they'd just put this info on their website instead of making us guess. Thanks for explaining - at least I know the card is still coming.
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Lincoln Ramiro
I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!! EDD sent me a check when I asked for direct deposit and I wasted 3 DAYS trying to reach someone at EDD about it. Their phone system is a joke - always busy or they hang up on you! The BofA on the check will cash it but they'll charge you a FEE if you dont have acct with them!!!!
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Faith Kingston
•If you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone, you might want to try a service called Claimyr. They basically connect you directly to an EDD representative by navigating the phone system for you. Saved me hours of redial attempts when I had a similar issue with my payment method. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Diego Fisher
Just wondering - did you do your certification online or by mail? Sometimes how you certify affects how they pay you.
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Raúl Mora
•I did everything online. Filled out the application online, certified online, and definitely clicked the option for debit card not check. That's why I'm so confused!
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Emma Johnson
Once you get your Money Network card, you might want to consider setting up direct deposit for future payments if you can open a bank account. Many credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements. I know you said you don't have a bank, but it might be worth looking into to avoid check cashing fees in the future. The Money Network card works fine too, but sometimes there are fees at certain ATMs.
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Raúl Mora
•Yeah might have to finally get a bank account. Never really needed one before but this whole situation is a pain. Anyone know if the Money Network card has a lot of fees? Can I use it for free at stores?
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Margot Quinn
The Money Network card can be used for purchases at stores with no fee. You get free ATM withdrawals at Bank of America ATMs and MoneyPass network ATMs. There's a fee for out-of-network ATMs (about $3). There's no fee for checking your balance online, but there's a small fee for calling customer service more than once per month. You can also transfer money from the card to a bank account online if you eventually open one.
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Raúl Mora
•That's really helpful, thanks for explaining! Guess I'll cash this check at Walmart tomorrow and then just wait for the card to come for future payments. At least now I know what's going on.
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