Where to cash NY unemployment check without a bank account?

You have several options to cash your NY unemployment check without a bank account: 1. The bank listed on the check (the issuing bank) should cash it for free - just bring valid ID 2. Walmart will cash government checks up to $5,000 for a fee (around $4-8 depending on amount) 3. Grocery stores like Price Chopper/Market 32 offer check cashing services 4. Check cashing stores will do it but charge higher fees (can be 1-3% of check amount) I'd recommend trying the issuing bank first since they won't charge a fee. The bank name is printed on the check itself.

I had the same problem last year and found that KeyBank would cash the check without any fees as long as you have a valid photo ID - they're the official bank for NY unemployment. BUT plan to spend at least an hour waiting in line because everyone goes there to cash their checks when benefits hit. If you're in a hurry and don't mind paying a small fee, I've used the Walmart Money Center and it was pretty straightforward.

walmart charges like $8 for gov checks, might b worth it to avoid standing in line for an hour lol. make sure u have 2 IDs tho, they wouldnt cash mine with just drivers license, had to come back with my social security card too

I encountered this exact same situation in February. The BEST option is going to KeyBank since they won't charge fees for NY unemployment checks. Just bring your driver's license or state ID and the check. If you're considering opening a bank account, some online banks like Chime or Current have no monthly fees and you can mobile deposit your checks going forward. That's what I eventually did to avoid the check cashing hassle entirely. Whatever you do, avoid those check cashing places in strip malls - they'll take a huge chunk of your money with their fees!

When I got unemployment last winter i just went to the keybank downtown. Took my id and they cashed it no problem no fee. The line wasn't even bad but maybe I got lucky!!

I've been struggling with this EXACT situation for months now! KeyBank is HORRIBLE to deal with - the lines are insane and sometimes they close early without warning which wasted my bus fare twice!! After wasting half a day trying to cash my check at KeyBank, I found out about Claimyr.com when I was trying to reach an agent about why my check was late. They helped me get through to an actual person at unemployment who told me about the check cashing options. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Ever since then, I just go to Walmart. Yes, they charge a small fee, but it's WORTH IT to avoid the KeyBank nightmare. Just bring TWO forms of ID (I use my license and passport) and you're good to go!

DONT go to those currency exchange places!! They charged me $40 to cash my $800 unemployment check!! TOTAL RIPOFF. Walmart is way cheaper for next time.

Another option nobody's mentioned - some credit unions will cash government checks even if you're not a member. My friend used SEFCU (now Broadview) and they didn't charge him anything. Might be worth calling a few local credit unions to ask.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I tried KeyBank this morning and successfully cashed my check with just my driver's license. The line wasn't too bad (about 20 minutes) and they didn't charge any fees. For anyone else in this situation, just make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to have your thumbprint taken on the check. They were actually really nice about it!