Check-Cashing Stores

Off-base check-cashing stores cash checks for a fee of around 4 percent to 5 percent. That means you’ll pay a fee of $4 to $5 for every $100. That doesn’t sound like much, but most military families can’t afford to waste a single dollar. You might be able to pay less—and get more than just check cashing—by opening a checking account at a local bank or credit union that has low fees. If you haven’t had time to open a bank account and need to cash a small personal check, see if your base has a military exchange that will cash your check for free.