Modern financial technology and banking apps have greatly simplified the process of mobile check cashing, eliminating the need for a visit to a bank. One such example is Ingo Money, a third-party service that typically charges 2% to 5% of your check amount for instant check cashing. Ingo Money also offers fee-free check cashing, but may hold funds for up to 10 days.
However, there are many alternatives to Ingo Money. In this post, we list some apps that allow you to cash a check online instantly without Ingo Money. These range from institutional bank apps to emerging fintech apps. Most of these apps require you to take a photo of your signed check and deposit it into your account within minutes.
Instant vs. Standard Deposit: What’s the Difference?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 23 mainstream banking apps offer mobile check deposits directly within their apps, with no third-party service like Ingo required.
- Four apps that cash checks instantly, but apply a fee for this expedited service, while standard deposits are typically free but take one to five business days.
- Using official apps from FDIC-insured banks or credit unions gives you the most security, support, and reliability – plus free deposits in most cases. Longer holds may apply in specific cases.
When you deposit a check through a mobile app, you’ll usually get two options: instant or standard. An instant deposit means the app makes some or all of your funds available right away, often for a fee. A standard deposit means you wait for the check to clear before you can use the money — typically free, but slower.
| Feature | Instant Deposit | Standard Deposit |
| Speed | Minutes (sometimes up to an hour) | One to five business days |
| Cost | 2% to 5% of check amount or flat fee | Free with most banks/apps |
| Limits | Daily or per-check limits may apply | Usually higher limits or none |
| Eligibility | Often based on account history | Usually available to all account holders |
| Best For | Urgent bills, avoiding overdraft fees | Saving money on fees, non-urgent needs |
When Instant Makes Sense: You’ve got a bill due today, need emergency cash, or want to avoid overdraft charges.
When Standard Is Smarter: You can wait a few days and would rather keep the full amount of your check instead of paying a percentage to get it faster.
Top Instant Apps to Cash Checks Without Ingo
We at Buddyloans provided a research and checked which check cashing app don’t use ingo money and working truly instant, in several minutes. According to our research it’s only 4 apps
1. US Bank
Overview: US Bank’s mobile app offers built-in mobile deposit for checking and savings account holders at no charge. The app provides same-day and next-day deposit processing, depending on the time of the deposit. Deposits made before 10 p.m. CT on a business day are considered that day’s deposit. The first $275 may be available immediately, with the remaining amount typically available the next business day. The bank’s agreement allows holds longer than five business days in certain situations — larger or first-time deposits — which can approach a week.
Funding Options: Checks are deposited directly into your US Bank checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for customers.
2. PNC Bank
Overview: PNC Bank’s mobile app includes a check deposit feature. PNC customers can snap a photo of a check and have it deposited. Deposits made before 10 p.m. ET on a business day are typically available the next business day at no charge for the bank’s customers. PNC offers an expedited service called Express Funds, which provides immediate access to deposited funds for a fee. This allows you to cash a check online instantly without Ingo Money. However, the service is only available if the check qualifies after image capture; not every item is eligible for this service.
Funding Options: Direct deposit into your PNC checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.3/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Standard mobile check cashing is free. For Express Funds, there is a fee of $2 for checks between $25 and $100; 2.5% for checks over $100.
3. Huntington Bank
Overview: Huntington’s Mobile Deposit within its app accepts photo check deposits without Ingo. If you deposit on a business day before midnight CT, that usually counts as the deposit date. Funds are generally cleared within two business days. As an instant check cashing app, Huntington provides free instant access to up to $500 of deposited checks.
Funding Options: Funds are deposited directly into your Huntington checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.6/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile deposits.
4. Current
Overview: Current’s mobile banking app lets account holders deposit checks by taking a photo. Most deposits clear in three to five business days, though some may be available sooner if your account has a strong history. Instant availability isn’t guaranteed and depends on eligibility.
Funding Options: Deposits go directly into your Current account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on the App Store; 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile check deposits.
Note: Current is a fintech company, not a bank. FDIC pass-through insurance applies through its partner banks and only under stated conditions.
Check Cashing Apps Without Ingo
If you don’t need your check cashed instantly but still want the convenience of an online option, here are some additional options that don’t use Ingo:
1. Wells Fargo
Overview: With Wells Fargo’s mobile app, you can snap a photo of a signed check to deposit it directly into your Wells Fargo bank account. Mobile check deposit is only available to Wells Fargo customers who have a linked eligible account. Deposits made before 9 p.m. local time may arrive on the same day, although cutoff times may vary by region. Non-customers are not eligible to use mobile deposit services. The app also features Face ID security and allows you to manage accounts and investments.
Funding Options: Check cashing for existing customers. Same-day availability is often partial, up to $400. Standard availability of funds is the next business day. Many deposits may be held longer based on amount or account history.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.9/5 on App Store; 4.8/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for account holders.
2. Chime
Overview: Chime offers SpotMe and mobile check deposit. Users with direct deposit can take a photo of a check to deposit into their Chime Spending Account. Full availability of funds may take up to five business days, depending on the check type and deposit amount. Cashing is only available when a direct deposit is set up. There are no fees for standard use, and you gain access to more than 60,000 ATMs nationwide at no additional cost. Out-of-network ATM fees apply. There is a cash deposit maximum of $1,000 per day and $10,000 per month.
Funding Options: Transfer to a Chime account, after which you can transfer to other accounts or withdraw from ATMs. While PayPal and Venmo transfers are not supported, Chime does support peer-to-peer transfers via its internal “Pay Anyone” feature.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.6/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No monthly or overdraft fees.
3. Ally Bank
Overview: Ally eCheck Deposit lets customers snap a photo of a check and send it to any eligible Ally Spending, Savings, or Money Market account. There is a daily limit of $50,000 and a monthly limit of $250,000 for deposits. Funds are typically available the next business day. Deposits made before 7 p.m. ET are considered same-day.
Funding Options: Checks are deposited directly into your Ally checking or savings account. You can then transfer via ACH or use your debit card.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 4.4/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile deposits.
4. Cash App
Overview: Cash App is a popular peer-to-peer payment app that also allows you to cash a check online. To unlock check-deposit features, you must have an active account in good standing. Standard deposits typically take one to three business days to arrive.
Funding Options: Deposited checks are added to your Cash App balance. You can then send money, use the Cash Card, or transfer out.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.2/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Instant transfers to your linked debit card incur fees ranging from 0.5% to 1.75%, with a minimum $0.25.
5. Capital One
Overview: Capital One provides its own in-house remote deposit feature. Endorse your paper check and upload it to the app. Checks are typically cleared within the next business day. Large or suspicious checks may be subject to extended holds, which can last up to several business days.
Funding Options: Funds are posted directly to your Capital One checking or savings account. Once cleared, you can spend via your Capital One debit card or transfer to linked external accounts.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.9/5 on App Store; 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for customers.
6. Chase
Overview: JPMorgan Chase’s mobile app offers QuickDeposit, a service that allows customers to deposit checks by taking a photo. Checks deposited before 11 p.m. ET on a business day are usually available by the next business day, but Chase may hold certain deposits, especially for new accounts, for up to two weeks. Chase customers can manage their checking, savings, credit cards, and investments all in one app.
Funding Options: Deposits go into your Chase checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for Chase customers.
7. Santander
Overview: Available only on the East Coast, Santander allows you to deposit checks by taking photos of both the front and back of the check. Santander only works for account holders and is regionally limited to eight Northeast states and Miami-Dade County in Florida. Deposits made before 10:00 p.m. ET are counted as the same day. The first $275 of a deposit may be available by the next business day, with the remaining funds available by the second business day.
Funding Options: Deposits go into your Santander checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 4.4/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for account holders.
8. TD Bank
Overview: Similar to PNC, TD Bank’s app allows mobile check deposits for its customers. You must set up a TD Bank account to use this service. Deposits made before the 8 p.m. ET cutoff time on business days are typically available the next business day. Although most deposits clear the next day, TD may place holds of up to six business days for large sums or flagged transactions. For instant mobile check cashing, customers can utilize TD FastFunds for a fee.
Funding Options: Deposits are made directly into your TD Bank account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.3/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Free for standard online check cashing. For instant access using TD FastFunds, a 2% (minimum $5) fee applies to checks over $100, while a flat $2 fee applies to checks between $25 and $100.
9. SoFi
Overview: SoFi’s mobile app supports photo check deposit for account holders. If you deposit by 5 p.m. ET on a business day, you may receive partial funds the next business day, and the rest may take up to five business days to be available. SoFi doesn’t offer instant deposits.
Funding Options: Check funds are deposited into your SoFi Checking or Savings account balance.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile check deposits.
10. Varo Bank
Overview: Varo offers mobile check deposits inside the app. Varo doesn’t offer instant deposits, and deposits may take up to five business days to clear.
Funding Options: Deposits go into your Varo Bank Account. Once available, you can transfer or spend via the Varo debit card.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.9/5 on App Store; 4.7/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile check deposits.
11. Stash
Overview: Primarily a banking and investment app, Stash also offers a checking account feature that allows you to cash a check online without using Ingo. All check deposits can be available in your Stash Banking account as soon as one to two business days after the deposit is made. There are no overdraft fees or monthly minimums; however, the app is available only through a paid subscription.
Funding Options: If you deposit a check in the Stash Banking account, the money goes into your Stash Deposit account
User Reviews & Ratings: 3.4/5 on App Store; 4.7/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Subscription fee of $3 for Stash Growth, and $9 for Stash+.
12. GTE Financial
Overview: GTE Financial is a Florida-based credit union with a full-featured mobile app. It lets members deposit endorsed checks via mobile photo. The first $275 of a check deposit made before 2 p.m. ET is usually available on the next business day. Amounts over $275 arrive within two to seven business days. Only members can use GTE Financial’s mobile check deposit feature.
Funding Options: Deposits go into your GTE Financial checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 4.7/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for deposits made through their Mobile Deposit service.
13. Lili Banking
Overview: Lili is a fintech company that offers a business checking account available only for mobile check deposits. The app provides automatic expense categorization, financial reports, and a tax-saving bucket. Deposits are usually processed within one to five days. Lili Banking does not offer instant check deposits.
Funding Options: Deposits are loaded into your Lili Spend or Lili Save account. Withdrawals are available via check or transfer to other banks.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.6/5 on App Store; 4.2/5 on Google Play.
Fees: The Lili Basic plan incurs no fees; however, a $3 fee is charged per check when using their “mail-a-check” feature.
14. Zelle
Overview: Zelle is a money-transfer network built into many U.S. bank apps, which also supports mobile check deposits in some partner banks. Zelle does not handle paper checks — you cannot deposit a check by taking a photo of it through Zelle. However, instant transfers are available between banks, with no separate app needed if your bank already partners with Zelle.
Funding Options: Zelle itself is not a wallet. It simply moves your money between banks.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.8/5 on App Store; 3.0/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Zelle charges no fees; any fees may be incurred due to your bank’s policies.
15. First Citizens Bank
Overview: First Citizens Bank offers mobile check deposit through its official app, available to account holders. You can deposit checks by photographing both sides of a signed check. Deposits made before the cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. ET) are typically available within up to three business days, though large checks or new accounts may trigger extended holds. First Citizens does not offer instant cashing or early access for mobile check deposits.
Funding Options: Deposits go directly into your First Citizens checking or savings account. Funds can be accessed via debit card, online transfer, or ATM withdrawal.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 4.4/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile check deposits for customers.
16. Axos Bank
Overview: Axos’s All-In-One Mobile Banking app lets account holders deposit checks by photo. The bank offers a checking account with no monthly fee or minimum balance. Mobile checks deposited before 6 p.m. ET are generally available on the fifth business day.
Funding Options: Checks are deposited into your Axos checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 4.0/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Mobile check deposit is free.
17. Discover Bank
Overview: Discover’s Mobile Check Deposit lets you photograph a check and send it to any eligible Discover deposit account. Funds are typically posted the same day if deposited before 6:30 p.m. ET. There is no instant, fee-based option.
Funding Options: Funds go into your Discover checking, savings, or money market account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.9/5 on App Store; 4.3/5 on Google Play.
Fees: Mobile check deposits are free of charge.
18. Anytime Deposit (FMFCU)
Overview: Anytime Deposit is available as a button within FMFCU’s Mobile Banking app. Although Anytime doesn’t work as a typical check-cashing app that gives you instant cash for a check, it lets you deposit checks electronically. Deposits need to be verified and are processed within one to three business days after approval. Large checks may be subject to longer holds, with a portion of the funds made available sooner.
Funding Options: Deposits go directly into your FMFCU checking or savings account.
User Reviews & Ratings: 2.5/5 on App Store; 3.2/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No additional fees — mobile check deposits are included as part of FMFCU’s Mobile Banking service.
19. Fidelity Bank
Overview: Fidelity’s Mobile Check Deposit lets you snap a photo to fund most brokerage, CMA, and IRA accounts. Typically, funds from mobile check deposits are available the next business day. Deposits made before 5 p.m. ET will generally post the next business day. For personal accounts, there is a daily limit of $5,000 and a monthly limit of $25,000.
Funding Options: Funds are deposited into your Fidelity account. You can use it to invest, pay bills, or transfer out.
User Reviews & Ratings: 4.7/5 on App Store; 3.6/5 on Google Play.
Fees: No fees for mobile check deposits.
Safety Tips for Using Mobile Check Cashing Apps
Before you hit “Submit,” remember that even the slickest mobile check-cashing apps can be a playground for scammers and data thieves. With just a few precautions, you can keep your financial information safe and secure.
- Verify App Legitimacy: Only use official apps from banks or recognized financial institutions, available through the App Store or Google Play. Look for secure features, including encryption and biometrics, and always read the latest reviews to avoid scams.
- Double-Check Fees: Always check deposit fees and limits upfront. Legitimate apps will disclose all fees. Beware of any app that asks for an upfront payment to activate deposits. This is a red flag.
- Secure Your Accounts: Use strong passwords or biometric locks for the app. Enable alerts for transactions to prevent unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Keep Records: Always save the check after depositing (with “mobile deposit only” written on the back) until the funds fully clear. This protects you if any issues arise.
If you’re looking to cash a check quickly without using Ingo Money, there are plenty of reliable options available. Whether you prefer established bank apps or popular fintech services, you can usually access your funds quickly — sometimes instantly, though often for a small fee.
For anyone looking to become more savvy about their finances, we’ve put together helpful guides on money-saving apps and money-borrowing apps that are worth checking out. These apps can help you save or borrow smarter, making your money work better for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What App Will Cash a Check Immediately?
Several banking and fintech apps offer instant check cashing for a fee. Examples include PNC’s Express Funds and Huntington Bank’s instant $500 availability. Many prepaid card apps also offer instant check deposit, though fees can range from 2% to 5%.
Can I Cash a Check Online Instantly Without a Bank Account?
Yes. Some prepaid debit card apps, such as Netspend or Green Dot, allow you to deposit checks instantly without having a traditional bank account. These accounts still require identity verification and may charge fees for instant access. Instant options for many prepaid cards are powered by Ingo and typically fee‑based.
Is There a Check Cashing App with No Verification?
Legit apps must verify your identity due to banking regulations, so “no verification” usually means a scam. However, if you already have an established account in good standing, some apps may not require additional steps for each deposit.
Can I Cash a Check Online Instantly for Free?
Free instant deposits are rare. Most apps offer free standard deposits (taking one to five business days) and charge a fee for instant deposits. Some banks, like Huntington, offer limited free instant availability for eligible deposits.
Does Chime Use Ingo Money?
While Chime offers mobile check deposit for eligible members, it does not publicly disclose any third-party check-processing vendors. Funds may take up to five business days.
Where Can I Cash a Third-Party Check Online Instantly?
Few mobile apps accept third-party checks due to the risk of fraud. You may need to visit a bank branch, credit union, or check-cashing store in person to complete the transaction. If you try online, confirm that the app explicitly allows third-party checks before submitting your information.
What’s the Difference Between Mobile Check Cashing and Mobile Check Deposit?
Mobile check deposit means you’re putting the funds into your account, often with a hold time. Mobile check cashing usually means you’re paying a fee to get immediate access to the money, even before the check officially clears.