What Pls Check Cashing Offers

Pls is a check-cashing chain with locations across the United States that cashes checks for a fee, usually without requiring a bank account. You walk in with your check and ID, pay their fee, and leave with cash. Pls also offers other financial services like money transfers and bill payments, but check cashing is their core business.

The fee Pls charges depends on the check amount and your state — there is no single national rate. A $500 check might cost $10 to $20 to cash, while a $1,000 check might cost $15 to $30. Some locations charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check amount. You can call ahead or visit a location to ask what they charge for your specific check size.

Pls cashes personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and some other types. They do not cash post-dated checks (checks dated for a future date) or checks that appear altered or fraudulent. If your check is written to you personally, Pls can usually cash it the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Pls charges a fee to cash your check, and the amount varies by location and check size — call ahead to confirm the cost for your check.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID and the check itself; Pls does not require a bank account.
  • Pls typically cashes checks the same day, though some checks may take longer if they need verification.
  • If Pls refuses to cash your check, the reason is usually that it appears altered, post-dated, or fraudulent — ask the cashier why before you leave.

What Documents and ID You Need

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. Pls scans or records your ID information as part of their verification process, so the ID must be current and match the name on the check.

Bring the check itself. The check must be made out to you (or to you and someone else, though policies vary by location). If the check is made out to a business or to someone else's name, Pls will not cash it. Some locations will cash a check made out to two people if both people are present with ID, but this is not may provide — call first if that is your situation.

If you are cashing a check on behalf of someone else, you will need that person's ID as well as your own, and the check must be endorsed (signed on the back) by the person whose name is on it. Pls policies on third-party checks vary by location, so confirm before you go.

How the Check Cashing Process Works

Walk into a Pls location with your check and ID. Tell the cashier you want to cash the check. They will ask to see your ID and examine the check for signs of fraud or alteration — torn corners, whiteout, inconsistent ink, or a signature that does not match your ID can all trigger a hold or refusal.

The cashier will enter your information into their system and may ask questions about the check — who wrote it, what it is for, or whether you have cashed checks there before. This is standard verification. Once they confirm the check appears legitimate, they will tell you the fee and ask if you want to proceed.

If you agree, you pay the fee and receive cash. The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Some checks — particularly large ones, government checks, or checks from unfamiliar sources — may take longer if Pls needs to verify the check with the bank or issuer before cashing it.

Fees and What Affects the Cost

Pls fees are not regulated by federal law, so each location sets its own rate within their company guidelines. The fee typically depends on the check amount and sometimes on the type of check. A payroll check might have a different fee than a personal check, and a government check might have a different fee than either.

Some Pls locations charge a flat fee per check (for example, $5 per check regardless of size). Others charge a percentage of the check amount (for example, 2% to 3% of what you are cashing). A few use a tiered system where the fee changes based on the amount — small checks cost less, large checks cost more.

The best way to know the exact fee is to call the location where you plan to go or visit in person and ask. Pls does not publish a national fee schedule online because rates vary too much by location. If the fee seems high, you can ask the cashier whether they offer any discounts or whether a different check type would have a lower fee.

When Pls Refuses to Cash a Check

Pls will refuse to cash a check if it appears fraudulent, altered, or post-dated. Common reasons include a signature that does not match your ID, visible signs of tampering, a date in the future, or a check from an account that has been reported closed or stolen. If Pls refuses your check, ask the cashier specifically why — they should tell you.

If you believe the check is legitimate and Pls is wrong, you have a few options. You can take the check to the bank that issued it (the bank name is printed at the bottom of the check) and ask them to cash it directly. You can deposit it into a bank account if you have one. Or you can contact the person or business that wrote the check and ask them to issue a replacement.

If Pls suspects fraud, they may keep the check and report it to their fraud department. In rare cases, they may contact law enforcement. This is not common, but it can happen if the check appears to be stolen or forged.

Pls Locations and Hours

Pls has hundreds of locations across the United States, concentrated in the South and Midwest but present in most states. You can find a location near you by visiting the Pls website and using their store locator, or by searching "Pls check cashing near me" in a search engine.

Most Pls locations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location. If you need to cash a check outside normal business hours, you will need to find a different check-cashing service or wait until Pls reopens.

Alternatives to Pls Check Cashing

If Pls is not convenient or if their fee is too high, you have other options. Your bank or credit union will cash checks for free if you have an account, even if the check is not from that bank. Some grocery stores and retailers like Walmart offer check cashing for a lower fee than Pls — typically $2 to $5 for most checks.

If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with just an ID and a small deposit. Some banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes and eliminates check-cashing fees entirely going forward.

If the check is from your employer, you may be able to ask your payroll department to issue a direct deposit to a bank account instead, or to issue a replacement check if the original is lost or damaged. If the check is a government benefit, you can usually set up direct deposit through the agency that issued it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at Pls if it is made out to someone else?

Not usually. The check must be made out to you personally. If it is made out to two people, both people typically need to be present with ID. If it is made out to someone else entirely, Pls will not cash it. Call your local Pls location to confirm their specific policy before you go.

How long does it take to cash a check at Pls?

Most checks are cashed in 5 to 15 minutes. Large checks, government checks, or checks from unfamiliar sources may take longer if Pls needs to verify them with the issuing bank. Ask the cashier for an estimate when you arrive.

What if my ID is expired?

Pls requires a valid ID, which typically means current and not expired. An expired ID may be refused. If your ID is expired, renew it at your state's DMV or equivalent agency before you go to Pls, or bring a different form of valid ID like a passport or military ID.

Can I cash a post-dated check at Pls?

No. A post-dated check is one dated for a future date, and Pls will not cash it until that date arrives. If you need the money now, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a check dated today instead.

What happens if Pls cashes a fraudulent check?

If Pls cashes a check that turns out to be fraudulent, the check will bounce and Pls will attempt to recover the money from your account or contact information. You could be held responsible for the amount. This is rare because Pls has fraud detection systems, but it is why they ask questions and verify checks before cashing them.