How to Cash a Check from the USA Outside the USA (Solutions for 2025)

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 02/26/2025 Instructions

While at its peak popularity in 1992, the Federal Reserve System processed more than 19 billion checks, in 2024, this number had dropped to just under 3 billion. Despite modern technology, bank checks remain relatively common in the USA. To cash a check, you can bring it to a bank or take a photo using a mobile banking app, after which the funds will be deposited into your bank account. But how can you cash an American check outside the USA in 2025?

Is It Possible to Cash a Check from the USA Abroad?

Cashing an American check outside the USA in 2025 is quite complicated. I have not found any fully functional solutions. The only potential alternative is PayPal, but even this option comes with several restrictions.

1. Cashing a Check from the USA Using “PayPal Cash a Check”

   You can convert a check from the USA into cash under certain conditions using the Cash a Check service offered by PayPal in the United States. The requirements include having a PayPal account registered in the USA, verified with a U.S. phone number, and being physically present in the United States. Additionally, both the PayPal account and the check must be issued in the same name. Residents of the State of New York are not eligible to use this service.

   To cash a check, you need to install the PayPal mobile app, available for both Android and Apple devices. The app includes a feature that allows you to take a picture of the check, and once processed, the funds will be deposited into your PayPal account.

   The check processing service is available 24/7, eliminating the need to visit a physical location—an active PayPal account is all you need. The processing fee for immediate cashing is $5.00, while an alternative option offers free processing within 10 days.

   Before uploading a check to the app, carefully review the service terms to ensure compliance. If the process is not followed correctly, you may invalidate the check before it can be cashed.

   Have you had personal experience with PayPal Cash a Check? I’d appreciate it if you shared your thoughts in the discussion below. Thank you.