IDFPR and Banks Work Together Again to Provide Free Check Cashing for Stimulus Checks

CHICAGO - Today, the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) announced they have worked with the banks to provide services for unbanked Illinoisans seeking to cash their stimulus checks without incurring check cashing fees. The banks provided this service during the first round of stimulus checks and IDFPR secured the same agreement for the second round of stimulus checks.

The FDIC estimates that over 22% of Illinois households are under or unbanked. Many of these Illinois households will once again be receiving paper stimulus checks and will have few check cashing options that won't incur fees. IDFPR is proud to announce a number of banking institutions that are able to work with non-customers on cashing their stimulus checks for free.  Thanks to Bank of America, First Midwest, Fifth Third, Huntington, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase and U.S. Bank, Illinoisans will be able to cash their stimulus checks without incurring fees in order to ensure these funds go toward the food, housing, and necessities that people need during this difficult time.

"We are happy to once again work with the banks to provide this necessary service to Illinois residents.    I want to thank Bank of America, First Midwest, Fifth Third, Huntington, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase and U.S. Bank.  Illinois residents will be able to use their checks for living essentials instead of processing fees thanks to them," said Secretary Deborah Hagan.

"The Illinois banking industry is honored to again partner with IDFPR to help Illinois citizens through this next round of economic stimulus checks. The banks listed stand ready to cash stimulus checks for the unbanked, waiving the usual fee for non-customers and allowing for more stimulus funds in the pockets of those who need it the most," said Illinois Bankers Association President and CEO Randy Hultgren.

In order to ensure proper social distancing and that everyone has the proper identification to cash their federal stimulus check, individuals interested in these options should contact the banks listed above, or email IDFPR at ILBanks@illinois.gov to set up an appointment.