Cash Advance Fee Calculator vs Check Cashing Fee Calculator

The CFPB says the card company may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the advance. The 5% with a $10 minimum used as the default here is a common structure, not a CFPB figure, so read the fee line in your own card agreement.

Generally no. The CFPB says interest on a cash advance starts as soon as you withdraw the money, unlike purchases, which usually have a grace period. The CFPB also says you will commonly pay a higher interest rate on a cash advance.

Most check cashers charge about 1–3% for payroll and government checks and more for personal checks, up to 12% in California (Cal. Civ. Code § 1789.35(d)) and 10% or $5 in Maryland. State caps include New York at 2.2% or $1 (1.5% for public-assistance checks), California at 3% with ID or 3.5% without ID for payroll and government checks, and Maryland at 2% or $3 for government checks. Your own bank usually charges nothing to deposit a check, and large retail stores usually charge a flat fee of a few dollars. For a $1,200 paycheck at 3%, that is $36 per check or $864 a year if you cash two checks a month.

Ask for the posted fee schedule before you hand over the check. Licensed check cashers in many states must display their fees; California Civil Code 1789.30 requires a complete, detailed fee schedule posted where customers can see it. Chains often charge different rates by state and by check type, so a fee quoted online for one state may not apply at your location. Enter the posted percentage and any flat fee into this calculator to see your cost per check and per year.