Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be wondering, why does Ingo charge a check cashing fee at all?
Using the Ingo Money App is a great way to cash checks and get your money in minutes, 24/7/365, in the accounts you choose, without the need to go out or stand in a line. There are no deposit holds and if your check is approved and your account is funded, the money is guaranteed and safe to spend.
If we could do this for free or at a permanently reduced rate, we would. But in order to provide this service to you, we incur a number of expenses including bounced and non-payment check costs, transaction processing costs, and technology and servicing costs.
We charge a check cashing fee to help cover these costs while we continue to invest to make our service better and more efficient for our customers.
ABOUT THE INGO MONEY SERVICE
The Ingo Money service is provided to you by First Century Bank, N.A., a nationally chartered bank, so your checks and your money are always cleared and handled by a national bank regulated by the federal government until they reach your account issuer.
The service is enabled and facilitated by Ingo Money, Inc., which provides the mobile app technology, check review, approval and guarantee services and other related services. Wherever we use the terms “we” or “us,” we are referring to First Century Bank and/or Ingo Money, Inc., depending on the context.
Paper check processing is slow, which makes it risky, but the money in checks—trillions of dollars every year—is really important to people. You count on it. You need it fast. We all do.
We thought, “Hey, we can do that.” So we put all of our 15 years of experience servicing banks and other financial services firms to work to serve consumers and small business owners directly, and in 2013, we launched the Ingo Money App with First Century Bank. Now hundreds of thousands of customers use our app to cash checks and get their money in minutes, and we serve more people every day.
What we do is a lot harder than it seems, but the reasons we do it are very simple.
- We believe it should not take days for a bank to post a check deposit to your account.
- We believe that when your bank makes money from your check deposits available to spend, that money should never be taken back from you, even if a check ends up bouncing.
Ingo Money takes the delay and the risk out of checks. We use lots of sources of information to screen checks fast and most of the time, we approve them. If your check is approved, you can get your money in minutes, as good as cash and safe to spend, and put the money any place you want it.
No check cashing lines. No deposit holds. No take-backs. No worries.
Please note that we generally don’t accept checks that aren’t made out to you, conditional endorsement checks, counter checks, credit card checks, customer appreciation certificates, gift certificates, starter checks, traveler’s checks or warrants.
- Check clearing and settlement costs: When we approve your check and send your money to your selected accounts in minutes, behind the scenes, the check is sent to the Federal Reserve to clear and settle it with the check writer’s bank. That process typically takes a few days, which means that we incur interest expense.
- Bounced and non-payment check costs: Sometimes, a check does not clear because there is not enough money in the check maker’s bank account. Other times there are problems with a check that prevent it from being paid. When checks do not clear we may never get the money, but we have already given you your money, and it is always guaranteed.
- Transaction processing costs: In order for us to send your money in minutes to thousands of accounts issued by banks all across the country, we have to use network processors like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Star, Pulse, Maestro and many others. The networks and various other third party processors we use to send your money depends on the account you choose, and all of them have associated fees and processing costs.
- Technology systems and servicing costs: Building and maintaining technology infrastructure, improving our app, processing checks, accessing third party information databases and serving our customers is the other primary area of cost.
We continue to invest to make our service better and more efficient so you can get your money quickly and conveniently, almost any place, at the lowest possible cost.
When you submit a check in the Ingo Money App, it usually takes a few seconds to review a check for approval, although it can take 3-5 minutes and in rare circumstances, up to an hour while we work to verify sufficient information to approve your check. If your check is approved, we will send your money immediately to the bank account or prepaid account you choose using your linked debit or prepaid card account number. You can also send money to your linked PayPal account, make a payment to a linked credit card, pick up cash at MoneyGram or buy an Amazon.com Gift Card.
If you want to send money to more than one place, you can split your check to send money to multiple accounts.
Most banks, prepaid card issuers and PayPal will make your funds available in your account in minutes so you can immediately make purchases, pay bills or access cash at an ATM. Most credit card issuers apply credit card bill payments and adjust your available balance by the next business day though some do not post payments for two business days. Your Amazon.com Gift Card claim code will be available in your Transaction History in the app immediately following your approved transaction and can be redeemed immediately at Amazon.com/redeem. MoneyGram will make funds available, for cash pick-up in minutes, subject to the agent operating hours for the pick-up location you choose and compliance with regulatory requirements. Cash disbursements funded through MoneyGram must be picked up within 90 days of the date of your check cashing transaction.
Ingo Money also offers a no-fee check cashing service. If time is on your side, you can get your money in 10 days if your check is not returned unpaid within the 10-day period and receive those funds in one of your linked bank accounts, prepaid cards, credit cards, PayPal accounts or on an Amazon.com Gift Card.
Other transaction fees and costs, terms and conditions may be associated with the use of your bank debit card, prepaid card, PayPal account and credit cards. See your Cardholder or Account Agreement for more information on the terms associated with your accounts.
ABOUT APP INSTALLATION AND REGISTRATION
If you do not have geo-location services enabled, you will be prompted in the app to enable location services before you can cash a check.
To enable location services on an Android device:
- Close the Ingo Money App and tap Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Location.
- Turn on the Location Service.
- Tap Agree on the Location Consent screen.
- On the Improve Location Accuracy screen, we recommend you tap Agree to enable Google’s Location Service; it is not required that you enable this service, but it will provide a better user experience.
- Close Settings and re-open the Ingo Money App to continue.
To enable location services on an iPhone:
- Close the Ingo Money App and tap Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Privacy.
- Tap Location Services.
- Make sure Locations Services is enabled.
- Scroll down, tap the Ingo Money App and choose ‘While Using the App.’
- Close Settings and re-open the Ingo Money App to continue.
Your Android device will enable push notifications on the Ingo Money App by default. If you disable push notifications and want to re-enable the notification service:
- Close the Ingo Money App and tap Settings.
- Scroll down to the Applications tab and tap the Ingo Money App.
- Enable Show Notifications.
- Close Settings and re-open the Ingo Money App to continue.
To enable push notifications on an iPhone:
- Close the Ingo Money App and tap Settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Make sure Allow Notifications is enabled.
- Set your notification options.
Close Settings and re-open the Ingo Money App to continue.
Ingo Money takes the risk on the checks we approve and unfortunately, not everyone is honest. We use your Social Security Number and other personal information to verify your identity, comply with legal and regulatory requirements and help us identify and prevent potential check fraud.
ABOUT MY INGO MONEY USER ACCOUNT
ABOUT LINKING MY FUNDING ACCOUNTS
• If your check is approved, you will receive a cash pick-up Reference Number in your Transaction History in the app.
• You must pick up your cash at a participating MoneyGram agent location in the state of your device’s location.
• MoneyGram will make funds available for cash pick-up in minutes, subject to agent operating hours and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• You will need to present your state-issued picture ID and Reference Number at MoneyGram.
• You may be asked to provide the Sender’s Name: First Century Bank, N.A./Ingo Money.
• The name on your ID must match the name on your Ingo Money profile.
• You must pick up your cash within 90 days from the date of the check-cashing transaction.
• MoneyGram charges an additional $5.00 fee, which will be deducted from your check value in the app for payment to MoneyGram.
• Once a MoneyGram cash pick-up Reference Number has been generated, it cannot be cancelled or exchanged.
To save time and to eliminate the in-store paperwork, pick up your cash at a MoneyGram location using MoneyGram MobilePass.
1) Go to https://start.moneygram.com/ or click on the link on the Transaction History screen in the app.
2) Click ‘Receive Money’ and enter the transaction information.
3) See the store cashier to complete your transaction.
If you use MoneyGram MobilePass, you will have 24 hours to pick up your cash at your selected location. (This service is currently unavailable at Walmart.)
To pick up cash using the traditional in-store method, go to https://secure.moneygram.com/locations or click on the link on the Transaction History screen in the app to find a location near you.
- If your check is approved, you will receive an Amazon.com Gift Card claim code in your Transaction History in the app.
- Enter your claim code at amazon.com/redeem.
- Alternatively, you can use your claim code directly upon checking out at amazon.com.
- There is no additional fee to buy an Amazon.com Gift Card in the Ingo Money App.
Only one Amazon.com Gift Card can be funded per check transaction in an amount between $5 and $2,000. You must have an established Amazon.com account in order to redeem your claim code. Once an Amazon.com Gift Card claim code has been generated, it cannot be cancelled or exchanged.
If you have any issues with your Amazon.com Gift Card, please send an email to help@ingomoney.com, give us a call at (229) 276-3990 or chat with us online by clicking the chat link at the bottom of the screen.
ABOUT CASHING A CHECK
To cash a check and get your money in minutes, the standard fee is 2% for payroll and government checks with a pre-printed signature and 5% for all other accepted checks, with a $5 minimum fee per check. To receive lower fees on check cashing transactions, become an Ingo Gold frequent user. If you’ve cashed six or more checks in minutes within the prior 90-day period, you will qualify for Ingo Gold Preferred Pricing, with fees of 1% or 4% depending on the check type, with a minimum $5 fee. If you choose to receive your funds, in cash at a MoneyGram agent location, an additional $5.00 fee will be assessed by MoneyGram, which will be deducted from your check value in the app.
Ingo Money will review your check for approval usually in a few seconds, although it can take 3-5 minutes and in rare circumstances, up to an hour. If your check is approved, we send your money in minutes to the places you selected. Most banks, prepaid card issuers and PayPal will make your funds available in your account in minutes so you can immediately make purchases, pay bills or access cash at an ATM. Most credit card issuers apply credit card bill payments by the next business day though some do not post payments for two business days. Your Amazon.com Gift Card claim code will be available in your Transaction History in the app immediately following your approved transaction and can be redeemed at Amazon.com/redeem. MoneyGram will make funds available for cash pick-up in minutes, subject to agent operating hours and compliance with regulatory requirements.
If your check isn’t approved, your account will not be funded and no fees will be assessed.
Get Money in 10 Days for Free
Alternatively, you can choose to get your funds in 10 days for no fee and your money will be credited to one bank debit card, prepaid card, credit card or PayPal account you choose if your check is approved and is not returned unpaid during the 10-day period. You can also buy an Amazon.com Gift Card. The 10-day option can be good when time is on your side and you don’t need us to take the risk on the check. We cover the cost of check clearing and settlement, as well as transaction processing to provide a no-fee option when that is all you need.
Other transaction fees and costs, terms and conditions may be associated with the use of your bank debit card, prepaid card, credit card or PayPal account. See your Cardholder or Account Agreement for more information on the terms associated with your accounts.
- Payroll & government checks with pre-printed signatures: 1% of check value
- Other check types: 4% of check value
- Minimum fee for all checks: $5.00
Each time you sign-in to the app, we will review your transaction history. If, at the time you initiate a new transaction, you have cashed six or more checks in minutes in the prior 90-day period, you will receive preferred pricing automatically. If at the time you initiate a new transaction you have cashed fewer than six checks in minutes in the prior 90 days, you will receive the standard transaction fee.
First, sign the back of your check and make sure the lighting in the room is good. Then, lay the check on a solid-colored background, front-side up, so that none of the check information is covered up. Sign-in to the Ingo Money App and tap ‘Cash a Check.’ Tap the first check image field and position your mobile device over the check at a slight angle so that you don’t cast a shadow on the check. Fit the corners of the check inside the guidelines and watch the box turn green. (It happens quickly, so don’t blink or you’ll miss it!) Turn the check over and tap the second check image field to repeat the process and take a photo of the back of the check.
If auto image capture moves too quickly for you, or your device doesn’t support it, you can take a picture manually by tapping the camera and flash icons on your screen.
After you take pictures of your check, the app will display the amount of the check. Simply confirm that the amount is accurate or correct it, and tap ‘Next.’ Continue to follow the screen prompts to choose when you want your money and where you want us to send it. Review your transaction details on the Confirm screen and then submit the check for review.
In order to fund your bank account, prepaid card or PayPal account, or to pay a credit card bill, you first have to link your accounts in Ingo Money. To do that, tap ‘My Accounts’ on the main menu, then tap ‘Link a New Account’ and follow the screen prompts to enter your bank debit card, prepaid card, credit card and PayPal account information.
When you cash a check, you will be prompted to take a picture of the front and back and confirm the check amount. After that you will be asked to choose whether you want your Money in Minutes for a fee or your Money in 10 Days for no fee. Then, you will be prompted to select where you want us to send your money by tapping one of the accounts on the screen.
If you choose Money in Minutes, you can send your money to more than one place. Simply choose each account and tell us how much to send to each one. You will be prompted to choose another funding account until you have allocated all of your check funds.
Do not write ‘VOID’ on your check until you are prompted to, after you receive confirmation that your check was approved.
Remember that while most banks, prepaid card issuers and PayPal make funds available to spend immediately, some banks may take up to 24 hours to post your funds. Most credit card issuers typically post payments in 24 hours.
Below are some examples of reasons we may decline a check:
- Check was not written to you, as your name appears on your Ingo Money account.
- Check was not endorsed.
- Amount of the check is less than $5 or more than $5,000.
- Amount of the check will cause you to exceed the daily, weekly or monthly funding limits for your selected account.
- Amount of the check will cause you to exceed the daily or monthly check cashing limits or the maximum balance allowed on your selected account. See check limits.
- Check images are illegible or do not pass authenticity screening.
- Check is a single-party check (drawn on another account you own), a temporary check, a credit card check or another unusual check type we do not support.
- A properly voided image of the check was not received. If you need to resubmit your voided check image, call Ingo Money at (229) 276-3990 or chat with us right now, online, by tapping the chat link at the bottom of the screen.
- Sufficient information could not be verified on the check writer’s account.
- Check was written on a closed or compromised account.
If your check is declined, you will be notified in the app, by push notification (if you have enabled this service for the Ingo Money App on your mobile device) and by email. Your account will not be funded, and no fee will be assessed. You may attempt to deposit or cash your check with another service provider, or alternatively contact the check writer and request a new check or a different method of payment.
ABOUT PROMOTIONS
To redeem a promotion code in the Ingo Money App, cash a check like normal. When you get to the Confirm screen, tap the ‘Reward or Promo Code’ button. Enter the promotion code in the Promo Code field and tap ‘Apply.’ The promotional value will be added to your transaction on the Confirm screen and funded to the account you selected, along with your check funds, if your check is approved.
SUPPORTED ACCOUNTS & NETWORKS
The Ingo Money App may be used by identity-verified customers to cash checks issued on U.S. financial accounts to fund: (1) most debit, prepaid and credit card accounts issued by hundreds of U.S. financial institutions including Chase®, Bank of America®, Citi®, Wells Fargo®, American Express®, U.S. Bank®, PNC Bank®, Capital One®, HSBC Bank USA, TD Bank, Discover®, Synchrony Bank, First Premier® Bank, MetaBank® and The Bancorp Bank; (2) PayPal™, PayPal™ for Business and PayPal™ Prepaid MasterCard® accounts; (3) Amazon.com Gift Cards; (4) most prepaid cards, including Chase Liquid®, Wells Fargo EasyPay®, Regions Now Card®, BB&T MoneyAccount®, NetSpend®, Green Dot® Prepaid Debit, Walmart MoneyCard®, H&R Block® Emerald Card®, ACE Elite™, RushCard®, AccountNow®, Kroger® 1-2-3 REWARDS®; and (5) cash pick-up at MoneyGram’s participating U.S. locations. Funds may also be used to pay retail credit card bills from thousands of retailers including Walmart®, Target®, Costco®, Home Depot®, Lowe’s®, BestBuy®, Gap® and Old Navy®. You can also access the Ingo Money service in dozens of mobile banking apps including American Express Serve® and Bluebird℠ by American Express. Ingo Money participates in the Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Star®, Pulse®, NYCE® and Maestro® payment networks.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Ingo Money is a service provided by First Century Bank, N.A. and Ingo Money, Inc., subject to the First Century Bank and Ingo Money Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Approval usually takes 3 to 5 minutes but can take up to one hour. All checks are subject to approval for funding in Ingo Money’s sole discretion. Fees apply for approved Money in Minutes transactions funded to your card or account. Unapproved checks will not be funded to your card or account. Ingo Money reserves the right to recover losses resulting from illegal or fraudulent use of the Ingo Money Service. Your wireless carrier may charge a fee for data usage. Additional transaction fees, costs, terms and conditions may be associated with the funding and use of your card or account. See your Cardholder or Account Agreement for details.
Amazon.com Gift Cards ("GCs") sold by First Century Bank, N.A., an authorized and independent reseller of Amazon.com Gift Cards. Except as required by law, GCs cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods at Amazon.com or certain of its affiliated websites. For complete terms and conditions, see www.amazon.com/gc-legal. GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. All Amazon ®, ™ & © are IP of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. No expiration date or service fees.
Cash pick-up service is provided by MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., subject to the MoneyGram Terms and Conditions available at https://www.moneygram.com/us/en/terms-and-conditions; availability subject to agent operating hours and compliance with regulatory requirements. MoneyGram cash payout transactions are available between $5.00 and $1,000.
All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners. Use of these trademarks and brand names do not represent endorsement by or association with these companies. All rights reserved.
© 2013 – 2020 Ingo Money, Inc.