What Is the Cheapest Easiest Way to Get Cash in a Casino?

A few years ago when I ran out of cash, I just hopped in my car and drove to a local bank (no fees to withdraw money). But now with parking fees, that became the most expensive way to get more cash. What would you say is the cheapest and easiest way to get more cash when you run out?

The cheapest and easiest way to get cash in a casino is to cash a check at the cage.

Casino cages cash checks for customers who just walk up and ask, but for how much is always the question. There are a lot of variables — amount of check, if you’re a guest at the hotel, if you’ve ever cashed a check there before and for what amount, if you’ve cashed a check at a casino cage in the last xx number of days, whether the information on the check matches that on your ID, how much money you have in your checking account, even if you look suspicious to the cashier.

Most cages will cash a walk-up check up to $100, up to $300 if you’re a guest, but it’s not automatic. Better, especially if you want to cash a four-figure check, is to call the casino in advance (ask for the cage; you might be forwarded to the credit department) and make arrangements. You’ll divulge some personal and banking information and be approved or not depending on your bank balances.

You can also set up a casino line of credit from home before your trip; most of the large casino companies have credit applications on their websites. Or you can just show up at the cage and ask for a credit/marker application; most cashiers will be happy to help you fill it out. The problem with that is it can take a few days for them to review your references and approve a withdrawal amount. That’s why it’s better to do it in advance, especially if you're concerned about remaining in action after blowing your bankroll.

Once you’ve established credit, you can go to the cage and withdraw chips, or cash if you’re playing the machines, or sign a marker at the tables. A casino "line of credit" is more of a short-term loan; you settle up with the cage before you leave, unless you have terms. If you don’t pay, the casino runs the marker through your bank account, just like cashing any check you wrote.

Another option. With the proper approval, you can EFT or wire-transfer money directly into the cage. Also, this takes a little time to set up and process, but avoids the worst fees, such as drawing funds from your debit or credit card at a casino ATM. You'll only need to pay your bank's standard wire fee, which is significantly less than a cash advance. It entails contacting the casino in advance for their wire instructions; you should expect not to access your funds for at least one business day.

A third option, if you have an account at a national bank with a branch or two close to the Strip, is to take an Uber or Lyft to the branch or ATM. The closer the branch, the cheaper the transportation charge. When you request a stop during your trip, it's treated as part of the overall ride, so the driver will wait for you while you're in the bank or at the ATM at no or little extra charge.

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Jeremy Gray Sep-25-2025

QoD answer from the 80s?

I’m curious when this answer was originally posted, specifically regarding check cashing. I don’t think there’s a single casino (outside maybe of a Native American casino) that would process checks like that. 

While I’m sure there are more, there are 3 large check clearinghouses; Pavillion Payments (or whatever they call themselves now), Everi’s system and SmartCheck. MGM properties use Pavillion, Boyd/Caesars/Penn mostly use SmartCheck and most others use one of those three. 

The first time you cash, you’ll need a check and ID, SSN and phone number. You’ll likely get set up at a low limit, but if you use it often, the limits go up.  Once you’re set up in those systems, you can cash anywhere that uses that system. Some casinos will charge a fee, though most waive it at a higher tier card. Some that charge fees can get high, but usually cheaper than an ATM. Some require a players card at that casino, others do not. I’ve not paid a fee in years and don’t have to travel with cash

thebeachbum Sep-25-2025

Casino Royale

If ATM money is what you need, go to Casino Royale.  Their ATM fee very reasonable for the Strip.  Less than $10 if I recall.

Captain Sep-25-2025

ATMs

Although I seldom need extra cash (thankfully), I  have always used an ATM.  Preferably at the bank (I always have a rental car and have a bank with a Vegas branch for that purpose).  Even at the casino, I always take out a $1000 at a time, so a charge of under $10 is pretty small potatoes (like two pulls on a machine).

Gregory Sep-25-2025

ATM confusion

I went to get $300 from my checking account on my last trip. The ATM (El Cortez) has several options for getting cash. One of the options has something to do with NO PIN cash advance and then there is cash advance with PIN, and then there is just plain ATM withdrawal with PIN.  I selected the wrong option and the ATM printed a ticket that I had to take to the cashier.  I didn't think much of this until this QOD.  I went back to look it up, and they charged me $15.50, simply because I selected the wrong option.  I believe the normal ATM fee is $6.99 which is still somewhat outrageous.  As far as checks go, I haven't carried a checkbook in at least 10 years.

Kevin Rough Sep-25-2025

The easiest thing

The easiest thing is not to do business at a casino that charges you to park.

I have check cashing through VIP Preferred which is what Stations use and quite a few of my local casinos use.  It's easy.

Raymond Sep-25-2025

Wire Fee

On a couple of occasions when LV was not my first stop on a trip, I've wired money ahead to the hotel where I'm staying.  IIRC it cost $25 to send $5,000 (it's probably higher now).  Worth it for the peace of mind from not carrying as much cash, and easy to set up.

Usually, I carry enough cash for a day that I don't even think of hitting the ATM.  In fact, I think I've gone for more cash once in the last decade.

One thing to be aware of if you wire money in--keep track of how much you've withdrawn of the money you've wired.  The last time I did it, the casino (NYNY, one of my favorites) messed up and said I didn't have anything left when I went to take my last thousand.  We got it straightened out courteously, no harm, no foul, no anger.

Marla Corey Sep-25-2025

CVS

If you only need a small amount of cash, check out CVS. They have ATMs. There is a fee but it is much less than inside a casino.

asaidi Sep-25-2025

Uber or Lyft cost money

Taking an Uber or Lyft to a local bank will probably cost you at least $5.  Using the casino ATMs with fees might cost the same.

Deke Castleman Sep-25-2025

This in via email

There are also some banks and credit unions that charge no ATM fees and refund all non-network ATM fees. I have a separate account at a different bank (not my main bank) for this purpose.  I call it my 401(V) account (V for Vegas) and transfer money there before my trip, then withdraw at will from any ATM in Vegas. You have to do some research to find out which banks in your area will do this. 

Also, I’ve had success loading funds into my BetMGM app from my bank, and then cashing out at a sportsbook without having to play it through. But that’s definitely a “your mileage may vary” situation.

John Hearn Sep-25-2025

My solution

I stay downtown. I bank with BOA (the bastards.) Last trip I walked the three blocks to their ATM. Over the years, I've set up lines at the GN and the El several times, but I've never used it. I was always nervous about signing a marker while sitting at the table, figuring it would lead to loose play. Of course, that's exactly why the service is offered.

O2bnVegas Sep-25-2025

@ Jeremy Gray

My friend was able to cash a check for $100 at a casino cage recently.  She had hoped to get $1000 or so but had not set up any kind of an account. $100 was the most they would do.  I'm sure she had plenty more than that in her checking account at home.

Candy

Hoppy Sep-25-2025

Marla Corey

Where were you last night? On my way to use the Member Rewards free Jimmy Kimmel ticket, I passed more than one CVS.

hawks242424 Sep-29-2025

Aria

My wife stayed at Vdara and Aria wouldn't cash a check for her in any amount.  Her debit card wasn't working so she had a to take a cash advance.. which sucked.

Question of the Day - 25 September 2025

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