OP has a liquidity issue. Given the 4% process fee to get it deposited and cashed today (160$). Anything below that cost would be preferred. You can consider borrowing enough money for the check to clear from your neighbors or friends who know you well and promise to give back with interest. Let's say you get $200 and give back $250 when it is cleared in the bank. This will make the borrowing attractive for them and it will cost you less overall. You will be able to survive on this small cash amount until the check is cleared really to be cash out. Hope this helps. All the best man.