Which financial institution primarily offers cashing checks without requiring a traditional bank account?

The correct answer is a check cashing service because these services are specifically designed to cash checks for individuals, offering convenience for those who may not have access to a traditional bank account. They typically charge a fee for this service, allowing customers to obtain cash immediately from their checks, which is especially useful for individuals who may be unbanked or underbanked.

Credit unions and commercial banks generally require customers to have an account in order to cash checks, which can be a barrier for those without traditional banking relationships. Investment banks, on the other hand, focus primarily on services related to investments, capital markets, and facilitating mergers and acquisitions, rather than cashing checks for individuals. Thus, for anyone needing quick access to cash from checks without having to rely on a bank account, a check cashing service is the most suitable option.