High on the wall of a check-cashing store, in blue bubble letters, was a stylish splash of graffiti.

Indeed, the number of check-cashing stores has risen 11 percent in New York the last four years.

Well-heeled Beverly Hills has its first check-cashing store, but don't try to use it.

Some arrived at the check-cashing store with their paychecks folded between their fingers.

But like some other officers that day, he said he preferred the check-cashing store because he needed the money immediately.

"I started with them and I know," she said as she bought her daily tickets inside a local check-cashing store.

Under the old system, welfare recipients could go to any one of hundreds of check-cashing stores to get their benefits.

No more waiting in lines at check-cashing stores.

By comparison, many check-cashing stores charge 3 percent of a check's value, or more than $10 on a $350 paycheck.

Businesses range from delis to check-cashing stores to bars.