Where to Cash Checks at Walmart and What to Bring

Walmart does cash checks at most locations, but not all check types and not every store

Walmart's check-cashing service is available at the Money Center or Customer Service desk in most stores, but availability depends on your location and the type of check. Walmart cashes personal checks, payroll checks, tax refund checks, cashier's checks, and some government checks. However, not every Walmart offers this service — smaller locations or those without a Money Center may not cash checks at all. Call your local store's Money Center directly to confirm they cash checks before you go.

The fee for cashing a check at Walmart varies by check type and amount. Personal checks typically cost more to cash than payroll checks. Walmart sets its own fees, which means the cost differs from store to store and can change. You'll pay the fee at the time you cash the check, and it comes out of the amount you receive.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart cashes personal checks, payroll checks, tax refund checks, cashier's checks, and some government checks at the Money Center desk in most locations.
• Not every Walmart location offers check cashing, so you should call ahead to confirm your store participates before making a trip.
• You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check at Walmart, and the ID must match the name on the check.
• Fees vary by check type and store location, and the fee is deducted from the check amount you receive.
• Walmart's Money Center hours may differ from store hours, so confirm the desk is open before you arrive.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the check. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Walmart will not cash a check if the name on your ID does not match the name on the check exactly.

Bring the check itself, of course, and make sure it is signed and dated. If the check is made out to two people, both people must be present with their IDs. If the check is made out to a business, you will need to bring documentation showing you are authorized to cash it on behalf of that business — this varies by store, so call ahead.

Check types Walmart will and will not cash

Walmart cashes payroll checks, personal checks, tax refund checks, cashier's checks, and certain government checks such as Social Security or unemployment benefit checks. The store will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), checks with alterations or damage, checks that appear to be forged, or checks written on accounts that have been closed.

Third-party checks — checks made out to someone else that you are trying to cash — are generally not accepted. If a check is made out to you and another person, both of you must be present. Walmart also will not cash checks for amounts over a certain limit; this limit varies by location and changes periodically, so ask your store what their maximum is.

How the process works at the Money Center desk

Go to the Money Center or Customer Service desk during their posted hours. Hand the check and your ID to the associate. They will verify that your ID matches the check, inspect the check for damage or alterations, and enter the information into their system. This usually takes a few minutes.

The associate will tell you the fee amount and the cash you will receive after the fee is deducted. If you agree, they will process the transaction and give you the cash. If the check does not pass their verification — for example, if the signature looks forged or the check appears altered — they will decline it and return it to you.

Money Center hours and location differences

The Money Center desk does not stay open as long as the store itself. Many Walmart Money Centers close by 8 or 9 p.m., even if the store is open later. Some close earlier on Sundays or do not open until later on certain days. Hours vary significantly by location.

Smaller Walmart locations, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and some rural stores do not have a Money Center at all. If your nearest Walmart is small, call ahead or ask a store associate whether check cashing is available. Some of these locations may direct you to a different Walmart in your area that does offer the service.

Fees and what affects the cost

Walmart charges a flat fee per check, but the amount depends on the check type and your store location. Payroll checks typically have a lower fee than personal checks. The fee is subtracted from the check amount before you receive your cash — you do not pay it separately.

Walmart does not publish a standard fee schedule online because fees vary by store. Call your local Money Center to ask what they charge for the type of check you want to cash. Some stores may charge differently for checks over a certain amount. If the fee seems high, you can decline and take the check elsewhere.

Alternatives if your Walmart does not cash checks

If your store does not offer check cashing or the fee is too high, you have other options. Banks and credit unions cash checks for their members, often for free or at a lower cost. Some banks cash checks for non-members for a fee. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers also offer check-cashing services, though fees and accepted check types vary.

If you have a bank account, you can deposit the check directly through mobile deposit (using your phone to photograph the check) or by visiting a branch. This is usually free and faster than cashing. Payday loan stores and check-cashing storefronts also cash checks, but their fees are typically much higher than Walmart's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at Walmart if I don't have a bank account?

Yes. Walmart does not require you to have a bank account to cash a check. You only need a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the check. The cash is given to you when ready after the fee is deducted.

What if the name on my ID doesn't match the name on the check exactly?

Walmart will not cash the check if the names do not match. If your name has changed due to marriage or legal action, bring documentation of the name change along with your current ID. If the check is made out to a nickname or shortened version of your name, you may need to contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with your legal name.

Can I cash a check made out to my business at Walmart?

This depends on your store's policy. Some Walmart locations will cash business checks if you bring a business license or other proof that you are authorized to cash checks on behalf of the business. Call your Money Center ahead of time to ask what documentation they need.

How long does it take to cash a check at Walmart?

The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how busy the Money Center is. During peak hours, you may wait longer. If the check does not pass verification, the associate will explain why and return it to you when ready.

What's the maximum amount I can cash at Walmart?

Walmart sets a maximum check amount, but this limit varies by store and can change. Call your local Money Center to ask what their current limit is. If your check exceeds the limit, you can try depositing it at a bank instead, or ask the check writer for a different form of payment.