Walmart Check Cashing Fees and What You'll Pay

Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,000 and $5,000

Walmart's Money Center cashes checks at two flat rates depending on the amount. Checks under $1,000 cost $3 to cash. Checks from $1,000 to $5,000 cost $6. Walmart does not cash checks larger than $5,000. These fees explore whether you have a Walmart account, a bank account elsewhere, or no bank account at all — the price is the same for everyone.

You do not need to be a Walmart customer or have a Walmart credit card to use this service. You can walk into any Walmart with a Money Center, present your check and a valid ID, pay the fee in cash, and leave with your money the same day. The Money Center is usually located near the front of the store or in the customer service area.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart charges $3 to cash checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,000 and $5,000.
• You must bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to cash any check at Walmart.
• Walmart will not cash checks larger than $5,000, post-dated checks, or checks made out to multiple people.
• The Money Center is typically open during store hours, but some locations may have different hours — call ahead if you are unsure.
• You pay the fee in cash at the time you cash the check, and you receive the remaining amount in cash when ready.

What ID you need to bring

Walmart requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Walmart will not cash a check with an expired ID, so check the expiration date before you go. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it first or use a different form of valid ID.

The name on your ID must match the name on the check. If the check is made out to a slightly different version of your name — for example, "Robert" on the check but "Bob" on your ID — Walmart may refuse to cash it. If you have questions about whether your ID will work, call the Money Center at your local Walmart before you visit.

Types of checks Walmart will and will not cash

Walmart cashes personal checks, payroll checks, government checks (including tax refunds and Social Security), and cashier's checks. The check must be made out to you by name, and the amount must be $5,000 or less. Walmart will not cash checks made out to two or more people, even if both names are on the check.

Walmart will not cash post-dated checks — that is, checks dated for a future date. Walmart will also not cash checks that appear to be altered, checks with missing information, or checks that are more than 6 months old. If you have a check that does not fit these rules, you will need to take it to your bank or a different check-cashing service.

How Walmart's fees compare to other check-cashing options

Walmart's $3 and $6 fees are lower than many check-cashing stores, which often charge 2 to 3 percent of the check amount. For a $500 check, a check-cashing store might charge $10 to $15, while Walmart charges $3. For a $1,500 check, a check-cashing store might charge $30 to $45, while Walmart charges $6.

If you have a bank account, cashing a check at your own bank is usually free. Credit unions also typically cash checks for free if you are a member. Some banks will cash checks from non-customers for a fee, usually $5 to $10. If you do not have a bank account and need to cash checks regularly, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union may cost less over time than paying Walmart's fees repeatedly.

How to cash a check at Walmart step by step

Go to the Money Center during store hours with your check and valid ID. Tell the cashier you want to cash the check. The cashier will ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. The cashier will then verify the check information and your ID.

Once the check is verified, the cashier will tell you the fee and the amount you will receive. You pay the fee in cash. The cashier will then give you the remaining amount in cash, usually in a mix of bills and coins. The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing the check amount, the fee, and the cash you received.

What to do if Walmart refuses to cash your check

If Walmart refuses to cash your check, ask the cashier why. Common reasons include a missing signature, a mismatch between the name on the check and your ID, or the check being post-dated or older than 6 months. If the problem is something you can fix — like signing the back of the check — you may be able to do that and try again.

If Walmart will not cash the check, you can take it to your bank, a credit union, or a check-cashing store. Your bank will cash checks for free if you have an account there. Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check but charge higher fees than Walmart. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also offer check-cashing services, though fees and limits vary by location.

Walmart Money Center hours and locations

The Money Center is open during regular Walmart store hours at most locations. Most Walmart stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some Walmart Supercenters are open 24 hours, while some smaller locations close earlier. The Money Center may close before the store closes, so arriving in the late afternoon or evening is safer than waiting until the last hour.

Not every Walmart location has a Money Center. Smaller Walmart stores and Walmart Express locations may not offer check-cashing services. You can find out whether your local Walmart has a Money Center by calling the store directly or checking Walmart's website for your location. If your nearest Walmart does not have a Money Center, you can search for other check-cashing options nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. Walmart will only cash a check made out to you by name. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must cash it themselves with their own ID. Walmart will not cash third-party checks or checks made out to multiple people.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Walmart requires a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will not be able to cash a check at Walmart. You can obtain a state ID card at your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. In the meantime, you can take your check to your bank, a credit union, or a check-cashing store that may accept other forms of ID.

Do I need a Walmart account or membership to cash a check?

No. You do not need a Walmart account, a Walmart credit card, or any kind of membership. Anyone with a valid ID can cash a check at Walmart's Money Center and pay the fee. The service is open to all customers.

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

The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. During busy times, such as Friday afternoons or the first of the month, you may wait longer. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait.

Can I cash a check if my name is slightly different on the check and my ID?

It depends on how different the names are. A common nickname or a middle initial difference might be accepted, but Walmart's policy varies by location. If you are unsure, call the Money Center at your local Walmart before you go. If the names do not match closely, you may need to contact the person or organization that wrote the check and ask for a corrected check.