What Walmart Charges to Cash Your Check

Walmart's check cashing fee structure

Walmart charges a flat fee to cash checks, and the amount depends on the check amount and your location. For checks up to $1,000, the fee is typically $3. For checks between $1,001 and $5,000, the fee is usually $6. These are the standard rates, but some Walmart locations charge different amounts — fees can vary by state and individual store.

Not every Walmart offers check cashing. The service is available at most Walmart Supercenter locations and some regular Walmart stores, but you should call ahead or check the Walmart website to confirm your nearest location has a Money Center that cashes checks. The Money Center is usually near the front of the store, often close to customer service.

Walmart also cashes payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and cashier's checks. Personal checks are not cashed at Walmart. If you're trying to cash a personal check, you'll need to use your bank, a check cashing service, or another retailer that offers that service.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart charges $3 to cash checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,001 and $5,000 at most locations, though fees vary by store and state.
• Check cashing is available only at Walmart Supercenter locations and some regular Walmart stores with a Money Center.
• Walmart cashes payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and cashier's checks, but not personal checks.
• You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID to cash a check at Walmart, and the ID must match the name on the check.

What ID and documents you need to bring

To cash a check at Walmart, you must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name on the check exactly.

If the check is made out to two people, both people must be present with valid ID. If you're cashing a check made out to someone else (a third-party check), Walmart does not cash those checks. The person whose name is on the check must be the one cashing it.

You do not need to have a bank account or be a Walmart customer to cash a check there. The Money Center will cash the check and give you cash on the spot.

How the process works at the Money Center

Walk to the Money Center, usually located near the front of the store or near customer service. Tell the associate you want to cash a check. Hand over your check and your valid photo ID.

The associate will examine the check to make sure it's not damaged, that the signature matches your ID, and that the amount is legible. They'll enter the check information into their system. This process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Once approved, the associate will count out your cash and subtract the fee. For example, if you're cashing a $500 check, you'll receive $497 (the $500 minus the $3 fee). You'll sign a receipt and leave with your cash.

Comparing Walmart's fees to other check cashing options

Walmart's $3 fee for checks up to $1,000 is lower than many dedicated check cashing stores, which often charge 2 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that would be $10 to $15 — significantly more than Walmart's flat $3 fee. On larger checks, the percentage-based fee can be much higher.

Your bank or credit union will cash your checks for free if you have an account with them. Some banks will cash checks for non-customers, but they may charge a fee or limit the amount. If you have a bank account, cashing checks there costs nothing.

Other retailers that cash checks include ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, and some grocery store chains. Their fees vary widely — some charge flat fees similar to Walmart, while others use a percentage of the check amount. Calling ahead to compare is worth doing if you cash checks regularly.

Checks Walmart will not cash

Walmart does not cash personal checks under any circumstances. If someone writes you a personal check, you cannot cash it at Walmart. You'll need to deposit it into your own bank account or use another service.

Walmart also will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), checks with alterations or damage, checks that appear to be counterfeit, or checks that are missing required information like a signature or amount. If a check has been signed by someone other than the person whose name appears on it, Walmart will not cash it.

Checks that are more than 180 days old are typically not cashed at Walmart. Some locations may have stricter policies, so if you have an older check, ask the Money Center associate whether they can cash it.

When Walmart Money Centers are open

Money Center hours vary by location but are usually open during regular store hours. Most Walmart Supercenter locations are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., though some are open 24 hours. Regular Walmart stores typically close earlier, often between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The Money Center may close before the store closes for the day. Call your local Walmart or check the website to confirm Money Center hours, especially if you plan to visit in the evening or on a weekend.

On holidays, Money Center hours may be different from regular store hours. If you need to cash a check on a holiday, call ahead to confirm the Money Center is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at Walmart without an ID?

No. Walmart requires a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the check. Without it, the Money Center will not cash the check. If you've lost your ID, you'll need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or the issuing agency before you can cash a check at Walmart.

What happens if my check is damaged or torn?

Walmart may still cash a damaged check if the amount, date, signature, and routing numbers are all legible and the check is not so damaged that it appears fraudulent. If the damage makes any critical information unreadable, the Money Center will refuse to cash it. Ask the associate to look at it before you assume it can't be cashed.

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

No. The check must be made out to you personally, and your ID must match the name on the check. Business checks require a business account and different verification. You'll need to deposit a business check into a business bank account.

Is there a maximum amount I can cash at Walmart?

Walmart's stated limit is $5,000 per check. If your check is larger than $5,000, the Money Center will not cash it. You'll need to deposit it into a bank account instead. Some locations may have lower limits, so ask the associate if you're unsure.

Do I need to be a Walmart customer to use check cashing?

No. You do not need a Walmart account, a Walmart credit card, or a history of shopping at Walmart. Anyone with a valid photo ID can use the Money Center to cash a check, whether or not they shop there.