When You Can Cash a Check at Walmart and What to Bring

Walmart Check Cashing Hours and Locations

Walmart's check cashing service is available during regular store hours, which typically run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some Walmart stores open as early as 7 a.m. or close as late as midnight, and a small number operate 24 hours. The best way to confirm your store's exact hours is to call the location directly or check Walmart.com — search for your nearest store and the hours will appear on the store page.

Check cashing happens at the customer service desk, not at a regular checkout lane. This desk is usually near the front of the store, close to the returns area. During busy times like lunch hours and evenings, you may wait longer, so consider visiting early morning or mid-afternoon if you want to move through quickly.

Not every Walmart location offers check cashing. Stores in some states or smaller format locations may not have this service. Before you make the trip, call ahead to confirm that your store cashes checks — the customer service number is on Walmart.com or on your receipt.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart check cashing is available during store hours, typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but hours vary by location and you should call to confirm.
• You cash checks at the customer service desk, not at a checkout lane, and you may need to wait during peak shopping times.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the check itself — Walmart will not cash a check without both.
• Walmart charges a fee for check cashing that depends on the check amount, usually a few dollars for personal checks.
• Not all Walmart stores offer check cashing, so call your location before visiting to make sure the service is available.

What You Need to Bring

You must have a valid government-issued photo ID to cash a check at Walmart. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Walmart will not cash a check without seeing your ID, and it must not be expired.

Bring the check itself, of course. The check must be made out to you — Walmart will not cash a check made out to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you. The check should be signed on the back by the person whose name is on the front.

If you are cashing a two-party check (one made out to two people), both people must be present with ID. Some Walmart locations will not cash two-party checks at all, so call ahead if that applies to you.

Check Cashing Fees at Walmart

Walmart charges a fee to cash checks, and the amount depends on the check amount. For personal checks, the fee is typically a few dollars — the exact amount varies by state and by individual store. Walmart does not publish a standard fee schedule online, so you can call your store's customer service desk to ask what they charge for the check amount you are cashing.

The fee is deducted from the check amount you receive. If you are cashing a $100 check and the fee is $3, you will receive $97 in cash. Ask the customer service associate what the fee will be before you hand over the check, so you know exactly how much cash you will walk away with.

Types of Checks Walmart Will and Won't Cash

Walmart cashes personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks like tax refunds or Social Security. The check must be a U.S. check drawn on a U.S. bank — Walmart does not cash checks from foreign banks or international checks.

Walmart will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated for a future date), checks that are more than 180 days old, checks with alterations or damage, or checks that appear to be fraudulent. If the check is torn, faded, or hard to read, the associate may refuse it. Starter checks and checks without a routing number printed on them are also typically rejected.

Third-party checks — checks made out to you but signed over to someone else — are not cashed at Walmart. If you need to transfer a check to another person, that person will need to deposit it into their own bank account instead.

What Happens If Your Check Is Declined

If the customer service associate declines to cash your check, ask why. Common reasons include a missing or illegible signature, a mismatch between the name on the check and your ID, or a check that is too old. If the issue is something you can fix — like a missing signature — you may be able to have the check issuer correct it and try again.

If Walmart will not cash the check, you have other options. You can deposit it into a bank or credit union account if you have one, or you can take it to the bank that issued the check — most banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts even if you are not a customer. Some check cashing stores and payday lenders also cash checks, though they typically charge higher fees than Walmart.

Walmart Check Cashing vs. Other Options

Walmart's check cashing fees are generally lower than those at dedicated check cashing stores, which can charge 5 to 10 percent of the check amount. If you have a bank or credit union account, depositing the check is free and takes seconds — you can use a mobile app, an ATM, or a teller. The trade-off is that deposited checks take one to three business days to clear, whereas Walmart gives you cash when ready.

If you do not have a bank account, Walmart is usually your cheapest option for cashing checks. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also offer check cashing, often at similar fees to Walmart. Call a few places near you to compare before you decide where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at Walmart without a photo ID?

No. Walmart requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID card from your local DMV or bring your check to a bank instead.

Does Walmart cash checks on Sundays?

Most Walmart stores are open on Sundays during their regular hours, so yes, you can usually cash a check on Sunday. However, hours vary by location — some stores may open later or close earlier on Sunday. Call your store to confirm it will be open when you plan to visit.

What if the check is made out to my business, not to me personally?

Walmart will not cash a business check made out to your company name. You will need to deposit it into a business bank account instead. If you do not have a business account, you can open one at most banks.

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

The process usually takes five to ten minutes if the line is short. During busy times, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. The associate will verify your ID, inspect the check, calculate the fee, and count out your cash.

Can I cash a check at Walmart if it is signed over to me by someone else?

No. Walmart does not cash third-party checks. The check must be made out to you and signed by you. If someone wants to give you money from a check, they will need to cash it themselves and give you the cash, or deposit it into their account and transfer the money to you.