Will Walgreens Cash a Check for You

Walgreens will cash checks at most locations, but not all checks and not without limits

Walgreens cashes checks at the pharmacy counter or customer service desk at most stores. The store does not charge you a fee to cash a check there — you hand over the check and receive cash. However, Walgreens has rules about which checks it will cash, how much it will cash, and whether your store location offers the service at all.

Not every Walgreens location cashes checks. Smaller stores or those in certain areas may not have the service. Call your local store before you go, or ask at the counter when you arrive. If your store does not cash checks, you can try a different Walgreens nearby, or use another option like your bank, a check-cashing store, or a grocery store with a customer service desk.

Key Takeaways

• Walgreens cashes checks at most locations without charging a fee, but you must present a valid photo ID.
• Walgreens will not cash checks over a certain amount — the limit varies by store and changes over time, so call ahead to confirm.
• Personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks (like tax refunds or Social Security) are typically accepted, but post-dated checks and checks with alterations are not.
• If your Walgreens does not cash checks, nearby grocery stores, banks, and check-cashing services are common alternatives in most areas.

What types of checks Walgreens will and will not cash

Walgreens cashes personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks (including tax refunds, Social Security payments, and unemployment benefits). The check must be written to you by name, and your name must match the ID you present.

Walgreens will not cash post-dated checks — checks dated for a future date. It will not cash checks that have been altered, crossed out, or written over. It will not cash checks written to someone else, even if that person signs the back and you countersign it. It will not cash checks that are damaged, torn, or illegible.

If the check is from a business account or a government agency, Walgreens may ask for additional information to verify it is legitimate. Bring the check and your ID, and ask the cashier if there are any questions.

How much Walgreens will cash and what ID you need

Walgreens has a maximum check amount it will cash at one time. This limit varies by location and changes periodically — some stores cash checks up to $1,000, while others may go higher or lower. Call your store to find out what the limit is before you go.

You must present a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport will work. A library card, school ID, or expired ID will not. The name on the ID must match the name on the check exactly.

If you do not have a photo ID, Walgreens will not cash the check. You would need to go to your bank (if you have an account there), ask the check writer to cash it for you, or use a check-cashing service that may have different ID rules.

How to cash a check at Walgreens

Go to the pharmacy counter or customer service desk with your check and photo ID. Tell the cashier you want to cash the check. They will look at the check to make sure it meets Walgreens' rules — that it is not post-dated, altered, or damaged, and that your name matches your ID.

If the check passes the check, the cashier will process it and give you cash. The whole process usually takes a few minutes. If the cashier says the store cannot cash the check, ask why — it may be because the amount is over the limit, the check is damaged, or the store does not offer check cashing that day.

When Walgreens might refuse to cash your check

Walgreens may refuse to cash a check if the amount is over the store's limit, if your ID does not match the check, if the check is post-dated or altered, or if the store's system is down. Some stores also refuse checks that are very old — typically more than six months old — because banks may not honor them.

If Walgreens refuses your check, you have other options. Your bank will cash checks written to you if you have an account there, even if the amount is large. Grocery stores with customer service desks often cash checks. Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check but usually charge a fee based on the check amount.

Alternatives if your Walgreens does not cash checks

If your nearest Walgreens does not offer check cashing, or if the store refuses your specific check, you can cash it elsewhere. Your bank is the fastest and cheapest option if you have an account — most banks cash checks for account holders at no fee, and many will cash checks for non-account holders for a small fee.

Grocery stores with customer service desks — such as Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, or regional chains — often cash checks for free or for a small fee. You may need to make a small purchase to use the service. Check-cashing stores are open longer hours and have fewer restrictions on check type, but they charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent.

If you have a government check, your state or local government office may cash it for free. If you have a payroll check, your employer's payroll department or bank may cash it. Some credit unions also cash checks for members and sometimes for non-members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walgreens charge a fee to cash a check?

No, Walgreens does not charge a fee. You receive the full amount of the check in cash. Some other check-cashing services do charge a fee, so Walgreens is a free option if your store offers the service.

Can I cash a check that is written to two people?

Walgreens typically requires the check to be written to one person, and that person must present it with a matching ID. If the check says "John Smith and Jane Smith," both people may need to be present with ID, or one person may need to sign it over to the other — but Walgreens' policy on this varies by location. Call your store to ask.

What if my check is older than six months?

Walgreens may refuse to cash a check that is more than six months old because banks often will not honor them. Ask the cashier — some stores will still cash it, but others will not. If Walgreens refuses, contact your bank or the person who wrote the check to see if you can get a new one.

Can I cash a check if I do not have a photo ID?

No. Walgreens requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. If you do not have one, try your bank (if you have an account), a check-cashing store with different ID rules, or ask the check writer to cash it for you or deposit it into your account.

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

The process usually takes a few minutes. The cashier will verify your ID, check that the check meets Walgreens' rules, and then count out your cash. During busy times, you may wait longer, so plan accordingly.