If you’re looking for a place to cash a check at an odd hour, you don’t have a bank account, or you simply prefer the convenience of cashing your checks while running other errands, you can cash most types of checks at Walmart for a small fee. Below, we provide the details of Walmart’s check cashing policy, including its limits, check verification system, and the types of checks it won’t cash.

Walmart Check Cashing Policy

During regular store hours, you can cash checks at any Walmart customer service desk or at a Money Services center. Cashable check types include:[1]

  • Business checks
  • Cashier’s checks
  • Government checks
  • Insurance settlement checks
  • Payroll checks
  • Tax refund checks
  • 401(k) or retirement distribution checks
  • MoneyGram money orders that were purchased at Walmart
  • Out-of-state checks. (Walmart treats out-of-state checks the same way it treats in-state checks.)
  • Two-party personal checks

Limits

Walmart typically limits most checks it will cash to $5,000 ($7,500 during tax season, which is from January to April), and the limit for two-party personal checks is $200. Customers cashing checks are also limited to three transactions per day.[1] Note that individual stores may set lower limits, so you might want to check with your local store before bringing in large checks.

Fees

For most pre-printed checks up to $1,000, the fee is limited to $4; for checks over $1,000, the maximum fee is $8. For two-party personal checks, the maximum fee is $6.[1]

To avoid fees, we also have the list of places that cash checks for free.

Verification

Walmart will only allow you to cash a check that is made out to you, and the store will verify your identity before cashing your check, so you should bring a valid ID with you.[1]

At most Walmart locations, your check will be processed electronically through TeleCheck, a check acceptance company.[2] A few Walmart locations use Certegy, a similar check authorizing service.[3] Walmart uses a scanning machine to read checks, so be sure your check is free of wrinkles, tears, and smudges near the numbers on the bottom of the check; otherwise, it will be denied.

TeleCheck and Certegy both use the information from your check, including the routing number, bank account number, and the amount of the transaction, along with your identification, to either approve or deny your check. The decision is based on the information in the verification system and how your check compares to all the checks that have passed through the system. This means that your check could be denied if you haven’t cashed enough checks for the verification system — either TeleCheck or Certegy — to build a proper file on your identity.[4]

Disputes

If TeleCheck denies your check, there is nothing Walmart can do at that time, but you’ll be given a receipt listing TeleCheck’s contact information, which you can contact for further assistance.

If Certegy declines your check, there’s nothing that Walmart can do to override the decision. You can request your file from Certegy by phone, fax, or mail — if you find that any information in the file is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to dispute it with Certegy.

If you’re worried that your check may be denied, we have the list of check cashing places that don’t use Telecheck or Certegy.

What Types of Checks Does Walmart Not Cash?

There are quite a few kinds of checks Walmart won’t cash; these checks include:[5]

Due to state laws, Walmart also cannot cash any checks in New York and New Jersey.[1]

How to Cash a Check at Walmart

To cash a check at Walmart, you don’t need to make a purchase, you don’t need to register with the store, and you don’t need to have a bank account.[1] Simply bring the check and a valid, government-issued ID to your local Walmart customer service desk or MoneyCenter. You may also be asked to provide your social security number when cashing a check.

After the cashier approves your ID, authorizes your check, and you pay the check cashing fee, you have two options for receiving your funds: take the cash immediately or load some or all of it onto a Walmart MoneyCard.[1]

The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid Visa debit card that you can use anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. You might prefer the MoneyCard because it can be safer than carrying around large amounts of cash. Unlike a regular debit card, you can only spend what you’ve loaded onto the card, so there’s no chance of incurring an overdraft fee.[6] Additionally, when you cash a check at Walmart and load it into a MoneyCard, the typical reload fee is waived.[1]

Our article lists Walmart’s typical MoneyCenter hours. We also have information about Walmart Neighborhood Market’s policy for check cashing.


This Season

27 comments


  • Tasha

    If I cash one job check on Thursday can I cash my other job check on Friday

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Tasha,

      Yes, you can. Walmart doesn’t have restrictions on the number of checks you can cash per week.

  • TT

    I lost my ID and have ordered a new one but I need to cash my check from work I have my ssn card what else can I use I D is gonna take to long to get here need check cashed be for 14 days

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi TT,

      You must show an ID (typically government issued, and with your photo) to cash a check. This is an important protection against check fraud. If you must cash a check without an ID, you’ll have to think out side the box. One of the easiest options is to deposit the check into your own bank account, wait a day or two for the check to clear, and then withdraw the money. If you don’t have a bank account but have a prepaid debit card, you might be able to use the card’s associated app to mobile deposit your check, and then withdraw the cash at an ATM. If you have a friend or family member you’d trust with the check, you could sign the check over to them and have them cash it for you. We’ve written more about this option: Where Can I Cash a Third Party Check. Sorry we couldn’t give you better news!

  • Patrick Limon

    On my drivers license my first, middle, and last name are listed in that order. On my payroll check it is addressed to me with middle then last name. I’ve never had any issue cashing my checks until one employee told me she could not not because it was not the same as what is on my drivers license (the order). Is this true? I asked for a manager and he over ruled her decision but she informed she will not do this for me next time and I would need to get this fixed. I have a valid ID and a SS card that I bring. I have to enter my SSN as well so I believe I have everything they ask for. I just want clarification as to why it was ok with the manager but the not the cashier who refuses to cash it next time.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Patrick,

      You will find that while Walmart has general policies regarding check cashing, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the store manager whether to accept your check. Quite frankly, it is not up to the cashier whether or not to accept your check. Because the store manager overruled her decision, you can continue to get manager approval if she cashes your check next time. Fortunately, your payroll/HR manager should be able to clear this up and have your name appear correctly on your payroll checks so you won’t have to worry about this in the future.

  • Joe C.

    I took out a loan against my 401k from Fidelity for $3,625.00. They are mailing me a check. Will I be able to cash it at Walmart?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

      Hi Joe,
      Good news – Walmart does cash 401(k) checks! Your check is below Walmart’s $5,000 limit, so you should be able to cash it without a problem. Hope this helps!

  • sarah

    What time does the cash center open?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

      Hi Sarah,

      Walmart’s Money Center hours vary based on location. Your safest bet is to contact your local Walmart to ask about their Money Center hours so you won’t make a wasted trip. You can use this store finder to locate your closest Walmart Money Center and give them a call. For more information on Walmart’s Money Center, you can also see this First Quarter Finance article.

  • AdriAn

    I have 401k retirement fund check for more than $5000. Can I still cash it.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Adrian,

      No, you won’t be able to cash it. The only exception might be from January to April when (most) Walmarts raise the check cashing limit to $7,500 to accommodate people with large tax refund checks. You might be able to cash the check during that time frame. Most grocery stores won’t cash checks as large as yours.

      You could the check cashing policy of the bank on which the check was drawn. Even if you aren’t their customer, many banks will cash checks they issued. And, since the issuing bank has the account that the check is associated with, the bank can more accurately assess the riskiness of the check and therefore have a higher check cashing limit.

  • Veronica

    Hi, I have a check of $4500 from United Bank, VA. I am in Jackson, MS. Can i Cash the check sent in my name at Walmart the same day?
    Or do i need to deposit it into my account at Fort Sill National Bank?
    The check was purchased on the 16th August, 2017 and I will have it by the 21st August,2017.
    Please Advice.
    Thank You

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Veronica,

      This sounds like a cashier’s check, is that right? You can cash the check at Walmart, the fee will be $6 and you will have to present an ID. If you deposit the check into your bank account at Fort Sill National Bank you won’t have to pay the $6 fee, depositing a check into your own account is free. However, if you choose to deposit it, you probably won’t have access to all of the funds immediately. Banks usually make only part of large checks available, and amounts over that minimum take a couple extra days to clear. You’ll have to check with your bank for specifics. Additionally, I see that your bank charges for check cashing. I would still recommend contacting your bank to see what they would charge to cash this particular check, the fee might be lower than at Walmart because it’s your own bank.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Veronica,

      This sounds like a cashier’s check, is that right? You can cash the check at Walmart, the fee will be $6 and you will have to present an ID. If you deposit the check into your bank account at Fort Sill National Bank you won’t have to pay the $6 fee, depositing a check into your own account is free. However, if you choose to deposit it, you probably won’t have access to all of the funds immediately. Banks usually make only part of large checks available, and amounts over that minimum take a couple extra days to clear. You’ll have to check with your bank for specifics. Additionally, I see that your bank charges for check cashing. I would still recommend contacting your bank to see what they would charge to cash this particular check, the fee might be lower than at Walmart.

      • Veronica

        Will it be OK to cash a cashier check which was bought a month ago at Walmart? Assuming I purchased a check on the 3rd August last month. Will I still be able to cash it at Walmart at anytime or do I need to get it to FSNB.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

          Hi Veronica,
          Cashier’s checks don’t have expiration dates unless the bank/credit union specifies a guaranteed-funds time frame. This time frame is often printed on the check itself.

          If your cashier’s check was purchased on August 3, 2017, it should still be valid and you should be able to cash it at Walmart or your local bank. If you have any doubts, you can always call the place that issued the cashier’s check to make sure it’s still valid.,

  • Name* (displayed publicly)

    Hello, can i cash a check from my attorney which is from his local office as my work comp. settlement check?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi,

      Good question. I’m assuming your check is handwritten because it’s from your attorney. If that’s correct, you can’t cash it as Walmart. If it’s not handwritten then it may count as a regular settlement check, in which case you should be able to cash it at Walmart. If it’s not handwritten and you want to call your local Walmart ahead of time to double check, here’s a tip: dial 0 to skip the menu and go straight to customer service.

  • E

    I just tried to cash a retirement distribution check for $4500 and Walmart told me they could not do it. They said the max that they can cash is $3,000. Very frustrating when they state they can cash up to $5,000.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi E,

      I am so sorry to hear of your frustration with Walmart. I did double-check and, sure enough, Walmart cashes checks up to $5,000, as per the Walmart website.

      • E

        Thank you! I checked their website prior to going to the store and they ran it through the computer and it would not take it. It’s so frustrating because they have all of these guidelines yet, they don’t train their employees. Half of them don’t even know what the rules are. I wonder if it varies by store.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

          Hi E,

          Because Walmart stores are not individually owned franchises, policies should be the same from one store to the next. Unfortunately, a lack of training is often to blame.

  • Cmp

    Will walmart cash a check from vanguard prime over 4000$?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Cmp,

      Yes, you should be able to cash a $4,000 check from Vanguard Prime at Walmart. Expect to pay a $6 fee for cashing your check.

      • lolo

        It costs $16 dollars to cash a $1,000 dollar check at Walmart in 2019.

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Lindsey Desmet

          Hello, Lolo! May we ask what type of check you were cashing that had a fee of $16, and in which state? Walmart lists its current fees as $4 for checks up to/including $1,000 or $8 for checks above $1,000. We’d like to investigate further. In the meantime, we have updated our article to include the current fees.