William LipovskyShort Answer
Walmart accepts personal checks as payment at regular registers and when paying for a Walmart.com order in person, but not at self-checkout. To pay by check, you’ll need to show a photo ID and pass third-party check verification through TeleCheck or Certegy. For more details of the Walmart check writing policy, see below.
Table of Contents
Walmart Personal Check Writing Policy
All Walmart stores accept personal checks as payment at the register.[1] You can also use a check to pay for a Walmart.com order in person.[2] However, you cannot use a personal check at the self-checkout; those machines don’t have the capability to scan checks (or verify your ID).[1]
If you recently opened your bank account, note that Walmart does not accept starter checks (as previously reported). See our related research for more stores that take personal checks.
To find out more about Walmart’s personal check writing policy, we contacted the retailer’s corporate customer service department and stores in Delaware, Tennessee, and Washington.
Requirements
To write a check at Walmart, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:[1]
- You must provide identification. You’ll need to show a government-issued, valid photo ID. Walmart accepts driver’s licenses, state ID cards, military IDs, and U.S. passports; it may accept a foreign passport at the manager’s discretion. The cashier may also ask for your phone number.
- Your name must be on the check. To prevent check fraud, Walmart will only accept your check if the name on the check matches the name on your photo ID. This means that if your name is on the account but doesn’t appear on the check, you won’t be able to use it. Exceptions can be made for business checks, but not personal checks.
- Your check must pass third-party verification. Walmart stores use TeleCheck or Certegy to assess risk when accepting checks. The third-party verification system may deny your check, in which case you’ll need to pay with a different method.
Note that it makes no difference whether you’re paying with an in-state or out-of-state check. If you’re traveling outside of your home state and need to use a check at Walmart, the requirements and process will be the same as in your state of residence.[1]
Limits
There is no maximum number of checks that you can write per day at Walmart.[1] However, note that your bank or credit union might impose a limit. Some accounts have check-writing limits or daily spending limits in their account agreements; banks may also freeze your ability to write checks as a fraud protection measure.[3][4] Limits vary by account, but in general, if you plan to write more than five checks in one day, it’s best to check with your financial institution ahead of time.
Verification
As noted above, Walmart will use either TeleCheck or Certegy to verify your check — most locations use TeleCheck.[5] These companies are the largest providers of check verification services for retail, so if you often pay by check at stores, you likely have an active TeleCheck and/or Certegy file.
Walmart will run every check you write through third-party verification. By paying with a check, you consent to having your check processed this way. TeleCheck or Certegy will run the check information (account number, routing number, transaction amount, etc.) against its database to determine whether the check would be risky for the retailer to accept.[6][7]
Check verification helps Walmart avoid accepting bad checks and reduces check fraud, but TeleCheck or Certegy may also decline your check for reasons not related to fraud. For example, a bank account number not seen by TeleCheck before can lead to a decline.[8]
If Walmart does decline your check after verification, both TeleCheck and Certegy offer declined check lookup services online so you can find out why.
Cash Back
Walmart allows you to get up to $20 cash back when paying by personal check.[1] Make the check out for up to $20 more than the purchase price; after the cashier verifies the check, you’ll receive $20 cash back.
Before writing your check, you may want to ask the cashier to be sure there is enough cash on hand at that specific register. If you need more than $20 cash back, it’s best to pay with a debit card. See our related research for more on getting cash back at Walmart.
Processing
When Walmart processes your check electronically, the money may deduct from your bank account the same day;[1] however, the funds will usually transfer from your bank account within one to two business days.[9] Walmart doesn’t accept postdated checks.[1]
Returned Checks
According to the check writing policy Walmart posts at its registers in stores, if there is not enough money in your bank account at the time the check is written, you will be charged a $35 returned check fee. Both the returned check fee and the original payment amount will be deducted from your bank account electronically.[1] You agree to this policy when you sign your receipt at the checkout, so you will be responsible for the fee (and any fees charged by your bank) if you write a bad check.
Loren Eaton
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
Cathy Desmet
Lindsey Desmet
Sonya Bateman
Erika Crawford
Joseph Cho
Kait Scirri
Hi I want to make a purchase at Walmart using a check but won’t have the funds in my checking account until I get paid, will my check still clear at the register?
Hi Sisco,
Walmart uses an electronic check system that verifies your banking account information at checkout. If you don’t have funds in your account at the time of purchase, it is unlikely that your check will be approved.
Will walmart cash a two party check?
Hi Tiffany,
Walmart will cash a two-party check, provided both parties are present and both parties have an ID.
I have an insurance check for $7500 I’d like to cash. I know the limit is $5000. Can I take $5000 of that check and deposit the remaining $2500 on my Walmart moneycard? (I already have the moneycard and its been active for nearly 2 years)
Thanks
Hi Stefanie,
It looks like Walmart will not cash any check over $5,000, regardless of whether you will deposit some of the check onto your Walmart MoneyCard. You can, however, deposit the entire check onto your MoneyCard and then withdraw the desired cash from a Walmart MoneyCenter or an ATM once the check has cleared. Note that ATM withdrawals are limited to $1,500 per transaction.
Can TeleCheck garnish my tax refund? I wrote a check last year at Walmart. I waited for it to clear and it never did. I called Walmart they said they had no record of it. Now I’m getting papers in the mail saying I owe the balance. I plan on paying it when I get the money, but my question is do they garnish my tax refund?
Hello, Ashlee! Whether private companies can garnish your tax refund will depend on your state’s laws regarding debt collection. Some states only allow the garnishment of tax refunds if you owe money to the federal or state government. The letters you receive should include contact information for the collection agency; it would be best to contact the agency about a repayment plan before you receive your tax refund to avoid any potential garnishments. Best of luck!
Are you able to use personal checks that aren’t ordered directly from your bank for purchases? I ordered plain checks from another website but they don’t look like my other ones. Same information though.
Hi Tina,
Provided the checks you ordered have your printed account number, routing number, and your name and address, it doesn’t matter if you ordered your checks from your bank or from a check company.
I was told by an associate that because there was no bank logo and it only had the bank name that it was fraudulent and refused to accept it. All the correct information was on it, I had a matching state issued id, and I had used a check from the same book a few hours before at the same store. She said other associates can do it but she won’t, and refused to run it through the telechek system. I feel like she handled the situation very poorly and I would like to file a complaint. First she accused me of trying to use a fraudulent check, didn’t bother to even check the security features on it at all, and told me not to even bother showing her any proof that the check is valid with the receipt from earlier or even the checkbook that it came off of basically because she didn’t like it way it looked. I shop at that store frequently and used the checks several times since I ordered them in January with no problem. How do I go about filing one? Thanks
Hi Tina,
My first question is: Who did you order the checks from? That’s a good starting point, so we can figure out if they are a reputable company.
Vistaprint.com. It has all my info and bank account numbers. It only has the name of the bank on the side, she claimed it needed to have the bank address, phone number, and a logo as well but the site didn’t ask for it so it can’t be that important. I’ve been using them for six months now.
Hi Tina,
Sorry to hear Walmart is making things difficult for you! To get contact them with respect to filing a complaint, you can try this online complaint/comment form, or try calling customer service and choosing the option for making a complaint. The number is 1-800-925-6278. You’re best bet though, is probably to speak directly to management or the customer service center at the specific store that wouldn’t accept your check.
Good luck!
I had written a check at Walmart and I had to have surgery the day my deposit was supposed to go in. My bank returned the 1st “Attempt” I contacted the bank and my deposit went in the next day. When Walmart “Resubmitted” the check for the retry it was paid. Ever since then telecheck won’t let me write any checks and they took $30 fee out without a notice or anything. My original check was paid with the retry and they took a NSF fee. Can they even though it was paid on the retry. Any recommendations short of a lawyer to get telecheck to let me start using my checking account again. I have NEVER written a bad check before and I was not being a “Deadbeat” I was stuck in a hospital bed unconscious for most of the day. The error was corrected and they got their money with out having to do collections. Thanks.
Hi Adam,
Your best bet is to go directly to TeleCheck and request your file report here.
Their website makes it easy to report or dispute inaccurate information: “Reporting information to TeleCheck is easy and secure. Do you need to dispute information you believe to be inaccurate in TeleCheck’s reporting database? We will promptly assist to correct reporting inaccuracies.” Good luck and I hope you are able to get this resolved!
My husband wrote a check to walmart on Friday but there was not enough funds for the check to clear. I did deposit funds into our checking account but have not seen the charge debited from our account. I don’t have the receipt but know the day it was purchased. How can I make sure walmart is paid?
Hi Kara,
Walmart uses TeleCheck to process its checks at the cash register, at the time of the sale. Often times, it will take your bank a day or two for the check to show up on your account. Until it is posted, you won’t know if the check was cleared or if it was returned.
Hi. Can i purchase gift cards at Wal-Mart and pay with a personal check?
Hi Rmc,
We contacted a customer service representative at Walmart who told us that you can use a personal check to purchase gift cards at Walmart, provided you have proper photo ID.
I bounced a check at Walmart years ago I want to work there and pay Walmart back out of my check. Will Walmart hire me and work with me to pay back my debt?
Hi Michael,
The type of job you are applying for at Walmart will depend on whether a background check is conducted and whether this information will be revealed. You can find more information on the hiring process here: https://careers.walmart.com/stores-clubs/walmart-store-jobs
I am going to Florida , I can write a check at Walmart there.
I wrote a check to Walmart and forgot to transfer the funds so the check bounced, will they try to pull the money again or how do I take care of the money I owe Walmart
K,
As included in the article above, “Walmart’s check policy posted in-store in the checkout lanes states that if there is not enough money in the customer’s bank account at the time the check is presented for payment, the customer will be charged a returned check fee of $35.00. Both the returned check fee and the original payment amount will then be deducted from the account by EFT or bank draft.” (A returned check and a “bounced check” are the same thing.) I hope this helps!
I wrote a check at Walmart in another state. I live in TN, wrote the check at a VA Walmart. It’s been 2 days and it’s still not been taken out of my checking account (that I’ve noticed). Is it because I was in another state? I hate thinking I have more money than I actually do. How long will it take to take those funds out of my checking account?
Courtney,
It usually does take only one to two business days for funds to be withdrawn from your account, no matter where you write your check. I recommend contacting TeleCheck at (800) 710-9898 if you’d like to inquire about your specific check. I hope this helps!
I cashed my payroll check issued by my employer at walmart on Friday. Well, this morning my company’s payroll department stated they cancelled the check. What happens now considering I already cashed the check? Will I owe Walmart?
Shae,
Unfortunately, due to the volume of comments that we receive, we’re not able to help with specific, individual requests. I recommend calling TeleCheck, Walmart’s check processor, at (800) 366-2425. I hope this helps!
Will an expired and clipped ID work to verify a check with my name?
Hi Cassi,
Unfortunately, an expired and clipped ID will generally not be accepted as proof of identity. You will need a current, valid, government-issued ID to cash a check. A passport will work if you have one of those, or a social security card and a separate photo ID. I hope this helps!
Hi! my concern is that I had a good Samaritan to pay the balance owed on my credit card account by check. I contacted Walmart customer service department to see when my the check will clear and also how long will it take for a credit to show up on my account. I was told by a supervisor in customer service that it could take 21 days for the check to clear due to the large amount and that it was in my credit card policy. I’ve NEVER heard of or seen this in my policy. I’ve heard of 7 to 10 days but not 21. Please clarify. Thanks
Hi Tara,
Just to clarify, is this in regard to your Walmart store credit card? The length of time that it takes a payment to post will really be entirely dependent on the processing time of the credit card company — so if customer service has stated that the payment may not post for 21 days, unfortunately there’s very little that can be done to speed the process along. 21 days does seem excessive for the processing time for a credit card payment, but checks in a large amount (particularly if they’re coming from an account that hasn’t made a payment on your card before) could definitely result in a delay in processing. It’s very possible that the customer service agent gave the 21 days as an outside estimate, and the payment may post sooner than that — so it’s worth checking up on your account to see if the credit appears earlier. As far as the policies for your credit card account, you would have to get in touch with customer service and ask an agent to cite the specific place where the “21 days” policy is outlined, as different customers can have different agreements and cardholder’s statements. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you a more specific answer, but please let me know if you have any further questions!
Today’s my birthday, my mom is out of town but she signed a check and made it out to Walmart for ca use i wanted a apple laptop,can I go and purchase my laptop
Hi Tia,
Unfortunately, unless your name also appears on the check or you are an authorized user on your mother’s checking account, you won’t be able to use a check printed with your mother’s name at a Walmart store. Sorry I couldn’t bring you better news (but happy birthday)!
I am visiting a family from out of time and lost my debit card, can I write a check for items needed if I live in another state.
Hi Frank,
It may be worth giving the local Walmart store a quick call before you head over to do any shopping, as individual stores may have varying policies — but typically, as long as you can present a valid ID with a name that matches the name printed on the check, it shouldn’t be a problem that your ID and bank account are from out of state. I hope this helps!
I tried to cash my payroll check at Walmart (I work for a well known large corp.) They said that my son was coming up as another name and couldn’t cash it. There is nothing g on my credit report and no fraud that I’m aware of. Is there a way to check with walmart home office about someone else name coming up in their system under my ssn?
Hi K,
I’m sorry to hear about the issue you’ve had with your check! Most likely, the system that is pulling a different name isn’t really Walmart’s system but TeleCheck, a separate company that electronically processes checks at a number of retailers. You may have the most luck getting in touch directly with TeleCheck. The Fraud, Identity Theft, and Forgery department contact number for TeleCheck is 1-800-710-9898. The general Declined Check Information for Check Writers number is 1-800-366-2425. You can also reach the Walmart corporate office directly at 1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278). Best of luck getting this resolved!
Payroll checks are not declined by TeleCheck. Walmart’s check cashing verification service is through Certegy.
Hi Todd,
After some additional research, it seems that there are numerous reports of customers having their checks declined at Walmart by both TeleCheck and Certegy. It appears that Walmart may utilize both companies for check verification. I’ve amended the article to state that either Certegy or TeleCheck may be used to verify a check at Walmart. Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention!
I wrote a check at Walmart electronic check it bounced but there is funds now will they run the electronic check again(a second time?)
Hi Mona,
Most customers report that Walmart will present a check for payment up to three times — so yes, Walmart will likely run the check a second time. You’ll be charged the original amount of the purchase, plus a $35 returned check fee. If you’d like, you can also typically arrange with the Walmart store where the purchase was made to pay off the outstanding balance in cash. I hope this helps!
I went shopping at Walmart late friday evening. I transferred money to my checking account Monday morning, however Walmart had already presented to the check. This has never happened to me before. What will happen?? Will they put it through a second time?
Hi Susan,
Walmart does not publish an official policy on this situation, but customers report that if the check did not clear the first time, the company (technically TeleCheck) will try to run the check up to three times. A $35 returned check fee will also be charged. As long as you currently have enough funds in your account to cover both the original payment and the $35 fee, you should be in the clear once TeleCheck processes the transaction. It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to write checks to any retailers that use TeleCheck (which is quite a lot of them) until this issue has been resolved. To expedite the process, you can likely arrange with the Walmart where you made the purchase to pay off the outstanding balance in cash. You’ll need to work with that store directly about further steps for this process; you can find the phone number for your local Walmart through the Walmart location finder. I hope this helps!
Hi I have a question I get my paycheck on the 27 of Dec.But I wanted to Get Christmas presents for my kids so can I use my check to Get the presents
Hi Luis,
Most customers report that when paying by check at Walmart, the transaction will post to your checking account approximately 36 hours later. This means that if you write the check before you have the funds available, the payment will likely post within the following day or two and your account will either be overdrawn, or the check will bounce. Unfortunately, unless you want to face a returned check fee from Walmart and possibly an NSF fee from your bank as well, you won’t be able to write a check if funds aren’t available in your account for a purchase before Christmas. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
Would I be able to write a check out today and put the funds in the bank tomorrow?
Hi Tyler,
Typically, TeleCheck does not verify account balance before accepting or rejecting a check. Most customers report that it usually takes about 36 hours from the time a check is handed to a cashier at Walmart until it posts to their bank account. It’s always better to have the funds in your account any time you write a check, but theoretically, you may be able to write a check and deposit the funds the following day (it will help if it’s a cash deposit, which will show up immediately in your account balance — a check deposit will take longer to clear). Keep in mind that TeleCheck does take into account many other variables and risk factors, and some customers are denied even when they have enough funds in their account based on banking history, so it’s still possible for TeleCheck to reject your check payment for another reason. I hope this helps!
need to pick up a few more thanksgiving dinner items but I don’t get paid until Friday. I am hoping I can I write a check at Walmart to cover the purchase? I am not sure how fast Walmart does their banking in order to know if my check will be “safe” until Friday. Am I allowed to write over the amount?
Hi Judith,
Walmart will use TeleCheck to run your check as soon as you present it for payment. It may take up to 1-2 business days for the money to be deducted from your account, but TeleCheck may decline your check if there aren’t sufficient funds at the time of payment. If the check is accepted at the checkout but later bounces, you’ll be charged a $35 returned check fee — so it’s probably not worth the risk.
Question. I was in Walmart the other day and purchased a laptop in that back at the electronics section. I had other purchases I made but went to the front to check out. My debit card had put a limit on my card because of the laptop purchase and it was declined though I know I had more than enough money to cover my purchases. So I wrote a check out to Walmart from a different account but there was insufficient funds and the check was declined by my personal bank and returned. Am I able to contact or go up to Walmart and stop payment on the check and pay in cash the balance of my purchase plus the returned check fee? Not really sure what to do. I never meant for the check to decline. Wasn’t aware there was insufficient balance to cover the cost of my purchase. Just let me know. Thank you.
Hi Adriana,
You should be able to visit the customer service desk at the Walmart where you made the purchase to pay the returned check fee (likely around $25 or so) and the outstanding balance for the purchase. It’s not a bad idea to call ahead to that Walmart and ask about the best way to go about resolving the situation, since there may be a preferred process for handling a bounced check at that particular location, but very likely the representative will ask you to come in and pay in cash. I hope this helps!
Hello I need to get ahold of corporate office regarding a check that was cashed at Walmart with telecheck and was presented to our bank for payment then 4 days later the actual check was presented for Payment to our bank and it cleared our bank second time once as a telecheck and once with original check. how could this happen?
Who should I contact?
Hi Nancy,
That does sound like a very strange and frustrating situation! You may want to start by getting in touch with your bank directly to have someone there investigate the situation. The bank may be able to provide details about when and where the check was cashed the second time. If you’d like to contact Walmart as well, I would recommend calling into Walmart customer service (the website states that you can use this number “ask a question about your local store or our corporate headquarters.”) That number is 1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278). If you’d like to email instead, you can visit the Walmart contact page. I hope this helps, and best of luck getting things resolved!
I paid by check this morning and came home. To my suprise my mother bought what I needed so I need to return the laptop and printer.. it’s already deducted from my bank account so is it possible to make the return and get the money back same day even if it’s cash
Hi Kevin,
I wasn’t able to find anything in the Walmart return policy about this particular situation, but other customers have reported that they were able to get cash after returning an item purchased by check. Since your purchases probably came to a relatively high dollar amount with the laptop and printer, they may issue you a store credit instead of cash.
Does Walmart except school founding personal checks?
Hi Serena,
I’m not sure what you mean. Could you be referring to a third party check (a check that’s been signed over to you from someone else)? Unfortunately, Walmart won’t cash third party checks or accept them as payment.
Do the checks try to go through twice if they bounce or do I need to call immediately after the first bounced try?
Hi Emily,
Walmart’s official policy is that the returned check fee and the original payment amount will be deducted from the account by EFT or bank draft, so that does sound like they will try to cash the check a second time (after the first time incurs the returned check fee). I couldn’t find out anything from Walmart directly about how they would handle such a situation, but some other customers have reported that Walmart will try to deposit a bounced check up to three times. If you have the funds available, the best thing may be to go directly to the customer service desk at the Walmart in question and pay the amount owed in cash. If you don’t have the funds available, you will probably want to put a stop payment on the check (although that will cost you too — typically about $30 or so, although this varies by bank). Best of luck getting this resolved!
I work for the state Government and they send me to purchase stationary and other items as needed with a check made payable to Walmart. When I present the check for payment, the cashiers refuse saying they cannot use it to make the payment. Sometimes they cash the check. Can you please let me know what is the Walmart procedure in handling such checks.
Thanks
Hi,
Walmart’s official policy is to only accept checks if the person presenting the check is an authorized user on that account. Unfortunately, that means that unless you’re listed as an authorized user on your employer’s bank account, Walmart may not accept your check as payment. Sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
I unfortunately have a rep payee on my checking account. Would this prevent me from paying with a check even though my name is on the check?
Hi Benjamin,
Interesting question. Walmart actually doesn’t have a written policy on this topic. Though if your name is on the check and you provide ID, you should be able to write a check without a second party’s authorization.
My wife just came back from a local Wal-mart where she tried to pay using a check for around $230 and was declined. After a lot of angry embarrassed phone calls to our bank and Wal-mart, it finally came out that telecheck had declined her check based on “not having enough information in her profile”. This was her first time writing a check at Wal-mart and it seems from the conversation that we had with the telecheck rep that they build a profile based on a persons previous check history with Wal-mart to establish trust. Since my wife had no trust, they declined the check without even attempting to draft the account. This has to be the worst business practice that I’ve ever seen from an institution dealing with money and has my wife trying to swear off shopping at Wal-mart ever again. This is a policy that needs to be clearly spelled out right up front.
if i’m writing a check tuesday for a tv but wont have money in my account until wednesday night will it work?
Hi James,
Probably. But there’s no lag between when the check is used and when the bank examines your funds. TeleCheck (the check authorization service used by Walmart) will ‘ask’ your financial institution if it’s okay to approve the check. So it’s up to your bank and your specific account if this can happen. Most financial institutions allow overdrafts between $100-$1,000. You’ll pay an overdraft fee of around $30. Or if you have overdraft protection, you won’t pay this overdraft fee. So this answer is highly variable based on your situation. Your best move would be to call the bank ahead of time and see if you have overdraft protection and if not, see if you can quickly get it or just pay the $30 fee.
How many checks can you write in a day?
Hi Jenni,
According to Walmart and its relationship with TeleCheck (the company that processes the checks), there is no limit to the number of checks a person can write. However, your bank/credit union may impose a limit. So that’s where your concerns could be validated. However, it really shouldn’t be an issue.
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
My mom is elderly and has just moved into a nursing home in Massachusetts (she moved from NH). She has lost her NH driver’s license and Social Security card. Can she write a check at a Massachusetts WalMart with her passport as ID?
Hi Mary,
I’m happy to report that yes, Walmart accepts U.S. Passports as one of the forms of ID that can be used for validating a check. I also called Walmart corporate to confirm.
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Hey if a family member writes me a personal check,but I want to shop online can I use the check as payment for a pre paid visa or gift card?
Hi J.G,
You can turn it into a third party check and yes, buy a prepaid Visa card or a gift card with the check. Or you can cash the check first at one of these 18 stores that cash personal checks.
i have no food in my house and i dont get paid until the 30th of the month and its now the 16th if i write a check today how long will it take get to the bank. the checking account is active theres just no money until the 30th will it go thru
Hi Jessi,
Walmart communicates with your bank as soon as the check is scanned. If it’s accepted and you don’t have money in your account, you’ll go into overdraft right away. The bank does not wait for the check to clear.
My SS is deposited/available on 2nd Wednesday each month. Is a check written Tuesday prior cleared on Wednesday?
Hello,
The check is cleared at the same time the Walmart cashier scans it through the Telecheck machine – just after you write the check. There’s buffer between the time you pay with check and the time Walmart looks to see if the funds are available.
So i wrote a check to walmart thinking i was going to get a deposit coming in to cover it. Its not coming now for a month and my check bounced and i got charged a fee. I was only charhed the fee though. Not gor what i bought! I want to make sure i pay them and that i dont get in trouble! What do i do because i do not get paid for a month!
Hi Caity,
Telecheck handles these issues for Walmart. Contact Telecheck and explain your situation. Since you’ve caught this problem early, it’s not a big deal. All will be corrected soon. Though make sure not to try to write checks at other stores as Telecheck is quite prevalent so you will be denied and those stores right away.
I have a check printed to me from out of state bank andkvi was wondering if I could use it to shop for things at Walmart and pay with this check.
Hi Benjamin,
Since the check is made out to you and not Walmart, you cannot pay Walmart directly. You will need to cash the check before using it at Walmart. And since it’s a personal check, Walmart will not cash it. To find another place to cash the check besides Walmart, check out this list of stores that cash checks and banks that cash checks to noncustomers.
Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
I wrote a check to Walmart an it got returned to them from my bank what do I do? Now will I got to jail or what will I do the Walmart in my town said they don’t deal with that so what can I do
Hi Cheyanne,
It’s true, you won’t be dealing with Walmart. What happens now is the company Walmart uses for check processing, Telecheck, will get in touch with you using the contact information they have gathered from your associated checking account. So expect contact via one or more of the forms of communication you have listed on your checking account. Or, contact them directly and get the situation resolved. You won’t be able to write another check to any store which uses the Telecheck system until this is resolved. Next, contact your bank/credit union and ask for your overdraft fee to be forgiven. Simply ask and as long as you don’t overdraft often, it will likely be waived. Do what you can to get more money into the account. So it’s a bit of a balance between getting your bank account back up and communicating with Telecheck to let them know when you can get your payment resolved. Also note that Telecheck will likely charge a returned-check fee. But no, you will not be going to jail. Though if you don’t pay Telecheck, they will submit your payment to collections. That will hurt your credit score which will bring future problems. But for right now, you’re not in too much of a mess. Just get money into your checking account quickly and you’ll be just fine. If you have a follow-up question, fire away.
Thanks so much! I will get in contact with them…. My bank was suppose to cover it but didn’t so my mistake! Thank you an I have so much stress relived off my back!
No problem! If your bank was supposed to cover the overdraft, make sure to let them know so you can for sure get the overdraft fee waived. It only takes a second and will save you around $30.
I would like to purchase items in-store for our Boy Scout troop using a check from our troop’s account. The troop’s name and address are listed on the check, and not my name (although I am an authorized signor on the account). Will the Walmart store accept this check? Is this considered a business check?
Hi Kevin,
Smart question. No, you do not have to have your name on the check to use it. But you do need to have a driver’s license, state ID card, military ID, or a social security card and a picture ID. What happens is the Walmart cashier will run the check and your ID information through Telecheck. Telecheck will match your ID with the associated bank account to ensure you’re an authorized user. If you are, the check will clear. The process is pretty slick. So just make sure to have one of the forms of ID listed above and you’ll be good to go. Happy camping!
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Update: I stopped at the customer service desk first to inquire about using a check from our troop’s business checking account for a purchase, and they required that I present an ID that showed I was a member of the organization. I have a BSA member card but didn’t have it on me, and I’m not even sure that card lists the troop or not. In any case, it never got to the point of having Telecheck validate the check or that I am an authorized signor on the account. It’s a bit frustrating that Walmart doesn’t post their policies about this on their web site.
Are you saying you were able to pay with the check without your name on it without presenting one of the accepted forms of ID (or any ID at all)?
Sorry, I’m saying that they would not accept my check unless I could present some form of ID proving that I was from that organization. I told them that Telecheck would show that 1) there are sufficient funds in the account and 2) that I was an authorized signor on the account. They still wouldn’t accept the check without specific ID from the troop. So I cashed the check for cash at our bank and went to a different Walmart. One thing that annoyed me is that no one really knew their policy, and the customer service reps told me that each cashier does it different. I told them that they should all be enforcing the Walmart policy the same way and they told me that doesn’t always happen, which annoyed me even more. It was one of my worst experiences in a Walmart store.
Hi Kevin,
I think it’s Walmart’s low pay combined with its high turnover that leads to these frustrating moments. You’re right, each Walmart employee should operate under the exact same guidelines as another. Having to show your troop ID is bizarre.
Can you pay with a check at the self checkout stand?
No you cannot use a check at a Walmart self-checkout.
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
If i have had a returned fee from another store and it was satisfied will telecheck deny my check if i have an overdraft plan with my account?
Hi Katie,
Absolutely not. First, because your previous check was satisfied. Second, because since you have overdraft protection (as long as the overdraft limit is at least as great as your purchase) your bank will ‘tell’ Telecheck that the funds are available (even if they aren’t coming from your account at the moment) and the check can clear. Telecheck is in the business of clearing checks so the only time a check won’t clear is if the company is concerned it will never get paid. You’re good to go. If you have any other questions, ask away!
I have a starter check my name is not on it but I have ID I’m waiting on my new checks to arrive but my bank have me a few start up checks can I use it.
Hi Susan,
Unfortunately Walmart does not accept starter checks in any way, shape or form. I’m sorry I cannot cite this via an online source as one does not exist but inside each Walmart there’s a sign next to the service desk that displays this information. I wish I could offer better news! If you have any followup questions, don’t hesitate to ask another!
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
I’ve used a starter check no problem! Hmmm
Can you get a alert on your email if you have a check comes back, how long does it take before you get a letter in mail about the check who do you pay & how long have you got to pay it
Hi Curious Customer,
Wise question. Here’s how the payment process works after a check bounces. You write a bad check to Walmart, Walmart gets paid via their check processor (Telecheck) so now you owe Telecheck. Telecheck passes it off to their collection agency (TRS Recovery Services). The collection agency uses the information associated with your checking account to get in touch with you. The forms of communication listed is a physical address and a phone number. You can’t get an email as that information isn’t associated with your checking account. They send a letter to you within a week requesting the funds. They also call you simultaneously requesting the funds. The fees/time frame for all of this vary from state-to-state. Know too that you cannot write a check to any other store that uses Telecheck until this check is satisfied. Unfortunately, Telecheck does not reveal a list of associated companies. If you would like to get in touch with TRS Recovery Services as soon as possible, they can be reached at 1-800-366-1049 (since they are a collection agency – they tend to answer the phone very quickly).
Again, great question. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask another.
Hello, my Grandmother Needs me to pick up a few things for her, I am on her account but not listed on the check ,can she send me with a check to pick up her things?
Hi Corrine,
After getting a definitive answer from Walmart Corporate, no, you cannot use her check – even if your name is on her account. Your name must be listed on the check and you must present ID.
Walmart does not ask for id when presenting a check
Hi Pam,
While Walmart’s official policy requires that you show your ID when cashing a check, it seems like this rule is not always enforced and that some people have had luck cashing a check without showing ID. Thanks for sharing your experience!
This is not when cashing a check. This is when buying items and presenting a check. The only time that id is asked is if the checking account has never been used before at Walmart. Not asking for id from customers leaves both Walmart and the customer open to fraud
Hi Pam,
You’re right, and the ID policy is supposed to apply to paying with a check as well as cashing a check. Unfortunately, Walmart seems to be enforcing this policy inconsistently. We’ve had a few people comment here and say that Walmart didn’t ask for an ID.
Hi, I wrote a check to Walmart and it was returned but has been put thru and again and paid infull. how long does it usually clear the store so that I would be able to right a check again.
Hi Margo,
Great question – we’d hate to have you embarrassed at checkout. As long as the former check has been paid in full (and the resulting fee), you can keep writing checks at Walmart without issue. If for any reason you have an issue, call Telecheck (888 905 3388) and get them to remove your name from their no payment database. But again, you shouldn’t have an issue.
I wrote a bad check to Walmart thinking there had been a payment sent to my bank account. Not until after I made the purchase at Walmart did I find out the payment was in the mail and had not been put in my account. So how many times will they send the check back and forth from the bank and how many times will I be changed just from Walmart in addition to the bank
Hi Laura,
First, Walmart will attempt to debit your checking account. If they are unsuccessful, you will be charged $35 and they will wait 2 days and then run the check again. If it still doesn’t go through, it’s turned over to Telecheck to collect. You will also have the bank account overdraft fee which is typically about $30. Getting a bank overdraft fee waived is usually pretty simple (read the linked article to learn how). So once from Walmart, once from your bank (ask for forgiveness) and possibly an additional fee from Telecheck. Telecheck can be reached at 888 905 3388.
Telechek 888 905 3388
I have written a check to Walmart and it came back it’s been over 6 months how long after that can I write a check to Walmart or am I not allowed to write anymore checks to Walmart they were all paid
Hi Julie,
Walmart will accept checks from you. Because as long as your past checks and any associated fees have been paid, and it has been at least 10 days (probationary period), in the eyes of Walmart, you’ve never written a bad check. Enjoy!
Can I do a shopping there using a written personal checks of my navyfedeal credit union and get a cash back..pls
Hello and great question. Yes, you can get cash back at Walmart using a handwritten Navy Federal Credit Union check but note that the cash back limit per check at Walmart is $20. So if you need more than $20, you must either make separate transactions and thus write multiple checks or you can pay with a debit or credit card to get far more cash back.
Can my 16 you son use my check if I send a note with him authorizing it?
Hi Judy,
Unfortunately, no. Whoever wrote the check must provide ID at checkout. The only loophole is if you wrote the check but his name is also on the account. Then his ID will work.
I work for a law office as their office assistant and they always send me with checks NOT IN MY NAME to pick up supplies from stores and to pick up orders.
Hi Megan,
Business checks are the exception. I will update the post to bring this to everyone else’s attention. Thank you for your comment.
Store: Wal☆mart
If I used a check to pay for something can I with the recipe return my stuff and get cash back
Hi Holly,
It depends. Returns must be issued using the payment method the original transaction used. So if you paid with cash, you can get cash back. But if you paid with a debit card, for instance, your refund will go back to your debit card. If you don’t want to use the same payment method or don’t have the debit card, credit card, whatever with you, then you can get the refund on a Walmart gift card. You cannot get a significant amount of cash back using a gift card. So you can only get cash back at Walmart on your return if you used cash for the first transaction. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello i cashied a payroll check at walmart over 10 years ago and the company closed and stopped payment on our checks. The check was returned to walmart i didnt know anything about it and i went to return something at walmart and they denied me without a receipt due to that check. I didnt rven kbow thr check returned walmart never notified me. So my question is how long so they hold that against me. The clerk i called and talked to didnt know and said walmart couldnt take a warrant on me for bad check but would hold it against me for an amount of time and didnt kbow how long. They alsi couldnt find the check when i went to customer service and telecheck said they only keep info for 5 years so what do i do or how do i get this off my license number
Hi Kenneth,
From what I can find in reports from customers who have been in a similar situation, it seems that TeleCheck can keep a returned check on record for seven years. It is possible that there are additional fees or interest charges that have accrued on the outstanding balance that could be preventing your TeleCheck history from being cleared. To find out more about how to get the returned check off of your TeleCheck record, you’ll need to contact TeleCheck customer support directly (this is the only way to clear your history). You can reach the Returned Check Collection line at 1-800-366-1048 (you can also see the other available customer contact phone numbers on the First Data TeleCheck website). Best of luck getting this resolved!
yes you can pay with a check return it and get cash back