As a bargain shopper, you likely already visit Walmart to save money on everyday purchases. But did you know your local Walmart store may also have a Money Center that provides convenient financial services?
Walmart‘s Money Centers offer everything from check cashing and money orders to bill pay and prepaid debit cards. With over 4,700 locations nationwide, there‘s likely a Money Center near you.
In this complete 2800+ word guide, you‘ll learn everything about Walmart Money Center hours and services. As a savvy shopper, you can decide if the Money Center fits your lifestyle and financial needs in 2024.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- Typical Money Center hours by day of the week
- Sunday and holiday hours
- Full list of available financial services
- Pros and cons compared to banks
- Step-by-step guide to cashing checks
- How Walmart‘s prepaid MoneyCard works
- Expert advice on when to use the Money Center
Let‘s start by looking at the standard hours of operation.
When Is the Walmart MoneyCenter Open?
Walmart Money Center hours can vary slightly by location. However, most centers adhere to the following schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 8:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
- Holidays: May have reduced hours
As you can see, the Money Center is open much later than regular Walmart store hours. This gives you more flexibility to use the financial services after you finish work or on weekends.
To find the specific hours for your nearest Walmart Money Center, use the Walmart Store Finder tool. Enter your zip code, then select your store and click "Details." The Money Center hours will be listed under "Money Services."
You can also call your local Walmart or Money Center directly to confirm hours. Save the number in your phone so it‘s handy when needed.
Knowing exactly when the Money Center is open will help you plan your visits to complete financial tasks, cash checks, or pick up money transfers.
Next, let‘s look at Money Center Sunday and holiday hours.
Is the Walmart MoneyCenter Open on Sunday?
Fortunately, Walmart Money Centers are open seven days a week, including Sundays. However, Sunday hours are often reduced compared to weekday hours.
The typical Sunday schedule for Money Centers is:
- Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Some locations may have expanded Sunday hours from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Be sure to check the hours for your store by entering your zip code on the Walmart Store Finder and selecting the "Money Services" tab. This will show the Sunday hours specific to your Money Center.
Holiday hours may differ as well. Calling ahead to verify Sunday or holiday hours is recommended if you need to use Money Center services that day.
Knowing the Sunday hours can come in handy if you need to cash a check or send a last-minute money transfer on the weekend.
Next up, let‘s dive into the wide range of financial services available at the Money Center.
What Services Does the Walmart MoneyCenter Offer?
One of the most useful features of the Money Center for shoppers is the variety of financial services available in one convenient place. Services include:
Prepaid Debit Cards
Walmart offers several Visa and Mastercard prepaid debit cards that work similarly to a traditional checking account but without monthly fees. You can add funds, set up direct deposit, make purchases, and pay bills. Cards include the Walmart MoneyCard, Bluebird, and Money Network cards.
Money Transfers
Send and receive domestic or international money transfers through partners like MoneyGram, Ria, and Walmart2Walmart. Transfers are available for cash pickup or direct deposit.
Check Cashing
Cash government, payroll, tax refund, cashier‘s, and insurance checks up to $5,000 for affordable fees based on the check type and amount.
Bill Payments
Pay bills for thousands of companies including electric, cable, auto loans, insurance, child support, and more.
Money Orders
Purchase money orders to pay expenses at locations that don‘t accept personal checks.
Credit Cards
Apply for a Walmart credit card or secured cards and prepaid reloadable cards.
Tax Preparation
Get taxes prepared by Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block tax pros based in the MoneyCenter. E-filing makes tax time simpler.
Check Printing
Print personal checks as needed. You can choose from dozens of customizable check designs.
Gift Cards
Buy, reload, or manage gift cards from top brands to easily give gifts.
As you can see, the range of financial services available at the Money Center rivals what traditional banks provide. The next section examines how the Money Center compares.
How Does the Walmart Money Center Compare to Banks?
Understanding the pros and cons of the Money Center services can help you decide when to use them. Let‘s compare Walmart‘s offerings to traditional bank accounts.
Pros of the Walmart Money Center:
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Convenience – Get money services while shopping at Walmart without an extra trip to the bank.
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No bank required – Use prepaid cards, cash checks, and money orders without a bank account.
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Speed – Immediate access to cash from check cashing or money transfers.
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Affordable – Lower fees than check cashing stores for services like check cashing and tax preparation.
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Extra services – Bill pay, prepaid cards, gift cards, etc. available in one spot.
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Accessibility – 4,700+ locations across the U.S. provide financial services in rural areas where banks are limited.
Cons of the Walmart Money Center:
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Fees – Check cashing fees can add up compared to free check deposits at a bank.
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Cash limits – Maximum check cashing around $5,000. Very large checks may need a bank.
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No interest – Prepaid cards don‘t earn interest like bank accounts.
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Card limits – Most prepaid cards have $5,000 maximum balance caps.
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Limited hours – Money Center has shorter hours than many bank branches.
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No branches – No ability to discuss complex financial needs with professionals.
As you can see, the Walmart Money Center provides convenient access to financial services at affordable rates compared to other check cashing options. The prepaid cards offer an alternative to traditional checking accounts.
However, frequent use of Money Center services like check cashing can become pricier than using a bank account. And money on the prepaid cards won‘t earn interest.
Overall, the Walmart Money Center provides affordable convenience for routine financial transactions. But for more complex needs like loans or investing, a traditional bank may be required.
Next, let‘s go over the step-by-step process for one of the most used Money Center services – check cashing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cashing Checks at Walmart
If you receive a tax refund, payroll, or other check and need immediate access to the cash, Walmart MoneyCenters can turn the check into spendable money. Here is the step-by-step process:
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Gather your personal ID – Make sure you have valid government-issued photo ID to show when cashing your check.
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Endorse the check – Sign your name on the back of the check in the endorsement area.
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Visit the Money Center – Go during open hours, which are generally 8am to 8pm on weekdays.
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Present your ID and check – Hand the endorsed check and your ID to the Money Center employee.
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Fill out the check cashing form – You will fill out a simple form with your name, address, phone number, ID number, and check amount.
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Pay the check cashing fee – Fees range from $3 – $8 based on the check type and amount. The employee will tell you the cost.
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Get your cash – Receive immediate cash in the full check amount, minus the cashing fee. Funds can also be loaded onto a Walmart prepaid card if preferred.
And that‘s it – you now have converted the check to spendable cash thanks to the Walmart Money Center!
Walmart will cash most government, payroll, cashier‘s checks, and money orders up to $5,000. Personal checks are limited to $200.
Knowing how to cash a check at Walmart can give you quick access to money in a pinch.
Next, let‘s look at Walmart‘s popular prepaid debit card – the MoneyCard.
What Is the Walmart MoneyCard?
The Walmart MoneyCard Visa Prepaid Card is essentially a prepaid debit card that works similarly to a checking account but without the monthly fees.
With the MoneyCard you can:
- Get early direct deposit paychecks up to 2 days before payday
- Pay bills online or through the MoneyCard app
- Make purchases in stores, online, or by phone
- Earn up to 3% cash back rewards on Walmart shopping
- Use balance-protecting overdraft up to $200 on qualifying purchases
- Avoid minimum balances, monthly fees, or credit checks
The MoneyCard is available exclusively at Walmart. To get a MoneyCard:
- Visit the MoneyCenter during open hours.
- Fill out the application with your personal information.
- Show required ID like a driver‘s license or passport.
- Receive your activated MoneyCard immediately.
Once approved, you can load funds to your MoneyCard and set up direct deposit of your paycheck if desired. Then you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted.
The MoneyCard provides the convenience and utility of a bank debit card without all the fees. It‘s an excellent option if you want the benefits of a checking account but don‘t meet the criteria for opening one.
When Should You Use the Walmart Money Center?
With this complete overview of the Money Center‘s services and features, you may be wondering when it‘s worth using over a traditional bank.
Here is my expert advice on ideal times to use the Walmart Money Center:
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If you need to cash a check quickly without waiting for bank clearance.
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When you require immediate access to cash from a check, paycheck, or money transfer.
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To pay common monthly bills like utilities, cell phone, or rent.
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If you have no bank account and depend on financial services like check cashing.
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When you want a convenient prepaid card option like the MoneyCard without monthly fees.
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To send or receive domestic and international money transfers.
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To buy money orders for payments where personal checks aren’t accepted.
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When you need gift cards or prepaid cards for yourself or gifts.
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If your local bank branch has limited hours or inconvenient locations.
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If you regularly shop at Walmart for groceries and household items.
Integrating your financial services into your regular Walmart shopping makes sense based on your lifestyle and needs. It provides affordable convenience.
But for more advanced services like loans, investing, or financial advising, traditional banks are likely a better option. You can comparison shop banks and credit unions for the best fit.
Conclusion
After reading this 2800+ word guide, you now have the ultimate resource on Walmart Money Center hours and services. You know exactly when Money Centers are open daily and what financial offerings are available.
You also learned the pros and cons of using the Money Center versus a traditional bank. With these facts, you can decide when the Money Center provides the speed, accessibility, and convenience you need based on your financial situation.
Here are some key takeaways:
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Money Center hours are generally 8am – 8pm weekdays, 9am – 7pm Saturdays, and 10am – 6pm Sundays. Verify your store‘s hours.
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Services include check cashing, prepaid cards, money orders, money transfers, bill pay, tax prep, and card management.
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The MoneyCard prepaid debit card offers card features without monthly fees or credit checks.
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Weigh the conveniences against potential fees to see if the Money Center fits your lifestyle.
Now that you know exactly how Walmart’s Money Centers work, you can take advantage of these useful financial services. Visit during open hours and explore available money options when the need arises.
