Hey there! If you‘ve ever needed to cash a check late at night or on weekends when banks are closed, you may have wondered, "What time does Walmart stop cashing checks?"
I‘ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about Walmart‘s check cashing hours and policies in 2024.
The short answer is: Most Walmarts stop cashing checks at 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 6pm on Sundays. But read on for more details to make sure you can cash your checks anytime at Walmart!
All About Walmart MoneyCenters
At most Walmart stores, the customer service desk area is known as the MoneyCenter. This is where you can cash checks, along with taking care of other financial transactions like:
- Money orders
- Bill payments
- Wire transfers
- Prepaid debit cards
- Credit card applications
- Installment loan applications
It‘s kind of like a mini bank inside the store!
According to Walmart, over 75% of Americans live within 5 miles of a Walmart. So chances are, you have a store with a MoneyCenter nearby.
The great thing about Walmart MoneyCenters compared to banks is they typically have much more convenient hours for cashing checks on evenings and weekends.
Check Cashing Hours at Walmart
Now, for the answer you’ve been waiting for! Here are the standard hours for check cashing at most Walmart MoneyCenters:
Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Hours may vary by location, so always call your local Walmart to confirm times before stopping by.
Some good news – the MoneyCenter is open every day of the year except for major holidays when the entire store is closed:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
If a holiday like July 4th or Christmas falls on a Sunday, Walmart may also close the next day, Monday.
Be sure to call ahead if cashing a check over a holiday weekend. The MoneyCenter hours may be reduced.
What Types of Checks Can You Cash at Walmart?
The great thing about Walmart check cashing is they cash a LOT of different checks. Some of the most common include:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks (federal, state, local)
- Tax refund checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- Money orders (Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Personal checks
- Business checks
- Payroll checks from major companies
- Lottery winning checks
- Traveler’s checks
According to the Check Cashing Store, a financial services company, over 180 million checks are cashed at retailers annually, with Walmart being a top choice.
The only checks Walmart typically won’t cash are:
- Two-party personal checks
- Checks from companies/people without an existing relationship
Some other limitations:
- In New Jersey and Rhode Island, Walmart cannot cash checks over $1,000 by state law
- In Florida and New York, no personal checks over $2,000
- In Vermont, no personal checks over $500
So it‘s best to call your nearest Walmart first and ask if they‘ll cash the specific type of check you have. State laws can impact their policies.
Check Cashing Limits at Walmart
Nationwide, here are the standard check cashing limits at Walmart MoneyCenters:
| Check Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $3 for payroll/gov‘t checks $6 for all other checks |
| $1,000.01 – $5,000 | $6 |
| Tax Refund Checks Jan 1 – April 15 |
Up to $7,500 |
Keep in mind, tax refund checks have a higher limit during tax season.
There are also limits on specific check types:
- Payroll checks: Up to $5,000
- Government checks: Up to $5,000
- Cashier‘s checks: Up to $5,000
- Money orders: Up to $5,000
- Personal checks: Up to $200
- Business checks: Up to $200
And traveler‘s checks have a $5,000 limit, with fees of 1% of the total, $3 minimum.
Always call your MoneyCenter to confirm limits before showing up with a large check! State laws can affect maximum amounts.
Can You Cash a Check on Sundays? Holidays?
Lots of people need to cash checks on weekends and holidays when banks are closed.
The good news is you can cash checks on Sundays and most holidays at Walmart since the MoneyCenters are open 363 days a year.
Sunday hours are usually 10AM – 6PM but can vary. Holiday hours may also be reduced depending on the store.
So before making a special trip, call your Walmart to check Sunday or holiday hours for that location. Otherwise you may end up disappointed if the MoneyCenter closes earlier than expected.
Do You Need ID and SSN to Cash Checks at Walmart?
To cash any type of check at a Walmart MoneyCenter, you need:
-
A valid government-issued photo ID
- Driver‘s license
- State ID
- Passport
- U.S. Military ID
-
Your Social Security Number
- Know your SSN by heart
- Bring your Social Security Card
-
The original paper check
- No photocopies allowed
-
Payment for the check cashing fee
- Cash, debit card, or Walmart gift card
- No checks!
Your ID name must match the name printed on the check, or Walmart legally cannot cash it.
If cashing a business check, you may need extra documents like a business license, Certificate of Organization, or DBA paperwork.
Can You Cash Out-of-State and Third-Party Checks?
Walmart will cash certain out-of-state and third-party checks like:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Official cashier’s checks
However, due to fraud concerns, they generally won’t cash:
- Personal checks from out-of-state banks
- Business checks from another state
- Checks signed over/endorsed to you (third-party)
Both parties must also be present to cash joint or two-party checks together.
Restrictions vary locally based on state laws. I suggest calling any MoneyCenter before hauling in an unusual out-of-state or third-party check. Explain what you have and ask if they‘ll cash it.
Risks of Check Cashing and How to Avoid Fraud
Before you cash any sizeable check, it‘s smart to take precautions against potential risks and fraud:
-
Ask questions if someone gives you a check. Why are they not cashing it themselves? Do they owe you money/wages?
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Verify funds with the issuing bank before depositing or cashing. Make sure the account has enough funds to cover the check.
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Review for alterations carefully. Any sign a check has been modified like changed payee, amounts, or signature could indicate fraud.
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ID the person cashing the check if you operate a business. Require a fingerprint or thumbprint to cash payroll and business checks over set limits.
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Limit third-party checks you accept. Only take checks made out directly to your business or yourself. Refuse endorsed/signed over checks.
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Place holds on deposited funds to ensure checks clear before making money available from the account.
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Report concerns to the bank, police, and affected businesses if you suspect a scam. It may help stop the fraudster.
By taking a few smart precautions, you can cash most checks safely and avoid the hassles of fake and fraudulent checks.
Alternatives for Cashing Checks 24/7
Since Walmart MoneyCenters eventually close each evening, what can you do if you need to cash a check late at night, after 8pm, or anytime Walmart is closed?
Fortunately, there are a number of 24/7 options:
-
24-hour supermarkets – Many major grocery store chains like Albertsons, Kroger, Safeway, etc. have self-service check cashing kiosks available 24 hours a day.
-
Convenience stores – Chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa will often cash smaller checks around the clock.
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Big pharmacies – CVS, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid locations with 24-hour pharmacies will sometimes cash checks anytime.
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Gas stations – Many branded stations like Shell, Exxon, and BP cash checks under $50-$100 24/7. Check individual station policies.
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ATMs – Deposit the check into your ATM-linked checking account and withdraw cash up to your daily limit.
Before using one of these overnight check cashing spots, always call or check online to confirm their check cashing hours, limits, fees, and ID requirements.
Policies vary greatly by business, so do your homework to avoid an unexpected surprise!
How Does Walmart Check Cashing Compare?
Here‘s a quick overview comparing Walmart MoneyCenters to other common check cashing options:
| Location | Fees | Limits | What They Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $3-$8 per check | $5K ($7.5K tax refunds) | Payroll, gov‘t, cashier‘s, etc. |
| Banks | No fee with account, 1-5% non-customers | No limit with account, $5K-$20K without | All check types |
| Check Cashing Stores | 1-15% of check amount | $5K-$20K | All check types, some loans and services |
| Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway | Flat $3 fee | $5K | Most checks under limits |
| Gas Stations, Corner Stores | 10-12% of check | $20-$300 max | Smaller personal checks only |
As you can see, Walmart is very competitive for fees and has high limits. The main advantage of a bank is cashing high dollar checks over $10K if you have an account. Otherwise, Walmart is a great option!
Key Takeaways on Walmart Check Cashing
Cashing checks at a Walmart MoneyCenter is convenient, affordable, and offers the flexibility of extended weekday and weekend hours. Here are some key tips to remember:
-
Hours are generally 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm Sundays, every day except major holidays.
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You can cash most payroll, tax, cashier‘s, government, and personal checks up to $5,000 ($7,500 for tax refund checks Jan-April).
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Bring valid photo ID and know your Social Security Number. Fees range from $3-$8.
-
State laws may restrict types of checks cashable and maximum amounts. Call your store to check.
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For 24/7 service, try grocery/convenience stores and pharmacies with self-service kiosks or around the clock service.
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Take precautions like verifying funds to avoid check cashing fraud.
So now you‘ve got the full scoop on cashing checks anytime at Walmart MoneyCenters! Let me know if any other questions come up. Happy check cashing!
