Hey there! If you‘ve ever needed to cash a check without a bank account, you know it can be a real hassle. Thankfully, Walmart offers convenient check cashing services at many locations.
As a home improvement expert who has remodeled my fair share of bathrooms, I‘m all about finding the most efficient ways to get things done. So I‘ve put together this detailed guide to walk you through everything you need to know about cashing checks at Walmart.
What Types of Checks Can I Cash at Walmart?
Walmart cashiers can process a wide variety of check types, including:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks (federal, state or local)
- Tax refund checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- 401(k) retirement disbursement checks
- Money orders
- Rebates
- Out-of-state checks
The maximum check amounts accepted are:
- $5,000 for payroll, government, and cashier‘s checks
- $7,500 for tax refund checks
So if you have any of these common check types, Walmart can likely cash them for you on the spot.
Why Might Walmart Decline My Check?
While Walmart cashiers accept many types of checks, there are a few key reasons they may refuse to process your check:
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Personal checks – Walmart does not cash personal checks written from an individual’s bank account.
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Third party checks – Checks must be made out to the individual cashing them.
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Over the limit – Checks cannot exceed $5,000 ($7,500 for tax refunds).
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No ID – Valid U.S. government-issued photo ID is required to cash checks over $50.
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Money orders – Walmart MoneyCenters do not cash money orders.
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Location – Only about 2,700 of Walmart‘s 4,700+ locations offer check cashing.
So before heading to Walmart, call ahead to confirm they cash checks and bring a valid ID if cashing more than $50.
What Are Some Alternatives for Cashing Checks?
If you don’t have a bank account, there are several other places that cash checks, including:
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Issuing bank – Banks will usually cash checks drawn from their accounts.
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Payor‘s bank – Some will cash checks written from their customer‘s accounts.
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Check cashing stores – Dedicated check cashing services like ACE Cash Express.
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Credit unions – Many credit unions provide check cashing for members.
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Grocery stores – Major chains like Kroger, Albertsons and Ralphs may cash your check.
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Online services – Apps like Ingo Money let you submit check photos to cash checks virtually.
I‘d recommend calling ahead to verify the check amount limits, fees, and ID requirements for any service before going. This can save you a lot of time and headache!
When Are Check Cashing Services Available at Walmart?
Walmart offers check cashing only during regular store hours. Their hours do vary by location, but are generally:
- Monday-Saturday: Open 7 AM or 8 AM to 10 PM or 11 PM
- Sunday: Open 8 AM to 10 PM
So during the week, you can usually cash checks from the early morning through the late evening. Just know the Walmart MoneyCenter schedule may be more limited than the store hours.
It’s always smart to call your local store first to confirm their specific check cashing hours and availability.
How Much Does Walmart Charge to Cash Large Checks?
Walmart charges variable fees based on the check amount:
| Check Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | Flat fee of $3 |
| $1,000 – $5,000 | Flat fee of $6 |
| Over $5,000 | 2.5% of check amount |
So for a $1,500 payroll check, you would pay $6. For a $7,000 tax refund check, the fee would be 2.5% of $7,000, or $175.
These fees apply to most government and payroll checks under $5,000. Rates may vary for other check types, so verify fees with the cashier for large checks exceeding $1,000.
Which Apps Let You Cash Checks Using Your Phone?
Some of the most popular mobile check cashing apps include:
- Cash App – Market leader allowing deposits via mobile check scans.
- Venmo – Fee-free check cashing but limited compared to Cash App.
- Bank Apps – Major banks like Chase and Bank of America offer remote deposit.
- PayPal – Deposit checks into your PayPal account.
I prefer Cash App for its convenience and immediate funds availability. But every app has its pros and cons, so compare features before deciding.
Can I Cash Checks Online Instantly?
Cashing checks online instantly takes some finesse. There are a few methods that provide quick access to check funds:
- Ingo Money – Deposits check funds to your bank within minutes for a 2% fee.
- Bank apps – Deposits are usually available within an hour if submitted before 5 PM.
- PayPal – Transfers from bank account to PayPal balance are instant.
So while cashing checks through an app or PayPal isn’t quite instant, it’s a lot quicker than going to a physical bank or check cashing store.
What‘s the Process for Cashing Checks Through Cash App?
Cashing checks with Cash App takes just a few easy steps:
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Verify your identity in the app with your SSN, date of birth, address.
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Link your bank account by entering your account and routing numbers.
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Select “Deposit” then “Cash a Check” in the app and enter the check amount.
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Take photos of the front and back of your check and submit them in the app.
Once submitted, the funds are usually available within 1 to 3 business days. It’s the fastest way I’ve found to cash checks without a trip to the bank!
How Long Does PayPal Take to Deposit Checks?
In my experience, PayPal takes roughly 5 to 7 business days to deposit check funds into your PayPal balance.
Here is PayPal’s check deposit process:
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Mail your check to PayPal with a deposit form.
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PayPal receives the check and alerts your bank of the incoming deposit (1-2 days).
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Your bank processes the check payment (2-4 days).
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PayPal transfers the money from your bank to your PayPal balance (1-2 days).
So expect about a 5-7 day turnaround before check funds hit your PayPal account. Unfortunately, there’s no quicker direct deposit option.
Tips for Filling Out Check Cashing Slips
When cashing checks, you’ll be asked to complete a check cashing slip or provide:
- Your full name, home address, phone number, signature endorsing the check.
- Valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
- Employer details like name, address, phone number for payroll checks.
Be sure to:
- Completely fill out the slip – Missing details can delay the process.
- Provide accurate information – Incorrect details may lead to rejected checks.
- Write legibly – Illegible handwriting slows down cashiers.
Having all the right info handy helps ensure your check gets processed smoothly and quickly!
The Bottom Line
I hope this guide gave you a clear overview of how to cash checks hassle-free at Walmart and other check cashing providers. The key takeaways are:
- Call ahead – Confirm location, hours, fees to avoid issues.
- Bring valid ID – Needed for checks over $50.
- Know the limits – Personal and third-party checks not accepted.
- Check options – Banks, stores, apps offer alternatives.
- Fill out slips fully – Accurate details speed up check cashing.
Cashing checks without a bank account can be confusing, but a little preparation goes a long way. Let me know if you have any other questions!
