Have you recently received a check from a purchase refund that you desperately need, but you don’t have time to wait the three to five business days your bank takes to process deposits? This is a very common issue that happens, and Walmart is here to help.
Walmart Check Cashing Policy Explained
Walmart offers in store check cashing, allowing you access to your money immediately. There is no type of registration necessary to use this service.
You have the option of getting cash directly or purchasing a Walmart MoneyCard. If you choose to load the money onto a MoneyCard, Walmart will waive the standard reload fee for you.
Options and Fees
Walmart offers check cashing for pre-printed checks, such as a payroll check or a refund check sent from a company. They will cash two-party checks up to a certain dollar amount, depending on your state. It is also an option to get cash off of your debit card.
For a pre-printed check $1,000.00 or less, there is a maximum fee of $4.00. For a pre-printed check $1,000.01 up to $5,000.00, there is a maximum fee of $8.00. Depending on the location, Walmart may also cash a personal check up to $200.00 with a maximum fee of $6.00. For debit card cashing, you can get up to $1,000.00 with a flat fee of $3.74.
Check Cashing Hours
Depending on the location, check cashing services may be available during the hours that the store is open. This is less likely if your Walmart operates 24 hours, then check cashing services usually run from 9am to 8pm. To double check the hours of your local Walmart, you can go to Walmart.com. The hours will be listed on the website, or there will be a phone number you can call.
How to Cash Checks at Walmart
The process is extremely simple, and much quicker than waiting in line at the bank. All you need to do is visit your local Walmart. Be sure you have a valid photo ID and your check with you when you go. Photo IDs can be a driver’s license, a state ID card, or an American passport.
If your Walmart has a Money Services center, you will go there. If not, you can go to any customer service desk and they can assist you. Some Walmart locations even allow check cashing in register lanes.
The check you are trying to cash must be dated within 30 days, or you will need to take it to a bank to cash.
Also, the check needs to be written specifically to the person cashing the check. If your spouse’s name is also on the check, they need to be there with their photo ID as well. You are not able to cash a check for somebody else, or without a photo ID present.
What You Can Cash
Walmart is able to cash pre-printed checks, payroll checks, government checks, tax checks, Cashier’s checks, insurance checks, 401k and retirement checks, money orders originally bought from Walmart (MoneyGram), and select two-party checks. Ultimately, any type of check that was printed by a bank or other financial institution can be cashed at Walmart.
The cashing limit for two-party checks is $200.00, and all other checks are limited to $5,000.00.
During tax season, January through April, the pre-printed check limit is raised to $7,500.00. They do this to be able to offer their services to customers who need to have their tax refund cashed but aren’t able to cash it at the bank.
Walmart will also allow you to cash up to $1,000.00 from your debit card. This is a beneficial service if you need more cash than you can get at an ATM, but you also aren’t able to make it to the bank.
Walmart will not cash a handwritten check to prevent the possibility of fraud. It is best to take any personal, handwritten checks to your bank.
How to Get a Walmart MoneyCard
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that offers cash-back rewards on Walmart.com, Murphy USA, and Walmart gas station. The card is not limited to being used only at Walmart; you are able to use the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
If you are interested in a Walmart MoneyCard to load your cashed check on to, it is a convenient option to avoid carrying the cash around. There are two ways to apply for a Walmart MoneyCard.
You can purchase the card in-store at any register for $1.00. You must then apply for the services of the card, and if you are approved you will receive immediate access to your money, and you will be able to use it that same day after the $3.00 set-up fee has been paid.
You can also request a card at WalmartMoneyCard.com. If you choose this method, your card will be shipped to you in the mail. When you receive it, you can take it with you to cash your check. You will not have to pay the $3.00 set-up fee before you can load the card by having a check cashed.
Important Disclaimers to Be Aware of
The limits for check cashing may be different per state regulations and laws. Be sure to check with a Money Services Associate to get the proper information for your state.
Card cashing is limited to three transactions per day, on three separate cards for one person. You are not able to use the same card three times. You must be able to enter a PIN number for this service, you cannot run this transaction as credit. Other limits set by your card issuer may apply. Photo ID is required for this service.
The $3.74 fee for card cashing is in addition to any fee(s) that your card issuer might charge for this type of transaction. Contact your bank to verify if any fees will be charged.
Personal check cashing is not available in New Jersey or Hawaii. The other 48 states and Washington, D.C. offer personal check cashing.
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