How To Cash a Check at Walmart: 2025 Guide
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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With over 4,500 stores in the United States, Walmart is often the easiest place to go for groceries, clothing, housewares, toys and more. But did you know you can also cash a check at Walmart? If you don’t have a bank account or can’t easily get to your bank, here’s what to know about using Walmart for check cashing.
How To Cash a Check at Walmart: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to learn how to cash a check at Walmart, even if you don’t have a traditional bank account.
- Bring an eligible check: Walmart will cash the following types of checks: payroll, government, tax refund, cashier’s, insurance settlement or retirement distribution.
- Bring a valid government photo ID: You can bring a state-issued driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card or tribal identification.
- Find the Walmart Money Center or customer service desk: Both are located near the front of the store.
- Choose how you want to be paid: You can get cash or have the funds loaded to your Walmart MoneyCard.
- Pay the check cashing fee: The fee is $4 or $8 depending on the amount of your check.
Can You Cash a Check at Walmart Without a Bank Account?
Yes, you can cash a check without a bank account. You need to bring an eligible check that is properly endorsed, along with a form of government ID.
What Types of Checks Does Walmart Cash?
Walmart cashes the following types of checks:
- Payroll checks: Issued by an employer
- Government checks: Includes Social Security, supplemental security income and disability payments
- Tax refund checks: Both federal and state
- Cashier’s checks: Issued by a bank
- Insurance settlement checks: Payouts from claims like auto or home insurance
- 401(k) or retirement disbursement checks: Withdrawals or distributions from retirement accounts
- Pre-printed personal checks from a business: Only if made out to you
- MoneyGram money orders: Only if purchased at a Walmart
Walmart will not cash the following:
- Personal checks by individuals
- Third-party checks
- Post-dated checks
- Stale-dated checks
- Handwritten checks
- Foreign checks
- Checks without proper identification
Walmart Check-Cashing Limits and Fees
Walmart charges a flat fee for check cashing, depending on the check amount. Here’s a breakdown of the limits and fees by check type:
| Type of check | Maximum amount | Fee for Checks Under $1,000 | Fee for Checks Over $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payroll check | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| Government check | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| Tax refund check | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| Cashier’s check | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| Insurance settlement check | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| Retirement account disbursement | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | $4 | $8 |
| MoneyGram money orders | $1,000 (only purchased at Walmart) | $4 | N/A |
Can You Cash a Check at Walmart Online?
No, you cannot cash a check online at Walmart. You have to visit a Walmart Money Center in person to cash a check. You do have the option to cash your check and load it to Walmart MoneyCard that you can manage through a MoneyCard app.
How To Cash a Check at Walmart for Free
You cannot cash a check for free at Walmart. There is always a fee involved. However, you can reduce your fee by cashing checks under $1,000. The fee for checks under $1,000 is $4.
Also, you can ask that your check be loaded onto a Walmart MoneyCard.
While the check-cashing fee still applies, some reload fees may be waived, especially if you’re loading the card for the first time or via direct deposit in the future.
Walmart Money Center Hours and Locations
Hours may vary slightly by location, but typical Walmart Money Center hours are as follows:
- Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
You can find your local Walmart Money Center by visiting the Walmart store finder and entering your city and ZIP code.
Walmart vs. Banks: Which Is Better for Check Cashing?
Not sure where to cash your check? Here’s how Walmart compares to a traditional bank, so you can choose the option that works best for your needs.
| Feature | Walmart | Traditional Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Bank account required | No | Yes |
| Type of check | Payroll, government, tax refund, cashier’s | Most types of checks |
| Check cashing fee | Yes | None if you have an account at the bank |
| Check account limit | $5,000 (increased to $7,500 January – April) | Higher limit — may depend on what type of account you have |
| ID required | Yes | Yes |
| Hour availability | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Business hours only |
| Best for | Those who don’t have a bank account and are in a hurry | Those who have a bank account and an established relationship with their bank |
Pros and Cons of Walmart Check Cashing
Before you head to the store, weigh these pros and cons to see if Walmart check cashing is the right fit for you.
Pros
- No bank account required
- Immediate access to funds
- Walmart is open for extended hours
- Multiple locations nationwide
- One stop for cashing checks and shopping
Cons
- You have to pay fees to cash checks
- Personal checks and third-party checks can’t be cashed
- Check cashing limits are up to $5,000 — limit is increased to $7,500 from January to April
- ID required
- No access to full banking services
Final Take
Cashing a check at Walmart may not be the cheapest way to do it — after all, your bank will cash a check for you for free. But it certainly is convenient, with Walmart locations all across the country. Plus, Walmart locations usually have longer hours than most banks, so you can cash your check at night or on the weekend if you need to. It’s nice to know that you have the option to cash many different kinds of checks at Walmart.
FAQs About How To Cash a Check at Walmart
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how to cash a check at Walmart — including what to bring, when to go and what fees to expect.- What are Walmart's check-cashing hours?
- Check-cashing is available during Money Center hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Keep in mind that hours may vary by location.
- Check-cashing is available during Money Center hours:
- How do I cash a check at Walmart?
- Head to the Walmart Money Center or customer service desk with your government ID and endorsed check.
- How much would Walmart charge me to cash a check?
- Checks up to $1,000 have a $4.00 fee.
- Checks over $1,000 and up to $5,000 have an $8.00 fee.
- Can I cash my check at Walmart without an account?
- Yes. You can cash your check at Walmart without an account.
- Do checks at Walmart clear immediately?
- Yes, if approved, the Walmart checks are cleared immediately.
Karen Doyle contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
