Does Walgreens Cash Checks?

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If you’ve been paid with a check instead of a direct deposit or bank transfer, you might be looking for a way to convert it into cash.

Sometimes it’s more convenient to cash your check at a retail store like Walgreens, especially if banks are closed. You may wonder, “Does Walgreens cash checks?” In 2015, Walgreens did away with check cashing. Walgreens still offers other financial services.

Find out what those services are and where to cash your check.

What Financial Services Does Walgreens Offer?

While Walgreens doesn’t cash checks, it does offer other financial services. These services include the following:

• ATM Services: Many Walgreens have in-store ATMs and you can withdraw cash without a fee depending on your banking relationship. 
• Reloadable Prepaid Debit Cards: Walgreens offers prepaid debit cards like Netspend and Green Dot. These prepaid debit cards allow you to load the card with a specific cash amount. These cards are not linked to a traditional bank account. 
• Bill Pay Services: Customers can pay certain bills, like utilities and other obligations, at Walgreens. These payments are usually sent through Western Union. 
• Mobile Payments: Walgreens accepts payments from digital wallets like Apple and Google Pay. 
• Cash Back: Customers can get cash back from their debit card transactions. Limits on cash back do apply.

Where Can You Cash a Check Instead of Walgreens?

Although Walgreens doesn’t cash checks, there are several other options for cashing checks. Let’s take a look at those places: 

Banks

Banks typically provide check cashing services if you’re an account holder. If you don’t have an account, you may still be able to cash a check if it’s drawn on an account from that bank or if the bank offers this service to the public. Generally one of the easiest ways to cash a check may be to visit a bank branch that issued the check. 

The check you want to cash should be no older than six months. Some banks may refuse to cash older checks. Be aware of possible fees for non-customers, which might be a flat fee or a percentage of the check amount. Banks may also limit the type or amount of the check they’re willing to cash.

Some banks may offer to cash checks not written by their customers for a fee. To see if a bank charges this fee, you can contact their local branches to ask about their specific policies.

Credit Unions

Credit unions operate similarly to banks but tend to have lower fees since they are member-owned. While they usually require membership to cash checks, they might provide this service for a check drawn on a member’s account.

When cashing a check at a bank location, bring a valid U.S. ID so the bank teller can verify that the check is made out to you. If you do not have a U.S. ID, you can ask the bank branch what verification they require, as you may still be able to cash your check at a bank branch that accepts foreign or alternative IDs. 

Retail and Grocery Stores

Retail and grocery stores may provide convenient check-cashing services with various fees and limitations on the types of checks they accept.

Here are some stores that state they offer check cashing:

Walmart

• Types of Checks Cashed: Payroll, government, tax, insurance settlement, 401(k), personal and cashier’s checks.
• Limits: Up to $5,000 for most checks; $7,500 between January and April. $200 for personal checks.
• Fees: $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks over $1,000; $6 for personal checks.

Kroger Brand Stores

• Types of Checks Cashed: Payroll, government, tax, insurance settlement, business, and child support checks.
• Limits: Up to $5000.
• Fees: Start at $3 with Kroger’s Shopper’s Card for checks up to $2,000. Start at $5.50 with Kroger’s Shopper’s Card for checks between $2,000.01 and $5,000.

Contact the specific store location to verify current policies, as these can vary by location. Even if your local grocery store does not have an official check cashing policy on their website, they may offer check cashing services. Call the specific location you would like to visit and ask about their check cashing policy.

Check Cashing Services

Dedicated check cashing services provide another avenue for converting checks into cash. These places typically offer extended hours and cash a variety of checks. However, they may also have higher fees than banks or stores. While a retail store or bank usually charges a flat dollar fee for cashing a check, a check cashing service may charge a percentage.

For example, cashing a $600 check at Walmart might cost $4 while a check cashing service with a 3% fee would charge $18 for cashing the same check. If you cash a $600 check every week at Walmart instead of at a check cashing service with a 3% fee, you could save $700 every year.

check cashing services also often don’t list their fees online, which means customers can find it more difficult to compare services before arriving in person. For these reasons, avoid check cashing services if other avenues are available.

If you need to use a check cashing service, here are some of the popular options:

ACE Cash Express

• Types of Checks Cashed: Payroll, personal, business, income tax refund, government, insurance settlement and money orders.
• Limits: Subject to store policy and customer verification.
• Fees: Vary by state

PLS Check Cashing

• Types of Checks Cashed: Payroll, personal, business, income tax refund, government, insurance settlement and money orders.
• Limits: Subject to store policy and customer verification.
• Fees: 1% + $1 applies when cashing payroll checks, recurring government benefits, and PLS money orders up to $1,000. Fees may be higher for other types of checks.

What Are the Requirements for Cashing Checks Elsewhere?

To cash a check elsewhere, you generally need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, state ID card or passport.

You will also need to endorse your check, signing the back of your check in the designated area. Some locations will charge a fee to cash the check. For example, Walmart charges up to $4 for checks up to $1,000 and $8 for checks over $1,000, with a maximum limit of $5,000. Check cashing locations charge a percentage of the check which is often higher fees than banks and retailers. 

How Much Does It Cost to Cash a Check at Other Locations?

The fees for cashing checks depend on the location you choose. Banks tend to have the lowest fees especially if you’re an account holder or the check is issued from the bank. Grocery stores charge $3 -$6. Check cashing locations tend to have the highest fees — 1%-10% of the check amount or a minimum of $3-$5.

This chart will help you decide where to cash your check:

Can You Cash Checks Without a Bank Account?

Yes, you can cash a check without a bank account. Options include check-cashing outlets, retail stores like Walmart, and prepaid debit cards, which allow you to access funds quickly for a fee. Mobile apps like PayPal also let you deposit checks digitally, with the option for instant access to funds.

You’re welcome to visit the issuing bank or use third-party endorsement to cash a check through someone else’s account. While these methods are convenient, it’s important to compare fees and limitations to choose the best option.

Next Steps  

While you aren’t able to cash checks at Walgreens, there might be other places that offer check cashing near you. Check if you have a branch of the bank that issued the check nearby. If not, look for retail stores that cash checks, like Kroger and Walmart. Avoid check cashing businesses like Money Marty or ACE Cash Checking, since they may charge higher fees. Always check the chosen store’s current policies, limits and fees, or check cashing service by contacting them directly or visiting their website.

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