Checks are one of the few negotiable instruments that still remain relevant amid developments in technology. Today, one can quickly transfer cash through electronic fund transfer (EFT) systems. However, some people still use and prefer checks rather than paying cash or use electronic transfers. Today, we’ll talk about, does Walmart cash checks?
So if you’ve received a check, where can you encash (exchange check for cash) it? Is it best to encash it at banks? Is it convenient to do so? Fortunately, some non-bank services offer check encashment facilities to consumers, like Walmart Money Center. This Walmart service line offers encashment and prepaid card products for more comfortable and convenient shopping ways.
So, does Walmart cash checks? Yes! But, should you encash checks at Walmart? Read this article to know the answer.
Encashing Checks at Banks
The no-brainer way to encash a check is to go to a bank and encash it. However, many people do not prefer this option. That’s why services like Walmart Money Center emerged to make things more convenient and comfortable for their consumers. Now, why do some people prefer non-banks to encash checks? Check out the reasons below:
1. Inconvenient
Have you experienced falling into a long line to encash a check? Then upon arrival at the bank teller, you’ll have to wait a few more minutes for processing before you can leave the bank. If time is your concern, banks are not the best encashment facilities for you. But more importantly, banks have short operating hours. That’s why it’s hard to go to the bank during weekdays if you’re working full time. When you can go during your lunch break you find that many others are there at the same time, thus prolonging the waiting time.
2. Strict Requirements
Banks are particular about check fraud and other fraud mechanisms. That’s why they’ll exercise due diligence in assessing whether you’re giving them a legitimate check. And more importantly, they’ll require you to submit valid identification. So what if a check is payable to you and you forgot to bring a valid ID? Well, here’s the painful truth. Banks can legally refuse to encash your check. And if you waited for an hour in the bank only to get rejected upon encashment, that’s a bummer and such a waste of precious time.
3. Costly Fees
Encashing checks isn’t always free at banks – it can be quite costly at some banks. Many consumers complain about exorbitant encashment fees levied by banks. Check out the table below and see how encashment fees differ between some banks.
Bank
Fee
Bank and their Fees
$8 per check if greater than $50.00.
$8
$10, minimum of $50 cash encashment.
Free
$10
Free for checks under $5,000.
Free for checks under $5,000.
Free for personal checks.
$3 for business checks for amounts below $100.
$5 for business checks for amounts $100 or more.
1.0% of the check amount with minimum of $3 and maximum of $5.
2% of the check amount, minimum of $3.
Free for checks under $25 and under.
2% of the check amount for checks more than $25 with $2 minimum.
Free for checks under $10.
1% of the checks about $10 with a $2 minimum and $20 maximum.
Free for checks $50 and below.
$7 for checks above $50.
$7
$10 for personal checks over $100.
$10 for business checks over $25.
$5
$7.50
If you examine the table above, some banks charge proportionally. Some charge on a fixed rate. However, even if it’s “just” $7 per encashment, you have to think about the bigger picture. How many check encashments will you do every month? Let’s say you’ll have to encash ten checks in a month. The cost of encashment will be $70, which can be equivalent to a week’s grocery and home supplies.
Now, check your past transactions and compute the difference in encashing fees. Will the amount be substantial?
Walmart Check Cashing Services
Going to banks for check encashment is not an ideal option if you’re always in a hurry. Whether you need instant cash or are rushing before work hours resume, banks should not be your go-to place. Aside from bank requirements, waiting in long lines seems to be a regular thing. So to save you some time, you definitely need to know about Walmart’s check cashing services.
Why Encash Your Check at Walmart?
Before we answer the above question, answer this question first. Why do you need to encash a check? Below are some possible answers to the question:
- I need to buy groceries and food for the kids.
- I have to pay utility bills like electricity and water.
- There’s a family emergency, and money is extremely needed.
- I have to deposit an amount to my prepaid cards so that it’ll be easy to buy stuff.
And many other reasons. Now, here’s the deal. If you go to the bank, you can encash your check there. Then, you may have to spend more time going to get your groceries, for example. That would mean you’ll spend time and gas for your car as well for 2 separate places
But what if most or all of your needs are catered for in one place? What if you can encash your check at a place that can also sell home supplies, clothing, and other items? What if you can encash your check at a place that also provides quick and easy financial solutions to people? Well, that’s Walmart for you.
Check Cashing Process
It’s easy to encash a check at Walmart. All you need to do is to present your endorsed check to the Money Service Center or Customer Service Desk. Don’t forget to bring a valid identification card to present to the cashier. A fee will be charged depending on the amount. There will be no registrations required to avail this service.
What Kinds of Checks Does Walmart Encash?
At Walmart, you can encash different types of checks. Here are the common checks they accept:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Tax refund checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- Retirement account disbursement checks
Unfortunately, personal checks are not accepted in Walmart. Why? It’s because personal checks are not pre-printed checks. Examples of personal checks are checks written by private individuals with bank checking accounts. As far as Walmart is concerned, they’ll accept checks as long as it’s pre-printed. If you’re not sure about your check, you may ask Walmart’s customer service.
How Much Does Walmart Charge to Cash a Check?
Though Walmart offers to check encashment facilities, they also have limits and minimal charges. But if you compare Walmart’s costs with banks, you’ll realize that it’s cheaper to encash a check with them. Here are the check encashment charges of Walmart:
- A maximum of $4 fee for checks with amounts ranging from $1 to $1,000.
- A maximum of $8 fee for checks with amounts exceeding $1,000
Let’s compare. Assume you have a payroll check that’s around $800. If you encash it at the Bank of America, you’ll pay $8. But at Walmart, you only pay half the fee for $4. Effectively, you got a 50 percent discount and convenience with no additional cost.
Suppose you’ll be encashing checks with amounts averaging $500 per week. If you go to M&T Bank, each check will cost $10 or two percent of the check amount. On a monthly basis, that would be $40, assuming you encash weekly. But at Walmart, you only pay $16 per month for four check encashments. Effectively, you saved $24 in a month. That’s already a lot of money if you’re stringently budgeting your expenses.
Walmart Check Cashing Limit
The check cashing limit for Walmart is $5,000 per check. They increase the limit to $7,500 from January to April. But, state laws may affect cashing limits. Walmart advises their customers to consult with their Money Services Associate regarding this matter.
Do All Walmarts Cash Checks?
Yes, Walmarts in the following jurisdictions cash checks:
Conclusion
Encashing a check in a bank entails a lot of delays and requirements. But you can’t blame banks for being strict. After all, it’s part of their mandate to operate strictly for a healthy financial system. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t look for ways to make things easier and faster for you. At Walmart, you can save time and resources by using their check encashment service.
Whether it’s a payroll or tax refund check, Walmart can convert it to cash as long as it’s pre-printed. Aside from convenience, you also save money since Walmart offers minimal check encashment fees at either $4 and $8. With minimal fees and accessible encashment facilities, Walmart is indeed a one-stop-shop for more than just the purchase of goods. So, where would you encash your next payroll check? Tell us in the comments section below.
