Paying bills can be a hassle, especially when you have to mail in checks every month. That’s why many people use bill pay through their bank or credit union to automatically send checks to pay their monthly bills. But what if you don’t have a bank account or don’t want to wait for checks to be mailed out? Can you cash bill pay checks directly at Walmart?
The short answer is yes, you can cash certain bill pay checks at Walmart customer service desks However, there are some caveats to be aware of In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cashing bill pay checks at Walmart, including
- What types of bill pay checks Walmart cashes
- The fees for cashing checks at Walmart
- Other options for cashing bill pay checks
- Tips for cashing checks smoothly at Walmart
What Types of Bill Pay Checks Can You Cash at Walmart?
Walmart cashes a variety of preprinted checks at their customer service desks for a small fee. This includes many types of bill pay checks, such as:
- Checks from your bank’s online bill pay service
- Checks from your credit union’s online bill pay
- Checks from third party bill pay services like BillPay.com
As long as the bill pay check is preprinted with your name the date the amount, and the payer info, Walmart will likely cash it.
However, it’s important to note that Walmart typically only cashes preprinted checks. This means they do not cash handwritten checks or checks you’ve printed at home from your computer. The bill pay check must be an official check printed and mailed by your bank, credit union, or bill pay service provider.
Walmart also does not cash personal checks, business checks, traveler’s checks, or two-party checks. Only preprinted bill pay checks made out to you from a legitimate financial institution or bill payment service.
What Are the Fees for Cashing Checks at Walmart?
Walmart charges a flat fee to cash checks at their customer service desks. This fee ranges from $4-$8 depending on the state and check amount.
Here is a breakdown of the typical check cashing fees at Walmart:
- Checks up to $1,000: $4 fee
- Checks between $1,000-$5,000: $8 fee
- Checks over $5,000 are not accepted
So for smaller bill pay checks under $1,000, you can cash it at Walmart for just a $4 convenience fee. Larger bill pay checks between $1,000-$5,000 will cost $8 to cash.
It’s a relatively affordable option compared to other check cashing services which often charge fees of 2-5% of the check amount. The flat rates at Walmart can save you money, especially on smaller checks.
Other Options for Cashing Bill Pay Checks
If cashing checks at Walmart isn’t ideal, you have some other options for turning bill pay checks into immediate cash:
Bank or Credit Union: If you have a bank account, the easiest option is to deposit the check there. You can deposit directly at a branch or use mobile deposit to cash it remotely. Funds are usually available within 1-3 business days.
ATM: Many ATMs allow you to deposit checks, granting quicker access to the funds. Just know daily ATM deposit limits, which are typically around $500-$2500.
Retailers: Some grocery stores and retailers like Kroger, Albertsons, and Kmart also cash certain checks. Call your local retailers to ask their policies and fees.
Check Cashing Stores: Standalone check cashing stores are an option but typically charge the highest rates, often 2-5% of the check value.
Prepaid Debit Cards: You can also cash checks by loading funds onto prepaid debit cards like Netspend, Ace Elite, or Brinks. Fees are usually around 3-5%.
Friends/Family: Having someone you trust cash the check and give you the money is a zero fee option. But never feel pressured or unsafe doing this.
Consider both fees and convenience when choosing the best place for you to cash bill pay checks without a bank account.
Tips for Cashing Checks Smoothly at Walmart
Follow these tips to ensure the check cashing process goes smoothly when cashing your bill pay checks at Walmart:
-
Bring valid photo ID: This includes a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
-
Only cash preprinted checks: Ensure the check is an official one from your bank or bill pay service, not handwritten.
-
Verify the funds are available: Call your bank to confirm sufficient funds are available to cash the check.
-
Endorse the back of the check: Sign your name on the “Pay to the order of” line. Add “For Walmart Cash” under signature.
-
Go during staffed hours: Customer service desks have set hours, usually 9am-7pm. Avoid going late at night.
-
Expect a receipt: Walmart will provide a receipt documenting their check cashing fee.
-
Cash within 180 days: Checks are only valid for 180 days in most cases, so cash promptly.
-
Ask about fees: Know the exact fee amount you’ll be charged so there are no surprises.
As long as your bill pay check meets Walmart’s criteria, cashing it at a Walmart service desk can be a convenient, low-cost way to quickly access your funds. Just come prepared with ID and knowledge of the check cashing process for a smooth transaction.
The Bottom Line
Bill pay makes handling monthly payments easy, but the waiting period for checks to clear can be a nuisance. Luckily, Walmart provides a way to bypass that wait by cashing most standard preprinted bill pay checks for a small $4-$8 fee. Just be sure to only bring legitimate checks made out to you and come with valid ID anytime you need to convert a bill payment into quick cash.
Buy now, pay later with Affirm
Easily finance over time.
Debit Rewards, high-yield Savings, and no monthly fees.
Give them exactly what they want.
Manage your money with ease- anywhere, anytime.
Earn cash back when you shop at Walmart.
Use the app & enjoy touch-free payments.
Walmart Financial ServicesWe’re here when you need us.
Easily manage your accounts in-store.
Cash payroll, government, personal checks & more.
Save on personalized checks, sent right to your door.
Access your money, your way.
Enjoy low fees & lots of security.
File in-store with a trusted pro.
Trust us to get it there safely & on time.
Does Walmart Cash Cashier’s Checks? (How To Cash Cashier Check at Walmart)
FAQ
How to cash a bill pay check?
You can’t cash a bill pay check because it’s not for you but for the bill.
Will Walmart cash a payee check?
There are some limitations, though. Walmart only cashes certain types of checks, like payroll, government-issued, tax refund, cashiers’, insurance settlement, and 401(k) checks. What does it cost? Walmart charges $4 to cash checks up to $1,000 and $8 to cash checks over $1,000.
How much of a payroll check will Walmart cash?
What services do Walmart MoneyCenters offer? You can cash your paycheck or government check, including tax refund checks, at any Walmart store. You can cash checks for up to $1,000 for no more than $4. Checks over $1,000 and up to $5,000 (or $7,500 during tax refund season) cost $8 to cash.
Why won’t Walmart cash a payroll check?
Walmart uses an electronic approval system based on the social security number you enter on the keypad. Based on this data, the computer will approve or deny your check to be cashed. Checks are turned down for many reasons, such as entering the wrong social security number or having cashed bad checks at Walmart before.
Can YOU Cash a check at Walmart?
Bring your check & valid ID to a Walmart store. What kinds of checks does Walmart cash? Payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, cashiers’ checks, insurance settlement checks, 401(k) Plus checks, and Western Union checks can all be cashed at Walmart.
Does Walmart Cash Money orders?
No ID – Valid U. S. government-issued photo ID is required to cash checks over $50. Money orders – Walmart MoneyCenters do not cash money orders. Location – Only about 2,700 of Walmart‘s 4,700+ locations offer check cashing. So, before you go to Walmart, make sure they accept checks by calling ahead. If you need to cash more than $50 worth of checks, bring a valid ID.
What is Walmart’s check cashing policy?
I called Walmart’s customer service, looked at its policy documents, and called stores in Nevada, New York, South Dakota, and Texas to find out more about its check cashing policy. Walmart typically limits checks it will cash to $5,000. During tax season (January to April), it increases the limit to $7,500.
What types of checks can you cash at Walmart?
Cashiers’ checks, tax refunds, 401(k) Plus checks, and Western Union checks are some of the types of checks that you can cash at Walmart. Visit our Customer Service Desk to learn more. What are the check-cashing limits & fees?.
Does Walmart cash handwritten checks?
However, there are types of checks Walmart won’t cash such as handwritten checks. The check cashing limit is $200 for two-party checks and $5,000 for all other accepted checks. Each customer is limited to cashing three checks per day. The largest fee for checks up to $1,000 is $4, and the largest fee for checks over $1,000 is $8.
When is check cashing available at Walmart?
Check cashing services are available any day the store is open; this includes Saturdays and Sundays. I called Walmart’s customer service, looked at its policy documents, and called stores in Nevada, New York, South Dakota, and Texas to find out more about its check cashing policy.
