Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S., offering convenient services like money orders, payroll check cashing, and bill pay. But does Kroger cash personal checks? The short answer is no. Kroger does not cash handwritten personal checks. This guide explains what Kroger will and will not cash, the fees involved, and the best alternatives if you need to cash a personal check today.
Does Kroger Cash Personal Checks?
No. Kroger does not cash personal checks at any of its Money Services locations. This includes handwritten personal checks, personal checks from individuals, and signed-over (third-party) personal checks.
Even with ID or store loyalty membership, personal checks are not allowed.
What Kroger Does Cash
Kroger Money Services will cash the following check types:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks (tax refunds, Social Security, stimulus payments)
- Business checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- Cashier’s checks
- MoneyGram money orders issued by Kroger
These checks are lower-risk, which is why Kroger accepts them.
Kroger Check Cashing Fees
Kroger typically charges:
- $3 to $5 for checks under $2,000
- $5.50 to $7 for checks $2,000 to $5,000
Kroger Plus Card members may receive discounted fees at some locations.
Kroger Check Cashing Limits
- Most locations cash checks up to $5,000
- During tax season, limits may increase to $7,500
- Government check limits vary by state
You must bring a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Why Kroger Does Not Cash Personal Checks
Personal checks are higher risk due to insufficient funds, forgery, and fraud potential. Because of this, Kroger has a national policy against cashing personal checks, even if the funds appear legitimate.
Best Alternatives for Cashing Personal Checks
If you need to cash a personal check, Kroger is not your best option. Try these alternatives:
- Your bank: Free and secure, as long as you have an account.
- Issuing bank: If the check is drawn on Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, etc., that bank may cash it even if you’re not a customer.
- Check-cashing stores: ACE Cash Express and others accept personal checks for a fee.
- Mobile check deposit apps: PayPal, Cash App, and Ingo Money allow mobile deposits and instant funding.
For additional options, see our complete guide: Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account.
Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Cashes Personal Checks? | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | No | — | Accepts payroll, government, and business checks only |
| Your Bank | Yes | Free | Best option if you have an account |
| Issuing Bank | Sometimes | Small fee | Must match bank on the check |
| Check-Cashing Store | Yes | High fee | Fast access to cash |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Free to low fee | Instant deposit may cost extra |
FAQ
Can Kroger cash a personal check with manager approval?
No. Kroger’s corporate policy does not allow cashing any personal checks, even with manager approval.
Can you write a personal check to pay for groceries at Kroger?
Yes. Kroger accepts personal checks as a payment method at checkout. They simply do not cash them.
Does Kroger cash third-party or signed-over checks?
No. Kroger does not accept third-party checks of any kind.
Conclusion
Kroger does not cash personal checks, but it does offer affordable cashing for payroll, government, business, and cashier’s checks. If you need to cash a personal check, your best options are your bank, the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a mobile deposit app. For more help, see our full guide to cashing Wells Fargo checks without an account.