Walmart is one of the most popular places in the U.S. for cashing checks. But does Walmart cash personal checks? The answer is no. Walmart does not cash handwritten personal checks under any circumstances. Instead, they focus on low-risk check types like payroll and government checks. This guide explains what Walmart will and will not cash, the exact fees and limits, and the best alternatives if you need to cash a personal check fast.
Does Walmart Cash Personal Checks?
No. Walmart does not cash personal checks, even if you have a valid ID or shop at Walmart regularly. This includes handwritten personal checks from individuals, personal checks from small businesses, and signed-over (third-party) personal checks.
If you need to cash a personal check, skip to the section below for better options.
What Walmart Does Cash
Walmart will cash the following check types:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks (tax refund, Social Security, stimulus, etc.)
- Cashier’s checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- 401(k) or retirement disbursement checks
- MoneyGram money orders issued at Walmart
These are considered low-risk checks, which is why Walmart accepts them.
Walmart Check Cashing Fees
Fees vary slightly by location, but Walmart generally charges:
- $4 fee for checks up to $1,000
- $8 fee for checks between $1,001 and $5,000
During tax season, some Walmart locations cash checks up to $7,500.
Walmart Check Cashing Limits
- Standard limit: $5,000
- Tax season limit: up to $7,500
- Money order cashing limit: varies by store
You must bring a valid government-issued ID for any transaction.
Why Walmart Does Not Cash Personal Checks
Personal checks carry a high risk of insufficient funds, forgery, and fraud. Because of this, Walmart’s policy prohibits all personal check cashing. This applies to both handwritten personal checks and printed personal checks from small banks or local businesses.
Best Alternatives for Cashing Personal Checks
Even though Walmart will not cash personal checks, these alternatives work well:
- Your bank or credit union: The safest option. If the check is drawn on your bank, you can often cash it even without an account.
- The bank the check is drawn on: Wells Fargo, Chase, and other banks may cash checks for non-customers (small fee may apply).
- Check-cashing stores: ACE Cash Express and others accept personal checks, but fees are higher.
- Mobile deposit apps: PayPal, Cash App, and Ingo Money allow deposits using your phone, usually with instant deposit options.
For more help, see our complete guide: Where to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account.
Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Cashes Personal Checks? | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | No | — | Only payroll, government, and low-risk checks |
| Your Bank | Yes | Free | Must have an account |
| Issuing Bank | Sometimes | Small fee | Must match the bank name on the check |
| Check-Cashing Store | Yes | High fee | Fast but more expensive |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Free to low fee | Instant deposit cost extra |
FAQ
Can Walmart cash a personal check with manager approval?
No. Walmart’s national policy does not allow personal check cashing, and store managers cannot override it.
Can Walmart deposit a personal check onto a Walmart MoneyCard?
No. Since Walmart does not cash personal checks, you cannot load one onto a MoneyCard.
Does Walmart accept personal checks for purchases?
Yes. Walmart does allow personal checks as a payment method at checkout, but they do not cash them.
Conclusion
Walmart will not cash personal checks, but they do offer fast and affordable check cashing for payroll, government, and other low-risk checks. If you have a personal check, your best alternatives are banks, check-cashing stores, or mobile deposit apps. For more personal check solutions, see our complete guide to cashing Wells Fargo checks without an account.