Why Can’t I Cash My Stimulus Check at Walmart?

In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why you might have trouble cashing your stimulus check at Walmart and provide alternative solutions.

Understanding Walmart’s Check Cashing Policy

Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, offers check-cashing services for government-issued checks like stimulus checks. However, there are certain conditions and requirements to meet. Firstly, Walmart has a check-cashing limit. They will cash government checks up to $5,000. Secondly, Walmart charges fees for cashing checks, which are $4 for checks up to $1,000 and $8 for checks between $1,000 and $5,000. To cash a check, you need to bring your check and valid ID to the customer service desk or the Money Services center at Walmart.

Common Reasons for Check Denial at Walmart

Even if your check meets the criteria above, there are several reasons why Walmart may decline to cash your check. These include:

• Wrong Check Type: Walmart will not accept checks with multiple payees, post-dated checks, starter checks, handwritten checks, or non-MoneyGram money orders not issued at Walmart.
• Lack of History on File: If you’ve never used a check before or rarely do, the check verification services used by Walmart may flag you as a risk.
• Suspected Fraud: If your account has a history of fraudulent reports, checkbook thefts, etc., the check verification services may flag you as high-risk, and Walmart may deny your payment.
• Inadequate Identification: Walmart requires two forms of identification to cash a check, and at least one of them must have a photo.
• Negative History with Check Verification Services: Customers with negative history with services like Certegy or Telecheck are likely to have their checks denied by Walmart.
• Stale-Dated Checks: Walmart only cashes checks dated within the last 180 days.
• Amount Above Limit: Walmart will not cash checks over $5,000 from May to December. However, from January through April, the limit is temporarily increased to $7,500.

What to Do If Your Stimulus Check Is Not Accepted at Walmart

If your stimulus check is not accepted at Walmart, there are several steps you can take:

• Contact Walmart Customer Service: Reach out to Walmart’s customer service team for assistance. They may be able to provide guidance or resolve any issues.
• Set Up Direct Deposit with Walmart MoneyCard: Consider setting up a direct deposit account using the Walmart MoneyCard to receive your stimulus funds electronically.
• Report Fraud: If you suspect your check has been fraudulently rejected, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s Attorney General’s office.
• Cash Your Check Elsewhere: If you’re unable to cash your check at Walmart, there are other places where you can cash your stimulus check, including grocery stores, check-cashing stores, and online payment companies.

Alternative Locations to Cash Your Stimulus Check

If Walmart is not an option for cashing your stimulus check, there are several alternatives:

• Local Banks or Credit Unions: Some banks and credit unions may cash stimulus checks for non-customers, but they might charge a fee.
• Supermarkets: Select supermarket chains can cash your stimulus check for a small fee.
• Check Cashing Stores: These stores offer check cashing services, but they may charge higher fees.
• PayPal: PayPal is temporarily waiving its check cashing fee for stimulus checks.
• Mobile Apps: Services like Ingo Money, Netspend, and Venmo allow you to cash a stimulus check using your phone.

Remember to call ahead to confirm fees, requirements, and cashing limits before choosing a location or method to cash your stimulus check.

In conclusion, while cashing your stimulus check at Walmart can be convenient, it’s crucial to understand their policies and be prepared for potential issues. If Walmart is not an option, there are several other places where you can cash your stimulus check. Always consider your options and choose the one that best suits your needs.