Your next step after Walmart decline cashing your stimulus check will depend on the reason why your check was declined. While you can ask the helpdesk of Walmart regarding the rejection of the check and get a better idea of what caused the decline, you can seek other alternatives to cash your stimulus check.
Aside from the check-cashing services offered at Walmart, there are other places and ways you can cash your stimulus check, especially if you don’t own a bank account.
What is a Stimulus Check?
A stimulus check is simply a direct payment initiated by the government to its citizens. Stimulus checks are primarily to provide quick relief to taxpayers and guarantee stability during an economic downturn. Stimulus checks are sent directly to citizens via paper checks or direct deposit.
How Much Does Walmart Charge to Cash a Stimulus Check?
According to reports, Walmart charges $4 to cash a stimulus check of up to $1,000. The store charges $8 to cash a stimulus check that’s $1,000–$5,000. In recent times, Walmart has reduced its check-cashing limit from $7,500 to $5,000.
You will be expected to bring your stimulus check and a valid ID to the customer service desk or the Money Services center at Walmart. By choice, you can add the amount of your stimulus check to a Walmart MoneyCard. There is a one-time $1 fee for the purchase of a card at any Walmart store.
Walmart MoneyCard is subject to a monthly fee of $5.94. The fee can be waived if you deposit at least $1,000 to your card in the previous month.
The Walmart MoneyCard is a low-priced, re-loadable, and prepaid debit card that you can use to make purchases electronically everywhere Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted. If you want to get cash out of the wall, you may be able to withdraw cash at no charge at Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks.
Other Alternatives to Cash Your Stimulus Check If Walmart Won’t
If Walmart won’t cash your stimulus check, here are other alternatives to consider;
-
Go to Another Store that Cashes Checks
Aside from Walmart, there are other large retailers who will cash your stimulus check for you. Have it in mind that most of your neighborhood grocery stores will cash your check. For instance, you can visit retailers such as Kroger, Dillons, King Soopers, Smith’s, and Fry’s Food. Also, note that some affiliated grocery stores with a Money Services counter can cash your stimulus check for free (conditions may apply).
Stop & Shop is another top option to consider since they are known to cash stimulus checks, but you may be expected or mandated to apply for a payroll and business check cashing card at your local store first. Other grocers across the country that cash government checks can also help with your stimulus check.
-
Visit a Local Bank
Since government checks are considered “safe,” a good number of banks won’t mind cashing these checks for non-customers. However, have it in mind that you might have to pay a fee that typically runs from $5 to over $20. You should also ensure that you bring at least two photo IDs (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).
-
Use PayPal (or Similar) Account
This is another viable option to consider if you don’t already own a bank account. PayPal, for instance, boasts of a service that lets citizens cash checks and has the amount credited to a PayPal “Cash Plus” account. Note that all these can be done with your mobile phone or other mobile device using the PayPal app.
You will be asked to take a good picture of the check for approval. You will also be charged a fee if you want the money credited to your account immediately, but there is no fee if you can wait 10 days. According to reports, PayPal is currently waiving the fees for paper stimulus checks; therefore, you can get the money into your PayPal account right away for free.
Also, note that 7-Eleven has a debit card program that you can use for the same purpose. As long as you have a Transact Card, you can easily cash a check and apply the funds to your debit card account using a smartphone. Other options to consider include Netspend, Ingo Money, and others that provide similar services.
-
Visit a Cash-Checking Store
Most often, you will find a check cashing store in your area. Whether you live in a large American city or a smaller town, there should be stores that accord you the platform to cash your stimulus check. However, there is a good chance you will be charged very exorbitant fees at these stores than if you use one of the other options noted above.
For some people, the extra cost can be worth it especially since the store’s hours, location, or additional services aligns with their needs. Have it in mind that you won’t need to have a pre-existing relationship with them to cash your check. A good number of states are also putting a cap on the fees these check-cashing businesses can charge.
Pennsylvania, for instance, restricts the charge for cashing a government check to 1.5% of the check’s face value (or $18 for a $1,200 stimulus check). Meanwhile, in California, the maximum fee for cashing a government check is $3.
Conclusion
There are numerous reasons why Walmart may decline to cash your stimulus check. However, your next step will depend on the reason why your check was declined. And it is recommended you reach out to the helpdesk of Walmart to understand why your stimulus check was rejected. If it is nothing spectacular, you can leverage other alternatives noted above to cash your check.