Walgreens will cash checks at most locations, but not all of them, and the service comes with limits on the amount and the types of checks they accept.
Walgreens offers check cashing at participating stores as part of their financial services. The service is available during store hours, and you do not need to be a customer or have an account. However, the amount you can cash is capped, and Walgreens will not cash every kind of check — they have specific rules about what documents they will accept and who can present them.
Whether your local Walgreens offers check cashing depends on the individual store. Not every location has the service, so calling ahead or checking their website before you go will save you a trip. The fee for cashing a check at Walgreens varies by location and the type of check, but you should expect to pay somewhere between $3 and $6 for most personal checks.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens cashes checks at most but not all locations, so confirm your store offers the service before visiting.
- You can cash personal checks, payroll checks, government checks, and tax refund checks, but Walgreens will not cash two-party checks or checks made out to a business.
- The maximum amount you can cash in a single transaction is typically $3,000, though some stores may set a lower limit.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, and the check must be made out to you or have your name on it.
- Fees range from $3 to $6 depending on the check type and your location, and the transaction usually takes a few minutes.
What Types of Checks Walgreens Will and Will Not Cash
Walgreens accepts personal checks, payroll checks, government checks (including Social Security and unemployment), and tax refund checks. These are the most common types people bring in, and Walgreens has the systems in place to verify them quickly.
Walgreens will not cash two-party checks — that is, checks made out to two people, even if both of you are present with ID. They also will not cash checks made out to a business, checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), or checks that appear to be damaged, altered, or suspicious in any way. If the check is more than 180 days old, most Walgreens locations will refuse it.
The check must be made out to you by name, or you must be listed as a payee on the check. If your name is spelled differently on the check than on your ID, bring documentation showing both names are yours — a marriage certificate or court order, for example — or the store may decline to cash it.
Check Cashing Limits and Fees at Walgreens
The maximum amount Walgreens will cash in a single check is typically $3,000, though individual stores may set lower limits. If your check is for more than that, you will need to deposit it at a bank instead. Some stores may also have daily limits on the total amount they will cash across multiple checks in one visit.
Fees for check cashing at Walgreens range from $3 to $6 per check for most personal and payroll checks. Government checks and tax refunds may have different fees — some Walgreens locations cash government checks for $2 or less. The exact fee depends on your location and the store's policy, so ask before you hand over the check.
The fee is deducted from the check amount, so if you cash a $500 check with a $5 fee, you will receive $495. Make sure you understand the total fee before you proceed, especially if you are counting on a specific amount of cash.
What ID You Need to Cash a Check at Walgreens
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to cash a check at Walgreens. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport will work. The name on your ID must match the name on the check, or match one of the names if you have documentation showing you go by multiple names.
Walgreens will not accept expired IDs, so make sure yours is current. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you cannot cash a check at Walgreens — they do not have an alternative process for people without ID.
How to Cash a Check at Walgreens
Bring your check and valid photo ID to the register or customer service desk at a participating Walgreens. Tell the cashier you want to cash the check. They will examine the check for signs of damage or alteration, verify that your name matches the payee, and check that the check is not post-dated or older than 180 days.
The cashier will then run the check through their verification system, which checks the account and routing numbers to confirm the check is legitimate. This usually takes a few minutes. If the system approves the check, you will be asked to sign the back of it, and the cashier will count out your cash minus the fee.
If the system declines the check, the cashier will tell you and return it to you. This can happen if the account does not exist, the account is closed, or the bank flags the check for any reason. In that case, you will need to contact the person or organization that issued the check or take it to your own bank.
When Walgreens Check Cashing Is Not Available
Not every Walgreens location offers check cashing. Smaller stores, stores in certain states, or stores that have had problems with fraudulent checks in the past may not have the service. The only way to know for sure is to call your local store or check the Walgreens website and search for your location.
If your Walgreens does not cash checks, you have other options. Banks and credit unions will cash checks for their members, and many will cash checks for non-members for a fee. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with financial services, and some retailers like Walmart also offer check cashing, often with different limits and fees than Walgreens.
Alternatives to Walgreens for Check Cashing
If Walgreens is not available or your check exceeds their $3,000 limit, your bank or credit union is usually the cheapest option. Members typically cash checks for free, and non-members can often cash checks for a small fee — usually $5 to $10 depending on the amount.
Walmart cashes checks at customer service desks in most locations, with a $3,000 limit and fees ranging from $3 to $6. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods offer check cashing to customers who make purchases. Check-cashing stores (also called payday loan stores) will cash almost any check but charge higher fees — sometimes 2 to 3 percent of the check amount.
If you do not have a bank account, opening one is often cheaper in the long run than paying check-cashing fees repeatedly. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and some offer accounts specifically for people with no banking history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at Walgreens if I don't have a bank account?
Yes. You do not need a bank account to cash a check at Walgreens. You only need a valid government-issued photo ID and a check made out to you. However, if you cash checks regularly, opening a free bank account will usually cost you less in fees over time.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it at Walgreens?
If the check bounces, Walgreens may attempt to recover the money from you or deduct it from future transactions. In some cases, they may pursue the matter through a collection agency. This is rare because Walgreens verifies checks before cashing them, but it can happen if the account is closed or the funds are withdrawn after verification but before the check clears.
Can I cash a check made out to someone else if they sign it over to me?
No. Walgreens does not cash third-party checks — checks that have been signed over to you by someone else. The check must be made out to you by name. If someone wants to give you money from a check, they will need to cash it themselves and give you the cash, or deposit it in their account and transfer the money to you.
How long does it take to cash a check at Walgreens?
The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from the time you hand over the check to the time you receive your cash. The verification system runs quickly in most cases, though busy times or system issues can add a few minutes.
Does Walgreens cash checks on Sundays or holidays?
Walgreens cashes checks during regular store hours, which vary by location. Most stores are open on Sundays, but some may have reduced hours. Call your local store to confirm their hours before you go, especially on holidays when hours may be different.