Walmart stores are convenient places to shop because they have almost everything from food items to apparel, footwear, electronics, and much more. Apart from shopping, there are other things you can do at a Walmart store.
One of the services being offered at Walmart stores is that you can cash a check with them and get the money immediately, so you do not have to go to a bank. When cashing a check at a Walmart store, they will ask for your Social Security Number (SSN).
Here is Why Walmart Asks for SSN When Cashing a Check:
When cashing a check for the first time at a Walmart, they will ask for your SSN. This is a way for them to confirm your identity. Walmart does this to get the identity of its customers in case they turn in a fraudulent check.
What Does Walmart Do With My SSN When Cashing A Check?
If it is your first time cashing a check at a Walmart store, the staff or the person assisting you will ask for your SSN. This is to confirm your identity and a way for Walmart to identify you in case the check you used is bad or even fraudulent.
Once you provide your SSN to a Walmart staff upon cashing a check for the first time, you will no longer need to provide it again should you return for the same service.
Walmart has a strict privacy policy and promises to maintain discretion when handling personal information such as your SSN. Obtaining this piece of information, in particular, falls under Walmart’s precautionary measures to prevent fraudulent transactions.
What Is The Process For Cashing A Check At Walmart?
Cashing a check at a Walmart store is a convenient service that anyone can avail of.
This service is perfect if you do not have a bank account and you have a check to cash. This also saves you time since you can do your grocery shopping and check cashing all in one place.
Not all Walmart locations offer this service, so before going to a store, it is best to check first. In addition, Walmart stores that offer this service do not cash all kinds of checks.
Walmart stores can cash checks for up to $5,000. If it is tax season, from January to April, the maximum amount you can cash is $7,000.
Here are the types of checks that you can cash at a Walmart store:
- Payroll checks
- Government checks
- Tax checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Insurance settlement checks
- 401(k) retirement distribution checks
- Preprinted checks
- Two-party checks
- MoneyGram money orders
Once you have verified that the Walmart store in your area offers this service and that the check you have is being accepted, here is the step-by-step process of cashing a check at Walmart:
- Approach the Service Desk or Money Center at the Walmart store to avail of this service.
- Present the check. Make sure that the check has been properly filled out.
- Present a form of identification. This has to be a valid ID issued by the government, and it should bear your photo.
- Pay the service fee, which depends on the type of check and the amount you are cashing.
- Choose how you want to receive your funds. There are two ways to get the funds. You can have the funds loaded into your Walmart MoneyCard or receive them in cash.
- Finally, get your funds.
For added information, a Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card that you can buy at a Walmart check-out counter or customer service desk for only $1.
You can also request one for free online. You can use this card to pay wherever MasterCard or Visa debit cards are accepted.
You may also wonder why you need to pay a fee when cashing a check at Walmart. You are paying for the service as it is an added convenience.
Cashing a check at Walmart does save you from the hassle of going to the bank.
What ID Do You Need To Cash A Check At Walmart?
Whenever you are doing a money-related transaction anywhere, it is to be expected that you will be asked to present an ID to confirm your identity. The same goes for when you are cashing a check at Walmart.
To cash a check at Walmart, you must present a valid government-issued ID that bears your photo.
Here is the list of government-issued IDs that are accepted when cashing a check:
- Driver’s License, issued within the US, including US Territories
- Non-Driver Photo ID, issued within the US, including US Territories
- US Passport
- US Passport Card
- Foreign Passport
- US Residency Card or Green Card
- US Military ID Card
- US Military Dependent’s ID Card
- Tribal Card
Please take note that for any of these IDs, you have to present them in their physical form. They will not accept photocopies or photos of them on a mobile device.
Can I Cash A Check Made Out To My Business At Walmart?
Depositing a check made out to a business can be tricky, especially if you do not have a business bank account. Many banks restrict cashing and do not allow depositing checks made out to a business into a personal account.
This is because it is difficult for the bank staff to verify if a business is a sole proprietorship quickly. However, there are other ways to cash a business check.
Walmart allows you to cash a check made out to your business.
If the service is available at the Walmart store in your area, you can present your business check to the Money Center or Service Desk to have it cashed. The process is the same as above.
Since checks made out to a business have larger amounts, it is important to note that you can only cash checks for up to $5,000. But you can cash multiple checks as long as the amount on each one is less than the limit.
Can I Cash A Social Security Check At Walmart?
Social security checks are payments made to qualified retired adults and people with disabilities, plus to their spouses, children, and survivors.
You can cash a social security check at a participating Walmart store because it is an example of a government check.
When cashing a social security check, you need to approach the Money Center or Service desk at Walmart, and the process for cash will be the same as described above.
Why Does Walmart Ask For SSN When Applying?
Another situation where Walmart asks for SSNs is when you are applying for a job. This is a common practice not just in Walmart but in many other companies.
Walmart asks for your SSN when applying for a job because it is the law.
Although states have different laws on what information employers can collect from job applicants, no law prohibits them from asking for SSNs.
Generally, employers collect your SSN to run a background or credit check. Take note that you will still need to give written permission before the employer runs a background check. They are also legally obligated to notify you of any information they find out about you.
You still have the right to decline to give out your SSN to an employer if you do not feel comfortable about it, but it can affect your chances of getting hired.
Generally, it is normal for everyone to be wary about giving out their personal information, such as their SSN. Remember that you are within your rights to decline when transacting if your SSN is being asked.
At the same time, the company is also within its rights to deny you services in case you decline, especially if it is part of its policy to ask for SSN.
Sources:
How To Cash A Check At Walmart