Can You Cash a Check at Walgreens? All You Need To Know

Walgreens is a popular pharmacy store in the United States. It sells many things, like medicine, health products, and beauty items. A common question people have is whether you can cash a check at Walgreens.

I’ll explain that Walgreens used to provide check cashing services, but they don’t anymore.

Can You Cash a Check at Walgreens?

Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy store conglomerate in the United States, right after CVS. With thousands of stores, it serves millions of customers every day. Previously, Walgreens offered check-cashing services using a prepaid credit card issued by the pharmacy chain. Customers could deposit checks into this card.

As of 2024, Walgreens no longer offers check-cashing services. However, you can still use checks to pay for items at Walgreens or its sister store, Duane Reade. This means you can’t exchange checks for cash at Walgreens anymore, but you can use them to buy things.

It’s important to know that check-cashing rules are different at each store. They can change based on where you are and the store’s specific policies. While you can use checks as payment at Walgreens, there are no options for cashing them there anymore.

In 2015, Walgreens stopped issuing the prepaid credit card, ending their check-cashing services. This change means you need to look elsewhere if you need to cash a check.

What are the Reasons Behind the Discontinuation?

Walgreens discontinued their check cashing services in early 2023. The company has not officially commented on the matter, but financial experts have outlined several key reasons for the decision:

• High-risk nature: Check cashing services are considered high-risk due to the potential for fraudulent activities. Walgreens may have decided to discontinue the service to minimize these risks.
• Shift to digital payments: In an age where digital payment methods have become the norm, traditional check cashing is seen as outdated. The discontinuation may be attributed to the evolving financial landscape.
• Low-profit margins: Offering check cashing services can yield a relatively low profit compared to other financial services. Walgreens may have chosen to allocate its resources to more lucrative offerings.

Where to Cash Your Checks?

While Walgreens no longer offers check cashing services, plenty of reliable alternatives are available across the United States. Here are a few options:

Community Financial Service Center

• Offers 24-hour check cashing services.
• Handles various types of checks, including personal, payroll, and government-issued checks.

Walmart

• One of the largest retail corporations in the United States.
• Offers check-cashing services during store hours.
• Have policies in place regarding the types of checks they will cash.

Kroger

• A chain supermarket known for its versatile services.
• Provides check-cashing services at customer service desks during store hours.
• Often offers competitive fees.

Payomatic

• A New York-based financial service provider.
• Offers round-the-clock check cashing services at most of their locations.
• Accepts various types of checks, including insurance and money orders.

PLS 24/7

• Specializes in financial services round the clock.
• Offers fast check cashing services.
• Accepts all types of checks, personal and business.

Speedy Cash

• Known for quick payday loans.
• Offers check cashing services, ensuring quick access to funds.

Here is a quick summary of the above payment method

What are the Alternative Options for Cashing Checks?

Cashing a check can be done in many ways, and I have found some great options that work well. The easiest method is to visit your own bank. Most banks provide check-cashing services if you have an account with them.

Another choice is to use check-cashing locations. These places are specifically set up to cash checks, but they usually charge a fee for their services.

For those who prefer digital solutions, online check-cashing services are very handy. Platforms like Ingo Money and PayPal allow you to cash checks right from your phone.

You can also go to check-cashing chains such as ACE Cash Express, Check into Cash, and PLS Check Cashing. These places have many branches and are quite reliable.

If you’re not near your own bank, local banks and credit unions might help. They often cash checks for non-account holders, although they might charge a small fee.

Lastly, some large convenience stores and grocery chains offer check-cashing services. This can be very convenient if you are already there shopping.

What are the Fresh Thoughts Behind Discontinuation?

The discontinuation of check cashing services at Walgreens is a sign of how financial habits are changing. As digital payments become more popular, fewer people need traditional services like check cashing.

Stopping these services could help Walgreens financially. Check cashing is risky and doesn’t make much money. By stopping it, Walgreens can use its resources for better, more profitable services.

Even though some customers might find this change inconvenient, there are still plenty of options available. People can cash checks at banks, credit unions, and other places that offer check cashing. Other retailers also provide these services.

Final Words

Walgreens, a well-known pharmacy chain in the USA, offers a variety of services like filling medical prescriptions, selling health supplements, and accepting EBT. In the past, Walgreens also provided check cashing services. However, they stopped offering this service in 2015.

You cannot cash checks at Walgreens anymore, but you can still use checks to make purchases. Plus, you can get up to $20 cash back when you pay with a check. It doesn’t look like Walgreens plans to bring back check cashing any time soon.

This guide has looked at the history of check cashing at Walgreens and why it was discontinued. Even though you can’t cash checks there now, using checks for purchases and getting cash back are still convenient options for customers.

See Related:  Do Walgreens Have Self-Checkout?

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