45 Grocery Stores That Cash Checks (Fees, Limits & Rules for 2025)

That’s why I created this guide. I’ll give you the straight facts on exactly where to go, what it’ll cost you, and what to bring.

I’ve updated and verified this entire list for 2025, so you won’t waste a trip.

Quick View: Top 5 Stores for Cashing Checks

Alright, let’s cut to the chase.

You’ve got a check in your hand and you just want to know where to go to get your money.

Here’s the quick and dirty list of the best grocery stores to cash your checks at.

This table will give you the essential info so you can figure out what’s best for you, fast.

Store	Fee	Max Amount	Best For…
Walmart	$4 – $8	$5,000	Overall flexibility and high limits
Kroger	~$4 – $7.50	$5,000	The most widespread availability
Wegmans	Free!	$500	The absolute best value (for members)
Safeway / Albertsons	$2.25 per $200	$1,500	A cheap, predictable fee for smaller checks
WinCo Foods	$5 – $10	$1,000	Cashing handwritten payroll checks

So there you have it. A few of the top national and reginal grocery chains that cash checks. Scroll down for the main list.

But hold on!

The fee isn’t always a simple flat number, and you’ll need to bring the right ID.

Before we get top the main list, lets find out what you really need to know before you walk up to the counter.

What You Need to Cash a Check (Don’t Forget This!)

Heading out the door?

Hold on.

This is a simple checklist of what you need to cash a check. Make sure you have these things with you, or you’ll probably get turned away.

• Your valid photo ID. It needs to be a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. No library cards, sorry. So, can you cash a check without ID? The answer is a hard no.
• The check itself. Make sure it’s not all crumpled up and that it’s a pre-printed check (like from a job or the government).

Pro Tip: Don’t sign the back of the check until you’re at the counter and the cashier tells you to. While most tellers won’t care, some may want to actually watch you sign it at the counter.

The Full List of Grocery Stores That Cash Checks

Okay, this is the big list.

I’ve dug through all the major grocery chains to find out their policies so you don’t have to.

Remember that policies can sometimes change or vary by the specific store.

So if you’re cashing a large check, I would call your local store and ask them before going to the store. That could save you some time and gas!

1. Albertsons

As one of the biggest grocery names in the country it has over 2200 stores across the United States. So there is likely one near you.

They are usually open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. too, so you can cash a check when you need to.

By the way, it’s a sister company to another grocery store Safeway so they have similar policies.

• Fee: Usually around $2.25 for every $200, but can vary by location.
• Limit: Up to $1,500.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and tax refund checks are your best bet.
• Heads Up: Cashing personal checks is a maybe. It depends on the store manager’s policy, so call first before you go.

2. Baker’s

Baker’s is a supermarket chain (part of the Kroger family) operating primarily in the metro area of Omaha, Nebraska.

Baker’s uses the convenient Money Services counter for its financial transactions.

• Fee: Starts around $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000. Fees are slightly lower if you have their Shopper’s Card.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, Business, Government, Income tax refund, Insurance settlement checks and Child support checks.
• Heads Up: Like all Kroger stores, they do not cash personal checks, starter checks, or third-party checks.

The Money Services website actually has a section where you can enter the value of your check and it will show you how much you can expect to pay. When I did this, I found that the fee was $4 with a Shopper’s card for checks worth up to $2,000, and $4.50 without a card for checks worth up to $2,000. For checks worth between $2,000.01 and $5,000, the fee was $7 with a Shopper’s card and $7.50 without a Shopper’s card.

3. City Market

City Market has 35 retail stores in the United States. You can find City Market stores in Colorado, Wyoming, and Ohio. It is owned by Kroger. So, you can cash checks at the Money Services center.

• Fee: Around $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000. You’ll save a little with a Shopper’s Card.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, insurance, and business checks.
• Heads Up: No personal, handwritten checks accepted here.

4. Dillons

If you’re near a Dillons, you can use their Kroger Money Services center to get your check cashed quickly.

• Fee: Expect to pay about $4 for checks under $2,000 and $7.50 for larger ones, with a small discount for Shopper’s Card holders.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Government, payroll, insurance, tax refund, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Remember to bring your ID, but leave personal checks at home.

5. Food 4 Less

A subsidiary of Kroger, Food 4 Less provides check cashing with the same rules as its parent company.

• Fee: Starts at $4 for smaller checks (under $2k) and goes up to $7.50 for checks up to the limit. A Shopper’s Card will reduce the fee slightly.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Most pre-printed checks like payroll, government, and insurance settlements.
• Heads Up: This is a great, high-limit option, but they don’t accept personal checks.

6. Foods Co

Owned by Kroger, Foods Co uses the standard Money Services system, making it a predictable and safe bet for check cashing.

• Fee: Around $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Don’t forget your Shopper’s Card for a small discount on the fee.

7. Food City

A solid choice in the Southeast, Food City offers a very straightforward and affordable check cashing service.

• Fee: A simple, flat $3.
• Limit: Up to $1,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, stimulus, and rebate checks.
• Heads Up: Their great hours (often 6 a.m. to midnight) make them a convenient option.

8. Food Lion

Food Lion’s policies can differ a bit by state, so it’s a good idea to confirm at your local store’s service desk.

• Fee: Varies by state and location.
• Limit: Usually $1,000 for payroll checks, but only $500 for most other types (like government or personal checks).
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and sometimes personal checks.
• Heads Up: The check limit depends on the type of check you have, so pay close attention to that.

9. Fred Meyer

Located primarily in the Pacific Northwest, this Kroger-owned store has the same helpful Money Services counter.

• Fee: About $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000 (with a small discount for cardholders).
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Government, payroll, tax refunds, and insurance settlement checks.
• Heads Up: This is one of the best options if you have a large check to cash.

10. Fry’s Food Stores

An Arizona staple and part of the Kroger family, Fry’s offers the company’s standard check cashing service.

• Fee: Starts around $4 and goes up to $7.50, based on the check amount. Use your VIP card for a discount.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refund, and business checks.
• Heads Up: A reliable choice for cashing most types of pre-printed checks.

11. Gerbes

This Missouri-based Kroger store provides check cashing through its in-store Money Services center.

• Fee: Around $4 for checks below $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, insurance, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Remember, no personal checks are accepted.

12. Giant Eagle

Giant Eagle offers check cashing for its customers, but you’ll need to be part of their loyalty program.

• Fee: Varies, but they offer free check cashing for child support checks.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and even some personal checks.
• Heads Up: You must have a Giant Eagle Advantage Card to use this service.

13. Giant Food

Located in the mid-Atlantic region, Giant Food’s policies can be store-specific, so it’s always best to ask first.

• Fee: Varies by location.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Typically payroll and government checks.
• Heads Up: Since rules differ from store to store, call ahead to your local Giant to avoid a wasted trip.

14. H-E-B

This Texas favorite has a very clear and customer-friendly check cashing policy at their business centers.

• Fee: Starts around $3.
• Limit: Varies, but they cash checks up to and over $3,000.
• Checks Accepted: Government, payroll, dividend, and insurance checks.
• Heads Up: H-E-B is known for great service, making it a trustworthy place to cash your check.

15. Hannaford

This New England supermarket has a helpful policy, especially for seniors.

• Fee: Varies, but it’s free for customers over 60 cashing pension checks.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Government, payroll, and pension checks.
• Heads Up: If you’re over 60 and have a pension check, this is the best deal you’ll find.

16. Harris Teeter

Another Kroger-owned store, you can count on Harris Teeter for the standard, reliable Money Services check cashing.

• Fee: About $4 for checks under $2,000, and up to $7.50 for checks up to $5,000. Your VIC card will save you a bit.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, insurance, and business checks.
• Heads Up: A solid option for cashing large, pre-printed checks in the South Atlantic region.

17. Homeland

Homeland has a unique fee structure that gives a little something back to you for your next shopping trip.

• Fee: 2% of the check’s value.
• Limit: Varies by store.
• Checks Accepted: Primarily payroll checks.
• Heads Up: They give you 1% of the fee back as a coupon for your next grocery purchase of $15 or more.

18. Hy-Vee

This popular Midwestern chain offers check cashing, and some of their 24-hour locations offer 24 hour check cashing.

• Fee: Typically between $2 and $6.
• Limit: Ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the store.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and government checks.
• Heads Up: If you need to cash a check late at night, a 24-hour Hy-Vee might be your only option.

19. Ingles

A staple in the Southeast, Ingles offers check cashing to its loyal customers.

• Fee: Varies by location.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and sometimes personal checks.
• Heads Up: You need an Ingles Advantage Card to be eligible for their check cashing service.

20. Jay C Food Stores

This Southern Indiana chain is part of the Kroger family and uses their efficient Money Services system.

• Fee: Starts at $4 and goes up to $7.50, with a discount for Shopper’s Card members.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, child support, and business checks.
• Heads Up: No personal checks accepted, so stick to pre-printed ones.

21. King Soopers

The go-to grocery for many in Colorado and Wyoming, King Soopers offers the standard, high-limit Kroger check cashing service.

• Fee: Around $4 for checks under $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, insurance, and business checks.
• Heads Up: A reliable option for cashing checks while doing your weekly shopping.

22. Kroger

For Kroger check cashing, the company sets the standard with its in-store money services centers.

• Fee: Starts around $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks between $2,000 and $5,000. Fees are slightly less with a Shopper’s Card.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, insurance settlement, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Kroger’s policy is one of the most consistent and widely available across the country. They do not cash personal checks.

23. Mariano’s

This Chicago-area favorite is owned by Kroger, so you can expect the same check cashing rules and limits.

• Fee: About $4 for smaller checks (under $2k) and $7.50 for larger ones (up to $5k).
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, child support, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Flash your Mariano’s Card for a small discount on the fee.

24. Metro Market

A Wisconsin-based chain operated by Kroger, Metro Market offers check cashing via the Money Services desk.

• Fee: Around $4 for checks up to $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to $5,000.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and business checks.
• Heads Up: No personal, handwritten checks from friends or family.

25. Pay Less Super Markets

Based in Indiana, Pay Less is another Kroger store that makes cashing a check easy and predictable.

• Fee: Starts at $4 and goes to $7.50 depending on the check amount, with a discount for cardholders.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, child support, and most other pre-printed checks.
• Heads Up: Follows the standard “no personal checks” rule.

26. Pick ‘n Save

This Wisconsin grocery store is part of the Kroger family and offers the same check cashing service.

• Fee: Roughly $4 for checks under $2,000 and $7.50 for checks nearing the $5,000 limit.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, insurance, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Use your Pick ‘n Save card to get a better rate on the fee.

27. Publix

A favorite across the Southeast, Publix offers check cashing for common check types at its customer service desk.

• Fee: Varies, but is often between $3 and $6.
• Limit: Varies by location, often around $500.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and personal checks.
• Heads Up: This makes Publix one of the few grocery stores that cash personal checks, which is a huge bonus.

28. QFC (Quality Food Centers)

QFC is a Kroger-operated chain in the Pacific Northwest with the company’s standard Money Services.

• Fee: Expect to pay around $4-$7.50 depending on the check’s value.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and business checks.
• Heads Up: This is a great, high-limit option, but they do not cash personal checks.

29. Ralphs

This Southern California staple is a Kroger subsidiary, so you’ll find the familiar Money Services check cashing policy here.

• Fee: Starts at $4 for checks up to $2,000 and is $7.50 for checks up to $5,000.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refund, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Don’t forget to use your Ralphs Rewards Card for a discount on the fee.

30. Safeway

Safeway offers a very straightforward fee structure that’s easy to calculate before you even get to the store.

• Fee: A flat $2.25 for every $200 of the check’s value.
• Limit: Up to $1,500.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refund, and stimulus checks.
• Heads Up: This fee structure can be cheaper for smaller checks compared to stores with a higher flat fee.

31. Shaw’s

Owned by Albertsons, this New England chain’s policies are often set at the local level.

• Fee: Varies by location.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and personal checks are often accepted.
• Heads Up: Since policies are set by individual stores, it’s smart to call ahead.

32. ShopRite

This supermarket, popular in the Northeast, offers check cashing, but the specifics can vary quite a bit.

• Fee: Varies by location.
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Usually payroll and government checks.
• Heads Up: Not all ShopRite stores offer check cashing, so confirm with your local store first.

33. Smith’s Food and Drug

Found across the Mountain West and Southwest, Smith’s is another Kroger store with reliable Money Services.

• Fee: About $4 for checks under $2,000 and $7.50 for checks up to the $5,000 limit.
• Limit: Up to $5,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, child support, and business checks.
• Heads Up: Use your Smith’s Rewards Card to save a little on the check cashing fee.

34. Stop & Shop

Stop & Shop has one of the lowest fees out there, making it a fantastic option for smaller checks.

• Fee: Just $0.50 per check.
• Limit: Up to $500.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and government checks.
• Heads Up: You’ll need to sign up for their GO Rewards program and fill out a check cashing application at the store first.

35. Tops Friendly Markets

Tops offers a simple and very affordable service for cashing common types of checks.

• Fee: Only $1 per check.
• Limit: Up to $500.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and stimulus checks.
• Heads Up: At just a buck, this is one of the cheapest check cashing options available.

36. Vons

A Southern California and Nevada chain owned by Albertsons, Vons’ policies are often similar to its parent company.

• Fee: Varies by location, but may be similar to Safeway’s ($2.25 per $200).
• Limit: Varies by location.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and personal checks.
• Heads Up: Policies are set by the individual store, so a quick phone call is your best bet.

37. Walmart

When it comes to Walmart check cashing, they are arguably the most well-known place for cashing checks without a bank account, offering high limits and clear fees.

• Fee: $4 for checks up to $1,000; $8 for checks over $1,000.
• Limit: $5,000 (but this increases to $7,500 from January to April for tax season).
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, tax refunds, 401k, insurance, and even two-party personal checks (up to $200).
• Heads Up: The high limit and ability to cash two-party personal checks make Walmart one of the most flexible options.

38. WinCo Foods

This employee-owned chain is a great option, especially for cashing payroll checks, and has a simple fee structure.

• Fee: $5 for checks up to $500; $10 for checks over $500.
• Limit: Up to $1,000.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll checks (including handwritten ones) and two-party checks.
• Heads Up: WinCo is one of the few places that will cash a handwritten payroll check, which is a huge plus.

39. Wegmans

Wegmans offers an amazing deal for its loyal shoppers, making it the best choice if you have their loyalty card.

• Fee: Free!
• Limit: Up to $500.
• Checks Accepted: Personal and payroll checks.
• Heads Up: Check cashing is completely free if you have a Wegmans Shoppers Club card, which is also free to get. You can’t beat that.

40. Winn-Dixie

A well-known supermarket in the Southeast, Winn-Dixie offers check cashing with a specific set of rules.

• Fee: Around $3.50.
• Limit: Up to $500.
• Checks Accepted: Most locations only cash electronically-signed payroll checks.
• Heads Up: You need a SE Grocers rewards card to cash checks here. The policy is a bit restrictive, so make sure your check fits their criteria.

41. Meijer

A major supercenter chain in the Midwest, Meijer offers a straightforward check cashing service at their customer service desk.

• Fee: Typically a small flat fee, but can vary by store.
• Limit: Up to $500 for payroll checks, but often less for other types.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll checks and government checks.
• Heads Up: They do not cash personal or handwritten checks. Payroll and government checks only.

42. Price Chopper / Market 32

This popular Northeastern chain (known as both Price Chopper and Market 32) offers check cashing for shoppers, but the rules can be pretty specific.

• Fee: Varies by location.
• Limit: Often around $500, though some stores may have lower limits.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll and government checks are the most commonly accepted.
• Heads Up: You’ll almost always need to have their free AdvantEdge Card to use this service, so sign up first.

43. Stater Bros. Markets

A household name in Southern California, Stater Bros. makes it easy to cash certain types of checks while you shop.

• Fee: Usually a small, flat fee per check (often just a few dollars).
• Limit: Typically up to $500 for payroll checks.
• Checks Accepted: Printed payroll checks and government-issued checks.
• Heads Up: Their policy is pretty strict: no personal checks, no third-party checks. It has to be a printed payroll or government check made out to you.

44. Tom Thumb / Randalls

Both Tom Thumb (in North Texas) and Randalls (in Houston/Austin) are part of the Albertsons family, so their check-cashing policies are very similar to what you’d find at an Albertsons or Safeway.

• Fee: Varies, but usually a small fee per transaction.
• Limit: Typically between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the check type and location.
• Checks Accepted: Payroll, government, and sometimes personal checks (this is often at the manager’s discretion).
• Heads Up: Since they are owned by Albertsons, policies can differ from store to store. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to your specific Tom Thumb or Randalls to confirm.

45. Piggly Wiggly

This classic American supermarket has hundreds of locations, mainly in the South and Midwest. Because most stores are independently owned and operated franchises, their policies can vary more than most other chains.

• Fee: Varies significantly by location.
• Limit: Also varies, but is often around $500 for payroll checks.
• Checks Accepted: Typically payroll and government checks. Personal checks are very rarely accepted.
• Heads Up: Make sure to call your local Piggly Wiggly ahead of time. There is no single company-wide policy, so while a store close to you may cash checks, another one 2 miles down may not.

Grocery Chains That DO NOT Cash Checks

Ok, just as important as knowing where to go is knowing where not to go.

Before you grab your keys, let’s save you a potentially wasted trip. It’s a huge bummer to wait in the customer service line only to be told they can’t help you.

So, keep in mind that these major national stores do NOT offer check cashing services:

• ALDI
• Trader Joe’s
• Whole Foods Market
• Costco
• Sam’s Club

As for why they don’t, I’d guess it’s because they want to keep their costs as low as possible so they can offer us (the shoppers) the same products as other stores, but for much cheaper.

If they added financial services like check cashing, it would not only slow down the lines at checkout (and nobody wants to deal with that!), but it would also increase their overall costs. And that means we’d end up paying more for groceries. So in a way, it’s actually a good thing these grocery stores don’t cash checks!

What to Do if a Store Won’t Cash Your Check

So, you went to the grocery store near you, check in hand, with an ID, but they still said “no.” It happens sometimes. Maybe the check was for $5000 and their limit is $3000, or it was a type they don’t accept.

Either way, don’t panic!

You still have a few solid check cashing alternatives to get your money.

Go to the bank that issued the check

Look at the front of the check. You should see the name and logo of a bank, like Chase, Wells Fargo, or a local credit union.

You can take the check to any branch of that bank, and they are required to cash it because the money is coming from one of their accounts.

The best part?

You will 100% get your check cashed.

The downside?

If you’re not a customer there, you’ll usually have to pay a small fee (maybe $8-$10).

Use your own bank’s mobile app

Use mobile check deposit with your bank’s app. If you have a bank account and don’t need the physical cash in your hand this very second, this is by far the easiest option.

Just open your bank’s app, endorse the back of the check, and take a picture of the front and back.

The money will be deposited directly into your account. It’s usually free, but it might take a business day or two for the funds to become available.

Visit a dedicated check-cashing store (a last resort)

Ok, so you don’t have a bank near you to cash your check, local grocery store won’t do it for whatever reason, your bank doesn’t have a mobile app or you need the actual cash instantly.

What’s next?

Well, if everything else is a no go, you can always go to a dedicated check-cashing business (like ACE Cash Express or Check ‘n Go).

They’ll cash almost any legitimate check. But honestly, you should treat this as a last resort.

Why?

Because check-cashing places have crazy fees! I mean, it’s not even close. You think grocery stores that cash checks charge too much, but their fees are nothing compared to what these places charge.

Instead of a small flat fee, check-cashing stores usually take a percentage of your check’s total value, and that can really add up.

Again, please do not cash your check at a check cashing store or kiosk unless you absolutely have no other option!

Check Cashing at Grocery Stores: FAQ

Do grocery stores cash personal checks?

Nope, almost never. Grocery stores see handwritten personal checks as a high risk for fraud. They much prefer to handle pre-printed, computer-generated checks like payroll checks or government checks because they’re easier to verify and much safer for the store.

Can I cash a check at a grocery store without an ID?

Definitely not. You will always be asked to show a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport). This is a strict rule to protect them (and you) from fraud. No ID, no cash. Simple as that.

Is it cheaper to cash a check at a grocery store or a bank?

It depends. If you have an account with a bank, cashing a check there is almost always free. But if you don’t have a bank account, a grocery store is usually a much cheaper option than a dedicated check-cashing place, which can charge very high percentage-based fees.

Can I cash a check that isn’t written to me?

The answer is almost always no. This (a check signed over to you by someone else) is actually called a “third-party” check. Grocery stores are very strict about this to prevent fraud. The name on the ID must match the name on the “Pay to the order of” line of the check.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Yes, every single store has a limit. For the store, cashing a check is a risk, so they limit their potential loss. Limits typically range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the store and the type of check (e.g., payroll vs. personal). Our list above details the specific limits for each store.

Can I cash a tax refund check at a grocery store?

Yes, some grocery stores will cash federal tax refund checks. Some of the biggest retailers and grocery stores that cash tax refund checks include Walmart and Kroger, especially during tax season (January to April). Just remember that their standard fees and limits will still apply, and you’ll definitely need your ID.

Do I have to buy groceries to cash a check?

Generally, no, you are not required to make a purchase, but, it’s a good etiquette. And some individual store managers might be more willing to help you (like when there is an issue) if you bought something from the store. Also, some stores (like Kroger and its brands) charge you lower fees if you have their free shopper’s card, so being a customer literally pays off.

Final Thoughts

Cashing a check doesn’t have to be a huge hassle or require a special trip to the bank. As you can see, you have plenty of options to get it done on your next grocery run, saving you time and a potential headache.

With this guide, you now know the fees to expect, the limits for each store, and exactly what to bring with you to make the process or cashing your check smooth.

Ultimately, the convenience is a huge win, and finding the right fit is much easier when you have a complete list of the best grocery stores that cash checks.