Walgreens, known for its pharmacy stores across America, is more than just a place for medications and beauty products. It’s a household name, also offering a range of financial services.
But one question that often pops up is: Does Walgreens cash checks?
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KEY TAKEAWAYS!
- Walgreens discontinued check cashing in 2015 due to scams and low profitability.
- Checks still accepted for purchases, with up to $20 cashback available.
- Unlikely Walgreens will reintroduce check cashing; focuses on diverse payment options instead.
Walgreens and Check Cashing: A History
Until 2015, Walgreens did offer check-cashing services. Customers could use any check to deposit money onto a Walgreens-issued prepaid credit card. This was a convenient way for people to turn their checks into spendable cash.
However, in 2015, Walgreens decided to discontinue this service and stopped issuing the prepaid credit card, thus ending their check-cashing service.
Why Did Walgreens Stop Cashing Checks?
The decision to stop cashing checks wasn’t taken lightly. There were several reasons behind it:
- High Risk of Scams: Check cashing involves risks, including the potential for fraudulent activities and scams. This made it a high-risk service for Walgreens.
- Outdated Method: The world is moving towards digital payment methods, making check cashing seem outdated.
- Low Profitability: The service was not very profitable for Walgreens, especially considering the risks involved.
Can I Cash a Check at Walgreens Today?
The straightforward answer is no. Since discontinuing the check-cashing service, you can no longer cash a check at any Walgreens store.
What About Using Checks for Purchases at Walgreens?
Although you can’t use cash checks, you can still use them to make purchases at Walgreens. If you have a check, you can use it to pay for any product or service at their stores.
Getting Cash Back with Checks at Walgreens
While check cashing is no longer an option, Walgreens does offer a cashback service. If you make a purchase with a check, you can receive up to $20 cashback. This service is also available for payments made with a debit card.
However, you need to buy something from the store to avail of this cashback.
Types of Checks Accepted for Purchases and Cashback
Walgreens accepts various types of checks for purchases and cashback, including:
- Government-issued checks
- Payroll checks
- Personal checks
Future of Check Cashing Services at Walgreens
Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that Walgreens will reintroduce check cashing services. The risks and low profitability associated with check cashing make it unattractive for many retail stores, including Walgreens.
Walgreens: More Than Just a Pharmacy
With over 9,000 locations in the USA, Walgreens remains a significant player in the retail and pharmacy sector. In addition to its medical and health-related offerings, Walgreens provides various financial services, albeit check cashing is no longer one of them.
They also accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for payments, showcasing their commitment to offering diverse payment options to customers.
Conclusion
Understanding Walgreens’ financial services, especially regarding check cashing, helps clarify what you can and cannot do at their stores. While check cashing is a thing of the past at Walgreens, they continue to accept checks for purchases and provide a limited cashback option, making them a convenient stop for various needs.
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