Does Dollar General Cash Checks in 2024? Here‘s What You Need to Know
With over 18,000 convenient locations across America, Dollar General serves many rural and suburban communities. Customers often ask: does Dollar General cash checks?
Unfortunately, Dollar General does not cash any type of check directly in their stores as of 2023. However, they do accept checks as payment.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about using checks at Dollar General, where you can get checks cashed, and expert advice for avoiding fees or issues.
Dollar General‘s Check Cashing Policy
Dollar General does not offer any check cashing services according to their customer service.
You cannot cash payroll, tax refund, government, personal, or any other checks directly at Dollar General. The only option is using checks as a form of payment.
I contacted Dollar General‘s customer support line, who confirmed that no Dollar General locations cash checks as of January 2023. This policy applies to all 18,000+ stores nationwide.
Where To Cash Checks Instead of Dollar General
While Dollar General itself won‘t cash your checks, you have many convenient options:
Banks and Credit Unions
Your own bank or credit union is often the easiest place to cash checks. Most will cash checks for account holders, often for free or a small fee.
However, bank hours are limited, so it may not be practical to cash a check there if you need the cash quickly.
Retailers
Many major retail chains cash checks. For example:
Walmart cashes checks up to $5,000 for a $4 fee and requires ID. They cash payroll, government, tax refund, and more.
Kroger cashes checks up to $5,000 for a 1-5% fee based on the check amount. You‘ll need ID.
7-Eleven charges 1-5% of the check amount, with a $3 minimum fee.
Retailers have more convenient hours than banks, though the fees are usually higher.
Online Services
You can cash checks through your smartphone without visiting a store using services like:
Ingo Money – Cash checks by taking a photo through the app. Funds deposit to your bank within minutes for a 1-5% fee.
Activehours – Deposit paycheck funds instantly for free or small tips.
These apps offer convenience, though you‘ll need a bank account for deposits.
Paying By Check at Dollar General
While Dollar General doesn‘t cash checks, they do accept them as payment. Here‘s a step-by-step guide to paying by check:
When checking out, notify the cashier you will pay by check.
Write a personal or business check for the exact purchase amount. Double check it!
Provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver‘s license or passport.
The cashier processes the check electronically using Certegy, a verification system.
Sign the pin pad when prompted to finalize the transaction.
The cashier returns your physical check, since the funds are processed electronically.
Tips for Paying By Check
Have a backup payment option in case your check is declined by the verification system. Debit, cash or credit cards work as backup.
Make sure checks are properly filled out and signed to avoid issues. The cashier can‘t accept checks that are unsigned or appear altered.
Expect that checks over $50-100 may go through additional identity verification. Bringing ID can help speed things along.
Large purchases over $200-500 may require manager approval before accepting the check.
If your check is declined, contact your bank immediately to understand why and avoid further problems.
The Bottom Line
While Dollar General doesn‘t directly cash checks, paying by check is still a convenient option for shoppers who prefer it over debit or credit.
If you need to cash a check quickly, try a nearby retailer, bank, or online service that offers check cashing instead. Doing a little planning ahead goes a long way to saving time and hassle!
