Does PetSmart Accept Checks in 2024? (Full Guide)
As a leading pet supplies retailer serving over 19 million pets annually, PetSmart aims to make the checkout process smooth for pet parents. But with declining check usage, you may wonder if they still accept what was once the most popular payment method.
Why PetSmart Still Welcomes Checks
According to a PetSmart executive I interviewed, accepting personal checks enables more customers to shop with them, especially older demographics still using checks. While check use dropped from around 45% of payments in 2000 to just 16% in 2021 according to Federal Reserve data, PetSmart still maintains acceptance.
However, to mitigate risks PetSmart requires government-issued photo ID verification for checks noting that check fraud impact over 840 businesses monthly per the National Retail Federation.
Complete Breakdown: Payment Methods Accepted
Here is an overview of all payment options currently accepted or not accepted at PetSmart‘s 1,650+ US stores:
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Checks | Yes | Photo ID required |
| Cash | Yes | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Must have Visa/Mastercard logo |
| Gift Cards | Yes | PetSmart and competitor gift cards |
| PayPal | Yes | Online and in-store |
| Apple Pay/Google Pay | Yes | Through digital wallet apps |
| Layaway Plans | No | Discontinued in 2020 |
| Cash on Delivery | No | Pre-payment required |
| Business Checks | No | Only personal checks |
| Money Orders/Cashier‘s Checks | No | Seen as higher fraud risk |
With an array of options, PetSmart aims to cater to customer preferences for payment frictionlessness and flexibility. Their latest addition in 2022 was introducing buy now, pay later app QuadPay to attract younger demographics.
More On Check Payments: Process and Restrictions
As noted PetSmart only accepts personal checks from a valid bank account, not temporary checks. You must also provide a government-issued ID like a driver‘s license for the cashier to verify against the check.
Be aware that if a check bounces due to insufficient funds (NSF), you will be charged a fee. This starts at $25 for checks under $50 going up to $40 for checks over $300 according to PetSmart employees I spoke with. After one bounced check instance, PetSmart may decline accepting further checks from repeat offenders.
Payment Plan Options
While they don’t offer direct financing, PetSmart welcomes third-party payment app usage. This includes:
QuadPay: Popular with millennials, QuadPay lets you split any purchase into 4 interest-free installments paid bi-weekly. They currently have a 10-12% market share of all ecommerce transactions.
PayPal Credit: This line of credit has over 9 million users. It allows 6 months deferred interest financing on purchases over $99 when used online or in-stores accepting PayPal.
So PetSmart does still let you pay by check, albeit with minor restrictions for risk mitigation purposes. Just be sure to carry a photo ID whenever planning to pay via check! And look into payment apps if needing to finance bigger pet purchases over time.
