No, Walmart Does Not Cash EFS Checks in 2022
As a truck driver, having access to cash on the road is crucial for paying for fuel, repairs, meals, and other necessities. The Electronic Funds Source (EFS) check has become a popular payment method that allows drivers to easily obtain cash by cashing their EFS checks at various retailers and locations across the country.
With Walmart being one of the largest retail chains in America, it‘s understandable why truckers may wonder – can I cash my EFS check at Walmart?
The short answer is no. As of 2022, Walmart does not accept or cash EFS checks at any of their store locations or money centers.
This guide will explain where you can cash EFS checks, the fees involved, and tips for ensuring a smooth cashing process. We‘ll also look at the types of checks Walmart does cash, so you know your options when you need quick access to cash on the road.
What is an EFS Check?
An EFS check, sometimes called a Comcheck, is a type of electronic fund transfer provided by FleetOne and other providers to truck drivers and fleets. The checks include a printed money code that can be cashed in for money.
EFS checks allow drivers to pay for fuel, maintenance, repairs, and other approved expenses during their routes. The funds come directly out of the fleet or company‘s account when the check is cashed. Truckers can cash the checks at truck stops, retailers, and banks nationwide.
It‘s estimated over 300,000 drivers use EFS checks regularly to cover costs on the job. The average EFS check is around $200-$300, although values can range from $20 up to $1,000 in some cases. With billions in EFS checks cashed annually, they‘ve become a vital payment method in the trucking industry.
Where You Can Cash EFS Checks Nearby
While Walmart does not cash EFS checks, you have several convenient options for cashing your EFS check near you:
Truck Stops
Many leading truck stop chains will cash EFS checks, typically for a small fee. Some of the most widely available options include:
- Pilot Flying J – Cashes up to $999.99, fees around $5 or 3%
- Love‘s Travel Stops – Up to $999.99 limit, $3 or 3% fee
- TA-Petro – Maximum $300, fees around $5
- Road Ranger – Up to $999.99, fees approximately $3 per $100
To cash your EFS check, simply visit the customer service counter or cashier at these truck stops. Have your valid driver‘s license or other government-issued photo ID ready. Call ahead to confirm specific cashing policies and fees at individual locations.
Banks
Most national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo along with local community banks and credit unions will cash EFS checks with proper ID. The daily cashing limit is often higher at banks than retailers.
However, you‘ll need to go inside the bank branch in person rather than using the ATM or drive-thru. Fees are typically 1-5% of the check amount. Calling your bank first is recommended to learn their EFS check cashing policies and confirm required documentation.
Other Retailers
In addition to truck stops, many retailers like grocery stores, discount stores, and check cashing services can also cash EFS checks. For example, stores like Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger, Kmart, and Ace Cash Express may cash your EFS check for a fee.
Policies can vary greatly though, so be sure to call individual locations first. Ask if they accept EFS checks, daily limits, fees involved, and what ID is required. This will help you find a convenient place to cash your EFS check smoothly.
EFS Check Cashing Fees & Limits
| Location | Typical Fee | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Flying J | $5 or 3% | $999.99 |
| Love‘s Travel Stops | $3 or 3% | $999.99 |
| TA-Petro | Around $5 | $300 |
| Road Ranger | $3 per $100 | $999.99 |
| Banks | 1-5% of amount | $1,000+ |
| Grocery Stores | $3-5 or 2-3% | $200-$500 |
| Check Cashing Stores | 2-12% | $500-$1,000 |
Table summarizing typical EFS check cashing fees and maximum limits at different locations
As shown above, fees for cashing EFS checks can range from flat fees around $3-5 to percentage fees of 1-12% depending on where you cash the check.
Limits on the maximum check amount also vary. For convenience, truck stops allow up to $999.99 while banks will usually cash EFS checks over $1,000 when valid ID is presented.
Some tips to minimize fees:
- Ask if the fee can be waived with a fuel purchase or other services
- Go during off-peak hours – some retailers reduce fees at certain times
- Build relationships with cashiers/tellers at your frequent stops
- Cash the check early in its valid date range for the full amount
Knowing the standard EFS check cashing fees and policies at nearby retailers can help you maximize the value of each check.
Tips for Cashing Your EFS Check
Follow these tips when heading out to cash your EFS check:
Call ahead – Confirm the location accepts EFS checks and learn their exact fees, limits, and ID requirements.
Bring valid photo ID – A driver‘s license or other U.S. government-issued ID is required by most places cashing EFS checks.
Go during business hours – Avoid cashing checks at night or on holidays/Sundays when cash may be limited.
Start with trusted retailers – Stick to reputable national chains and banks you‘re familiar with at first.
Cash early – Cashing it sooner maximizes the usable amount before any fees are deducted.
Track funds – Save receipts and track expenses to have records in case of any discrepancies.
By following these tips and knowing the best places to cash EFS checks near your routes, you can easily access funds on the road.
Why Walmart Doesn‘t Accept EFS Checks
With over 4,700 Walmart stores nationwide, why don’t they cash EFS checks? There are a few likely reasons behind this policy:
Processing challenges – EFS checks require calling a verification hotline which takes additional time and ties up money center staff.
Higher risk – Electronic checks can carry more risk of fraud or bounced checks than paper payroll/government checks.
Equipment needs – Cashing EFS checks needs specialized terminals to process the electronic codes. Installation and maintenance costs may be overly burdensome.
Record-keeping – EFS checks require retaining drivers’ records and monitoring cash limits carefully, increasing record-keeping needs.
Low volume – Only a small fraction of Walmart‘s overall customers are truck drivers needing to cash EFS checks regularly.
With over 165 million customers visiting Walmart weekly, the time, costs, and risks of cashing EFS checks likely outweighs the benefits for their business model currently. Truck stop chains have more specialized equipment and processes in place to handle EFS checks for their core customer base.
Checks You Can Cash at Walmart
While Walmart does not accept EFS checks, they do cash a variety of other common check types including:
- Payroll checks (printed)
- Government checks like social security, tax refunds
- Money orders
- Cashier’s checks/official bank checks
- Personal checks up to $5,000 in some locations
- Walmart associate payroll checks
- Most pre-printed checks under $5,000
As long as you have valid ID, you can cash these checks at any Walmart customer service desk or money center. Their check cashing daily limit is $5,000 for eligible checks. Being selective about which checks to cash at Walmart versus other retailers can save you time and fees.
Key Takeaways
Walmart does not cash EFS checks – Their money centers cannot process EFS checks currently.
Truck stops & banks are the most convenient places to cash EFS checks near routes.
Fees average $3-5 or 1-5% of the check amount. Limits range $300-$1,000.
Call ahead and check needed ID to cash EFS checks smoothly.
For quick access to cash, focus on cashing payroll, tax, money orders, and other eligible checks at Walmart locations.
Knowing where you can conveniently cash EFS checks along your routes ensures you have cash in hand to cover trip costs. With a bit of planning, you can access funds on the road while minimizing check cashing fees.
