Last verified: May 2026
CVS store policies and MoneyGram availability can vary by location. Always confirm services with your local CVS before visiting.
No, CVS does not cash checks. CVS pharmacy locations do not cash payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, personal checks, cashier’s checks, or insurance settlement checks. CVS does not offer check-cashing services of any kind.
However, most CVS stores do sell MoneyGram money orders and offer MoneyGram money transfers. This guide explains what financial services CVS actually offers, whether CVS accepts checks as payment, how CVS money orders work, and where to go if you need to cash a check instead.
Quick Answer: Can You Cash a Check at CVS?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does CVS cash checks? | No |
| Does CVS cash payroll checks? | No |
| Does CVS cash government checks? | No |
| Does CVS cash personal checks? | No |
| Does CVS cash cashier’s checks? | No |
| Does CVS sell money orders? | Yes, at most locations |
| Does CVS cash money orders? | No |
| Does CVS offer MoneyGram? | Yes, at participating stores |
| Does CVS give cash back? | Yes, up to $35 with debit purchases |
Does CVS Cash Checks?
No. CVS does not cash checks at any of its approximately 9,900 U.S. pharmacy locations. This applies to all check types:
- Payroll checks: not cashed
- Government checks: not cashed
- Tax refund checks: not cashed
- Personal checks: not cashed
- Cashier’s checks: not cashed
- Insurance settlement checks: not cashed
- Third-party checks: not cashed
CVS focuses primarily on pharmacy, health, and retail services. Unlike grocery stores and Walmart MoneyCenters, CVS does not operate the verification systems, cash reserves, or money service infrastructure required for retail check cashing.
If you need immediate cash from a paper check, you will need to visit another retailer, a bank, or use a mobile check-cashing app instead.
Where to Cash a Check Near a CVS
If you are near a CVS and need to cash a check, these retailers are usually the best alternatives. Many are located in the same shopping centers or nearby commercial areas as CVS stores.
| Store | Typical Fee | Typical Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $4–$8 | $5,000 ($7,500 Jan–Apr) | Large checks and nationwide access |
| Kroger family stores | $3.50–$6 | Up to $5,000 | Payroll and government checks |
| Meijer | $3–$5 | Up to $2,000 | Personal checks in Midwest states |
| Publix | $3–$4 flat | ~$500 payroll checks | Smaller checks in the Southeast |
| Issuing bank | Sometimes free | No fixed limit | Checks issued by that bank |
EastwoodBank tip: If your check is under $500, Publix or the issuing bank is often cheaper than Walmart. If your check is over $1,000, Walmart is usually the easiest national option with the highest limits.
CVS vs Walmart for Check Cashing
| Service | CVS | Walmart |
|---|---|---|
| Cash payroll checks | No | Yes |
| Cash government checks | No | Yes |
| Cash personal checks | No | Limited locations |
| Money orders | Yes (MoneyGram) | Yes (MoneyGram) |
| Cash back | Up to $35 debit | Up to $100 debit |
| Typical check cashing limit | N/A | $5,000 ($7,500 Jan–Apr) |
For a complete comparison of retailers that cash checks, see our guide to stores that cash checks near you. If you want to avoid visiting a store entirely, apps that cash checks instantly are another option for payroll and government checks.
You can also review how to cash a check without a bank account if you do not currently have a checking account.
Does CVS Do Money Orders?
Yes. Most CVS stores sell MoneyGram money orders at the checkout counter or customer service area. With nearly 9,900 U.S. locations and extended operating hours, CVS is one of the more accessible places to buy a money order without visiting a bank or grocery store.
CVS money order fee
CVS typically charges $1.25 per money order. This fee is paid separately from the money order amount itself.
CVS money order limit
Each CVS money order is typically limited to $500 per order. There is usually no limit on the number of money orders you can purchase in one visit.
For example, if you need to send $1,500, you could buy three separate $500 money orders for a total fee of $3.75.
Payment methods accepted
Most CVS locations accept cash or debit card to purchase money orders. Credit cards are not accepted.
What you need to bring
- Cash or debit card for the money order amount plus the fee
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The recipient’s full name or business name
CVS money order tips
- Fill it out immediately. Blank money orders that are lost or stolen can be difficult to replace.
- Keep your receipt. The receipt contains the serial number needed for tracking or refunds.
- Sign only the purchaser section. The back is for the recipient when cashing it.
- Call ahead first. Some CVS locations temporarily run out of money order stock or suspend MoneyGram services.
Does CVS Cash Money Orders?
No. CVS sells MoneyGram money orders but does not cash or refund them.
If you need to cash a money order, these are better options:
- The issuing bank or credit union
- Walmart (for Walmart-issued money orders)
- USPS (for USPS-issued money orders)
- A dedicated check-cashing store
- The MoneyGram issuer network
This is an important distinction: CVS can sell you a money order, but CVS cannot turn a money order into cash.
CVS MoneyGram Money Transfers
Many CVS locations also offer MoneyGram money transfer services. This allows customers to send money domestically or internationally using MoneyGram’s network.
- Send money to: bank accounts, cash pickup locations, or mobile wallets
- Fees: vary based on amount and destination
- ID required: government-issued photo ID
- Availability: during normal store hours at participating locations
Money transfers and money orders are separate services. Neither service allows you to cash a payroll or personal check at CVS.
Does CVS Accept Personal Checks as Payment?
Yes. Many CVS locations accept personal checks for in-store purchases. However, this is completely different from check cashing.
When paying with a check at CVS:
- You may need a valid government-issued photo ID
- The check name should match your ID
- CVS will not provide cash back from the check
- Acceptance can vary by location and transaction type
CVS may also electronically verify checks before accepting them for purchases.
Does CVS Give Cash Back?
Yes. CVS offers debit card cash back of up to $35 per transaction at most locations.
- Cash back limit: up to $35
- Payment method required: debit card
- Fee: none
- Purchase required: yes
Cash back is not available with credit card purchases or personal checks.
Best CVS Alternatives by Check Type
| Check Type | Best Alternative | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll check | Walmart or Kroger | High limits and predictable fees |
| Government check | Walmart or issuing bank | Easy verification |
| Tax refund check | Walmart | Higher seasonal limits |
| Personal check | Meijer or issuing bank | More flexible acceptance |
| Cashier’s check | Issuing bank or Walmart | Reliable approval |
| Money order | Issuing bank or USPS | CVS does not cash money orders |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CVS cash checks?
No. CVS does not cash payroll checks, government checks, personal checks, cashier’s checks, tax refund checks, or any other type of check. You will need to use Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, a bank, or a mobile check-cashing app instead.
Does CVS cash payroll checks?
No. CVS does not cash payroll checks. Walmart, Kroger family stores, and Meijer are more common retail options for payroll check cashing.
Does CVS cash personal checks?
No. CVS does not cash personal checks. Some stores may accept personal checks for purchases, but CVS does not convert checks into cash or provide cash back from checks.
Does CVS cash cashier’s checks?
No. CVS does not cash cashier’s checks. The issuing bank or retailers like Walmart are usually better options for cashier’s checks.
Does CVS sell money orders?
Yes. Most CVS locations sell MoneyGram money orders for about $1.25 each, with a typical limit of $500 per money order.
How much does a money order cost at CVS?
CVS typically charges about $1.25 per MoneyGram money order. If you need multiple money orders, the fee applies to each order separately.
Does CVS cash money orders?
No. CVS sells MoneyGram money orders but does not cash them. To cash a money order, visit the issuer, a bank, USPS, Walmart, or a dedicated check-cashing provider.
Does CVS give cash back?
Yes. CVS offers debit card cash back up to $35 per transaction at most locations. A purchase is required, and cash back is not available with credit cards or checks.
Does CVS accept checks as payment?
Many CVS stores accept personal checks for in-store purchases, though policies can vary by location. CVS may require ID and electronically verify checks before approval.
Bottom Line
CVS does not cash checks of any type, including payroll, government, tax refund, personal, or cashier’s checks. However, CVS does offer MoneyGram money orders, money transfers, debit card cash back, and limited check acceptance for purchases at many stores.
If you need to turn a paper check into cash, compare stores that cash checks or review how to cash a check without a bank account for additional options.