Publix check cashing fees, Publix check cashing limits? Below you’ll find everything you need to know.
Receiving a check is always a positive event. But whether it’s a birthday gift or work payment, you’ll want to access those funds ASAP. Getting to the bank isn’t always possible while many people simply don’t have the option due to lacking an account. There are alternative financial services out there, though, and Publix is one of the most commonly used.
The nationwide supermarket has well over 1,100 stores, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be entering one soon for your general shopping needs. With this in mind, it’s certainly one of the most convenient options out there. So, what do you need to know before using this financial service for the first time? Let’s take a closer look.
More Accessible Cash Checking
Aside from saving the hassle of heading to the bank, Publix check cashing is far more versatile than most banks with regards to opening hours. Essentially, if the store’s customer services are open, you will be able to access the funds. That is, of course, assuming that your check meets the necessary criteria for the business.
This essentially enables you to cash checks seven days a week while the opening hours are far longer too. Most venues typically operate this service from 0700-2200. If you’re in a rush to complete the process today, this is probably going to be the most convenient option at your disposal. Not least if you intend to visit the local store anyway.
The Publix check cashing club is quite an extensive one. Nonetheless, there are still rules and regulations that must be understood and appreciated.
Publix Check Cashing Limits
Publix isn’t a bank. It is primarily a grocery store and supermarket chain. The reason that it offers these financial services is that it wants to gain your custom. By getting you in-store, there’s a heightened chance that you will buy products from them. Still, you cannot expect them to offer the full range of services.
It isn’t meant to be a replacement for the bank. It is designed to offer access to emergency funds and remove the need for visiting the bank for a small one-off payment. Consequently, the service operates under fairly low restrictions. Users can only cash one personal check per day, up to a maximum of $75. If cashing a payroll check, you can use one per week. In these cases, though, the limit is raised to $500.
Those limits are smaller than some of the other places out there. However, they should still enable you to access a quick cash injection by cashing the check you’ve received. Better still, the instant payout makes them a far safer bet than some of the companies that don’t offer this aspect.
Arguably the most frustrating issue is the fact that the company states that individual stores can place stricter limits. This is due to the amount of cash available in any venue at any given time. It could theoretically come back to haunt you when trying to access funds. Still, the statement is one of precaution rather than a common feature.
Check Types
While the limits can be frustrating for some users, the versatility of check types is quick pleasing. As mentioned, personal and payroll checks are accepted. Perhaps most crucially, though, they will accept handwritten checks. This is a facility that a lot of non-bank services do not provide due to the systems they use.
Money orders, third-party checks, and tax return checks will be rejected. However, it’s not uncommon for those payments to exceed the previously mentioned limits. Besides, the most likely items for instant cash are weekly paychecks and small personal gifts. With this in mind, the limitations aren’t a major issue.
Publix Check Cashing Fees
Publix doesn’t require a registration process or paid membership. However, the check cashing services are offered at a small cost. These transaction fees are minimal, though, with the maximum value being $4.
Those values are no greater than most similar financial services, although some of the others do allow you to cash bigger checks. This does mean that the % is quite high. Then again, if your check is only for a small value, this will be the same wherever you go. In the grand scheme, losing $4 on a $500 check is still fair, especially with the instant nature of the payment.
What’s Needed?
Aside from the check itself, all payroll checks require employer details. This includes a printed phone number on the check. Before cashing the check, you’ll also need identification for who you are. Accepted forms include ID cards, military ID, and Driver’s licenses. Furthermore, it may be necessary to have your social security number in some situations.
Naturally, all checks must be payable to the person cashing it. Do not use nicknames or aliases. Instead, it must always match up to the name on your identification.
The Process
At most Publix stores, you can cash your checks at the point of payment. In some cases, though, especially when funds are low, you may need to visit the customer care desk.
The Publix system uses third-party tech provided by Certegy. This means that the clerk doesn’t have much of a say on whether the check will be accepted. It could be rejected for a number of reasons, including unexplained suspicion. In most cases, though, rejections are due to checks being unreadable.
Whatever the reason may be, there’s little point in arguing with the store worker. They cannot overturn the decision, so you’ll be wasting your breath. Besides, a check that cannot be used in Publix will still be redeemed elsewhere. It might not be quite as convenient, but it’s far from being the end of the world.
Certegy’s system is smart and can build up a profile of you. Over time, this may reduce the likelihood of future rejections. Then again, the automated system cannot be tricked. If you are thinking of cashing two payroll checks within one week, for example, you best think again. Even if you thought using several stores.
Additional Precautions
Aside from the Publix-specific ideas, you must consider cash checking basics. Firstly, you need to ensure that the check stays in good condition so that it is legible. Otherwise, you may struggle to use it even in the bank. On a separate note, you won’t want to sign the back until you are just about to cash it. Otherwise, a lost check could be utilized by someone else.
Meanwhile, it’s imperative that the sender has filled out all the necessary details. Inaccuracies can come back to you, especially when trying to use an instant service like Publix. After all, it can look like you’ve purposely tried to be deceitful. For the sake of using trustworthy senders and getting them to double-check, it could save a lot of hassle.
The Final Word
Publix isn’t primarily a financial service agent, and you shouldn’t see it as one. Nonetheless, the size and reputation of the company mean you can have immense confidence in using it to cash your checks.
Given the instant processes, ability to cash handwritten checks, and small fees, it is a fantastic option. Whether it’s an emergency or for the sake of convenience, cash checking opportunities through Publix are very useful items to know about. Even if you are limited to relatively small amounts.
Nonetheless, there are various other retailers that offer cash checking services. If it is a planned activity rather than cashing a check on the spare of the moment, it’s always worth researching the options. When money is involved, getting the best value is everything.