Food Lion does not cash checks at any of its locations

Food Lion, the supermarket chain operating across the Southeast, does not offer check-cashing services at its stores. If you need to cash a check, you will need to use a different location — a bank, credit union, grocery store that does cash checks, or a check-cashing business.

This is different from some other large grocery chains. Walmart, for example, cashes checks at most of its locations, and some regional grocery stores offer the service. Food Lion's decision to exclude check cashing means you cannot walk in with a check and leave with cash the way you might at other retailers.

The reason matters less than the practical consequence: if Food Lion is your regular shopping stop, you will need a backup plan for check cashing. That plan depends on what type of check you have, how quickly you need the cash, and what other services you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Food Lion does not cash checks at any location, so you cannot use it as a check-cashing destination.
  • Walmart, which operates in many of the same regions as Food Lion, does cash checks at most locations and may be more convenient.
  • Your bank or credit union will cash your check for free if you have an account, and many offer mobile deposit as an alternative to going in person.
  • Check-cashing businesses and some other grocery chains are options if you do not have a bank account or need cash outside banking hours.

Where to cash a check instead

Your bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest option if you have an account. They cash checks for free, and many let you deposit checks through a mobile app without visiting a branch. If you have a debit card from the bank, you can also withdraw cash at an ATM after depositing.

Walmart cashes checks at customer service desks during store hours. The fee varies by check type — personal checks usually cost $3 to $6, while payroll and government checks may cost less or be free. Walmart locations are widespread in the Southeast, often near Food Lion stores, so this may be your most convenient alternative.

Other grocery stores in your area may cash checks. Kroger, Harris Teeter, and some independent grocers offer the service, though policies vary by location and check type. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip.

Check-cashing businesses exist in most towns and cities. They charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent — so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. They are useful if you need cash outside banking hours or do not have a bank account, but they are more expensive than other options.

What type of check you have matters

Personal checks — those you receive from another individual — usually cost more to cash at non-bank locations. Walmart charges $3 to $6 for a personal check, and check-cashing businesses charge a percentage. Banks and credit unions cash them free for account holders.

Payroll checks are cheaper to cash at retailers. Walmart often cashes them free or for $1 to $3. Check-cashing businesses may charge a lower percentage for payroll checks than personal checks because they are lower risk.

Government checks — Social Security, tax refunds, unemployment — are usually the cheapest or free to cash at retailers. Walmart typically charges $1 or less. Banks and credit unions cash them free.

Third-party checks — checks made out to someone else that they sign over to you — are risky and many places will not cash them. Banks may refuse them, and retailers almost always do. If you receive a third-party check, ask the original payee to cash it themselves and give you the cash, or deposit it into their account and have them send you the money.

Mobile deposit as an alternative

If you have a bank account, mobile deposit through your bank's app may be faster than going anywhere to cash a check. You photograph the front and back of the check with your phone, submit it through the app, and the money appears in your account within one to three business days. You can then withdraw cash at an ATM or use your debit card.

Mobile deposit works for most personal, payroll, and government checks. It does not work for third-party checks or checks made out to a business. Your bank may have limits on how much you can deposit per day or per month — typically $2,000 to $10,000 per day — so very large checks may need to go to a branch.

The advantage is that you do not have to go anywhere or pay a fee. The disadvantage is the delay — if you need cash when ready, mobile deposit will not help.

Opening a bank account if you do not have one

If you do not have a bank account, opening one solves the check-cashing problem permanently. Most banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Credit unions often have even lower fees and better rates.

You will need an ID and proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another account. Some banks let you open an account online; others require a visit to a branch. Once your account is open, you can deposit checks by mobile app, at an ATM, or at a branch, and withdraw cash whenever you need it.

If you have had banking problems in the past — overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees — some banks may refuse you. In that case, look for a second-chance checking account, which is designed for people with banking history issues. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Food Lion cash checks at any of its stores?

No. Food Lion does not offer check-cashing services at any location. You will need to use a bank, credit union, Walmart, another grocery store, or a check-cashing business instead.

What is the cheapest way to cash a check?

Free, if you have a bank or credit union account — they cash checks for account holders at no cost. If you do not have an account, Walmart is usually cheaper than a check-cashing business for most check types, though fees vary by the kind of check.

Can I cash a check at Walmart instead?

Yes. Walmart cashes checks at customer service desks during store hours. Fees are $1 to $6 depending on the check type. Many Walmart locations are in the same areas as Food Lion, so it may be convenient.

How long does mobile deposit take?

One to three business days for the money to appear in your account. You can then withdraw it at an ATM or use your debit card. If you need cash when ready, mobile deposit will not work — you will need to visit a location that cashes checks in person.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can open one at most banks or credit unions with just an ID and proof of address. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and withdraw cash whenever you need it. If you have had banking problems, look for a second-chance checking account.