Albertsons Money Order & Check Cashing Policies Explained

Services like check cashing and money orders can be difficult to make time for, especially when many financial institutions have limited hours.

Getting these things done at a grocery store can be more convenient -- not only due to the extended hours, but also because you can combine a few errands into one store visit.

Albertsons offers some financial services, but the details of its policies vary by location.

An Albertsons grocery storefront

Most Albertsons stores cash checks and sell Western Union money orders, but there are some limits, fees, and restrictions to be aware of, which differ slightly between locations.[1]

The grocer doesn’t cash money orders at any of its stores.[1]

I explain Albertsons’ money order and check cashing policies in detail below.

I contacted store locations in Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Washington to confirm this information.

Albertsons Money Order Policy

You can buy Western Union money orders at most Albertsons stores at the customer service desk.[1]

You can’t cash a money order at any Albertsons location.[1]

Limits

There is a maximum limit of $1,000 per money order you buy at Albertsons.[1]

However, there’s no set limit on how many money orders you can buy in one day, so if you need more than $1,000, you can purchase multiple money orders.[1]

Cost

Albertsons charges a fee of about $1 per money order. Keep in mind that this means if you spend more than $1,000, you’ll need to pay multiple fees.[1]

For example, if you need $1,500 in money orders, the store will print two money orders — one worth $1,000 and another worth $500. You’ll need to pay a fee for each of these money orders, for a total of about $2.

Payment Options

The only method of payment Albertsons accepts for money orders is cash.[1]

You can’t pay for money orders with a credit card, debit card, gift card, mobile wallet, or personal check.[1]

Albertsons Check Cashing Policy

Albertsons offers check cashing services at most locations, but details like which checks it’ll cash can vary from one location to the next.[1]

Restrictions

Most Albertsons stores will only cash electronically signed checks, such as government checks and some payroll checks — not handwritten checks or other types like cashier’s checks.[1]

All checks must pass electronic verification before Albertsons will cash them.[1]

The maximum amount limit varies by location. At the stores I contacted, the most common limit was $1,000 to $1,500.[1]

It’s best to contact your local store before visiting to check its limit (especially if you have a large check).

Fees

Albertsons’ check cashing fee varies by location, and may also vary based on the check amount.[1]

However, you can usually expect to pay around $5 or less.[1]

Alternatives

If Albertsons can’t meet your check cashing or money order needs, there are other places that have these services.

Compare your options for check services in terms of fees, restrictions, and acceptable check types with the list of grocery stores that cash checks.

For money orders, there may be other stores or banks with limits and fees that better suit your needs. Some places even offer free money orders.

See more on where to get a money order.

Tip: You might also want to consider money transfers as an alternative to money orders. Transfers generally offer higher limits, more payment options, and you can send one online if you prefer, saving yourself a trip to the store.[2]

Note that money transfer fees will vary depending on how much money you’re sending and which payment option you choose.[2]

FAQ

What are the hours for money orders and check cashing at Albertsons?

Money service hours may vary by location, but you can usually cash a check or get a money order between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Be aware that the store may be closed or have limited hours on holidays.[1]

Do you need an Albertsons for U membership to use the store’s money services?

No, you don’t need a membership to use money services.[1] If you have an Albertsons for U membership, you can’t earn points on financial services.[3]

Do Albertsons for U members pay the same fees as non-members for money services?

Yes, the same fees apply to all customers when using money services, and you can’t redeem Albertsons for U points to cover money service fees.[1][3]

Does Albertsons offer any other money services?

Several additional financial services are available through Western Union, including money transfers and in-store bill payments (such as mortgage or rent payments, utilities, credit card payments, and more).[1][4]

In Summary

Albertsons offers check cashing services and sells Western Union money orders at most locations, but you can’t cash a money order there.[1]

Money orders cost about $1 and most locations have a $1,000 limit per money order (though you can purchase more than one at a time).[1]

There is also a maximum of around $1,000 to $1,500 for check cashing at most Albertsons locations, though the exact limit varies by location.[1]

The fee for this service also varies by location and check amount, but is usually around $5 or less.[1]

Note that because these policies don’t apply companywide, it’s always a good idea to contact the store before you visit to be sure of its fees and restrictions.

Feel free to leave any additional questions and your own experiences with Albertsons’ money services in the comments section below.


4 comments


  • Bob Bobby

    Albertsons and Safeway do no.cash personal checks your dumb

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

      Hi Bob,
      I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t had luck with cashing personal checks with Albertsons and Safeway. Unfortunately, not all Albertsons locations cash checks. However, most will cash electronically signed checks under $1,000. If you’re not sure if your local Albertsons cashes personal checks, I suggest you find them on the store locator and then call to ask about their individual check-cashing services.

  • Jvont

    Can I cash a Bill payment check from my employer? And on the check it sayis verified with authorization number

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Jvont,

      Albertson’s check cashing policy vary by store, so you’ll have to call you local store or stop by to ask. You can use the store locator to find your local store’s contact info, if you’d like to call. If the check is for less than $1,000 there is a good chance you’ll be able to cash it.

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