What Bank Is Inside Walmart and What Services Do They Offer?

The retail landscape has evolved, integrating financial services beyond traditional product sales. Major retailers like Walmart now offer comprehensive solutions, allowing customers to manage money where they shop. This addresses the growing demand for accessible financial services, making it easier to conduct banking activities without visiting a traditional bank branch.

The Primary Banking Partner within Walmart

The primary financial institution operating within Walmart stores is Green Dot Bank. This long-standing partnership, which began in 2006, designates Green Dot as the issuing bank and program manager for the popular Walmart MoneyCard program. The collaboration was extended until January 31, 2033.

Green Dot operates on a branchless banking model. Its services are accessible through its digital platforms and a vast network of retail locations, including Walmart stores. Customers can access Green Dot’s offerings at Walmart Money Centers, customer service desks, or kiosks within the stores. This setup allows for convenient in-person transactions and support, bridging the gap for individuals who may prefer or require physical touchpoints. Walmart’s extensive footprint provides Green Dot with a broad reach across the United States.

Financial Services Available Through Green Dot

Green Dot Bank offers financial products and services, primarily through its Walmart MoneyCard, a reloadable prepaid debit card. This card functions as a demand deposit account, providing users with a routing and account number. Customers can deposit cash onto their Walmart MoneyCard at Walmart stores, often without a fee, and receive early direct deposits, sometimes up to two days before payday for payroll and four days early for government benefits.

The Green Dot platform includes overdraft protection, typically up to $200, for eligible direct deposit accounts. Users can manage their accounts through a mobile app, which allows for mobile check deposits, bill payments, and transfers between Green Dot users. Some Green Dot cards may have a monthly fee, often waived by meeting certain criteria, such as receiving $500 or more in direct deposits monthly. Some Green Dot accounts may offer savings features with an annual percentage yield.

Other Financial Services and Resources at Walmart

Beyond Green Dot Bank, Walmart stores provide other financial services through their Money Centers or customer service desks. Customers can use money transfer services, including MoneyGram, Ria, and Western Union, to send funds domestically or internationally. These services allow for cash pickup by recipients and may also support transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Check cashing is widely available at Walmart. The store cashes various types of checks, such as payroll, government, tax refund, and cashier’s checks, with limits of up to $5,000 for most checks. During tax season (January to April), this limit may increase to $7,500. Fees for check cashing range from $4 for checks up to $1,000, and $8 for checks over $1,000. For two-party personal checks, the limit is often lower, around $200, with a maximum fee of $6, and may have limited availability by location.

Walmart locations also feature third-party ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash from various bank accounts. Furthermore, during tax season, many Walmart stores host tax preparation services, often through partnerships with companies like Jackson Hewitt, providing in-store assistance for filing tax returns. These services help customers prepare and file their taxes, offering professional guidance and potentially facilitating the receipt of tax refunds.