Dollar General is a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers looking to save on everyday essentials. With over 18,000 stores across the US, this discount retailer offers a wide variety of low-cost products. But when it comes time to pay, what methods does Dollar General accept? Specifically, you may be wondering – does Dollar General take checks?
The short answer is yes, Dollar General does allow customers to pay by check, both personal and business checks. However, there are a few important requirements and limitations to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using checks at Dollar General, including:
- The step-by-step process for paying by check
- Dollar General‘s check verification system
- Spending limits and other restrictions
- Alternatives to checks at Dollar General
- Tips for a smooth transaction
By the end, you‘ll be fully informed on Dollar General‘s check policies so you can decide if it‘s the right payment method for you. Let‘s dive in!
How to Pay By Check at Dollar General
If you want to use a check at Dollar General, here are the steps you‘ll need to follow:
-
Let the cashier know you‘d like to pay by check. They will ask to see your check and a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver‘s license.
-
Write your check for the total purchase amount. Make sure it is signed and completely filled out.
-
The cashier will run your check through Dollar General‘s check verification system provided by a third-party company called Certegy. This will instantly digitize your check information.
-
If your check is approved and passes verification, the funds will be withdrawn from your checking account, usually within 1-2 business days. You‘ll get a receipt and be on your way.
-
If your check is denied by the system, you‘ll need to provide an alternative form of payment to complete your purchase. Checks may not be approved if there are insufficient funds in your account or you have a history of writing bad checks.
The key thing to understand is that Dollar General will not simply take your check without verifying it first. They use Certegy‘s advanced risk assessment to weed out checks that have a high probability of bouncing. This protects Dollar General from fraud and ensures they receive payment for the goods you take home.
Dollar General Check Policy – Limits and Restrictions
Now that you understand the basic process, let‘s get into some of the finer details of Dollar General‘s check policy:
Spending Limits: There is no maximum amount you can write a check for at Dollar General. As long as you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the full purchase price, Dollar General will accept a check of any size. With that said, for very large purchases, the cashier may take extra steps to verify your information.
Check Cashing: While you can pay with a check at Dollar General, they do not offer check cashing services for customers looking to get cash from a personal or payroll check. Their cashiers simply aren‘t equipped with enough cash in the register. To cash a check, you‘re better off going to your bank, credit union, or a retailer that specifically provides check cashing.
Business Checks: Business checks are accepted at Dollar General as long as they meet the same requirements as personal checks. So if you‘re a small business owner or freelancer who gets paid by company check, those will work at DG.
App Payments: If you like to pay with the DG Go mobile app for a faster checkout experience, be aware that the app does not integrate with checks in any way. You can only pay via the app using a linked credit or debit card.
How Does Dollar General‘s Check Policy Compare to Other Stores?
Dollar General‘s policy of accepting personal checks is fairly standard among major retailers. Most grocery stores, drug stores, big box stores, convenience stores, and other discount chains will take checks that pass their verification process.
However, some retailers have moved away from accepting personal checks in recent years as digital payments have become more prevalent. For example, Walmart stopped taking personal checks at most of its stores in 2018. Costco only takes checks from members and sets a limit of one check per day over $1,000.
On the flip side, Dollar General is among the minority of retailers who don‘t provide check cashing services, as mentioned above. Many supermarkets and pharmacies will cash payroll and government checks for a small fee, usually around $4-8. Walmart offers check cashing up to $1,000 for a $4 fee. But at DG, you‘ll have to take your check elsewhere to turn it into cash.
Pros and Cons of Paying By Check at Dollar General
Now that you‘re well-versed in Dollar General‘s check policies, should you choose this payment method on your next shopping trip? Consider these advantages and drawback:
Pros:
- Ability to pay without cash on hand or running up a credit card bill
- No limits on purchase amount as long as sufficient funds are available
- Potential to delay payment by 1-2 days until check clears
- Paper trail and proof of purchase
Cons:
- Slower checkout process compared to cash, cards, or mobile payments
- Requires carrying your checkbook and a valid photo ID
- Risk of check being denied without a backup payment method
- No way to get cash back or split tender with another form of payment
Tips for Successfully Paying By Check at Dollar General
If you do opt to pay by check at Dollar General, set yourself up for a smooth transaction with these simple tips:
-
Verify your check information before you get in line. Make sure you‘ve signed the check, filled in the payee (Dollar General), and have sufficient funds.
-
Have your ID ready to present with the check. The cashier will need to match the name.
-
Fill out the check fully before handing it over. Don‘t make the cashier wait for you to write in the total amount.
-
Keep your check carbon copy and receipt in case there are any issues with processing your payment.
-
Consider setting up overdraft protection with your bank to avoid a check being denied if your account balance is lower than expected.
The Bottom Line
Dollar General accepts both personal and business checks as payment for purchases of any amount, as long as the check passes their instant verification process. However, they do not cash checks for customers.
Paying by check at DG can be a convenient way to cover the cost of your everyday essentials without dipping into your cash supply or available credit. But it does come with a few extra steps and restrictions compared to other payment methods.
With the information and advice provided in this guide, you can confidently decide if checks are the right choice for you at Dollar General. And if you do pay by check, following our tips will help your transaction go off without a hitch. Happy shopping!
