Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Richard Miller
If you’re looking to cash a check in Moreno Valley, you’ve got options, but you need to know where to look and what it’s going to cost you. Having helped folks with their financial logistics here for years, I can tell you that a few dollars in fees might not seem like much, but they add up fast. Let’s break down the local landscape so you can keep more of your money.
Where to Cash Checks in Moreno Valley
You’ll find check cashing services in a few key types of locations around town, primarily in shopping centers along major corridors like Alessandro Boulevard, Perris Boulevard, and the area around the Moreno Valley Mall.
Major Retail Chains & Grocery Stores
Many bigbox retailers and grocery stores offer check cashing, often as a loss leader to get you in the door. This can be one of your more affordable options.
- Walmart: Typically located at the customer service or money services desk. They cash a variety of checks, including payroll and government checks, for a maximum fee that’s often lower than dedicated check cashing stores.
- Grocery Stores (e.g., Albertsons, Stater Bros.): Many local supermarkets provide this service. It’s convenient if you’re already shopping for groceries, but always call ahead to confirm their current policies and fees.
Dedicated Check Cashing Stores
These are businesses built specifically for financial services like check cashing, payday loans, and money transfers. You’ll see them in strip malls throughout the city. They offer extended hours and are convenient for cashing all types of checks, including personal ones, but this convenience comes at a higher cost.
One provider I’ve seen in Moreno Valley is ACE Cash Express — but verify their current license and fees before you go, as these can change.
Banks and Credit Unions
This is often the best route if it’s available to you. If you have an account with a bank or credit union, you can usually cash checks for free. Even if you don’t have an account, some institutions may cash their own checks (like a cashier’s check) for a small fee.
For current providers, search: “Moreno Valley banks” or “Moreno Valley credit unions” to find branches near you.
Understanding the Fees
Fees aren’t standardized, so they can vary wildly from one place to another. Here’s what you need to know:
- PercentageBased Fees: Many dedicated check cashing stores charge a percentage of the check’s total value. This can range from 1% to 12% or more. A 3% fee on a $1,000 paycheck is $30—that’s a significant chunk.
- Flat Fees: Retailers like Walmart often use a flat fee structure, which can be much cheaper for larger checks. Their fee might be $4 or $8, regardless of whether the check is for $500 or $1,000.
- Government vs. Payroll vs. Personal Checks: Fees are almost always lowest for governmentissued checks (like Social Security or tax refunds). Payroll checks are next, and personal checks are the most expensive and hardest to cash, with some places refusing them altogether.
A Local Pro Tip: The Credit Union Advantage
Here’s my genuine insider advice after years in local finance: if you find yourself regularly using check cashing services, please consider opening an account at a local credit union, like Altura Credit Union or SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union (if you qualify). The barrier to entry is often much lower than you think. Having a simple checking account not only lets you deposit checks for free via a mobile app or ATM but also helps you build a financial history. It’s the single most effective way to stop the cycle of paying fees just to access your own money.
What to Bring With You
Don’t get turned away at the counter. You will always need:
- A valid, governmentissued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport).
- Your Social Security Number (some places require you to provide it).
- The physical check, properly endorsed (signed on the back).
The Bottom Line for Moreno Valley Residents
Check cashing is a service of convenience, and you pay for that convenience. For a oneoff situation, the flat fee at a major retailer is usually your most costeffective bet. For anything regular, the fees will eat into your income. Before you head out, always call the specific location to confirm their current fees and hours. And seriously, look into that credit union account—it’s the smartest financial move you can make to keep your hardearned cash right where it belongs: in your pocket.