Walmart is adding the new option as it seeks to become a destination for financial services and as a bevy of financial technology companies scramble to profit from new payment channels across an increasingly digitized payments ecosystem.
Walmart earlier this year poached two top executives from Goldman Sachs who had been leading the giant investment bank’s plan to create a consumer banking services operation called Marcus. Nonetheless, Walmart hasn’t made any major announcements yet about their new work at its fintech startup with venture capital firm Ribbit Capital, where they reportedly joined. The new Walmart-Ribbit venture was disclosed earlier this year.
The move with PayNearMe and Green Dot takes the big box retailer one more step in the direction of meeting customers’ financial service needs on as many fronts as possible. “Walmart has a strategic initiative to be a destiny for financial services,” Rummel said.
The new, shorter cash payment transactions will be easier for Walmart employees to process, Rummel said. That would presumably make the new option more cost-effective for Walmart. The retailer didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Walmart customers can use the service to make payments to companies that regularly bill them, such as utilities, municipalities or insurance companies. The fee for the service is determined by the biller, which may cover the cost of intermediaries, like PayNearMe and Green Dot, or pass it onto the consumers.
While the fee for consumers on the majority of transactions is $2.99 per biller, it can range as high as $5.99 or be zero if the biller absorbs that cost, Rummel said, with variations related to companies and industries.
Anne Hay, PayNearMe’s vice president of marketing, said the company is legally prohibited from disclosing what percentage of billers cover the cost for consumers.
Demand for such cash payment services comes from people who might not have a bank account from which to pay billers; or those whose bank doesn’t offer electronic bill payment; or other consumers who simply don’t trust financial institutions with such transactions, the PayNearMe executives said.
The service can reduce fees for consumers by eliminating the need for cashiers’ checks and allowing them to pay their bills at one location, they said.
PayNearMe already offers such cash payment services through other major retailers, including 7-Eleven, Family Dollar stores, and Casey’s General Stores, among other stores. Adding 4,000 Walmart locations will mean the service is now available at 31,000 locations, PayNearMe said in its release.
PayNearMe has offered cash payment options since 2009 and expanded those services in its partnership with Green Dot started in 2016. It also offers other payment options through major banks’ automated Clearing House system, and payment channels through tech behemoths Apple and Google.
Walmart also already offers options for customers to pay their bills through the store online with some 15,000 billers. Those fees also vary. That online service is powered by long-time payments industry processors, Fiserv, through its CheckFreePay service, and Moneygram.
“We are always looking for opportunities to deliver modern and seamless banking and money management solutions that create exceptional experiences for our customers and partners,” said Brandon Thompson, Green Dot’s executive vice president for retail, tax and PayCard, said in the release.
Have you ever been stuck trying to pay bills while juggling your busy schedule? I totally get it! As someone who’s used Walmart’s bill payment services for years I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay – one of the most convenient ways to handle your financial obligations while shopping.
What is Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay?
Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay is a service that allows you to pay various bills in-person at Walmart stores. It’s part of Walmart’s comprehensive Money Services offerings, which include check cashing, money orders, and money transfers. MoneyGram is one of several partners (including CheckFreePay and Western Union) that power Walmart’s bill payment services.
The beauty of this system is that you can literally take care of your bills while picking up your groceries or other essentials It’s financial multitasking at its finest!
Why Choose Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay?
I’ve tried many bill payment options over the years. but Walmart’s services offer some major advantages
- Convenience – Pay bills while doing your regular shopping
- Speed – Same-day delivery available for many billers
- Accessibility – Supercenter locations open from 6am-11pm
- Variety – Pay over 15,000 different billers
- Affordability – Fees start at just $1 (though they vary by biller and delivery speed)
What Bills Can You Pay at Walmart?
The list is seriously impressive! You can pay practically any bill including:
- Utilities (electric, gas, water)
- Cable and internet
- Phone bills
- Rent payments
- Mortgage payments
- Auto loans
- Insurance premiums
- Credit card bills
- Healthcare bills
- Child support (in 32 states)
- Inmate payments (Federal Bureau of Prisons, JPAY & GTL networks)
How to Use Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay: Step-by-Step
Here’s my easy guide to using the service based on personal experience:
Before Going to Walmart:
- Gather Your Information – You’ll need your biller’s name and your account number
- Decide Payment Amount – Know exactly how much you want to pay
- Prepare Payment Method – Bring either cash or a debit card
At the Store:
- Head to the Money Center or customer service desk
- Tell the associate you want to make a bill payment
- Provide your biller information and account details
- Choose your delivery speed (real-time, same-day, or next-day)
- Pay the bill amount plus any service fees
- Keep your receipt as proof of payment
Service Fees and Delivery Times
I’ve noticed the fees can vary widely depending on which biller you’re paying and how fast you need the payment processed. Here’s what to expect:
| Delivery Speed | Typical Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time | $1.50 – $10.00 | Instant posting to your account |
| Same-day | $1.00 – $5.00 | Posts within 24 hours |
| Next-day | $1.00 – $3.00 | Posts within 1-3 business days |
Remember that your biller controls when the payment actually posts to your account. If you’re concerned about timing, it’s a good idea to contact your biller directly.
MoneyGram vs. Other Bill Pay Options at Walmart
Walmart actually offers multiple bill payment services through different providers:
- MoneyGram – One of the most widely used options
- CheckFreePay – Another popular bill payment service
- Western Union – Offers both bill pay and money transfer services
- Walmart Bill Pay (WMBP) – Powered by GreenDot/Paymentus
The main differences between these services come down to which billers they support and their fee structures. The Walmart associate can help you determine which service works best for your specific bill.
Pro Tips From a Regular User
After using Walmart bill pay services for years, I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Avoid Peak Times – The Money Center can get busy on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays
- Bring ID Just in Case – While not required for payments under $900, having ID ready speeds things up
- Double-check Account Numbers – One wrong digit can send your payment to the wrong account
- Keep All Receipts – Store them with your bill statements until you confirm the payment posted
- Plan Ahead for Due Dates – Even same-day processing may not post immediately to your account
What You Need to Know About Child Support Payments
Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay accepts child support payments for 32 states including:
Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
This has been a lifesaver for many parents I know who need to make reliable, documented payments.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even the best services sometimes have hiccups. Here are some issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
Problem: Payment Hasn’t Posted to Account
Solution: Contact the biller first to confirm they haven’t received it, then call the specific service you used:
- MoneyGram: 800-542-3590
- CheckFreePay: 877-800-6762
- Western Union: 844-982-4287
- Walmart Bill Pay (WMBP): 800-420-1663
Problem: Wrong Amount Sent
Solution: Keep your receipt and contact the customer service number immediately.
Problem: Need to Cancel a Payment
Solution: This is sometimes possible but time-sensitive. Contact customer service ASAP.
Comparison: Walmart Bill Pay vs. Online Alternatives
While I love the convenience of Walmart’s in-person bill payment, it’s worth comparing to online options:
| Feature | Walmart Bill Pay | Online Bill Pay | Mobile Banking Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Payments | Yes | No | No |
| Fee Structure | $1+ per transaction | Often free | Usually free |
| Convenience | Requires store visit | Pay from anywhere | Pay from anywhere |
| Speed | Same-day options | 1-3 days typically | 1-3 days typically |
| Receipt Provided | Physical receipt | Digital confirmation | Digital confirmation |
| No Bank Account Needed | Correct | Usually requires account | Requires account |
Getting More From Walmart Money Services
While you’re at Walmart paying bills, you might want to explore their other Money Services:
- OnePay Cash – Get 3% cash back at Walmart (terms apply)
- Check Cashing – Cash payroll, government, and personal checks for a $4 fee
- Money Orders – Purchase secure money orders with low fees
- Money Transfers – Send money domestically or internationally
- Load & Unload services for prepaid cards
Final Thoughts: Is Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay Right for You?
After years of using this service, here’s my honest assessment:
Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay is perfect if you:
- Regularly shop at Walmart
- Prefer to pay bills with cash
- Don’t have a bank account or prefer not to use online banking
- Need to make same-day payments to avoid late fees
- Want to handle multiple financial transactions in one place
It might not be ideal if you:
- Prefer fully automated payments
- Don’t live near a Walmart
- Want to avoid service fees entirely
For me, the convenience of knocking out my shopping AND bill payments in one trip makes it totally worth it. The modest fees are a small price to pay for the time saved and peace of mind knowing my payments were received.
Have you tried Walmart MoneyGram Bill Pay? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have about this super useful service!
Get the free newsletter
Subscribe to Payments Dive for top news, trends & analysis
- The Payments Race: How to Verify at the Speed of Money Webinar – on demand • Provided by Trulioo
How to Use Walmart’s Online Bill Payment Service 2024
FAQ
How do I send money through Walmart MoneyGram?
How does bill pay at Walmart work?
To pay my bills, what should I bring to the store? To pay bills in-store, bring your account number, cash or a debit card & the company name. (Please note, some billers may require additional information, as well as a photo ID.)
How do I make a MoneyGram payment?
- Download and install the MoneyGram® Money Transfers App.
- Fill out profile information and create password.
- Start sending money or trading crypto.
- Select ‘Pay Bills’ in the MoneyGram® Money Transfers App.
- Search for the company you wish to pay.
- Enter the amount and send.
Does Walmart cash MoneyGram?
If you’re unsure, please visit our customer service desk to inquire if you have a check that doesn’t meet the listed criteria. In addition, we also cash MoneyGram money orders as long as they were originally purchased at Walmart. The only types of checks we cannot cash are personal checks.
