Cash your Colorado tax refund at check-cashing services, grocery stores, and some retailers
You can cash a Colorado state tax refund check at any check-cashing business, most grocery store customer service desks, Walmart, and some pharmacies. The Colorado Department of Revenue does not restrict where you cash the check — any business that cashes checks will take it. The main difference between locations is the fee they charge and how quickly they process it.
The fastest option is usually a grocery store or Walmart in your area, since they often cash checks same-day with minimal paperwork. Check-cashing storefronts typically charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount), while grocery stores and Walmart may charge a flat fee or no fee at all if you shop there. Call ahead to confirm the location near you actually cashes checks and what they need from you.
Key Takeaways
- Grocery store customer service desks and Walmart are usually the cheapest option and often charge no fee or a flat fee under $5.
- Check-cashing businesses will cash your refund but typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount as a fee.
- You will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) at any location that cashes the check.
- Some locations process checks same-day, while others may hold the check for one to two business days before releasing funds.
Grocery stores and supermarkets in Colorado
Most Colorado grocery chains — including King Soopers, Safeway, Natural Grocers, and local independent grocers — cash checks at their customer service desk. Call the store nearest you and ask if they cash personal checks and what their fee is. Many charge nothing if you have a rewards card or shop there regularly, while others charge a flat fee of $2 to $5 regardless of check size.
Bring your valid photo ID and the check. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some stores will cash the check immediately and hand you cash; others may ask you to return the next day if they need to verify the check first. Ask when you call whether they cash same-day or if there is a hold period.
Walmart and other big-box retailers
Walmart cashes checks at the money center or customer service desk in most Colorado locations. The fee is typically $3 to $4 for a personal check, though some Walmart stores charge less. Call your local Walmart before you go to confirm they offer check-cashing and what the current fee is, since policies can vary by location.
Target does not cash checks. Sam's Club and Costco cash checks only for members. If you do not have a membership or prefer not to join, Walmart is usually the most accessible big-box option in Colorado.
Check-cashing businesses and payday loan stores
Check-cashing storefronts will cash your Colorado tax refund check, but they charge the highest fees of any option — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $1,000 refund, that means $10 to $30 in fees. These businesses are useful if no grocery store or Walmart is nearby, or if you need cash outside normal business hours.
Search online for "check cashing near me" or look in the Yellow Pages under "Check Cashing Services" to find locations in your area. Call first to confirm they cash state tax refund checks and what their fee is. Bring your photo ID and the check. Most process same-day.
Banks and credit unions that are not yours
Some banks and credit unions will cash a check drawn on the Colorado Department of Revenue even if you do not have an account with them. This is less common than it used to be, but it is worth calling a bank or credit union in your area to ask. If they do cash it, there is usually no fee since the check is from a government entity.
Bring your photo ID and the check. Ask whether they need the check to clear first or if they will cash it same-day. This option works best if you have a relationship with a local bank or credit union, even if you do not have an account there.
What to bring and what to expect
You will need a valid photo ID at every location — a Colorado driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. Some places may ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify your identity, especially if the check is large or if you are not a regular customer.
The check itself must be signed by you and made out in your name. If it is made out to a different name or if you are cashing it on behalf of someone else, most places will not cash it. Bring the check as-is; do not sign the back until the cashier asks you to.
Processing time varies. Grocery stores and Walmart usually give you cash within 15 minutes. Check-cashing businesses typically process same-day. Banks may hold the check for one to two business days. Ask before you hand over the check so you know when to expect the money.
Fees and how to avoid them
| Location Type | Typical Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery store (King Soopers, Safeway, etc.) | $0–$5 flat fee or free with rewards card | Lowest cost, same-day cash |
| Walmart | $3–$4 | Convenient locations, quick processing |
| Check-cashing storefront | 1–3% of check amount | Extended hours, no account needed |
| Local bank or credit union | $0 (often) | No fee if they cash government checks |
The cheapest option is a grocery store, especially if you have a rewards card or shop there regularly. Many waive the fee for regular customers. If you do not have a grocery store option, Walmart is usually cheaper than a check-cashing business. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go — it takes two minutes and can save you $10 to $30.
What to do if your check is lost or damaged
If your Colorado tax refund check is lost, stolen, or damaged before you cash it, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-238-REFUND (7338) or visit tax.colorado.gov. Have your Social Security number, the tax year, and the amount of the refund ready. They can issue a replacement check, though it may take two to four weeks.
If the check is damaged but still readable, most places will still cash it. If it is torn, water-damaged, or illegible, the business cashing it may refuse it. In that case, contact the Department of Revenue for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Colorado resident to cash my refund check?
No. You need a valid photo ID, but it does not have to be a Colorado ID. A passport, military ID, or driver's license from any state works at grocery stores, Walmart, and check-cashing businesses.
Can I cash the check if someone else's name is on it?
No. The check must be made out to you and signed by you. If it is made out to a spouse or dependent, they must be present with their own photo ID to cash it. If it is made out to multiple people, usually all of you must be present.
What if the check is post-dated?
Most places will not cash a post-dated check (one dated in the future). If your Colorado refund check is post-dated, wait until that date arrives, then cash it. If you need the money sooner, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask if they can issue a new check with today's date.
How long does a Colorado tax refund check stay valid?
Colorado tax refund checks are valid for three years from the date issued. If you lose the check and do not cash it within three years, you will need to contact the Department of Revenue to request a replacement.
Can I deposit the check into someone else's bank account?
No. The check is made out to you, and most banks will not deposit it into another person's account. You must cash it yourself or have the account holder present with their ID and yours.