Here we will see about the Does PetSmart Stores Accept Checks as a Payment Method?
In recent months there’s been a significant increase in payment options within retailers. Due to the COVID pandemic, which saw the true digital era launch, many stores have broadened their payment methods, not relying solely on cash. However, there are still a select few customers who prefer to pay via traditional methods, like a check. Some still believe this conventional way is safer and more reliable. So, does PetSmart Stores accept checks as a payment method?
Yes, PetSmart Stores do accept checks, and across all their stores as well. There are terms and conditions around which checks they do and do not accept. Added to this, there are certain documents required for you to pay using a check.
Let’s review the payment options PetSmart offers and the requirements for a check payment.
PetSmart Store Check Payment Requirements
As of 2021 and moving forward, PetSmart has limited itself to only accepting personal checks. When using this type of payment, you are required to present government authorized identification for your purchase. A personal check can be considered as a delayed debit card payment if you’d like.
This slip of paper has its benefits of the traditional sense of security, but with the uncertainty of COVID and its transmissibility, stores are encouraging contactless payment options. One must note: although there are seven preferred methods, three of these methods are not accepted by PetSmart when shopping online: CODs, layaway plans, and merchandise return cards.
Preferred Payment Methods at PetSmart
PetSmart has various payment options to choose from, in-store or online. When shopping online here are the six payment option:
- American Express
- Discover
- MasterCard
- Visa
- PayPal
- Gift Card
When shopping at any one of PetSmart stores you can use the following payment methods:
- Cash
- American Express
- Merchandise return cards
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Gift Card
- Personal Check
What Type of Checks Cannot Be Used at PetSmart?
To re-emphasize, only personal checks can be used and can only be used in-store. If you have any of the below check types commonly used, please note they ARE NOT ACCEPTED!
- Bank Checks
- Payroll Checks
- E-Checks or Electronic Checks
- Traveler’s Checks
- Money Orders
- Certified Checks
- Cashier Checks
- Commercial Checks
- Business Checks
- Government Checks
- Tax Refund Checks
- Insurance Checks
- Out-of-State Checks
Conclusion
In efforts to provide the best shopping experience online and in-store, PetSmart has tried to make it convenient for its customers by offering several payment options. For safe and convenient shopping PetSmart encourages all of its consumers to shop online for fast and quick checkout.
Thankfully, check payment is accepted in-store, despite it being an aging method of payment in the U.S. Having said that, you are still only limited to buying goods with a personal check. Cash used to be king but now credit cards and debit cards have overtaken the payment scene – they are the two most used methods of payment in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Identify a Personal Check?
A personal check will have the bank routing and account number of the account holder on it. This should be located at the very bottom of the paper slip. The entire check: the payee’s name, signature, amount, and date, will all be left blank for the payee to fill out before making their transactions. A personal check is not an instant form of payment and funds will be debited from one’s account when the recipient redeems it, be it days or weeks after the fact.
Are Checks Safe to Use?
Checks do offer good security for the buyer and the seller. Although, they too have their loopholes and are far from perfect. According to Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information, multiple check scams occur often in the U.S. A common threat to superstores is the “Mystery Shopping” scam. Due to the delayed payment nature of a check, it leaves room for fraudulent activities such as this.
How Do Layaway Plans Work and Does PetSmart Accept It?
Layaway plans are essentially payment plans. This is a great alternative to using a debit or credit card. Layaway plans provide an interest-free payment option. This payment plan consists of weekly or monthly installments being paid by the customer. The installments are to be paid until the outstanding balance is settled. The product will stay at the store until all installments are completed and the product is fully paid. This plan however is not accepted by PetSmart. PetSmart’s short-term payment plan is referred to as “Afterpay”.
What Is Afterpay and How Does It Work?
The Afterpay plan is similar to the Layaway plan, the only differences are; the customer must pay up to 25% front for the item and then pay an installment every two weeks over another three payments thereafter, which is interest-free. The customer will also receive the goods before the final deduction is made. This perk is only offered to those in the US and not outside.
