Homework answers / question archive / Wal-Mart isn't a bank, but it does provide some financial services: it offers a WalMart MasterCard with a 1 percent cash-back feature, prepaid debit cards, cashes checks and sells money orders through an alliance with MoneyGram International, and houses bank branches in more than a thousand of its superstores

Wal-Mart isn't a bank, but it does provide some financial services: it offers a WalMart MasterCard with a 1 percent cash-back feature, prepaid debit cards, cashes checks and sells money orders through an alliance with MoneyGram International, and houses bank branches in more than a thousand of its superstores

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Wal-Mart isn't a bank, but it does provide some financial services: it offers a WalMart MasterCard with a 1 percent cash-back feature, prepaid debit cards, cashes checks and sells money orders through an alliance with MoneyGram International, and houses bank branches in more than a thousand of its superstores. Through a partnering arrangement with SunTrust Banks, the retailer has also set up in-store bank operations at a number of outlets under the cobranded name of "Wal-Mart Money Center by SunTrust." A few years ago, Wal-Mart made a bold attempt to buy several banks but dropped the idea when it encountered stiff opposition. Even so, some experts say that it's not a matter of whether Wal-Mart will become a bank, but a matter of when. What's your opinion?

Should Wal-Mart be allowed to enter the financial-services industry and offer checking and savings accounts, mortgages, and personal and business loans?

Who would benefit if Wal-Mart became a key player in the financial-services arena?

Who would be harmed?