In my experience it is totally YMMV. Have been told "anything over $200 must be cash", then gone back to the same store the next day and different manager just lets it right through. Have never been able to buy 2k though. 1k seems to be their tolerance limit. Was even told "look over there" ( to the security cameras at customer service) once by an over zealous young manager, probably younger than my son. I go after work or Saturday/Sunday afternoons when the place is swamped and they seem less likely to worry about it. My work clothes may put them at ease too, who knows?