A money order is a certificate used to make a payment in a certain amount to a specific recipient—either a person or business. Only the recipient can use those funds, as their name, along with place of purchase, are printed on the document itself. The purchaser does have the power to stop the payment, much like a check, but the similarities end there.
Money orders are prepaid, and therefore generally considered a safe, guaranteed form of payment. Because issuers require full payment at the time of purchase, they won’t bounce like a personal check might when you attempt to cash it. They’re also a great alternative to checks for those without a bank account, as you don’t need to have one to buy a money order.
As long as you have the funds, you can easily purchase a money order while taking care of your day-to-day errands. Though only a few organizations — primarily MoneyGram, Western Union, and the U.S. Postal Service — actually them, their services can be accessed inside other popular businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Whether you go to the bank or the nearest Post Office, here’s what you need to know to get a money order near you:
Find the Closest Post Office Near Me:
USPS operates over 200 locations across the country, and there is an even greater number of Approved Postal Providers. Look at the USPS website to find the location nearest you.
How Much Is a Money Order at the Post Office?
USPS charges different fees depending on the amount of the money order. If the amount falls between $0.01 and $500, there is a $1.20 fee. If the amount falls between $500.01 and $1,000, there is a $1.65 fee. If you send a money order of any amount outside of the United States, there is a $8.55 fee.
Limits:
You cannot purchase a money order over $1,000. If you are going to send a money order outside of the United States, the amount cannot exceed $700.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can pay for a money order at USPS with cash, a debit card, or traveler’s checks.
Money Orders Through:
Unlike most other organizations, USPS uses its own brand of money order. You may have to show a valid government I.D. to purchase more than $1,000 worth of money orders in one day. You can also cash money orders at USPS.
Find the Closest Western Union Near Me:
Western Union has thousands of kiosks, operators, and locations around the world. Look at the Western Union website to find one by you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Western Union?
The price of purchasing or cashing a money order varies between different Western Union locations. Be sure to ask your local branch about their specific fees before buying a money order.
Limits:
Western Union limits money orders to $1,000 each.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
The accepted forms of payment vary depending on location. Be sure to ask your local branch for more information.
Money Orders Through:
Western Union uses its own brand of money order. You can also cash a money order at Western Union, but may need to pay a fee. Depending on the kiosk or location, you may need a valid form of I.D. to cash a money order.
You may also be able to purchase or cash a money order at your bank or credit union. You might still be able to purchase a money order from a bank even if you do not have an account with them, but again, that varies between each location. Each institution will have its own rules regarding money orders, as well as their own fees and accepted forms of payment. For more information, contact a local branch.
At a bank, you’ll likely have to pay a higher fee to purchase a money order than you would at a retail location. However, you can use funds directly from your account to pay for it (if you have one), and banks may offer more secure tracking options if you choose to send the money order to someone via mail. They might also be better able to help you get your money back if your money order is damaged, lost, or stolen.
Grocery stores are one of the most common and accessible places you can purchase money orders. Between the large number of different chains that offer this service, you’re likely to find one near you. If you’re uncertain about the services your local grocery store offers, check in with the customer service desk.
Find the Closest 7 Eleven Near Me:
7 Eleven operates thousands of stores in the United States. Look at the 7 Eleven website to find the one closest to you. Not all branches offer money order services, so be sure to ask your local brand for more information.
How Much Is a Money Order at 7 Eleven?
The fees associated with purchasing a money order at 7 Eleven vary based on location. Ask your local store what their fees are before buying a money order.
Limits:
There is a $500 maximum per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can pay for a money order here with cash or a debit card.
Money Orders Through:
Depending on the location, 7 Eleven provides either Western Union or MoneyGram money orders. Be sure to check with your local store. Keep in mind that you can’t cash a money order at any 7 Eleven location.
Find the Closest Albertsons Near Me:
Though there are over 2,000 Albertsons locations in the U.S., not all of them sell money orders. Use the Albertsons Store Locator on their website to find one that provides this service near you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Albertsons?
There is an $0.89 fee to purchase a money order at Albertsons.
Limits:
There is a limit of $500 per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment
Albertsons accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards as a form of payment for money orders.
Money Orders Through
Albertsons sells their money orders through MoneyGram. However, they do not cash money orders at any of their locations.
Find the Closest Dillon’s Near Me:
There are dozens of Dillon’s locations across multiple states in the Midwest. To find the one closest to you, be sure to go to the Dillon’s website.
How Much Is a Money Order at Dillon’s?
Money order fees vary depending on the store’s location.
Limits:
The limit of the amount you can get per money order, as well as the number of money orders you can purchase in a day, also vary depending on store location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Dillon’s accepts cash or debit card as a form of payment for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Dillon’s provides money orders through Western Union. Dillon’s can also cash money orders, but you must bring a valid government I.D. You can either take it in the form of cash or a prepaid card. Note that there are fees associated with cashing that vary based upon location.
Find the Closest Family Fare Near Me:
If you live in or near Michigan, Family Fare is another option available to you. See the list of Family Fare store locations to find the one closest to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Family Fare?
Family Fare charges a $0.70 fee when you purchase a money order.
Limits:
There is a $500 maximum per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can use cash or a debit card to pay for a money order at Family Fare.
Money Orders Through:
Family Fare offers money orders through Western Union. You can also cash money orders here, but may need to bring a valid government I.D. to do so.
Find the Closest Fred Meyer Near Me:
There are hundreds of Fred Meyer locations across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. To find one close to you, check the Fred Meyer website. Not all locations may offer money services, so be sure to ask for more information at your local store.
How Much Is a Money Order at Fred Meyer?
Fees start at $0.69, but may vary depending on your location. Be sure to ask your local store to find out more.
Limits:
There is a limit of $1,000 per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can only use cash, a debit card, or a credit card to purchase a money order at Fred Meyer.
Money Orders Through:
Fred Meyer offers money orders through Western Union.
Find the Closest Fry’s Near Me:
Fry’s has over 100 locations in the state of Arizona. To find the one closest to you, use the Fry’s Store Locator function found on their website.
How Much Is a Money Order at Fry’s?
The fees of purchasing a money order at Fry’s vary based on location.
Limits:
Just as the fees vary, so do the limits. Be sure to ask your local store for more information.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Fry’s only accepts cash as a form of payment for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Fry’s provides money orders through Western Union.
Find the Closest King Sooper’s Near Me:
There are King Sooper’s locations throughout the Rocky Mountains, and particularly in Colorado and Wyoming. Use the King Sooper’s Store Locator feature on their website to find the location nearest you. Keep in mind that not all locations may offer money order services.
How Much Is a Money Order at King Sooper’s?
The cost of purchasing a money order can vary state by state. Be sure to check what the fees are at your local store.
Limits:
The maximum amount and number of money orders you can buy also vary based on your location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
At King Sooper’s, you may use your choice of cash, debit card, or credit card to purchase a money order.
Money Orders Through:
You can purchase a Western Union money order at King Sooper’s.
Find the Closest Kroger Near Me:
Kroger operates hundreds of stores in multiple states. Go to Kroger’s website to find the store nearest you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Kroger?
Depending on your state and location, the associated fee can vary. Ask your local store to confirm how much a money order costs.
Limits:
The maximum amount and number of money orders you can purchase in a day also varies by location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can purchase a money order with either cash or a debit card.
Money Orders Through:
Kroger provides money services through Western Union. You can also cash money orders at Kroger, though there is a $3 fee.
Find the Closest Kmart Near Me:
There are hundreds of Kmart stores across the United States. Find the one closest to you by checking the Kmart website.
How Much Is a Money Order at Kmart?
The fees of a money order may vary depending on your location. Ask your local store for more information on their fees.
Limits:
Kmart has a limit of $500 per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can use either cash or a debit card to purchase a money order at Kmart.
Money Orders Through:
Kmart offers money orders through Western Union, but also offers other money services.
Find the Closest Meijer Near Me:
There are over 200 Meijer locations spread throughout six states. Refer to their website’s Meijer Store Locator feature to find the one closest to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Meijer?
There is a $0.65 nonrefundable fee per money order. You can pay an additional $15 to make the money order traceable.
Limits:
Each money order can be purchased for a maximum amount of $500. You can purchase a maximum of $3,000 worth of money orders per day. Depending on the amount, you may be asked to show a valid form of government I.D.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can use either cash or a debit card to pay for a money order at Meijer.
Money Orders Through:
Meijer sells Western Union money orders, but they do not cash them.
Find the Closest Publix Near Me:
There are hundreds of Publix locations in seven states in the southern U.S. To find one close to you, check the Publix Store Locator.
How Much Is a Money Order at Publix?
There is an $0.89 fee per money order at Publix.
Limits:
There is a $500 limit per money order at Publix, though you may purchase more than one money order at a time. Depending on the amount you wish to purchase, you may have to show a government-issued I.D.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash and debit card are the only acceptable forms of payment.
Money Orders Through:
Publix provides money orders through Western Union, but does not cash them.
Find the Closest Smith’s Near Me:
There are over 100 Smith’s locations. Use the Smith’s Store Locator function on their website to find one near you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Smith’s?
The price of a money order at Smith’s varies based on state and store location. Be sure to ask your local store what their fees are.
Limits:
Similarly, the restrictions placed on money orders varies depending on the location of the store.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You may use either a debit card or cash to purchase a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Smith’s provides money services through Western Union. Keep in mind that they do not cash any money orders, however.
Find the Closest Walmart Near Me:
There are thousands of Walmart locations throughout the U.S. To find one near you, use the Walmart Store Finder on their website.
How Much Is a Money Order at Walmart?
There is a maximum fee of $0.88, though exact fee varies based on location.
Limits:
There is a $1,000 limit per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can use your choice of cash or a debit card to pay for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Walmart offers money orders through MoneyGram. You will need an I.D. for any purchase over $1,000. Additionally, you can cash a MoneyGram money order at Walmart. To cash a money order of $1,000 or less, there is a $3 fee; to cash a money order greater than that amount costs $6.
In addition to grocery stores, many popular pharmacies sell money orders. Keep in mind that not all locations may have this service available, so ask your local store to see what they offer. In general, though, you can find money order services at the following pharmacies:
Find the Closest CVS Near Me:
There are almost 10,000 CVS locations throughout the United States. Find the nearest CVS by looking at their website.
How Much Is a Money Order at CVS?
There is a $0.99 fee per money order at CVS.
Limits:
You can purchase a money order for up to $500 at CVS. You may purchase more than one money order if you need one for greater than that amount, but may have to show a government I.D. to do so.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash is the only accepted form of payment for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
CVS sells money orders through Moneygram.
Find the Closest Rite Aid Near Me:
There are roughly 2,500 Rite Aid stores throughout the U.S. Check out the Rite Aid website to find one close to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Rite Aid?
Rite Aid charges a $0.89 fee per money order.
Limits:
There is a limit of $500 per money order. If you need one for a larger amount, you can purchase more than one, though there is a limit of $2,999 worth of money orders per person per day.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can only use cash to purchase a money order at Rite Aid.
Money Orders Through:
Rite Aid sells money orders from Western Union. Keep in mind that they do not cash money orders, even ones purchased at one of their locations.
Find the Closest Walgreens Near Me:
Walgreens operates nearly 10,000 locations around the U.S. With so many options, there’s likely a store near you. See the Walgreens website for more information.
How Much Is a Money Order at Walgreens?
The fees of a money order may vary based on amount and location. Ask your local store what they charge per money order.
Limits:
There is a limit of $500 per money order.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can purchase a money order at Walgreens with either a debit card or cash.
Money Orders Through:
Walgreens offers money orders through Western Union.
You can also purchase a money order at a variety of check cashing companies. You should be cautious when doing so; many of these organizations inflate their fees and cashing rates. They also may not be as trustworthy as other places where you can buy a money order, especially if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. However, as long as you’re careful, these businesses can still be a useful alternative if you need to buy a money order.
Find the Closest ACE Cash Express Near Me:
There are over 900 locations in 23 different states. Look at their website to find the ACE Cash Express nearest you.
How Much Is a Money Order at ACE Cash Express?
Fees start at $0.89, but may vary based on location. Be sure to ask your local store what they charge.
Limits:
There is a $1,000 limit per money order, but this may also vary depending on your location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash is the only accepted form of payment for a money order at ACE Cash Express.
Money Orders Through:
ACE Cash Express uses MoneyGram to power its money orders.
Find the Closest Advance America Near Me:
There are over 2,000 Advance America locations nationwide, and they sell money orders at every store. Refer to the Advance America website to find the store nearest you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Advance America?
Fees start at $1.49, but may vary based on location. Your local store will have more information about their specific fees available.
Limits:
The limit of a money order also varies depending on state and store location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
At Advance America, you can purchase a money order with either a cash or check.
Money Orders Through:
Advance America offers money order services through MoneyGram.
Find the Closest The Check Cashing Store Near Me:
The Check Cashing Store has over 100 locations in Florida. See the Check Cashing Store website to find the store closest to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at The Check Cashing Store?
There is a $0.69 fee to purchase a money order here.
Limits:
The Check Cashing store imposes a $500 limit per money order, though you can purchase more than one at a time if needed.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can use cash or Cash-4-Debit to pay for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
The Check Cashing Store offers money orders through Western Union.
Find the Closest Check Into Cash Near Me:
With over 1,000 locations in the United States, there’s likely a Check Into Cash closer to you than you realize. Use the Check Into Cash Store Locator feature on their website to find one near you. Not all locations offer money order services, so be sure to ask your local branch first.
How Much Is a Money Order at Check Into Cash?
The fees associated with purchasing a money order at Check Into Cash may differ depending on your location. Be sure to refer to your local branch for more information.
Limits:
The maximum amount per money order can also vary based on location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can only use cash to pay for a money order here.
Money Orders Through:
Check Into Cash powers its money order services through Western Union. You can also cash a money order here, though you may have to pay a fee depending on your location.
Find the Closest Check ‘n Go Near Me:
There are Check ‘n Go locations across the U.S. See the Check ‘n Go website to find the one closest to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Check ‘n Go?
There is a maximum of of $0.99, but it may cost less to buy a money order depending on your location.
Limits:
The limit of a money order at Check ‘n Go may vary based on your location. Ask your local store for more information.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash is the only accepted form of payment for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Check ‘n Go provides money orders through Western Union. You can also cash money orders at Check ‘n Go, though there may be a fee depending on the amount and location.
Find the Closest Moneytree Near Me:
Moneytree has locations in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, and Canada. Use the Moneytree Location Search feature on their website to find the store closest to you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Moneytree?
Fees vary based on state and store location, so you have to ask your local store to confirm what they are. The fee is eliminated, however, with any check cashing or loan transaction.
Limits:
There is a limit of $1,000 per money order at Moneytree.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
You can only use cash to purchase a money order at Moneytree.
Money Orders Through:
Moneytree uses Western Union to power their money orders.
Find the Closest PLS 24/7 Near Me:
Be sure to check the PLS 24/7 website to find a PLS 24/7 in your area. Note that their services may differ depending on your location, and not all stores offer money order services.
How Much Is a Money Order at PLS 24/7?
Depending on your state, there may be a small $0.25 fee to purchase a money order at PLS 24/7.
Limits:
There is no limit to the number of money orders you can purchase at PLS 24/7. Keep in mind that this may also vary depending on your location.
Accepted Forms of Payment
You can use cash to pay for a money order here.
Money Orders Through
PLS 24/7 provides money orders through Western Union.
Find the Closest Speedy Cash Near Me:
Speedy Cash operates locations in many states across the U.S. Refer to their website to find a Speedy Cash near you.
How Much Is a Money Order at Speedy Cash?
The cost of purchasing a money order at Speedy Cash differs based on your location. Be sure to ask your local store for more information.
Limits:
Money order limits also vary depending on your location.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Speedy Cash only accepts cash as a form of payment for a money order.
Money Orders Through:
Unlike most other organizations, Speedy Cash offers money orders through both Western Union and Moneygram.
Generally, you can only purchase money orders in-person, not online. There are a few companies that do offer online money order services, but there are some risks to consider before committing to this option, such as:
Be sure to do thorough research before choosing to use an online money order service. While there’s no guarantee you’ll have a negative experience when using one, the risks associated with doing so are far greater than purchasing a money order at your bank, post office, or local grocery store. If you suspect that you’re being scammed or have a bad feeling about a certain service, listen to your instincts. There are plenty of other places to get a money order that are more reliable.
You can typically cash a money order at the same places where you would send a money order. It’s often best to simply go to the same business that the money order was sent from. However, not all places that sell money orders will also cash them. Even businesses that do cash them may differ depending on your location, so it’s always best to see what the policy is at your local store.
At most institutions, you will need to bring a valid government I.D. with you. You may also have to pay a fee or a percentage of your money order to cash it. If you go to your bank, you may be able to avoid those fees and have the additional option of depositing the funds directly into your account. Depending on the amount you are trying to receive, you may have to wait longer to access the entirety of your funds, but your bank or credit union is usually the most trustworthy option when it comes to cashing a money order.
Technically, money orders do not expire, and there are no federal rules that limit how long a money order is good for. However, issuers may charge an additional fee if a money order is not cashed or deposited within a certain amount of time. Usually, it’s one to three years, though that will vary depending on your location. The laws that dictate those fees, as well as the length of time, differ by state; be sure to follow the laws that apply in your area.
Further, banks do not have to cash a check that is older than six months, and you may find that the same policy applies to a money order. To ensure that you don’t pay those fees or have issues with your bank, it’s best to cash or deposit your money order as soon as possible. Because it’s prepaid, you already have the funds in your hands — all you need to do to get those funds is cash your money order.