Money orders are similar to a check but the funds are guaranteed by the issuer of the money order. They can’t bounce like a check so it’s much safer to receive a money order as payment.
They are also a convenient way to pay if you don’t have a checking account or you need to pay someone who doesn’t accept checks.
Our Top Picks
How to Get a Money Order
To get a money order you’ll need to go somewhere that issues them. This could be a bank or other retailer that provides this service.
You’ll need cash in the amount of the money order plus any related fees. The issuer (the bank) will take your cash and issue you a paper document that is worth the stated amount.
One nice thing about a money order is that it gives you a receipt to show that you paid. Which is not the case with cash.
Money orders can be convenient, but there is usually a charge associated with them.
If you need to send money internationally, consider using Transferwise. They won’t sell you a money order, but they’re safe and about four times cheaper than other credit cards because there are no hidden fees.
Related Article: Best Online Banks Like Chime
How Much do Money Orders Cost?
Different companies charge different amounts for a money order. Some charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount you want the money order for.
You may find some banks that offer money orders for free if you have an account with them, but generally, you’ll be charged.
Where Can I Get a Money Order?
There are several places you can get a money order. Generally, there are only a few companies that actually produce money orders. The two main companies that produce money orders are Western Union and MoneyGram.
However, both of these companies allow money orders to be sold at several locations around the U.S. Here are some of the most convenient stores where you can go to purchase a money order. We’ve also shared what each store charges (when available).
1. Walmart
Walmart has over 4,700 locations in the U.S. alone.
- Fee: $1 max fee, exact fees vary by location
- Limit: $1,000 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram
Note that you can cash a money order at Walmart, but only if the money order was purchased at a Walmart. It costs between $3 and $6 to cash a money order at Walmart, depending on the amount of the money order.
2. 7 Eleven
7 Eleven convenience stores have nearly 8,500 locations in the U.S. While many 7 Eleven stores sell money orders, the prices vary.
- Fee: 1-3% of the total amount, with a $0.65 min fee
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram or Western Union depending on the store location
You can’t cash a money order at 7 Eleven locations.
3. CVS
CVS Pharmacy stores have over 9,800 locations in the U.S.
- Fee: $1.25
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram
You can find a CVS location near you by going here.
4. Publix
Publix has over 1,200 grocery stores in the Southeastern U.S. States with Publix stores include North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and more.
- Fee: $0.99
- Limit: not listed
- Provider: Western Union
Publix does not cash money orders. Also, GreenWise locations, a subsidiary of Publix, does not sell or cash money orders.
5. Meijer
Meijer supermarket stores have roughly 240 locations in the U.S. Most locations are located in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
- Fee: $0.65
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: Western Union
Meijer does not cash money orders at any of its locations.
6. Kroger
The Kroger chain of stores has over 2,700 locations in the United States. Kroger operates under a number of different brand names. Some of them include Dillon’s, Fry’s, King Sooper’s, Smith’s and Fred Meyer stores.
- Fee: $0.69, fees vary by subsidiary and location
- Limit: $1,000 or $500 depending on location
- Provider: Western Union
Some locations and subsidiaries do, and some don’t. Check with a location near you for more information.
7. Kmart
Though dwindling, Kmart still has 70 locations in the U.S and those locations do sell money orders.
- Fee: $1.25
- Limit: $500
- Provider: Western Union
Note that the Kmart website indicates that not all Kmart locations necessarily participate in money order sales. Check the Kmart location nearest you to be sure before you head over there.
You can find Kmart locations by checking their website.
8. United States Postal Service
You’ll be happy to know that your local U.S. government post office, USPS, will sell you money orders as well. With over 30,800 post office retail locations in the United States, there’s bound to be one near you.
- Fee: $1.30 per money order up to $500, $1.75 for money orders over $500
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: USPS uses its own money order brand
You can cash a money order at the post office as well. Check with your location for rules, regulations and fees on cashing money orders.
9. Western Union
Western Union has over 500,000 agents worldwide. You can get a money order from any Western Union agent that carries them.
If you’ve read the rest of this article in-depth, you’ll see that Western Union provides money orders that other companies sell as well.
However, you can go directly to the source and purchase them from Western Union
- Fee: Varies by location
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: Western Union
Note that Western Union will allow you to return your money order if you have the original money order or the purchaser’s receipt and the money order has not been cashed.
10. MoneyGram
MoneyGram has thousands of locations throughout the U.S. Its rules for money order purchases are similar to Western Union.
- Fee: Varies
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: MoneyGram
The larger the amount of your money order, the more you can expect your fee to be.
MoneyGram is a reputable company and is the provider of money orders for large retailers such as Walmart.
11. Rite-Aid
Rite-Aid is a pharmacy that has been in business since 1962 and has nearly 2,500 locations in the U.S.
They offer money orders for sale at most locations.
- Fee: Varies
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: Western Union
Check individual Rite-Aid locations for hours, availability, fees and more.
12. Your Local Grocery Store
Another place to get money orders is at local grocery stores. Many medium-sized chain grocery stores sell money orders, including:
- Fred Meyer’s
- Fry’s
- King Soopers
- Hy-Vee
- Cub Foods
And more. Fees will vary depending on the size of the money order, as will the monetary limit on each money order.
Call ahead to your local grocery store to learn more about money order services, fees, limits and providers.
13. Your Local Bank
If you have an account at a local bank, like Chase, you might be able to purchase or cash a money order there. Some banks will even sell or cash money orders for non-customers but be prepared to pay a higher fee.
Every bank has different regulations about buying and selling money orders and accompanying fees. Check with local banks near you for more information.
14. Your Local Check Cashing Company
Throughout the United States, there are hundreds of independent check cashing companies. Many of these independent companies sell money orders.
In order to find these independent stores, simply search “buy money orders near me”. Note that these types of businesses often charge higher fees for selling money orders. You may find you’ll get charged less for purchasing a money order at the retail stores listed here.
FAQ’s
Sometimes you buy a money order and then lose it. Most places that sell money orders have a system in place to replace a lost money order. However, beware that you’ll probably be charged a fee to get a replacement.
You’ll need to check with individual locations about replacing lost money orders for specific information.
The legitimacy of money orders you receive can be a concern. Just as with real cash or with checks, there are people all over designing fake money orders.
If you ever have a doubt about the legitimacy of a money order you receive, call the issuing company for verification.
Also, check for telltale signs of a counterfeit money order such as:
– The amount area looks as if it’s been altered
– The dollar amount is too high; over $1,000
– The money order doesn’t contain a watermark; Western Union, MoneyGram and USPS all put watermarks on their money orders
If the money order someone is trying to give you doesn’t look right, refuse to accept it and ask for cash instead.
Most places that sell money orders only accept cash or debit cards to pay for them. Check with the store near you that sells money orders to get specific information on what payment types they accept.
Money orders can be a good method for paying bills or individuals. It can be a better method than paying cash because it’s trackable. And, it’s safe. Most places that cash money orders require some type of ID.
Summary
Using money orders to pay rent, utilities and other bills can be helpful because it gives you a proof of payment. If you don’t want to pay for something by check or cash, consider using money orders to pay for it.
Money orders can be a great way to have a trackable payment.
