Where to Buy Money Orders
Money orders remain one of the safest payment methods for situations where personal checks aren’t accepted or you prefer not to share banking information. Unlike cash, a money order creates a paper trail and can be canceled if lost. Unlike personal checks, money orders can’t bounce—the funds are prepaid at purchase. This makes them ideal for rent payments, security deposits, and transactions with unfamiliar parties.
Cheapest Options
| Location | Cost | Limit | Payment Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $0.88 | $1,000 | Cash, debit |
| Kroger/grocery stores | $0.70-$1.50 | $500-$1,000 | Cash, debit |
| 7-Eleven | $0.99-$1.49 | $500 | Cash |
| CVS | $1.25-$1.65 | $500 | Cash, debit |
| Walgreens | $1.25 | $500 | Cash, debit |
| Publix | $0.89 | $1,000 | Cash, debit |
Grocery stores offer the lowest fees because they use money order services like MoneyGram or Western Union as a customer convenience—the minimal markup keeps you shopping there. Walmart’s flat $0.88 fee for amounts up to $1,000 makes it the best value for larger money orders.
Post Office
The U.S. Postal Service issues what many consider the most secure money orders available. USPS money orders feature multiple security elements including watermarks, security threads, and reflective ink strips that make counterfeiting extremely difficult.
| Type | Cost | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (up to $500) | $1.75 | $500 |
| Domestic ($500.01-$1,000) | $2.40 | $1,000 |
| International | $5.15 | $700 |
Banks & Credit Unions
If you maintain a checking account or relationship with a bank, money orders may be free or heavily discounted. Credit unions typically offer lower fees than traditional banks—another benefit of membership.
| Location | Typical Cost | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Your bank (member) | $0-$5 | Varies |
| Bank (non-member) | $5-$10 | May not serve |
| Credit unions | $0-$3 | Varies |
Other Options
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Union | $1-$5 | Varies by location |
| MoneyGram | $1-$5 | Grocery stores, check cashing |
| Check cashing stores | $1-$3 | Higher fees for other services |
Cost Comparison
The price difference between locations adds up if you regularly use money orders for rent or other recurring payments. Paying $5 at a bank instead of $0.88 at Walmart costs you an extra $50 annually for monthly rent payments—money better deposited into a high-yield savings account.
Same $500 Money Order
| Location | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger | $0.70 | Cheapest |
| Publix | $0.89 | Southern states |
| Walmart | $0.88 | Nationwide |
| 7-Eleven | $0.99 | Convenient hours |
| CVS | $1.25 | Common locations |
| USPS | $1.75 | Most secure |
| Bank | $5.00 | May be free for members |
For $1,000 (Two $500 if Limited)
| Location | Single Order | Two Orders (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $0.88 | $0.88 |
| USPS | $2.40 | $4.80 |
| Bank | $5.00 | $10.00 |
For amounts above the $1,000 money order limit, consider a cashier’s check from your bank. Though fees run $10-$15, a single cashier’s check is cheaper than multiple money orders and is typically accepted for larger transactions like vehicle purchases or rental deposits.
How to Buy a Money Order
The purchase process is straightforward but requires planning—you need to know the exact amount before arrival since money orders are printed for specific dollar values.
Step-by-Step
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bring exact amount in cash or debit card |
| 2 | Tell clerk the amount needed |
| 3 | Pay the amount plus fee |
| 4 | Fill out money order immediately |
| 5 | Keep your receipt |
What You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cash or debit card | Payment |
| Recipient’s name | To fill out |
| Your information | Sender details |
| ID (sometimes) | For large amounts |
Note that most ATM withdrawal limits cap cash withdrawals at $500-$1,000 daily. If you need a large money order, plan ahead by getting cash over multiple days or withdrawing from a bank teller where limits are typically higher.
How to Fill Out a Money Order
Completing the money order correctly protects both you and the recipient. Mistakes can delay payment or invalidate the money order entirely.
Fields to Complete
| Field | What to Write |
|---|---|
| Pay to the Order of | Recipient’s name (person or company) |
| Address (if present) | Recipient’s address |
| From/Purchaser | Your full name |
| Address | Your address |
| Memo/Account # | Reference number (like bill account) |
| Signature | Sign on purchaser line (NOT endorsement line) |
Important Tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Fill out immediately | Protects against theft |
| Use ink pen | Permanent, can’t be erased |
| Don’t leave “Pay to” blank | Anyone could fill it in |
| Keep receipt | Proof of purchase, tracking |
| Double-check spelling | Can’t easily correct |
The most critical field is “Pay to the Order of.” If you leave this blank and lose the money order, anyone who finds it can fill in their name and cash it. Write the recipient’s name immediately after purchase—even before leaving the store.
Money Order Limits
Federal anti-money-laundering regulations require reporting of cash transactions over $10,000, which influences money order policies. Most issuers set limits well below this threshold to avoid compliance complexity.
By Location
| Location | Per Money Order | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | $1,000 domestic, $700 international | No official limit |
| Walmart | $1,000 | May vary by store |
| Grocery stores | $500-$1,000 | May vary |
| Western Union | $1,000 | Varies |
| Banks | Often higher | Account dependent |
For Large Amounts
| Amount Needed | Solution |
|---|---|
| $1,000-$3,000 | Multiple money orders |
| $3,000+ | Cashier’s check may be better |
| $10,000+ | Wire transfer or cashier’s check |
Be aware of “structuring”—deliberately splitting transactions to avoid reporting thresholds is illegal. If you legitimately need multiple money orders totaling over $10,000, expect to show ID and complete paperwork.
Payment Methods Accepted
Issuers restrict payment methods to minimize fraud risk—accepting only cash and debit cards ensures the buyer has actual funds.
By Location
| Location | Cash | Debit | Credit | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Post Office | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Grocery stores | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| CVS/Walgreens | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Banks | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ (your own) |
Why No Credit Cards?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cash advance coding | High fees (3-5%) |
| Fraud risk | Money laundering concerns |
| Store policy | Most refuse |
Even if you found a location accepting credit cards, the bank would likely code the transaction as a cash advance—triggering immediate interest accrual (no grace period), fees of 3-5%, and higher APR than regular purchases. Never pay for money orders with credit cards.
When to Use Money Orders
Good Uses
| Situation | Why Money Order |
|---|---|
| Rent payment | Landlord requires |
| Security deposit | Paper trail |
| No checking account | Can’t write check |
| Don’t trust recipient | Safer than cash |
| Anonymity preferred | No bank account info shared |
If you don’t have a checking account, money orders provide a reliable way to make payments that require paper documentation. They’re also useful when you’d rather not share your bank account and routing number with someone—a money order reveals nothing about your finances.
When Other Options Are Better
| Situation | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Over $1,000 | Cashier’s check |
| Recurring payments | Auto-pay, bill pay |
| Online payments | Debit/credit card |
| Person-to-person | Zelle, Venmo, PayPal |
| International | Wire transfer |
Modern digital payment options like Zelle offer free instant transfers between bank accounts, making them far more convenient for person-to-person payments. For recurring bills, setting up autopay through your bank’s bill pay saves time and money order fees.
Tracking and Canceling
If Money Order Is Lost or Stolen
Act quickly if your money order goes missing. The sooner you report it, the better chance you have of stopping fraudulent cashing.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate your receipt |
| 2 | Contact issuer |
| 3 | Request cancel/replace or trace |
| 4 | Pay processing fee |
| 5 | Wait for resolution |
Fees to Stop Payment
| Issuer | Stop Payment Fee |
|---|---|
| USPS | $6.10 (may take 60 days) |
| Western Union | $15 |
| MoneyGram | $18 |
| Banks | $30+ |
Tracking
| Issuer | How to Track |
|---|---|
| USPS | Request copy of cashed order |
| Western Union | Online or phone |
| MoneyGram | Online with reference number |
| Banks | Contact customer service |
Keep your receipt for at least 90 days—or longer if the money order hasn’t been cashed. Some landlords take weeks to deposit payments, and you’ll need the receipt information to track or cancel.
Cashing a Money Order
Where to Cash
If you receive a money order, cashing it at your bank is typically free and the fastest option. Avoid check cashing stores that charge percentage-based fees—on a $1,000 money order, a 3% fee costs you $30 versus $0 at your bank.
| Location | Fee | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Your bank | Free | Account holder |
| Issuing location | Free-$3 | Valid ID |
| Grocery stores | $3-$6 | Valid ID |
| Check cashing stores | 1-3% | Valid ID |
How to Cash
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Endorse back of money order |
| 2 | Bring valid ID |
| 3 | Go to bank or cashing location |
| 4 | Present money order |
| 5 | Receive cash or deposit |
If you don’t have a bank account, consider opening a no-minimum checking account to avoid ongoing cashing fees. Online banks often accept mobile deposits of money orders, letting you deposit without visiting a branch.
Money Order vs Alternatives
Each payment method has trade-offs between cost, convenience, speed, and security. Understanding your options helps you choose the right tool for each situation.
Comparison
| Method | Cost | Limit | Security | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Money order | $0.70-$5 | $1,000 | High | Days |
| Cashier’s check | $10-$15 | Higher | Highest | Days |
| Personal check | Free | Account balance | Medium | Days |
| Wire transfer | $20-$50 | High | High | Same day |
| Zelle/Venmo | Free | $500-$5,000 | Medium | Instant |
When Each Is Best
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Landlord requires paper payment | Money order |
| Large purchase ($5,000+) | Cashier’s check |
| Pay friend/family | Zelle or Venmo |
| International payment | Wire transfer |
| Seller doesn’t accept checks | Money order or cashier’s check |
For detailed comparisons of digital payment platforms, see our guide to Zelle vs Venmo vs PayPal.
Money Order Fraud Prevention
Money order scams are common—especially in online marketplaces, rental situations, and work-from-home schemes. Understanding red flags protects you from significant financial loss.
Buying Safely
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Buy from reputable places | Avoid counterfeit |
| Keep receipt | Proof of purchase |
| Fill out immediately | Prevent tampering |
| Don’t share receipt info | Prevents fraud |
Receiving Money Orders
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Over-payment for item | Scam |
| Asked to wire difference | Definitely scam |
| Money order looks wrong | May be counterfeit |
| Pressure to deposit quickly | Red flag |
Identifying Fake Money Orders
| Real Money Order | Fake Signs |
|---|---|
| Watermarks | No watermarks |
| Security thread | Missing security features |
| Correct formatting | Wrong fonts or colors |
| Official issuer | Unknown source |
The classic money order scam works like this: Someone sends you a money order for more than agreed, asks you to deposit it and wire the “overpayment” back. Days later, the money order bounces as counterfeit, but your wire transfer is gone—and you’re liable for the full amount. Never accept overpayments, and wait at least two weeks before considering any deposited money order fully cleared.
Store Hours for Money Orders
Planning around store hours is important since banks and post offices have limited availability, particularly on weekends. Convenience stores and 24-hour Walmarts provide flexibility for last-minute needs.
Extended Hours Options
| Location | Typical Hours |
|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | 24/7 |
| Walmart | 6 AM - 11 PM |
| CVS/Walgreens | 7 AM - 10 PM |
| Grocery stores | 6 AM - 11 PM |
| Post Office | 8 AM - 5 PM (M-F) |
Weekend Availability
| Location | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Yes | Yes |
| Grocery stores | Yes | Yes |
| CVS/Walgreens | Yes | Yes |
| Post Office | Limited | Closed |
| Banks | Limited | Closed |
For a complete list of days banks are closed, see our bank holidays guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a money order refund?
Yes, if uncashed. You’ll need the receipt and pay a processing fee ($6-$30). The process takes several weeks. If cashed, you cannot get a refund.
Do money orders expire?
Most don’t expire, but some start deducting fees after 1-3 years of non-use. USPS money orders don’t expire. Check the fine print for other issuers.
Can I buy a money order with a credit card anywhere?
Almost nowhere. This protects against fraud and is typically coded as a cash advance. Don’t expect to earn credit card rewards on money orders.
Why would a landlord require money orders?
Landlords often prefer money orders because they can’t bounce like personal checks, and they provide proof of payment date and amount.
Bottom Line
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cheapest | Grocery stores ($0.70-$1.00) |
| Most trusted | USPS ($1.75-$2.40) |
| Most convenient | Walmart ($0.88, long hours) |
| For large amounts | Cashier’s check instead |
| Free option | Some banks for members |
Key takeaways:
- Walmart and grocery stores are cheapest
- Always fill out money order immediately
- Keep your receipt for tracking
- Don’t use for amounts over $1,000 (get cashier’s check)
- Never buy money orders with credit cards
Related: Best Checking Accounts | Best Online Banks | How to Send Money
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy