Publix money orders: Fees, limits, and instructions

When you need to send money quickly and securely, money orders are a solid option. They're perfect for when you want to send a small amount, such as paying bills or sending funds to a loved one.

Publix is a popular grocery chain that offers money order services. Here's everything you need to know about Publix money orders, including fees, limits, and step-by-step instructions.

If you need to send money abroad, check out Wise for a quick and easy money order alternative with no hidden fees.

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Table of contents
Does Publix do money orders? How much is a money order at Publix? Publix money order limit Can I send money overseas with a Publix money order? Make low cost international transfers with Wise How to send money using a Publix money order How to fill out a Publix money order How to track or cancel a Publix money order Publix money order FAQs

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Does Publix do money orders?

Yes, Publix partners with Western Union to provide money orders.¹

A money order is a prepaid payment method. It's similar to a check but with one big difference. Unlike a personal check, which can bounce if there are insufficient funds, a money order is guaranteed to clear because you pay for it in advance.

This makes money orders a convenient and secure way to send money.

How much is a money order at Publix?

The Publix money order fee is pretty affordable. You can expect to pay around 0.85 to 0.99 USD per money order, but the exact fee may vary a little bit depending on your location.²

Sending money abroad? Keep in mind that Publix uses Western Union for money orders, and Western Union profits from currency exchange rates when sending money internationally.³ This means international money orders will most likely come with additional costs.

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Publix money order limit

Publix doesn't share the money order limit on its website. Typically, you can send up to 1,000 USD with a money order. Third-party sources claim that the maximum amount you can send with a single money order at Publix is 500 USD.²

If you need to send more, you’ll have to purchase multiple money orders and cover the fees for each one.

For example, let's say you need to send 3,000 USD. In this case, you’ll need to purchase six money orders. With a typical fee of 0.99 USD per money order, the total cost would be 3,005.94 USD.

Your local Publix may also have a limit on how many money orders you can send per day.

Can I send money overseas with a Publix money order?

Yes, you can send money overseas with a money order at Publix. Publix partners with Western Union to make this possible.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Western Union profits from currency exchange rates, so sending a Publix money order overseas comes with hidden costs.³

You should also verify that the recipient’s location accepts Western Union money orders beforehand, as not all countries do.

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How to send money using a Publix money order

If you've never sent a Publix money order before, don't worry. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit your local Publix: Go to the Publix money center or the customer service desk
2. Ask for a money order: Tell the representative how much you want to send and where
3. Pay for your money order and fees: Typically, you need to pay for a money order in cash but some stores may accept debit cards
4. Fill out the money order: You'll need the recipient’s name and other details
5. Keep your receipt: Your receipt will have a tracking number that you'll need to track or cancel your money order

You don't need a bank account to send a Publix money order, and it should only take you a few minutes.

Typically, your recipient will need to show their ID and tracking number to receive the money order.

How to fill out a Publix money order

Filling out a money order is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Write the recipient’s name in the “Pay to the Order of” or “Payee” field
2. Fill in your own name where it asks for the purchaser's information. This might be labeled as “From" or “Purchaser"
3. Add your address in the relevant field. Some money orders have this section for both the sender and recipient
4. Sign the money order
5. Add a memo or any relevant details you need to mention, such as your account number if you're paying a bill
6. Keep the original purchase receipt with the tracking number

You can typically use cash or a debit card to pay for your money order. Some locations may only accept cash.

How to track or cancel a Publix money order

Publix processes money orders using Western Union.

To track your money order, go to the Western Union website or call their customer service. You'll need the tracking number on your receipt.

To cancel a Public money order, contact Western Union’s customer service. If the money order hasn’t been cashed yet, you can typically submit a Money Order Customer Request.

You'll need to pay a cancellation fee. How much the cancellation fee is depends on the face value of your money order.

Money order value⁴	Cancellation fee⁴
5 USD or below	0 USD
Above 5 USD and less than 100 USD	5 USD
100 USD and higher	15 USD

Publix money order FAQs

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Can you do a money order over $1,000?

No, the Publix money order maximum is 500 USD.² If you need to send more than that, you’ll have to purchase multiple money orders.

Purchasing multiple money orders means you'll have to cover multiple fees. Keep in mind that while the Publix money order cost is low, the fees can add up quickly.

Do you need cash for a money order?

Cash is the most popular way to pay for a money order, but some Publix locations may accept debit cards, too. You typically can't use a credit card to buy a money order.

Is a cashier's check the same as a money order?

No, a cashier's check and a money order aren't the same thing.

Cashier’s checks are best for large transactions, such as a down payment for a house, and you can get them directly from your bank. Money orders are for small amounts and are available at retail locations like Publix. You don't need a bank account to get a money order.

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A Publix money order is an easy and safe way to send small amounts of money domestically and abroad. But money orders come with fees and limits - not to mention that you have to physically go to your local Publix store.

If you're sending money abroad, use Wise for low cost and speedy international transfers with no hidden fees.

Get started with Wise

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Sources:

1. Publix - Financial services
2. BITKAN - What is the money order limit at Publix?
3. Western Union
4. Western Union - Money Order Customer Request

Sources checked 08.28.24