Walgreens money order: Fees, limits, and instructions

Alexis Konovodoff

If you need to send money without a bank account or are looking for a safer alternative to cash, money orders can be a good option. Walgreens, a popular pharmacy chain, offers money order services in partnership with Western Union.

This guide will explain how you can use a money order at Walgreens to send money to your loved ones or pay your bills.

We'll also introduce Wise, an international account for sending money to over 160 countries with low fees and no exchange rate markups.


Table of contents

Does Walgreens do money orders?

Yes, Walgreens has money order services through its partnership with Western Union. You can most likely purchase money orders at your local Walgreens.

A money order is a secure payment method that works similarly to a personal check. You pay for the money order upfront, and it can be cashed or deposited like a regular check. The main difference is that since a money order is prepaid, it can't bounce.

Walgreens teams up with Western Union to allow people to purchase money orders directly in their stores. If you live close to a Walgreens, it's a great option for secure money transfers (especially if you need to send a smaller amount under 1,000 USD).

How much is a money order at Walgreens?

Walgreens doesn't publicly disclose their money order fees. There's no flat rate, and how much you pay depends on the destination of the money and how you're sending the funds.

For international transfers, Western Union also profits from currency exchange. This means that if you're sending money abroad, you'll likely have to pay more because of the exchange rate markup.¹

For example, if you're sending 1,000 USD to Europe, Western Union might offer an exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.85 EUR, while the actual market rate could be 1 USD = 0.88 EUR. This difference is additional revenue for Western Union and an extra cost for you.

💡 Sending money abroad? Check out how Wise compares and make a fast, cheap and secure international transfer:

Walgreens money order limit

Walgreens isn't transparent about their money order limits. Based on common practices, it's likely that the limit is 1,000 USD per money order.

Most retailers have this limit to prevent fraud. If you need to send more than this amount, you may be able to purchase multiple money orders.

The best thing to do is check with your local Walgreens about their specific Walgreens money order limit and regulations.

One thing is clear: Walgreens money transfer is better suited for sending smaller amounts of money.

Can I send money overseas with a Walgreens money order?

You can send money to another country at most Walgreens locations because they partner with Western Union.² Western Union makes it possible to send money to over 200 countries.³

That said, there are a few important factors to consider.

  • Exchange rates: Western Union applies its own exchange rates and makes money on currency conversions, which will increase the cost of your international transfer¹
  • Cashing the money order: Cashing a money order abroad can be difficult or even impossible
  • Additional fees: Sending money abroad typically costs more than making a domestic transfer

In other words, it's possible to send money overseas with a Walgreens money order, but it may not be the most efficient or cost-effective way to do it.

Make low cost international transfers with Wise

move-money

A smart option if you’re sending money overseas: meet Wise.

Register a Wise account online or in the Wise app on iOS and Android, and send money to 160+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees.

Wise always shows you the amount you’re paying and how much your recipient will get — and you can even compare against other providers on the Wise app or desktop site.

If another service is cheaper for your particular payment, you’ll be shown — so you can’t lose.

Get started with Wise

See how Wise compares with international bank transfers in our full guide

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

How to send money using Walgreens money order

Sending a Walgreens money order is pretty easy. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit your local Walgreens and go to the Western Union or customer service desk
  2. Tell the staff that you're there to get a money order
  3. Fill out the money order
  4. Pay for your money order with cash or a debit card
  5. Send your money order
  6. Keep the receipt for tracking or if you need to claim a refund in the future

You can also start your transfer online and save time at the store. To do that, initiate your transfer on the Western Union app or website, and select "Pay in store." You'll then be able to pay at the customer service desk.

How to fill out a Walgreens money order

It's very important to fill out your Walgreens money order correctly so the person you're sending funds to can receive money without issues.

Make sure to include:

  • the recipient's full name
  • your full name and address
  • an account number or another memo (if necessary)
  • your signature

Double check everything before signing. Errors may cause problems for the recipient when they try to cash it.

📝 Find out more about how to fill out a money order in our full guide.

How to track or cancel a Walgreens money order

To track your Walgreens money order, visit the Western Union website and use their tracking tool. You'll need your money order number, which you can find on your receipt.

You can also call 1-800-999-9660 to check the status of your money order.³

Sometimes, you might need to cancel your Walgreens money order. It's typically possible to do it if your money order hasn't been cashed yet.

You need to submit a Money Order Refund Request form through the Western Union website and attach your receipt.

The following fees apply if you need to cancel a Walgreens money order:³

Money order amountCancellation fee
Less than 5 USD0 USD
Between 5.01 USD and 99.99 USD5 USD
100 USD and above15 USD

You'll also have to pay a non-refundable research request fee of 15 USD in addition to the cancellation fee.³

Walgreens money orders FAQs


Does Walgreens cash money orders?

Yes, but not all Walgreens locations can cash money orders, even if they sell them. Check with your local Walgreens to see if they're able to cash a money order.

You can also cash a money order at banks, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other check-cashing locations. Keep in mind that most locations charge a fee for this service.

Does Walgreens use MoneyGram or Western Union?

Walgreens partners with Western Union for its money transfer services. Your local Walgreens might charge service fees on top of Western Union fees and exchange rate markups.

Where is the cheapest place to get a money order?

USPS (United States Postal Service) has affordable money orders. They charge 2.35 USD for money orders valued at up to 500 USD and 3.40 USD for money orders up to 1,000 USD.⁴


Walgreens partners with Western Union to issue money orders; however, they can come with hefty fees - especially if you're sending money internationally.

For an easy alternative when sending money abroad, use Wise. You can send money to 160 countries with low fees, high transfer limits, and no exchange rate markups — all completely online.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources

  1. Walgreens - Western Union
  2. Western Union - Western Union money transfers
  3. Western Union - How can I request a money order refund?
  4. USPS - Sending money orders

Sources checked 10.08.2024


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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