Where to get a money order: 5 options for you

Need to pay bills, send money to your loved ones, or buy something? A money order is a reliable way to send funds in the US and abroad. It's a secure form of payment that doesn't require a bank account, making it easily accessible for many people.

But where can you buy a money order? This guide explains what a money order is exactly and where to get one near you.

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What is a money order?

A money order is a prepaid piece of paper that works like a check. Unlike a personal check, you pay for a money order upfront, so it's guaranteed to clear when cashed.

To get a money order, you pay the amount you want to send plus a small fee. Your recipient can then cash or deposit the money order, just like a check.

Money orders are useful for sending money securely when you don't want to use cash or a personal check.

Where to get a money order

If you're wondering "where can I get a money order near me," the good news is that there are several options. Post offices, convenience stores, banks, and credit unions are all great places to purchase money orders, as well as your local Walmart.

1. Post office

The US Postal Service® (USPS) issues money orders that are accepted almost everywhere. You can cash them at many locations, including banks and other post offices.

The process to get a USPS money order is straightforward. Visit your local post office, fill out the money order form, and pay the amount plus a fee.

The money order fee depends on the amount of your order.

How Much You’re Sending	USPS® Fees¹
0.01 to 500 USD	2.35 USD
500.01 to 1,000 USD	3.40 USD
Postal Military Money Orders (issued by military facilities)	0.79 USD

If you’d like to use the USPS money order tracking feature, make sure to keep your money order receipt.

You can send up to 1,000 USD in a single post office money order anywhere in the US.¹

For international money orders, you can send up to 700 USD (500 USD for El Salvador and Guyana). You will also need to pay an issuing fee of 49.65 USD and a processing fee based on the country you're sending money to.²

2. Bank or credit union

Many banks and credit unions offer money orders to those who have an account with them as well as to those who don’t. That said, your financial institution may give you a better rate as an account holder.

To get a money order from a bank or credit union, visit your local branch, fill out the form, and pay the amount plus the fee.

The fees at banks might be slightly higher than at the post office, so this might not be the best route if you're looking for the cheapest money order.

3. Walmart

A Walmart money order is an easily accessible option as many locations are open late and on weekends.

Walmart partners with MoneyGram, Ria, and Western Union to issue money orders.³ The process is simple:

1. Head to a Walmart MoneyCenter or customer service desk
2. Tell them the amount you want to send
3. Fill out the money order form
4. Pay the fee

Money order fees vary by location, but Walmart claims they won't be over 1 USD.⁴

You can use cash or your debit card to purchase a Walmart money order. It’s also possible to send multiple money orders.

4. Convenience store

Many convenience stores and grocery stores sell money orders, typically through Western Union or MoneyGram.

Convenience stores are often open late. This makes them a good option if you need to send a money order outside of regular business hours.

The fees can vary, so check with your specific store for the most accurate information.

Keep in mind that convenience stores may not offer the same level of security as a bank or the USPS. A lost or stolen money order can be replaced, but it takes time and additional processing fees.

5. Western Union

You can purchase a Western Union money order at many locations, from supermarkets to check-cashing stores. You can also go to an official Western Union branch.

The process is similar to other options: fill out the form, pay the amount and fee, and you're set.

Western Union fees depend on where you're sending your money to and how you're paying for it. You can use the price estimator on Western Union's website to get an idea of what it'll cost you.

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Where to get a money order FAQs

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How much does a money order cost?

Your money order cost depends on where you purchase it.

USPS money orders cost 2.35 USD if you're sending between 0.01 USD to 500 USD and 3.40 USD for money orders between 500.01 USD to 1,000 USD.¹ Banks and credit unions might charge slightly more, but you may get a discount as an account holder.

Walmart promises to always keep their fees under 1 USD.⁴ Fees at convenience stores and Western Union vary and can range anywhere from 1 USD to 10+ USD.

Where is the easiest place to get a money order?

USPS has a safe and straightforward process for ordering money orders, but you can also easily purchase a money order at your local Walmart or Western Union branch. Many convenience and grocery stores also issue money orders.

Where can I cash a money order?

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, USPS office, or a store like Walmart. Western Union and MoneyGram can also help you cash your money order. You must bring a valid ID.

Remember that some places may charge a fee for cashing money orders, especially if you don't have an account with them.

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

A cashier's check is not the same as a money order.

Banks issue cashier's checks, drawing them from their own funds instead of your checking account. People typically use cashier's checks for larger transactions, such as down payments on a house or car.

Money orders are prepaid and used for smaller amounts. You can get a money order at a USPS office, Western Union, bank, or convenience store.

Is there a limit on money orders?

Yes, there is typically a limit on money orders. For example, you can only send up to 1,000 USD within the US and 700 USD internationally (500 USD for El Salvador and Guyana) with a USPS money order.²

If you need to send more money than this limit, you would need to purchase multiple money orders.

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If you need to get a money order, go to your local USPS office, bank or credit union, Walmart, convenience store, or Western Union, and you're all set.

Sending money overseas? Use Wise to send money with high limits, low fees, and the mid-market rate.*

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Sources:

1. USPS - Sending money orders
2. USPS - Sending money internationally
3. Walmart - Money transfers
4. Walmart - Money orders
5. Western Union

Sources checked 07.19.2024