Where To Get a Money Order: 10 Best Places To Buy One (2024)

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Where To Get a Money Order: 10 Best Places

A money order can be purchased from a variety of places, including post offices, convenience stores, banking institutions, credit unions and retail establishments like Walmart. Keep in mind that each provider has its own money order costs, limitations and fees. Here is a list of the 10 best places to get a money order, considering maximum limits and fees:

Banks and credit unions
Western Union
US Postal Service
7-11
CVS Pharmacy
Safeway
Kroger
Meijer
Publix
Walmart

1. Banks and Credit Unions

One of the best places to get your hands on a money order is your local bank or credit union — as long as your bank offers competitive fees. For example, Wells Fargo charges $5 per money order, which is significantly higher than the average fee of around $2. On the other hand, Regions Bank offers money orders for $2.

If your bank or credit union charges above-average fees for money orders, do not worry. There are plenty of other options.If you have a savings or checking account with the bank you may be able to waive the fees for the money order.

2. Western Union

Western Union is a popular option for money orders. The maximum limit for a WU money order is $999.99.

As far as fees, some locations may charge as little as $1, while others charge much more, so be sure to ask your Western Union representative about fees before you place the order.

3. US Postal Service

The United States Postal Service is a cost-effective option for purchasing money orders, especially if you need one for under $500. Here is how the fees work:

If your money order is under $500.00, the fee is $2.10.
If your money order is $500.01 to $1,000, the fee is $3.00.
Military money orders of any value have a fee of $0.70.

As with all providers, limits apply. The United States Postal Service caps domestic money orders at $1,000 and international money orders at $700.

4. 7-Eleven

Most 7-Eleven locations offer money orders. However, as is the case with Western Union, the fee you will pay depends on the location you visit. Also, 7-Eleven limits money orders to $500 each.

5. CVS Pharmacy

“Does CVS do money orders?” is a common question among those in search of one of these valuable pieces of paper. Yes, CVS does offer money orders via MoneyGram. While pricing isn’t listed on its site, third-party sources quote the price for money orders at $1.25 each, making CVS one of the cheapest options. CVS caps the value of each money order at $500.

6. Safeway

Safeway is another great place to get a money order. No costs are listed, but third-party sources state that Safeway typically charges around $1 per money order with a $500 maximum, but that may vary per location.

7. Kroger

Kroger is a low-cost option for accessing money orders. If you are a member of Kroger, you will only pay $1 each. Check with your local Kroger store to find out the maximum limit for a money order.

8. Meijer

If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio or Wisconsin and you have a Meijer nearby, you are in luck. This company offers money orders for a fee of just $0.65 each. Even better, you can purchase money orders with your debit card as opposed to cash and incur no additional fee.

9. Publix

Publix is not just a grocery store, the company also offers a wide range of financial services, including money orders. Like Meijer, it is also one of the cheapest places to get a money order: the company charges $0.99 per order with a maximum value of $500, according to third-party sources.

10. Walmart

How much is a money order at Walmart? The answer is $1 or less. Walmart states that its fee for money orders will vary by location, but it will never be over $1. And like most places, the company also limits the value of money orders to $1,000.

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How Much Is a Money Order?

The cost of a money order depends on where you purchase it. In some cases, such as at the USPS, the price also depends on the amount of the money order.

Benefits of Money Orders

Money orders have several benefits including the following:

In general, they don’t expire.
They’re helpful for payments if you don’t have a checking or savings account.
You can send them via snail mail instead of cash.
If you lose the money order, you may be able to get a replacement.

Alternatives to Money Orders

If a money order is the right choice for payment, you can opt for any of the following alternatives:

P2P payment services, such as Zelle, Cash App or Venmo
Cashier’s check
Wire transfer
ACH transfer

Final Take To GO

Whether you need a money order to place a deposit on a new apartment or pay for services from a provider that does not accept checks, you will not have to look too hard. Compare the fees and limits of the services above that sell money orders and you will be ready to roll. When your checking account or credit card won’t cut it, a money order can help you out in a pinch.

FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding money orders.

How do you get a money order?
- Once you decide which company you'd like to purchase a money order from, the process is simple. In most cases, you'll fill out a short form that provides the company with your contact info and details about the money order itself. From there, you simply pay the face value of the money order plus any fees, and the company will print it for you.
What locations do money orders?
- Many common businesses provide money orders, including banks and credit unions, post offices, convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.
How can I get a money order near me?
- To get a money order you can type "money order near me" into Google Maps, or consider one of the following places known to sell and cash money orders:
  - Western Union
  - U.S. Postal Service
  - 7-Eleven
  - CVS Pharmacy
  - Safeway
  - Kroger
  - Meijer
  - Publix
  - Walmart
Where is the easiest place to get a money order?
- Some of the easiest places to get a money order from are Walmart, Kroger and the U.S. Postal Service.

Banks and Other Services Nearby
Bank Branches
Nearby Banks
Bank of America
Capital One
Chase
Citi®
Regions
TD Bank
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo
Other Services
Coinstar
Pawn Shops

Money Order Costs

How Much Is a CVS Money Order?
How Much Is a Chase Money Order?
How Much Is a Wells Fargo Money Order?

Cynthia Measom, Caitlyn Moorhead and Kelli Francis contributed to the reporting for this article.

Data is accurate as of June 26, 2024, and is subject to change.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.

Capital One. 2024. "What is a money order and how does it work?"
Shopping Behaviour Xplained. 2023. "Do CVS Sell Money Orders? – An A To Z Guide For Your Payment."
Watcher Guru. 2023. "Does Safeway do Money Orders?"

FAQs

Where To Get a Money Order: 10 Best Places To Buy One? ›

The easiest place to get a money order would be your local post office, as they usually have lower fees and there are post offices all over. Also, some retail stores, like Walmart and grocery stores, have money orders for a low price.

Tell Me More ›

Where is the cheapest place to get a money order? ›

Discover More ›

How much does the USPS charge for a money order? ›

Money Order Fees

Dollar Amount	Fee
$0.01 to $500.00	$2.35
$500.01 to $1,000.00	$3.40
Postal Military Money Orders (issued by military facilities)	$0.79

Discover More Details ›

What is the limit on a money order at Walmart? ›

Walmart also offers check-cashing services on various financial instruments, which can be helpful if you expect a payment exceeding the $1,000 money order limit. Walmart will cash any of the following: MoneyGram or Western Union money orders. Cashier's checks.

Find Out More ›

Can I buy a money order with a debit card? ›

When using cash or personal checks puts you at risk, or they aren't accepted for payment, you can use a money order instead. You can use cash or a debit card to buy money orders at the post office, Walmart, Western Union and other places.

Learn More ›

Who charges less for money orders? ›

Walmart has some of the best prices for money orders, charging a maximum of $1 (exact costs can vary based on where you shop). The U.S. Postal Service charges from $2.10 to $3, depending on the amount. Banks often charge around $5. Cashier's checks in any amount will set you back around $10.

Read The Full Story ›

How much does a money order cost at bank of America? ›

Bank of America does not offer money orders. However, if you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can get a cashier's check for $15. If you're a Preferred Rewards member, the fee can be waived.

Get More Info Here ›

What is the difference between USPS money order and money order? ›

A postal order is not a legal tender, but a type of promissory note, similar to a cheque. A Postal Order is used for sending money through the mail. A money order is an order for a specific sum of money, usually purchased with cash at a bank or Post Office, that can be used to make payments.

Learn More ›

What is the limit on Western Union money orders? ›

A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check. Money order slips are prepaid which means the money is withdrawn immediately, unlike checks where the money is withdrawn once the check is deposited by the recipient. The maximum amount of a money order is typically around $1,000.

How safe is a USPS money order? ›

U.S. Postal Service™ money orders are among the most secure financial instruments in the world. Genuine U.S. Postal Service money orders contain design features that maximize their security. U.S. Postal Service domestic and international money orders contain security features that protect your investment.

Show Me More ›

How much is a $1000 money order at Walmart? ›

How much does a money order cost at Walmart? Exact fees vary by location, but you'll only ever pay a maximum fee of $1.