12 Places to Get Money Orders (Near Me)
Looking for places to get money orders near you? We have you covered. Money orders are similar to checks, but the issuer guarantees the funds. Because they can’t bounce like a check, receiving a money order as payment is much safer.
They are also a convenient way to pay if you don’t have a checking account or need to pay someone who doesn’t accept checks.
How to Get a Money Order
You’ll need to go to a place that issues them to get a money order. This could be a bank or other retailer that provides this service. You’ll need cash for the money order amount plus any related fees. The issuer (the bank) will receive your funds and issue a paper document for the stated amount.
One advantage of a money order is that it provides a receipt confirming payment, unlike cash. Money orders can be convenient, but they usually incur a fee. If you need to send money internationally, consider using Wise. They won’t sell you a money order, but they’re safe and about four times cheaper than other credit cards because there are no hidden fees.
How Much Do Money Orders Cost?
Different companies charge different fees for money orders. Some charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount you want to order. Some banks offer money orders for free if you have an account with them, but generally, you’ll be charged.
Where Can I Get a Money Order?
There are several places you can get a money order. Generally, only a few companies issue money orders. The two leading companies that produce money orders are Western Union and MoneyGram.
However, both companies allow money orders to be sold at several locations around the U.S. Here are some of the most convenient stores where you can purchase one. I’ve also shared what each store charges (when available).
1. Walmart
Walmart has over 4,700 locations in the U.S. alone.
- Fee: $1 max fee. Exact fees vary by location
- Limit: $1,000 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram
Note that you can cash a money order at Walmart only if it was purchased at a Walmart.
2. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven convenience stores have nearly 8,500 locations in the U.S. While many 7-Eleven stores sell money orders, the prices vary.
- Fee: 1-3% of the total amount, with a $0.65 min fee
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram or Western Union, depending on the store location
You can’t cash a money order at 7-Eleven locations.
3. CVS
CVS Pharmacy has over 9,800 locations in the U.S.
- Fee: $1.25
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: MoneyGram
You can find a CVS location near you by going here.
4. Publix
Publix operates over 1,200 grocery stores across the Southeastern U.S., including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and more.
- Fee: $0.99
- Limit: not listed
- Provider: Western Union
It is worth noting that Publix does not cash money orders.
5. Meijer
Meijer supermarkets have roughly 240 locations in the U.S., Most of which are in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
- Fee: $0.65
- Limit: $500 max per money order
- Provider: Western Union
It does not cash money orders at any of its locations.
6. Kroger
The Kroger chain of stores has over 2,700 locations in the United States. Kroger operates under several different brand names. Some include Dillon’s, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, and Fred Meyer stores.
- Fee: $0.69, fees vary by subsidiary and location
- Limit: $1,000 or $500, depending on location
- Provider: Western Union
Some locations and subsidiaries do, and some don’t. Check with a location near you for more information.
7. United States Postal Service
Your local U.S. government post office, USPS, also sells money orders. With over 30,800 post office retail locations in the United States, one will be near you.
- Fee: $1.30 per money order up to $500, $1.75 for over $500
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: USPS uses its own money-order brand
You can also cash a money order at the post office. Check with your location for rules, regulations, and fees for cashing money orders.
8. Western Union
Western Union has over 500,000 agents worldwide. You can get a money order from any Western Union agent that carries them.
If you’ve read the rest of this article in-depth, you’ll see that Western Union also provides money orders that other companies sell.
However, you can purchase them directly from Western Union.
- Fee: Varies by location
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: Western Union
Note that Western Union will allow you to return your money order if you have the original money order or the purchaser’s receipt and the money order has not been cashed.
9. MoneyGram
MoneyGram has thousands of locations throughout the U.S. Its rules for money order purchases are similar to those of Western Union.
- Fee: Varies
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: MoneyGram
The larger the amount of your money order, the higher your fee will be.
MoneyGram is a reputable company that provides money orders for large retailers such as Walmart.
10. Rite-Aid
Rite Aid is a pharmacy that has been in business since 1962 and has nearly 2,500 locations in the U.S.
They sell money orders at most locations.
- Fee: Varies
- Limit: $1,000
- Provider: Western Union
Check individual Rite Aid locations for hours, availability, fees, and more.
11. Your Local Grocery Store
Another place to get money orders is at local grocery stores. Many medium-sized chain grocery stores sell them, including:
- Fred Meyer’s
- Fry’s
- King Soopers
- Hy-Vee
- Cub Foods
Fees and the monetary limit for each money order vary based on the order amount. Call your local grocery store to learn more about money order services, fees, limits, and providers.
12. Your Local Bank
If you have an account at a local bank, like Chase, you can purchase or cash a money order there. Some banks will even sell or cash money orders for non-customers, but be prepared to pay a higher fee.
Every bank has different regulations about buying and selling money orders and accompanying fees. Check with local banks near you for more information.
FAQs About Money Orders
Sometimes, you buy a money order and then lose it. Most places that sell money orders have a process for replacing a lost money order. However, please note that you’ll likely be charged a fee for a replacement.
For specific information, please contact the individual locations regarding replacing lost money orders.
As with real cash or checks, people design fake money orders.
If you ever doubt the legitimacy of a money order you receive, call the issuing company for verification.
Also, check for telltale signs of a counterfeit money order, such as:
– The amount area looks as if it’s been altered
– The dollar amount is too high; over $1,000
– The money order doesn’t contain a watermark; Western Union, MoneyGram, and USPS all put watermarks on their money orders
If the money order someone is trying to give you doesn’t look right, refuse to accept it and ask for cash instead.
Most places that sell money orders only accept cash or debit cards to pay for them. Check with the store near you that sells money orders to get specific information on what payment types they accept.
No, Dollar General does not sell money orders, but it does offer wire transfers.
Summary
Using money orders to pay rent, utilities, and other bills can be helpful because they provide proof of payment. If you don’t want to pay by check or cash, consider using one of these providers to get money orders.