Money Orders: Where to Buy from Banks, Stores, and More

If you’re looking to make a secure payment or send money to someone but don’t want to use cash or a personal check, a money order may be the right option for you. Money orders are a safe and easy way to make payments, and they can be purchased at many locations across the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a money order near you.

What is a Money Order?

A money order is a payment method that is similar to a check but is considered more secure since it is prepaid. When you purchase a money order, you are essentially buying a piece of paper that represents a specific amount of money. The recipient of the money order can then deposit it or cash it, and the money is guaranteed by the issuer of the money order.

Who Needs a Money Order?

There are many reasons why someone might need to use a money order. For example, if you need to pay rent or bills but don’t have a bank account or credit card, a money order is a secure and easy payment method. Additionally, if you’re purchasing something from an individual or business that doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards, a money order may be the only payment option available.

Where to Get Money Orders

There are many places where you can purchase a money order. Here are some of the most popular options:

Family Fare Money Orders

Family Fare is a grocery store chain that offers money orders at its customer service desk. The cost of a money order is $0.99, and the maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

Walmart Money Orders

Walmart offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $0.70. The maximum amount you can purchase is $1,000.

USPS Money Orders

USPS money orders are available at any post office for a fee of $1.25. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

CVS Money Orders

CVS pharmacy offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $1.25. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

Kroger Money Orders

Kroger offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $0.88. The maximum amount you can purchase is $1,000.

Bank of America

Bank of America offers money orders to its account holders for a fee of $5. The maximum amount you can purchase is $1,000.

Kmart Money Orders

Kmart offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $0.69. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

Meijer

Meijer offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $0.65. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

Rite Aid Money Order

Rite Aid pharmacy offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $0.99. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

7-eleven Money Orders

7-Eleven offers money orders at its customer service desk for a fee of $1.25. The maximum amount you can purchase is $500.

Chase Bank

Chase Bank offers money orders to its account holders for a fee of $5. The maximum amount you can purchase up to $1,000. The fee increases to $4.95 for money orders between $1,000 and $5,000. Customers can purchase money orders using cash or a debit card. Walgreens also offers the option to cash money orders at their stores, with a fee of $0.99.

Publix

Publix Money Orders Publix offers money orders for a fee of $0.89 per money order up to $500. Customers can purchase money orders using cash, credit cards, or debit cards. Publix also allows customers to cash money orders at their stores for a fee of $3.

Money Order Online

Online money orders can be purchased through services like Western Union and MoneyGram. Fees and limitations vary by service, but generally, you can purchase money orders for amounts up to $1,000 or $5,000. The fees for online money orders also vary depending on the service provider and the amount of the money order.

What to do Before Buying a Money Order?

Before purchasing a money order, there are a few things you should consider to ensure a smooth transaction:

1. Identify the payee and amount: Before heading to the location to purchase a money order, ensure that you know the name of the payee and the exact amount you need to send.
2. Calculate fees and costs: Make sure to factor in the cost of the money order and any other associated fees, such as cashing fees.
3. Confirm the payee’s acceptance of a money order: Check with the recipient to ensure that they will accept a money order as a form of payment.

How to Cash Money Orders?

If you have received a money order and need to cash it, there are several options available:

1. Banks: Most banks will cash money orders, although some may charge a fee or require that you have an account with them.
2. Retailers: Many retailers, such as Walmart, CVS, and 7-Eleven, offer money order cashing services for a fee.
3. Money transfer services: Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram offer money order cashing services.

Factors to Consider Where to Cash a Money Order

When deciding where to cash a money order, consider the following factors:

1. Fees: Make sure to compare fees charged by different locations to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
2. Convenience: Choose a location that is convenient and accessible for you.
3. Security: Select a location that you trust and feel comfortable conducting financial transactions with.

How to Cash a Money Order?

To cash a money order, follow these steps:

1. Endorse the back of the money order by signing your name.
2. Verify your identification by presenting a valid government-issued ID.
3. Present the money order at a bank, retailer, or money transfer service.
4. Receive your cash, minus any applicable fees.

Providers Fee, Limit Pros, Cons Comparison Table

#	Provider	Pros	Cons	Fees	Limits	Payment Methods
1	Family Fare	Convenient locations	Limited to Michigan and Nebraska	$0.69 per money order	$500	Cash only
2	Walmart	Affordable pricing, wide availability	Possible long wait times	$0.70 for amounts up to $1,000	$1,000	Cash or debit card
3	USPS	Secure, can send internationally	Limited availability of locations	$1.25 for amounts up to $500	$1,000 for domestic, $700 for international	Cash or debit card
4	CVS	Convenient locations, extended hours	Higher fees compared to other options	$1.99 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash or debit card
5	Kroger	Low fees, can earn rewards points	Limited availability of locations	$0.88 for amounts up to $1,000	$1,000	Cash or debit card
6	Bank of America	Convenient for customers, can be sent electronically	Only available to customers	$5 for amounts up to $1,000	$1,000	Bank account
7	Kmart	Convenient for customers	Limited availability of locations	$0.70 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash only
8	Meijer	Low fees, extended hours	Limited availability of locations	$0.65 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash or debit card
9	Rite Aid	Convenient locations, extended hours	Higher fees compared to other options	$0.99 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash or debit card
10	7-Eleven	Convenient locations, extended hours	Higher fees compared to other options	$1.25 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash or debit card
11	Chase Bank	Convenient for customers, can be sent electronically	Only available to customers	$5 for amounts up to $1,000	$1,000	Bank account
12	Walgreens	Convenient locations, extended hours	Higher fees compared to other options	$1.25 for amounts up to $1,000	$1,000	Cash or debit card
13	Publix	Low fees, can earn rewards points	Limited availability of locations	$0.89 for amounts up to $500	$500	Cash only
14	Online	Convenient, can be done from anywhere	May take longer to receive	Varies by provider	Varies by provider	Debit card or bank transfer

Note: Fees and limits may vary by location and provider. It’s important to check with each provider for their specific fees and limits.

Conclusion

Conclusion Money orders can be a useful payment method for those who don’t have a bank account or prefer not to use cash. They are widely available and can be purchased from banks, retailers, and online services. When purchasing a money order, make sure to factor in the cost of the money order and any associated fees. When cashing a money order, consider factors such as fees, convenience, and security to choose the best location for you.