Are you looking for the best places to get money orders near you?
Sometimes, companies and people do not accept personal checks or other forms of payment, and they may prefer a money order instead.
If you need a safe way to pay for things when you can’t use a credit card or online transfer, then money orders can be an easy way around this. They are easy to get and accepted in many places for different payments.
But where can you get a money order close by?
There’s a good chance that you’ve never gotten a money order before or maybe not very often so you don’t remember. I have only ever had to get just a few money orders in my life, so I understand!
In this article, I’ll talk about some of the top places to get money orders near your home, work, or school. You can find them at places like grocery stores, banks, and more, and many of these might be really close by.
Key Takeaways
- Many people like using money orders to make payments, and there are lots of places where you can get them nearby.
- Some of the top places to get money orders include 7-Eleven, Walmart, the post office, your local grocery store, and more.
- To find the best option for you, see what their money order amount limit is (it’s usually either $500 or $1,000) and what their money order fee is.
What is a Money Order?
A money order is a payment method that’s guaranteed and you can buy it from different places. It’s usually a safer option compared to sending cash or personal checks.
Some benefits of using money orders include:
- They are safe – Money orders are a secure means of sending money because they don’t contain your bank account information. This reduces the risk of your account being compromised in case your personal check gets lost. It is also much safer than putting straight cash in the mail.
- They are widely accepted – Money orders are accepted by most recipients, as they are considered a guaranteed form of payment.
- They are easy to get – You can purchase money orders at many different places, such as Walmart, post offices, grocery stores, and banks.
There are some risks when it comes to money orders too, though. There are a lot of scams that involve money orders, both receiving them and sending them out. You also don’t want to lose a money order, as it can be hard to recover the funds from it. Also, there are fees – some places may charge fees for the purchase or cashing of money orders.
Recommended reading: How To Write a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide To Fill Out A Check
11 Places to Get Money Orders Near Me
Below are the best places to get money orders near you.
1. Walmart
At your local Walmart, you can easily purchase money orders at their customer service counter or their Money Services Center.
They usually have affordable fees (money orders at Walmart are typically only around $1), and it’s an easy option if you’re already shopping there. Plus, even if you’re not shopping at Walmart, there is probably one near you because they have thousands of locations – so, this may be an easy stop for you.
Walmart’s limit for a money order is $1,000, and the money orders are issued by MoneyGram.
I have personally gotten a money order from Walmart in the past, and it only took a few minutes.
2. Post office
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has money orders at their post office locations. Simply bring cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check (you cannot pay with a credit card), and fill out the money order at the counter with a worker. There are over 30,000 post offices in the United States, so there is most definitely one near you.
USPS money order fees are:
- From $0.01 to $500.00, the fee is $2.00
- From $500.01 to $1,000.00, the fee is $2.90
- For Postal Military Money Orders (issued by military facilities), the fee is $0.65
USPS has a limit of $1,000 for a money order.
I have personally gotten a money order from the post office in the past, and it only took a few minutes.
3. 7-Eleven
Your nearby 7-Eleven may be another option to get money orders and it is a popular choice. Availability can vary by location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check if they provide this service.
7-Eleven fees for money orders are around 1% to 3% of the amount you put on the money order. It depends on the location as they charge different fees. 7-Eleven uses MoneyGram or Western Union, and this also depends on the location.
The limit for a money order at 7-Eleven is $500.
4. CVS
In addition to picking up your prescriptions and everyday essentials, you can visit a CVS store to get a money order. Money orders can be purchased at the counter, making it an easy stop for this service.
CVS sells MoneyGram money orders for $1.25.
The limit for a money order at CVS is $500.
5. Kroger (and other grocery stores)
Kroger, along with many other grocery stores like King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and Meijer also have money order services. These options are great because you can go grocery shopping and get a money order at the same place.
The exact fees for a Western Union money order from Kroger depend on the state you are in. It is typically around $1.00 if you have a Kroger card (which is free) and $1.10 without a card.
Kroger’s limit for a money order is $1,000, but it could be $500 at some locations.
6. Western Union
Western Union is a popular choice for its money transfer services, which also include buying money orders.
This may be confusing, but Western Union also has in-person locations where you can get money orders as well. So, you can get them at some of the places listed above, as well as Western Union locations.
The fee for a money order from Western Union is anywhere from around $0.50 to $2.99.
Western Union’s limit for a money order is $1,000.
7. MoneyGram
Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram is another popular service for money transfers and money orders. You can find MoneyGram service locations in retailers, banks, and even some grocery stores. They also have their own locations as well.
The fee for a money order from MoneyGram is as little as $0.70.
MoneyGram’s limit for a money order is $1,000.
8. Publix
Publix is another grocery store where you can get money orders near you. There are Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Simply head to their customer service desk and see if they have money orders.
The fee for a Western Union money order from Publix costs $0.85.
The limit for a money order at Publix is $500.
9. Local credit union
Credit unions are usually a preferred choice for money orders since they are owned by their members. Your local credit union may have money orders at competitive rates. It’s worth checking if you already have an account or are considering joining one.
I have personally gotten a money order from my local credit union in the past, and it only took a few minutes.
10. Chase and other banks
Many banks, such as Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America or even your local bank, have money order services for their customers. The fees may differ between banks, but it’s an easy option if you already bank with them.
The fee for a money order from Chase costs $5.00, but it can be waived and free for certain categories of members.
Chase’s limit for a money order is $1,000.
11. Local check cashing company
Lastly, local check cashing companies usually have money order services. While fees are typically higher, these companies are easy options for people who need a money order quickly or don’t have an account with a traditional bank.
Remember to always compare fees, convenience, and reliability when choosing the best place for your money order needs.
Steps to get a money order
Wondering how money orders work? Makes sense, you may have never used one or probably not very often. I can count on my two hands how many times I have needed to get a money order!
With that being said, even if you don’t get a money order very often, they are easy to get and are pretty painless.
How to buy a money order
Here are the steps you can follow to buy a money order near you:
- Choose a money order provider – Based on your preference, location, and fees, find a place where you can purchase a money order.
- Gather the required information – Make sure you know the recipient’s name and address, as well as the amount of the money order.
- Bring a valid form of payment – Money orders usually require cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check. Credit cards are usually not accepted.
- Bring a valid form of ID – At some locations, you may need an ID, such as your driver’s license.
- Fill out the money order – This may include writing the recipient’s name, your address, and the amount. Be sure to carefully fill in all required fields.
- Pay the face value, plus the money order service fee – Keep in mind that fees will depend on who is selling the money order.
- Keep your receipt – This is very important as it will help you track the money order and provide proof of purchase if needed.
Keep in mind that domestic money orders typically have higher limits than international money orders.
Possible problems with money orders
Money orders can be a safe and easy way to send money, but they come with some possible problems. In this section, we’ll talk about things like losing or having a money order stolen, the chance of fraud, and how to know if a money order is real.
Lost or stolen money orders
Losing a money order or having it stolen can be a frustrating experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to act quickly:
- Contact the issuer – Reach out to the company that issued the money order (such as Western Union, MoneyGram, or USPS) and provide them with the relevant details including the money order number and purchase date (this is why it’s important to keep your receipt!).
- Complete a claim form – Most issuers will require you to fill out a claim form with information about the lost or stolen money order.
- Pay a processing fee – There may be a small fee to process your claim and issue a replacement money order.
- Wait for a resolution – It can take several weeks for the issuer to complete their investigation and issue a refund or replacement.
Keep your receipt and any other documentation related to your money order, as you may need these for evidence of your purchase to the issuer.
When I need a money order, I usually keep the receipt, but I also take a picture of it with my phone just in case I lose the receipt.
Potential for fraud
Unfortunately, there are money order scams because scammers might try to make fake money orders or change the amount on real ones. To stay safe from fraud, don’t take money orders from people you don’t know, and be extra careful if you’re dealing with large amounts of money orders as well.
Here are a few tips to avoid falling victim to money order fraud:
- Check to make sure that the money order is from a reputable financial institution or money transfer service. Also make sure that you actually know the person who is sending or receiving the money order!
- Authentic money orders will typically have specific security features, such as watermarks or security threads, to help prevent counterfeiting.
- Trust your instincts and if something seems off or too good to be true, then be cautious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Money Orders Near Me
Below are answers to common questions about how to purchase a money order.
Where is the easiest place to get a money order?
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. I have bought money orders from many different places, and I usually just go for whatever is the closest as the fees are typically quite similar.
Where can I purchase a money order nearby?
You can buy a money order in different places like post offices, banks, credit unions, and stores like Walmart. You can also get them from money transfer services like MoneyGram or Western Union. To find a place close to you, search on your cell phone’s map for “where to get a money order near me.”
Do supermarkets have money orders?
Lots of big grocery stores have a service where you can get a money order right at their customer service desks. Some include Kroger, Publix, and Safeway.
Can I buy a money order at a bank?
Yes, definitely. Most banks and credit unions have money orders for their customers. Note that bank fees for money orders might be higher than those at other locations. It’s also a good idea to see if the bank requires you to be an account holder to purchase a money order.
Are money orders available at Walgreens or CVS?
CVS locations have money orders, usually through money transfer services like MoneyGram. Keep in mind that not all locations offer this service, so it’s best to call your local store and confirm before visiting. Walgreens used to have money order services, but they no longer have this service.
Do gas stations sell money orders?
Some gas stations do sell money orders through providers like MoneyGram or Western Union. A common way to get one is by getting a 7-Eleven money order. However, availability may vary depending on the specific gas station, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check if they offer the service and confirm any fees.
How much does a money order cost?
When you decide to purchase a money order, it’s important to be aware of the costs and fees associated. Generally, money orders involve two primary costs: the face value of the money order and the service fee for issuing the money order. Fees might vary depending on the provider and the amount. It is generally around $1 to $2 for a money order.
Who sells the cheapest money orders near me?
The cheapest money orders are usually sold at Walmart. Some banks give them for free to their account members as well.
How do you cash a money order?
To cash a money order, you’ll need to visit a location that has this service, such as a bank or Walmart. You’ll need to endorse the money order by signing the back (just like you would with a check), and provide identification to prove that you’re the person on the money order. There will also be a fee to cash a money order.
Where to purchase money orders near me? – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on where you can buy money orders near you.
To find a place to purchase a money order near you, use a search engine or your phone’s map and search for “where to get money orders near me.”
This will usually give you a list of nearby money order locations, such as post offices, banks, retail stores, or money transfer services. Check their websites or call to confirm availability, fees, and payment methods accepted.
How often do you need to use a money order?
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