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Money orders can be a great option if you are looking for a safe and reliable way to pay someone. They are essentially prepaid notes that guarantee payment to the recipient, making them a secure mode of payment.
While you can purchase money orders at most banks and credit unions, making a trip there might not always be convenient. However, if you are wondering why someone would want to use a money order instead of other payment options, where you can find a money order near you, and how to get the best deal, you have come to the right place.
Money orders are an excellent option when you need to make a payment but don’t have access to a checking account or don’t want to use a credit card or personal check. They are also a great way to send money to someone who doesn’t have a bank account or is uncomfortable with electronic transactions. Moreover, money orders are more secure than cash since they can be traced if lost or stolen.
When finding a place to purchase a money order, most banks and credit unions offer this service. Additionally, you can buy them at other locations, such as post offices, convenience stores, and even some supermarkets. However, the fees for purchasing a money order can vary, so shopping around is essential to find the best deal.
How to get a money order near you
If you need to send money but don’t want to use cash or a personal check, a money order could be a great option. Money orders are a secure and convenient way to send money, and many businesses and organizations accept them. While there are only a few companies that produce money orders, there are many places where you can buy them.
MoneyGram and Western Union are two of the most well-known companies that produce money orders. They have locations all over the world, and you can purchase a money order from them at one of their retail locations or online. In addition to these companies, there are many other places where you can buy a money order, such as post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores.
Before you rush to get a money order, it’s worth knowing a little bit more about the types of companies that sell them and how much you can expect to pay. Some places won’t charge you much for a money order, while others may seriously overcharge you, making you spend more money than you should. Do your research and compare prices before buying a money order to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
13 Places to get money orders near me
Here are the top 13 best places to get money orders near you:
1. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven, with its more than 8,500 locations across the United States, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase a money order. It is one of the most popular retailers that come to mind when it comes to money orders.
If you plan to buy a money order at 7-Eleven, you will be charged 1-3% of the total amount of the money order, and this fee may vary depending on your location. However, please note that there is a minimum fee of $0.65, regardless of the amount of the money order.
7-Eleven partners with two well-known money order providers, MoneyGram and Western Union, depending on the location of the store. Keep in mind that the maximum amount you can send via a money order at 7-Eleven is $500. Therefore, if you need to send more than $500, you’ll need to purchase multiple money orders.
In summary, if you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to send money, you can purchase a money order at 7-Eleven. Remember that the fees charged for money orders may vary depending on your location, and the maximum amount you can send via a money order is $500.
2. Walmart
If you are looking to purchase a money order, Walmart is a great option. With almost 5,000 stores across the United States, a Walmart location is likely near you. When you visit a Walmart store, you will find a kiosk or designated area for check cashing, where you can also buy money orders.
Walmart issues money orders through MoneyGram, a trusted provider in the financial services industry. The handling fee for a money order at Walmart is only 70 cents, making it one of the most affordable options. Additionally, the maximum amount you can get a money order for at Walmart is $1,000, which is higher than the limit many other retailers offer.
If you need to cash a money order, Walmart can assist you. However, it is important to note that Walmart will only cash money orders originally purchased at a Walmart store. You must provide a photo ID, and the cost of cashing a money order at Walmart ranges from $3 to $6.
Overall, Walmart is an excellent choice if you are looking for a convenient, affordable, and reliable option for purchasing or cashing money orders.
3. CVS
Did you know that you can get money orders at CVS pharmacies? With over 9,900 locations across the US, CVS is a convenient option for anyone looking to purchase a money order. CVS uses MoneyGram as its money order provider and charges a nominal fee of $1.25 per money order. The maximum amount you can get a money order for at CVS is $500.
What’s even better is that CVS offers high-quality customer service that makes the process of getting a money order hassle-free. Whether you need to pay a bill or send money to someone, getting a money order at CVS can be a quick and easy solution. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy place to buy a money order, consider heading to your nearest CVS pharmacy.
4. Meijer
If you’re looking for a place to buy money orders, Meijer is one of the most popular options. With over 240 stores in the United States, Meijer is primarily found in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Meijer uses Western Union as their provider, and you’ll need to pay a fee of 65 cents per money order.
While you can purchase money orders up to $500, like many other issuing stores, Meijer does not offer the service to cash money orders at any of their locations.
5. Publix
Publix is a regional store with over 1,230 locations in six Southeastern states, including Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. You can purchase money orders at any Publix store. However, their charges are slightly higher compared to some of the other money order sellers. Each money order costs 85 cents.
Publix uses Western Union money orders, which are limited to $500 per order. If you need to send more than $500, you’ll need to purchase additional money orders. It’s important to note that Publix does not offer this service if you’re looking to cash money orders.
Overall, Publix is a convenient option for purchasing money orders if you’re already shopping at one of their stores. Just keep in mind that their fees are slightly higher than other money order sellers, and there is a limit of $500 per money order.
6. Kroger
Kroger, one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, has over 2,700 stores under different brand names, such as King Soopers, Smith’s, Cala Foods, Fred Meyer, Dillon’s, and more. If you need to send money quickly and securely, you can visit any of these Kroger stores to purchase a Western Union money order.
The cost of a Western Union money order at Kroger’s is approximately 70 cents per order, but it’s worth noting that fees may vary depending on the store’s location and subsidiary. Additionally, the maximum money order amount you can purchase is either $500 or $1,000, depending on the specific location you visit. With Kroger and Western Union, you can enjoy a convenient and reliable way to send money to your family and friends.
7. Safeway
If you’re looking for a money order, Safeway is a reliableone great option to consider. Safeway typically charges a fee of $1 per money order, with a maximum amount of $500. However, it’s important to note that fees may vary depending on the specific location. Overall, Safeway is a convenient and affordable option for those who need a money order.
8. Western Union
If you receive a money order and wish to cash it, you might wonder if Western Union can help you. It’s important to know that while some Western Union locations may be able to cash money orders, not all of them offer this service.
Therefore, if you have a Western Union money order that you want to cash, you should first contact your local Western Union branch to find out if they can cash it for you. It’s worth noting that even if a location sells money orders, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are authorized to cash them. Therefore, checking with the specific location beforehand is always a good idea to avoid any inconvenience.
9. MoneyGram
MoneyGram is a well-known provider of money orders, which are used for safe and secure money transfers. Additionally, MoneyGram offers a convenient service for cashing money orders at select locations. You can easily visit one of their branches if you are looking for a MoneyGram location near you.
By visiting the issuer directly, you can save money on fees; in some cases, cashing a money order may even be free. Furthermore, when you go directly to the issuer, you are more likely to receive the full amount of cash faster. To get started, simply check your money order to identify who issued it, and then visit one of their locations to complete the cashing process.
10. Your local check cashing company
You may be interested to know that many check cashing companies also offer money orders for sale. If you need a money order, all you have to do is search for “buy money orders near me,” and you’ll likely be presented with several options. However, it’s essential to take the time to compare their fees, as they can vary significantly from one company to another.
It’s worth noting that check cashing companies often charge higher fees in general, so it’s important to ask about their fees in advance to avoid any unpleasant (and costly!) surprises. If you want to save money, researching and comparing prices could be a wise decision.
11. Post office or postal service
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient way to purchase money orders nationwide, with over 30,800 post office locations. USPS is a great option if you need to buy a money order. Unlike other money order providers, USPS doesn’t use Western Union or MoneyGram but instead sells its brand of money orders called Postal Money Orders.
Each postal money order can be purchased for up to $500 and costs $1.20. For money orders over $500, the fee increases to $1.65. While these fees may be slightly higher than those charged by other money order providers, USPS provides a reliable and convenient service. It’s worth noting that there is a limit of $1,000 per money order, so if you need to send more than that, you will need to purchase multiple money orders.
You can purchase money orders and cash them at USPS locations. However, it’s important to check with your local post office to find out the rules and regulations and the fees associated with cashing a money order. These may vary depending on the location. Overall, if you need a convenient and reliable way to purchase or cash a money order, USPS is a great option to consider.
12. Your local bank
If you want to purchase a money order, you may consider visiting your local bank. Although it might not be the most cost-effective option, it’s undoubtedly one of the most reliable. However, remember that banks usually charge a higher fee for the service than grocery stores or other retailers. If you don’t have a bank account, some banks might still offer money orders to non-customers but expect to pay even higher fees in such cases.
Moreover, each bank has its own regulations and fees regarding the purchase and sale of money orders. Therefore, it’s important to contact your local bank for more information before proceeding with the transaction. This will avoid any confusion or unexpected charges that may arise.
13. Local Credit Union
When it comes to getting a money order, your local credit union can be an excellent option. While many people think of going to large retailers like grocery stores or post offices, credit unions can offer a convenient and reliable alternative.
One of the advantages of using a bank or credit union to purchase a money order is that it may be easier to track your transaction than buying it from a different place. Credit unions typically offer online banking services that let you check your balance and view your transaction history, which can be convenient when you need to keep track of your money order.
However, it is essential to note that some credit unions may charge a fee for providing money order services. Therefore, before you decide to use a credit union, you should inquire about any fees and compare them to other options. Doing this lets you determine whether a credit union is the best choice for your money order needs.
What is a money order?
A money order is a financial instrument that is used to make payments. It is similar to a check in many ways, but the two have some key differences. The most important difference is that a money order is a prepaid document. This means it can only be issued after the buyer has handed over the funds required to cover the cost of producing the money order and its face value.
The buyer can pay for the money order using various methods, such as cash, debit cards, traveler’s checks, or other guaranteed funds. Once the payment has been made, the money order can be used to pay the payee. Money orders are typically used when the payee does not accept personal checks or when the buyer wants to ensure the payment is secure and cannot be canceled. They are also commonly used for sending money through the mail, as they are considered a safer alternative to cash.
Why use a money order?
Money orders are a great alternative to checks or cash, especially when sending payments to people or companies you don’t entirely trust or want to share your personal information with. They offer several benefits that make them a secure and reliable form of payment.
One of the most significant advantages of using a money order is privacy. Your personal information, such as your bank account number or address, is not included in the money order. Instead, the recipient only receives a payment for the amount specified on the money order. This way, you can send money without worrying about sharing your personal information with strangers.
Another advantage of using a money order is that it is a prepaid form of payment, meaning the funds are guaranteed. This is especially important when you need to pay someone you don’t know or trust. With a money order, you can rest assured that the funds will be available and your payment will not bounce.
Money orders are also safe and secure. They are an excellent way to send money to your friends or family, even if they live far away. You can even mail a money order without worrying about someone stealing your money. Since you specify the name of the recipient on the money order, only that person can cash it.
Finally, using a money order is a smart choice if you don’t have a checking account yet. It’s a safe and convenient way to pay for larger purchases without carrying much cash. Plus, money orders are widely accepted, so you can use them in many places where checks or credit cards may not be accepted.
How do you cash a money order?
If you need to convert a money order into cash, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Firstly, you will need to find a place that cashes money orders. There are many options available, including banks, credit unions, check cashing companies, and some retail stores. You may want to check with a few locations to compare the fees and services offered.
Once you have found a suitable location, you will need to endorse the money order by signing your name on the back of it. This is an important step, as it confirms that you are the authorized recipient of the money order.
When you are ready to cash the money order, you must show a valid ID to confirm your identity. The specific requirements for ID may vary depending on the location, but generally, government-issued IDs such as a driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card, or military ID are accepted. It’s essential to note that the name on your ID must match the name on the money order, regardless of where you cash it.
Before you can receive your cash, you may be required to pay a fee for the service. The fee amount will also depend on the location and may vary from a flat rate to a percentage of the money order amount.
Once you have completed these steps, you can receive your cash in exchange for the money order. Different places may have different policies and fees, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare options to ensure you get the best deal possible.
How to deposit a money order
If you have a money order you want to cash, you might want to consider depositing it instead, especially if you have a bank account. Depositing the money order is generally safer than cashing it because you don’t have to carry a large amount of cash. Additionally, depositing the money directly into your bank account is more convenient.
To deposit a money order, you need to follow the same process as cashing it. First, you must endorse it by signing the back of the money order. Then, you will need to provide a valid identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove your identity.
Once you have completed the endorsement and identification verification process, you can deposit the money order into your bank account. The deposit process may vary depending on your bank, but you can generally deposit the money order at a bank branch, through an ATM, or via mobile deposit.
It’s important to note that depositing a money order may take longer than cashing it, as it can take a few business days for the funds to become available in your account. However, the added convenience and safety of depositing the money order make it a better option in most cases.
Can you buy a money order with a credit card?
Firstly, it is important to note that most credit card providers allow customers to purchase money orders with a credit card. However, you should keep in mind that the transaction will usually be treated as a cash advance. This means that in addition to the money order cost, you’ll also be charged various fees, including a cash advance fee and possibly a higher interest rate.
The additional fees and interest are similar to those you would incur if you used your credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM. Therefore, before using your credit card to purchase a money order, check with your card provider to determine the fees and interest rates associated with cash advances. It is also advisable to compare the fees associated with purchasing a money order with a credit card to those charged by alternative payment methods, such as debit cards or cash.
What locations do money orders?
Banks and credit unions offer money orders, and you can also visit your local post office to purchase one. In addition to these, several convenience stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores also provide money orders. So, depending on your convenience and preference, you can choose any of these options to obtain a money order.
Where is the easiest place to get a money order?
Among the most convenient and accessible options are Walmart, Kroger, and the U.S. Postal Service. At these locations, you can typically purchase a money order for a small fee using cash or a debit card.
Remember that the exact process may vary slightly depending on the location, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the staff to ensure you have all the necessary information. Regardless of where you get your money order, it’s important to ensure you fill it out correctly and keep it secure until you’re ready to use it.
What’s the difference between a money order and a check?
When you pay someone by personal check, the process works so that the money is not withdrawn from your checking account until the payee deposits or “cashes” the check. This means there is a delay between when the check is written and when the money is actually withdrawn from your account.
On the other hand, money orders work differently. They involve a more upfront payment process, where you purchase the money order and pay for it in full at the time of purchase. The receiving party can then convert that money into cash right away. So while the process of paying with a personal check involves a delay, the process of paying with a money order is more immediate.
Can I get a money order at CVS?
You can purchase a money order at CVS. They use MoneyGram money orders and charge a fee of $1.25 per money order. However, please note that the maximum amount for a money order at CVS is $500.
If you need to send more than $500, you may need to purchase multiple money orders or consider other options. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the specific CVS location you plan to visit, as some stores may have different policies or limits. I hope that helps!
Can you buy multiple money orders?
Most places have a limit on the amount per money order. Depending on the location, this limit typically ranges from $500 to $1000. Therefore, if you need to transfer larger amounts of money, you may need to purchase multiple money orders. However, it’s worth noting that some locations may require you to fill out additional forms before they will sell you multiple money orders. So, it’s always a good idea to check beforehand with the place you plan to buy your money order from to ensure that you have all the requirements.
Alternatively, if you need to transfer a large amount of money, you might want to consider using a cashier’s check instead. Cashier’s checks are issued only at banks and are a safe and secure way to transfer larger amounts of money. However, keep in mind that there may be additional fees associated with cashier’s checks, so it’s important to check with your bank first to ensure this is the best option for you.
The bottom line
Money orders are a payment method that can be incredibly useful in various situations, whether you need to pay bills, rent, or utilities. They are also a great way to send money to family or friends without worrying about the transaction’s safety. Additionally, money orders can be a perfect solution if you need to pay someone and do not want to share your personal details.
Several companies offer money orders, but choosing one that suits your needs is essential. It is always better to research and compare different options before making a decision. One of the advantages of getting a money order at a retail store is that you can save yourself a trip to the bank. Retail stores offering money orders are often conveniently located, making it easy to purchase one while running errands or grocery shopping.
In conclusion, getting a money order can save you time and provide peace of mind when making payments or sending money. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider using this payment method whenever necessary.