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- Walgreens sells money orders, but not all locations offer money order cashing services.
- It’s recommended to call your local Walgreens to confirm if they cash money orders.
- Banks and credit unions are common places to cash money orders, especially for account holders.
- Check-cashing locations can also cash money orders but may charge higher fees.
- Some retailers, like Walmart, offer money order cashing services at competitive fees.
- Fees for cashing a money order can vary widely depending on the location.
- USPS money orders can be cashed for free at any Post Office or many banks.
- Alternatives to cashing a money order include depositing it into a bank account or loading it onto a prepaid debit card.
Money orders are a popular financial tool for making payments safely and securely. Whether you’re sending money or receiving it, a money order ensures that funds are guaranteed.
Walgreens offers money order services, but many people wonder, “Do Walgreens cash money orders?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. While Walgreens does sell money orders, not all locations offer the service to cash them.
In this guide, we will explore Walgreens’ money order services, how you can cash them, alternative locations to cash your money order, and the fees that may be involved.
What Are Money Orders?
Before diving into the specifics of Walgreens’ money order services, let’s first define what a money order is. A money order is a prepaid financial instrument that acts like a check. You purchase a money order with cash or a debit card, and it can be used as a secure method of payment.
Money orders are often used when a recipient doesn’t have access to a bank account or when a check is not an option. They are widely accepted at many businesses, including retailers and service providers.
Do Walgreens Sell Money Orders?
Yes, Walgreens does sell money orders. Walgreens partners with Western Union to offer money order services in many of its stores. You can purchase a money order at Walgreens just like you would buy any other retail product. These money orders can be used to pay bills, send money, or make purchases that require guaranteed funds.
The process is fairly straightforward: you provide the amount you want the money order to be for, and you pay the required amount plus a small fee for the service. Keep in mind that not all Walgreens locations offer money order services, so it’s important to confirm with your local store before heading out.
Do Walgreens Cash Money Orders?
Now, the crucial question: Do Walgreens cash money orders? While Walgreens does sell money orders, it does not offer cashing services for them at every store. Some locations may provide cashing services for money orders, but many do not. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your local Walgreens to determine if they can cash a money order.
You can do this by calling the store ahead of time or visiting the customer service desk to inquire about the availability of money order cashing. If your local Walgreens does not cash money orders, there are alternative locations where you can cash them.
How to Cash a Money Order
If your local Walgreens doesn’t offer money order cashing services, there are still plenty of other options. Below are some common places where you can cash a money order.
1. Banks and Credit Unions
The most common place to cash a money order is at a bank or credit union. Most financial institutions will cash money orders for their account holders, and many offer the service to non-account holders for a fee. If you already have an account at a bank or credit union, you can visit a branch to cash your money order.
Some banks will cash any money order, while others may have specific requirements, such as verifying the money order’s authenticity. If the money order is issued by a specific company (like Western Union or USPS), it’s generally easier to cash at a bank that deals with those providers.
2. Check-Cashing Locations
Check-cashing locations are another option for cashing money orders. These businesses specialize in cashing various types of checks and money orders, including payroll checks, personal checks, and government checks.
Some well-known check-cashing businesses may charge a higher fee than banks, but they are often more flexible with their services and accessible outside of regular bank hours.
3. Retailers and Grocery Stores
In addition to Walgreens, other retailers and grocery stores offer money order cashing services. Some major grocery chains or convenience stores allow customers to cash their money orders for a small fee.
Retailers like Walmart are known for offering money order cashing services and may even provide more competitive fees than check-cashing locations.
Just like Walgreens, it’s essential to verify with the retailer whether they cash money orders and what fees may apply.
Fees for Cashing a Money Order
When considering where to cash a money order, it’s important to be aware of the fees involved. Money order cashing is often not a free service. Depending on the location and the money order provider, fees can vary. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- Banks: If you have an account at the bank, cashing a money order is often free or comes with a minimal fee. However, if you don’t have an account, fees can range from $5 to $10, depending on the bank.
- Check-Cashing Locations: These establishments tend to charge higher fees than banks. Fees can vary significantly, often ranging from 1% to 5% of the total money order amount.
- Retailers: Some retailers charge fees of up to $5, but fees can be higher for larger money orders. Always ask for the fee upfront.
Before cashing your money order, it’s important to compare fees at different locations to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
USPS Money Orders
If you’re dealing with USPS money orders specifically, you’ll have a bit more flexibility in terms of cashing them. USPS money orders can be cashed for free at any Post Office location.
Additionally, many banks and credit unions will also cash USPS money orders. The advantage of USPS money orders is that they’re often more easily cashed because they are a widely recognized form of payment.
It’s also worth noting that USPS money orders are often seen as more secure due to the verification processes in place when they are issued. As a result, many locations have fewer restrictions when it comes to cashing them.
Alternatives to Cashing Money Orders
If you cannot find a place to cash your money order or you want to avoid fees altogether, there are a few alternatives:
- Deposit into Bank Account: If you have a bank account, you can deposit your money order into your account. Most banks will allow you to deposit a money order just like a check, either via mobile deposit or at an ATM.
- Use a Prepaid Debit Card: Some services allow you to load funds from a money order onto a prepaid debit card, which can then be used like a regular debit card for purchases or ATM withdrawals.
- Send Money Using Other Methods: If your main goal is to send money, consider using services like Venmo, PayPal, or Western Union, which may offer more convenient options with fewer fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Can I cash a money order at any Walgreens?
No, not all Walgreens locations offer money order cashing services. It’s best to check with your local store to confirm if they provide this service.
How much does Walgreens charge to cash a money order?
Walgreens does not typically cash money orders at most locations. However, if your local Walgreens offers this service, you should ask about any fees, as they can vary.
Where else can I cash a money order besides Walgreens?
You can cash a money order at banks, check-cashing locations, and certain retailers like Walmart. Be sure to compare fees before choosing a location.
Can I cash a USPS money order for free?
Yes, USPS money orders can be cashed for free at any Post Office or at many banks.
What types of money orders can be cashed at Walgreens?
While Walgreens sells Western Union money orders, not all locations cash them. Confirm with your local store before attempting to cash any type of money order there.
Can I cash a money order without a bank account?
Yes, you can cash a money order at check-cashing locations, some retailers, and other places that offer money order services, even without a bank account.
How do I know if a money order is legitimate?
To ensure a money order is legitimate, check for security features like watermarks and special printing. You can also verify the money order with the issuing company, such as Western Union or USPS.
Are there any fees for cashing money orders at banks?
Fees for cashing a money order at banks can vary. If you’re an account holder, fees may be minimal or waived. Non-account holders may face fees, typically ranging from $5 to $10.
What is the safest way to cash a money order?
The safest way to cash a money order is through a bank, especially if you’re an account holder. USPS money orders can also be cashed for free at Post Offices, ensuring added security.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Walgreens does sell money orders, but do Walgreens cash money orders? The answer depends on your location. While some Walgreens stores offer money order cashing services, not all of them do. Before attempting to cash a money order at Walgreens, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm whether they provide this service.
If your local Walgreens doesn’t offer money order cashing, there are several alternatives, including banks, check-cashing locations, and retail stores. Be sure to compare fees, as some locations charge for this service. If you’re dealing with a USPS money order, you can cash it for free at any Post Office or at many banks.
By knowing your options and verifying services in advance, you can ensure that you can cash your money order efficiently and without unnecessary fees.