10 Places to get Money Orders with Prices and Locations (Near me)

A money order is a paper document with financial value. Money orders work in the same way as personal checks, but they are not linked to your bank account. They are prepaid checks written to a payee to ensure that the necessary funds are available. Money orders frequently have monetary limits, such as $500 or $1,000.

Money orders are similar to checks in that the funds are guaranteed by the money order’s issuer. They cannot bounce like a check, so receiving a money order as payment is far safer.

They are also an efficient method of payment if you do not have a checking account or need to pay someone who does not accept checks.

The primary distinction between a check and a money order is that money orders are pre-paid. While you probably have blank checks somewhere (or in your wallet if you’re old school like that), a money order will be authorized only after you’ve handed over actual funds.

The buyer must pay both the cost of producing the money order (the fee charged) and the amount issued.

This can be done with cash, a debit card, traveler’s checks, or another form of guaranteed funds.

WHY USE A MONEY ORDER?

If you haven’t used money orders before and are wondering why someone would want to, here’s why:

1. Privacy: Assume you’re paying someone or a company you don’t completely trust and don’t want to share your personal information with. How would you ensure that the payment reaches them without you disclosing any personal information? Money orders, unlike checks, do not include this type of information, ensuring your privacy.
2. Guaranteed Funds: Because money orders are prepaid, you won’t have to worry about a check bouncing – adequate funds are guaranteed.
3. Theft Protection: Money orders are also a great and secure way to send money to friends and family. It is even possible to send a money order! It would be extremely difficult to steal your money because you will clarify the name of the recipient on the money order.
4. Safety: Finally, what if you don’t yet have a checking account but need to make a large purchase? Carrying a suitcase full of cash is not a good idea. Using a money order, on the other hand, is acceptable.

How Much do Money Orders Cost?

A money order costs varying amounts depending on the company. Some charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of the amount requested in the money order. Some banks may offer free money orders if you have an account with them, but in most cases, you will be charged.

How to Pay For a Money Order?

The type of payment accepted will differ depending on the store location. Among the options are:

(a) Cash
(b) Credit card
(c) Debit card
(d) Gift Card
(e) Traveler’s checks

How to Get a Money Order?

To receive a money order, you must go to a location that issues them. This could be a bank or another type of retailer that offers this service.

You will require cash in the amount of the money order plus any applicable fees. The issuer (the bank) will accept your cash and provide you with a paper document worth the stated amount.

A money order has the advantage of providing you with a receipt to prove that you paid. This is not the case with money.

Money orders are useful, but there is usually a fee associated with them.

Consider using Transferwise if you need to send money internationally. They won’t sell you a money order, but they’re safe and about four times less expensive than other credit cards due to no hidden fees.

BEST PLACES TO GET A MONEY ORDER NEAR ME:

A money order can be obtained from a variety of locations. In general, only a few businesses actually print money orders. Western Union and MoneyGram are the two largest providers of money orders.

However, both of these companies permit money orders to be sold in a variety of locations across the United States. Here are some of the most convenient locations to purchase a money order. We’ve also disclosed the prices charged by each store (when available).

1. Walmart

Walmart is another retailer that accepts money orders – and is likely one of the most cost-effective options.

With 4,769 Walmart stores across the United States, there’s the store to be one near you. When you walk into the store, you’ll notice a check-cashing kiosk or a region where you can buy money orders.

Walmart accepts MoneyGram money orders for a small handling fee of 70 cents per money order. Walmart’s limit for money orders is also higher than 7-Eleven’s – $1,000 maximum.

You can also cash a money order at Walmart (bring a photo ID) if it was purchased at a Walmart location. A money order costs between $3 and $6 to cash.

Walmart has over 4,700 stores in the United States alone.

Fee: $1 max fee, exact fees vary by location

Limit: $1,000 max per money order

Provider: MoneyGram

2. 7 Eleven

When someone asks me about buying money orders, one of the first retailers that come to mind is 7-Eleven, which has over 8,500 locations in the United States.

Purchasing a money order at 7-Eleven will cost you 1-3 percent of the total amount of the money order – but their fees vary by location. There is a $0.65 minimum fee.

Depending on the location, 7-Eleven accepts MoneyGram or Western Union. The maximum amount for a money order is $500.

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 United States.

CVS accepts MoneyGram money orders and charges $1.25 for each one. CVS offers a maximum money order amount of $500.

Fee: $1.25

Limit: $500 max per money order

Provider: MoneyGram

4. Publix

Publix, a regional store with over 1,230 locations in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, is another option for obtaining a money order. Keep in mind, however, that their fees are slightly higher than those of some of the other sellers, and each money order will cost you 85 cents.

There is a $500 limit on Western Union money orders. Also, if you want to cash money orders, Publix does not provide this service.

Fee: $0.99

Limit: not listed

Provider: Western Union

Money orders are not accepted at Publix. Furthermore, GreenWise locations, a Publix subsidiary, do not sell or cash money orders.

5. Meijer

Meijer is one of the most famous grocery stores that accept money orders. The company operates over 240 stores, the majority of which are located in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

They accept Western Union money orders and charge 65 cents per money order. Like many other issuing stores, their maximum amount for a money order is $500.

Meijer, unlike Walmart, will not accept money orders at any of its locations.

Fee: $0.65

Limit: $500 max per money order

Provider: Western Union

Meijer does not accept money orders at any of its stores.

6. Kroger

Kroger operates over 2,700 stores in the United States under various brand names (such as King Soopers, Smith’s, Cala Foods, Fred Meyer, Dillon’s, and others).

Western Union money orders, which cost about 70 cents per order, are available at Kroger’s. However, fees vary by location and subsidiary, as well as whether or not they sell money orders at all.

Depending on where you live, the maximum money order amount is either $500 or $1,000.

Fee: $0.69, fees vary by subsidiary and location

Limit: $1,000 or $500 depending on location

Provider: Western Union

7. Kmart

Kmart still has 70 locations in the United States, and those locations do accept money orders.

Fee: $1.25

Limit: $500

Provider: Western Union

8. United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) also sells money orders, and with over 30,800 post office locations across the country, it’s probably one of the most efficient ways to purchase.

Unlike other money order providers, USPS does not use Western Union or MoneyGram – instead, they sell their own brand of money orders.

Each money order up to $500 costs $1.20, and orders over $500 cost $1.65. This is more expensive than some of the other money order services. There is also a $1,000 maximum per money order.

You can also cash money orders at USPS, but the regulations and rules, as well as the fees, vary by location – so check with your local post office to see what they are.

Fee: $1.30 per money order up to $500, $1.75 for money orders over $500

Limit: $1,000

Provider: USPS uses its own money order brand

You can cash a money order at the post office as well.

9. Your Local Bank

If you have a local bank account, you may be able to purchase or cash a money order there. Some banks will even sell or cash money orders for non-customers for a higher fee.

Each bank has its own set of rules for buying and selling money orders, as well as the associated fees.

10. Your Local Check Cashing Company

Hundreds of autonomous check-cashing businesses can be found across the United States. Many of these small businesses sell money orders.

Simply search “buy money orders near me” to search these independent stores. It should be noted that these types of businesses frequently charge higher fees for selling money orders. You may find that purchasing a money order at one of the retail locations will result in a lower fee.

11. Your Local Credit Union

A money order can also be obtained from your local credit union.

Check to see if the services are free, as some credit unions may charge you for money orders.

One advantage of purchasing money orders from a bank or credit union is that you will most likely be able to track them more easily than if you purchased them from a grocery store.

12. Amscot

Amscot is known as the “Money Superstore” for good reason.

You can get a Western Union money order for free at Amscot. There is also no limit to the number of money orders you can obtain. The only stipulation is that you must pay in cash — no debit or credit cards accepted. All you’ll need is proper identification to get started. Money orders can be cashed here as well. Amscot is open 365 days a year, making it one of the more comfortable money order locations.

If you live in Florida, you should look for an Amscot near you to place money orders. It’s hard to beat free money orders, especially when they can be so expensive elsewhere.

13. Family Fare

SpartanNash’s Family Fare division operates supermarkets in Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. It has over 85 locations in the Midwest. Most locations have extended hours that can last up to 24 hours.

Cost: 70 cents fee per money order

Type: Western Union services

Limit: $500 per money order at Family Fare

Payment Methods: PIN-based debit card, cash, credit card

14. Albertson’s

Albertson’s operates over 2,250 stores across the United States. Acme Markets, Albertson’s, Carrs, Jewel Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaws, Star Market, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, and Vons are among the store brands that operate in 34 states. For your comfort, you can also cash a check and pay your bills at their money services desk.

The majority of Albertson’s locations sell money orders but do not buy or cash them.

Cost: 89 cents per money order fee

Type: Western Union services

Limit: $500 limit per money order at Albertson’s

Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, debit card

15. Hy-Vee

In the Midwest, including Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois, Hy-Vee has over 240 supermarkets and gas stations that approve EBT food stamps. Postage stamps, lottery tickets, photocopy, and fax services, check to cash, phone cards, hunting and fishing licenses, Coinstar, and Rug Doctor rental services are also available at their customer service desk.

Cost: 99 cents per money order fee

Type: Western Union services

Payment Methods: Cash or debit card