Where Can You Buy a Money Order? Learn About the Ways and Costs of Purchasing a Money Order

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You can easily purchase money orders at multiple locations, including:

• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• Walmart
• Banks and credit unions
• Retailers such as 7-Eleven

A money order is a safe and reliable payment tool. When you do not want to use a personal check or do not have a bank account, it is an ideal choice. In fact, according to statistics, approximately 8.0% of households choose to use money orders issued by non-bank institutions for payments. Understanding the different options and fees for purchasing money orders can help you make the best choice.

Key Points

• You can purchase money orders at the United States Postal Service, Walmart, banks, and convenience stores.
• When buying a money order, you need to consider the fees, the maximum amount per money order, and the convenience of purchase.
• Walmart has the lowest money order fees, banks have the highest money order limits, and convenience stores are very convenient.
• When purchasing a money order, you can usually only pay with cash or a debit card, not a credit card.
• Be sure to keep the money order receipt safe, as it can help you handle issues with lost money orders or refunds.

Detailed Explanation of Money Order Purchasing Channels

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Understanding different money order purchasing channels can help you make informed choices based on fees, limits, and convenience. Below, we will detail several of the most common purchase locations.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a very reliable place to purchase money orders. You can find this service at almost any post office.

• Fees: Fees vary depending on the money order amount, usually between $2.10 and $3.00, offering high cost-effectiveness.
• Limit: The maximum amount for any single money order sold by USPS is $1,000. If you need to pay an amount exceeding this, you can purchase multiple money orders.
• Payment Methods: You can pay with cash, debit cards issued in the U.S., or traveler’s checks. Please note that USPS does not accept credit cards.

Pros and Cons Pros: Nationwide availability, extremely high credibility, relatively low fees. Cons: Single money order limit of $1,000, and you must visit during post office business hours.

Banks and Credit Unions

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, purchasing a money order directly from there is very convenient.

• Fees: Fees vary by bank and your account type. For example, for Chase Bank customers, fees may range from $0 to $5, while Wells Fargo typically charges $5. Customers with premium accounts can often get this service for free.
• Limit: Banks usually offer higher money order limits than other channels, sometimes up to $3,000 or more, depending on bank policy.
• Payment Methods: The bank deducts the amount directly from your checking or savings account.

Pros and Cons Pros: Very convenient for existing customers, higher limits, strong security. Cons: Fees are usually higher than at the post office or retailers, and service is typically only for their own customers.

Walmart

Walmart is one of the most cost-effective places to purchase money orders, with its MoneyCenter or customer service desk providing service around the clock.

• Fees: Fees are very low, usually no more than $1 per money order.
• Limit: The maximum limit per money order is $1,000.
• Payment Methods: You can pay using the following methods:
  • Cash
  • Debit card
• Pros and Cons
  • Pros: Extremely low fees, numerous stores, long business hours.
  • Cons: Limit of $1,000, and credit card payments are not accepted.

Western Union

As a professional remittance service company, Western Union has numerous agent locations across the U.S., where you can purchase money orders.

• Fees: Purchasing a money order at a Western Union agent location will incur certain fees, with the specific amount varying by location.
• Limit: Western Union sets a $1,000 limit per money order.
• Payment Methods: Usually accepts cash and debit cards.

Tip: Many supermarkets and convenience stores offer money order services provided by Western Union. Comparing different locations for purchasing money orders can help you save money.

Convenience Stores and Supermarkets (7-Eleven, CVS)

If you need to purchase a money order quickly, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CVS are excellent choices because they are usually open 24 hours. These stores’ money order services are typically provided by MoneyGram or Western Union. For example, CVS partners with MoneyGram, while 7-Eleven partners with one of the two depending on the store.

• Pros and Cons
  • Pros: Extremely convenient, long business hours, locations everywhere.
  • Cons: Lower single money order limit (usually $500), and 7-Eleven’s percentage-based fee model may make costs higher.

Other Retailers (Kroger, Publix)

Many large chain supermarkets also offer money order services, allowing you to handle it while shopping. Understanding these purchasing options and fees can make your payment process more efficient.

• Kroger: Kroger provides services through partnership with Western Union. Fees are usually around $1, with a single money order limit of $1,000.
• Publix: Publix also provides services through Western Union. Fees are very competitive, around $0.85 to $0.99 per money order, but the limit is usually lower, generally around $500.
• Pros and Cons
  • Pros: Can be handled while shopping, low fees.
  • Cons: Not all stores offer this service, and limits may be lower than at the post office or banks.

Comparison of Money Order Purchasing Options and Fees

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Choosing where to buy a money order largely depends on your trade-off between fees, limits, and convenience. To help you make the most informed decision, we have detailed the different purchasing options and fees for you to see at a glance.

Fee Comparison

Fees are a primary consideration for many when choosing a money order service. Fees can vary significantly across channels.

• Low-Cost Options: If you are seeking cost-effectiveness, Walmart and supermarkets (such as Kroger) are the best choices. Walmart’s fees usually do not exceed ＄1, while Kroger’s fees are also around $1.
• Medium-Cost Options: The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses tiered pricing. For example, money orders under $500 cost about $2.35, while those from $500.01 to $1,000 cost about ＄3.40.
• High-Cost Options: Banks and credit unions usually have the highest fees. For non-premium account customers, most banks (such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) charge $5 per money order, and some banks charge even more.

The chart below visually shows the approximate fees required to purchase a money order of no more than $500 at different institutions.

Money-Saving Tip If the amount you need to pay is small, Walmart or Publix (around $0.99) is almost always the cheapest choice. If the amount exceeds $500, Walmart and Kroger still have a price advantage over the post office.

Limit Comparison

In addition to fees, the maximum amount limit per money order is also an important consideration.

• $1,000 Limit: This is the most common single money order limit. You can find this limit at USPS, Walmart, and Western Union. If you need to pay more than $1,000, you can purchase multiple money orders to meet the need.
• $500 Limit: Many convenience stores and some supermarkets have lower limits. For example, CVS and 7-Eleven typically have a single money order limit of $500.
• Higher Limits: Banks and credit unions usually offer higher limits, sometimes up to $3,000 or more per money order, depending on bank policy.

Important Note: Daily Purchase Limits Please note that some institutions have daily total purchase limits. For example, if you purchase money orders totaling more than $3,000 in one day at USPS, you need to present a government-issued ID and fill out a transaction report form.

Convenience Comparison

How valuable is your time? Convenience varies greatly across channels.

• Ultimate Convenience: Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CVS are usually open 24 hours, providing great flexibility, especially when you need to purchase a money order urgently outside working hours.
• Widespread Availability: Walmart and USPS have locations across the U.S. You can handle it at Walmart while doing daily shopping, and USPS locations reach many rural areas where bank services are not common, providing important financial service channels for local residents.
• Standard Business Hours: Banks, credit unions, and USPS service hours are usually limited to weekdays during the day, with limited weekend hours. If you can only handle it outside working hours, these may not be the best choices.

Considering different purchasing options and fees along with convenience can help you find the solution that best fits your lifestyle.

Payment Method Comparison

Knowing acceptable payment methods can prevent you from making a wasted trip.

The vast majority of money order issuers accept the following two payment methods:

1. Cash
2. Debit Card

A general rule is that you almost cannot use a credit card to directly purchase a money order. This is because money orders are considered cash equivalents, and purchasing with a credit card would be treated as a “cash advance,” which usually triggers high fees and interest, so merchants generally do not accept this payment method.

Before heading out, it is best to confirm again which payment methods the location you plan to visit accepts to ensure a smooth transaction.

Money Order Usage and Safety Guide

Purchasing a money order is just the first step; using and storing it correctly is equally important. Following the guidelines below can ensure your funds reach the destination safely and without issues.

How to Correctly Fill Out a Money Order

Accuracy is crucial when filling out a money order. A small error can lead to failure to cash it. Please follow these steps:

1. Fill in Payee Information: In the “Pay to the Order Of” field, clearly write the full name of the payee individual or company.
2. Fill in Your Information: In the purchaser (From/Purchaser) area, fill in your name and address.
3. Note the Payment Purpose: In the memo area, you can write the purpose of the payment, such as a bill account number or “Payment for July rent.”
4. Sign: Sign your name in the purchaser signature area. Without your signature, the money order is invalid.
5. Keep the Receipt: Be sure to detach and safely store your money order receipt. This is your only proof for tracking the money order or handling issues.

Important Tip: Please carefully check the spelling when filling in the payee name. If this field is left blank, anyone holding the money order may cash it.

How to Cash a Money Order

If you receive a money order, the cashing process is very simple.

• Sign (endorse) in the designated area on the back of the money order.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Go to a bank, credit union, or the retailer that issued the money order to cash it.

Cashing at your own bank is usually free. At check-cashing stores and other places, you may need to pay a fee.

Handling Lost or Stolen Money Orders

If you unfortunately lose a money order, your receipt is the lifesaver. Immediately contact the money order issuer (such as USPS, Western Union). You need to provide information such as the serial number on the receipt and fill out an application form. Please note that applying for a replacement or refund usually requires paying a non-refundable processing fee (for example, USPS inquiry fee is about $5.40, Western Union fee may be $15), and the process may take some time.

How to Verify Money Order Authenticity

To avoid receiving a fake money order, you can check several key security features:

• Watermark: Hold the money order up to the light; you should see a watermark (for example, USPS money orders have Benjamin Franklin’s portrait).
• Security Thread: Genuine money orders have a security thread inside; when held to the light, the thread will show microtext such as “USPS”.
• Amount: Check the amount section for signs of alteration or discoloration.

Additionally, you can visit the issuer’s (such as Western Union) official website and use the money order’s tracking number to verify its status online.

Money Order Expiration

The good news is that money orders themselves never expire. However, this does not mean you can hold them indefinitely.

Note: Inactivity Fees Commercial institutions like Western Union and MoneyGram may start charging inactivity fees 1 to 3 years after the money order is issued. These fees are deducted directly from the money order’s principal, potentially reducing its value to zero over time. In contrast, USPS-issued money orders do not have this issue, and their value never decreases. Therefore, please cash any money orders you receive or purchase as soon as possible.

Now you understand the various options for purchasing money orders. In summary, Walmart offers the most affordable prices, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has reliable credibility, and banks provide convenience for existing customers.

Make Your Best Choice When deciding where to purchase, please comprehensively consider fees, limits, convenience, and payment methods. A money order is a safe payment tool, but be sure to keep your purchase receipt safe, as it is your only proof for handling any issues.

FAQ

Can money orders be used for international payments?

Yes, but you need to purchase an international money order. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers this service to securely send funds to specific countries. When purchasing, be sure to confirm that the recipient country is within the service range and understand the related fees.

If your use case expands from a local money order to cross-border payments, consider keeping FX check → conversion → remittance on one rail to cut back-and-forth costs. Start with the Exchange Rate Converter on the BiyaPay website, then complete the payout via Remittance once funds are properly booked and documented.

BiyaPay is a multi-asset trading wallet covering cross-border payments, investing, and treasury-like tasks, operating under multi-jurisdiction registration (e.g., US MSB, New Zealand FSP). For readers who may mix “money order + cross-border” occasionally, you can Register to pre-create beneficiary templates and a document checklist for reuse.

These do not change when to pick a money order versus a cross-border transfer; they simply offer a smoother execution path.

Do I need ID to purchase a money order?

Usually, purchasing a small-amount money order does not require presenting ID. However, if you purchase money orders totaling more than $3,000 in one day, according to regulations, you need to present a valid government-issued ID.

Can the amount on a money order be written incorrectly?

Once the amount on a money order is printed, it cannot be changed. If you make a mistake when filling in the payee or other information, you can draw a line through the error, write the correct information next to it, and initial it. But the best practice is to keep it neat and avoid any alterations.

Can I cancel a purchased money order?

Yes, you can apply to cancel an uncashed money order and get a refund. You need to contact the money order issuer (such as USPS or Western Union) and provide your purchase receipt. Please note that this process usually requires paying a fee, and processing takes some time.