money orders

Are you looking for a money order near me? Well please look no further! We are going to take the guesswork out of finding money order locations and stores so you will know, “where can I find a money order near me?” while you also save money.

While money orders are not always necessary, especially if you have checks or you can use bank ACH, transfers or other electronic cash payments, money orders still have a lot of uses today. According to the FDIC, 25% of households either don’t have a bank account or still choose alternative methods for their banking needs. Additionally, you may need a money order in order to pay for something, like a deposit on a rental property, buying a car, etc., where it is not practical to get cash and personal checks are not an acceptable option.

After reading this post, you should be able to find some great options for getting a money order today. And you will be able to answer, “Where can I get a money order near me?”

What exactly is a Money Order?

Technically speaking, a money order is a printed order of payment for a specific sum, issued by a financial institution or the post office. A money order looks very much like a check and can be used just like a check; it’s practically the same thing. That being said, there are some big differences!

A money order is similar to a check in that it’s essentially a document used for making payments (although there are some key differences).

• Prepaid. Money orders are prepaid, meaning the funds have already been allocated and are available for immediate use.
• Designated Payee. The person who purchases the money order has not only already paid the funds and the fee to the money order issuer to print the money order, but has also designated a payee.
• Multiple payment options. Money orders are paid for in cash, debit, or prepaid card unlike a personal check which uses only money in a checking account.

Why do you need a Money Order?

There are many great reasons to get a money order. Money orders can have benefits for the purchaser, as well as the recipient (also known as the payee). Here are some reasons that you’ll want to consider when looking for a money order near me.

• Security. Money orders are labeled with the name of the payee/recipient. Money orders are a safe way of making payments. Even if your money order was stolen, it would be very difficult if not impossible for someone to access the funds associated with the money order.
• Funds Guaranteed. When you purchase a money order, the recipient doesn’t have to worry if the payment will bounce due to insufficient funds. Money orders give the recipient a sense of security when taking payment, especially with strangers and people they haven’t done business with before.
• Privacy. When you pay by check, your name, bank account information and other personal information are printed right there on the check. While this is usually fine, there many occasions where you’ll want or need to make payment while preserving some level of privacy. Paying with a money order affords you that privacy while still giving assurances to the recipient that funds are secure.

Where to get a Money Order Near Me?

Besides banks and credit unions, only a handful of companies actually issue money orders. The two primary companies are Money Gram and Western Union. The United States Postal Service (USPS) also issues money orders.

MoneyGram and Western Union money orders are available for sale at a number of locations. USPS money orders can only be purchased from your local post office. The money order cost is different depending on the money order type (MoneyGram, Western Union money order or USPS) and the issuing location. Money order costs can add up, so you should be aware of the best places near you to get a money order.

Some of the locations we will discuss for buying money orders are drugstores, convenience stores, grocery stores, check cashing stores, banks and credit unions.

Best Places to Get a Money Order Near Me

Here are some of the 10 best places to get a money order near me:

1. Walmart

Walmart has over 4,756 locations in the United States! With low fees and a trusted brand name, getting a Walmart money order is a great option. You may use cash or a debit card for your purchase.

• Low Fee. On average, only 88 cents per money order (this may vary depending on your location).
• Money Order Limit. Up to $1000 per money order.
• Money Order Issuer. Walmart’s money orders are issued by MoneyGram.
• Walmart Money Order Cashing Policy. Walmart will cash a MoneyGram money order. Walmart charges between $3 and $6 per money order, depending on the location and the amount of the money order.

You can find a Walmart location here.

2. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven has over 9,000 locations in the US alone! Getting a money order at 7-Eleven will run you 1 to 3 percent of the total amount of the money order. Fees can vary based on location, so it’s best to ask before you buy a money order. There is a minimum fee of 65 cents per money order. 7-Eleven use both MoneyGram and Western Union, so the actual money order type will vary based on location. You must use cash to purchase a money order at 7-Eleven.

• Relatively Low Fee. Depending on location and amount, you may end up only paying 65 cents for a money order.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $500 limit per money order.
• Money Order Issuer. Money Gram or Western Union based on location.
• 7-Eleven Money Order Cashing Policy. 7-Eleven will not cash any money orders, even if purchased at a 7-Eleven. If you purchased a money order and didn’t use it, you will have to endorse it and bring it to a bank or another money order cashing location.

Find a 7-Eleven location near you here.

3. CVS

Besides a convenience store, there is nothing more convenient than a drug store. CVS is one of the largest chains in the country with more than 9,800 across the United States. Cash or debit cards may be used to buy a money order at CVS.

• Relatively Low Fee. A CVS money order costs just $0.99.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $500 limit per money order.
• Money Order Issuer. CVS issues MoneyGram money orders.
• CVS Money Order Cashing Policy. CVS will not cash any money orders, even if purchased at CVS. If you purchased a money order and didn’t use it, you will have to endorse it and bring it to a bank or another money order cashing location.

Find a CVS location near you here.

4. Rite Aid

Rite Aid is a top drugstore chain in the country. While not in every state, there are more than 2,500 locations that stretch to both coasts. Money orders must be purchased in cash.

• Relatively Low Fee. A Rite Aid money order costs just $0.99.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $500 limit per money order and a max of $2,999 total per day.
• Money Order Issuer. Rite Aid issues Western Union money orders.
• Rite Aid Money Order Cashing Policy. Rite Aid will not cash any money orders, even if purchased at Rite Aid. If you purchased a money order and didn’t use it, you will have to endorse it and bring it to a bank or another money order cashing location.

Find a Rite Aid location here.

5. Kroger

Kroger is one of the largest grocery stores behind Walmart. They operate more than 2,700 stores in the U.S. and have such brands as Ralph’s, Fry’s Foods, Fred Meyer and many more. Cash or a debit card may be used to buy a Kroger money order.

• Relatively Low Fee. The cost of a money order at a Kroger family store varies according to state but will average between $0.70 to $0.88 per money order.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $1,000 limit per money order.
• Money Order Issuer. Kroger issues Western Union money orders.
• Kroger Money Order Cashing Policy. Most Kroger Money Services locations will cash money orders for a fee (usually $3 per money order). There is a limit to the number of money orders that can be cashed (varies by location), and Kroger locations will not cash USPS money orders.

Find a Kroger Money Services location here.

6. Publix

Publix is a supermarket chain popular in the southeast. With 1,200 locations, it is another convenient to purchase a money order. You can use cash or a debit or prepaid card to purchase a Publix money order.

• Relatively Low Fee. Publix charges less than $1 per money order.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $500 limit per money order.
• Money Order Issuer. Publix issues Western Union money orders.
• Publix Money Order Cashing Policy. Publix will not cash any money orders, even if purchased at Publix. If you purchased a money order and didn’t use it, you will have to endorse it and bring it to a bank or another money order cashing location.

Find a Publix Super Market location here.

7. Post Office

The United States Postal Service sells money orders at any of the post office locations. With over 30,000 USPS locations, you won’t have any trouble finding a money order near me. USPS money orders must be purchased with cash, a debit card or traveler’s checks.

• Relatively Low Fee. The fee for a USPS money order depends on the amount of the money order – $1.25 per money order up to $500 and $1.75 per money order $500.01 to $1,000.
• Money Order Limit. There is a $1,000 limit per money order. Multiple money orders may be purchased at one time and there are no limits per day.
• Money Order Issuer. The postal service issues its own money orders.
• USPS Money Order Cashing Policy. Any post office branch will cash only a USPS issued money order.

8. Local Check Cashing Stores

Check cashing stores are local businesses that provide money services without a customer needing a traditional bank account. While check cashing stores are regulated, the fees they each charge can vary greatly so it is best to double check the fees ahead of time.

Most check cashing chains are regional and offer services to both purchase and cash money orders. Additionally, many check cashing stores are open 24 hours so there is probably a location to buy a money order near me open now!

9. Local Banks

Many banks sell money orders. If not, then they sell something similar like a cashier’s check (a bank check that a customer prepays for, like a money order, and is guaranteed by the bank not the purchaser).

The bank may charge a much higher fee than a drugstore, convenience store or supermarket, but because there are often so many different bank branches around, they may be a good option if you need a quick money order near me. Additionally, banks have rules about buying and/or cashing money orders, for example money order limits or that you must be a bank customer.

10. Local Credit Unions

Credit-unions are similar to banks, but they are private. They are member-owned cooperatives and offer financial services only for their members. Members may buy and/or cash money orders. Fees and money order limits will vary per credit union.

Final Thoughts About Buying a Money Order

Hopefully now you can answer the question, “Where can I get a money order near me?” Besides knowing where to get a money order near me, there are some additional facts you should know:

Can you buy a money order online? No, you cannot purchase a money order online. Instead, there are other online money transfer options.

Can I get a Walgreens money order? No, Walgreens does not sell money orders but you can send/receive money with the Western Union Money Transfer service.

Are there gas stations that do money orders? Yes, there are gas stations that do money orders, like Circle K, Kwik Trip and Sunoco A Plus Mini Mart. Most are regional so it is best to check with your local gas station to see if there are options to buy a money order near me.

Are there any free money orders near me? Unfortunately, there are no options for free money orders.

How do I track money order by serial number? You should always keep the receipt for the money order. The receipt is not only your proof of purchase but it is also your copy of the money order serial number should the money order get lost or stolen. For MoneyGram, call 1-800-Moneygram and follow the prompts. For Western Union, call 800-999-9660, select the menu option to “Check the Status of a Money Order” and then enter the 11-digit money order serial number when prompted. For USPS money orders, use their Money Order Inquiry System.

What do I do if I lost the money order? Hopefully, you saved the receipt which is not only your proof of purchase but it is also your copy of the money order serial number. Bring your receipt back to the place where you purchased the money order, and the store will either reissue the money order or give you a refund. There is always a fee for this service, and the fee varies based on the store.