A money order is a prepaid check-like instrument that you can use to pay bills or cover expenses. You may need one if the company or person you want to pay doesn’t accept credit cards or personal checks. You may also want to use one if you want to keep your checking account information private.
Fortunately, purchasing a money order is a simple process. We’ll show you where to get a money order, so you don’t have to search for it.
Where to get a money order: 7 places to Grab one
Believe it or not, a simple web search for “money orders near me” will likely reveal many money order sellers within a short distance of home. From there, all you have to do is decide where to get a money order that fits your needs and compare the costs.
1. Post office
If you want to mail your money order, getting one from the post office is very convenient. Plus, with over 30,000 locations nationwide, there are likely to be Branch near you.
You can purchase money orders from the post office for up to $1,000 each. You will pay a processing fee of $2 for orders up to $500. The fee increases to $2.90 for orders over $500.
2. Small stores
You may be surprised to learn that you can buy a money order at the same place you fill up your gas tank and grab a quick snack. The popular convenience store chain 7-Eleven offers many financial services, including money orders, throughout the world 13,000 sites.
However, you can only purchase money orders for up to $500 each. In addition, the price varies by store. We contacted multiple sites and were quoted fees ranging from $1.39 to $2.99.
3. Check cashing stores
Check cashing stores often offer more services than exchanging checks for dollars. They may also be able to help you pay a bill, get a loan or purchase a money order.
For example, ACE Cash Express sells money orders and is gone 850 sites Across 23 states. However, the company does not publish its fees online, and representatives will not provide this information over the phone, citing company policy.
If you live in Florida, consider visiting Amscot, a check-cashing store that issues money orders for free.
4. Western Union
Western Union has approximately 45,000 agents in the United States and Canada that offer money orders. You can Find Western Union agents In supermarkets, pharmacies and check cashing stores, including Walmart, Kroger and Safeway.
You can purchase Western Union money orders for up to $1,000. Fees can vary depending on where you buy them.
If you’re having any trouble completing your money order, “Our agents are trained. They’re always ready to help you fill out your money order,” says Cami Cavalieri, head of product management at Western Union.
5. MoneyGram sites
You can buy a MoneyGram money order at 26,000 sites. “We’ve found that the best places to buy a MoneyGram money order are either at a convenience store or a grocery store,” says Lisa White, head of go-to-market (GTM) strategy at MoneyGram.
Processing fees and face value limits can vary by location. It is wise to contact the store you plan to visit to obtain this information.
MoneyGram offers online support for its financial applications. For example, you can request a copy of your money order if you need proof of payment. You can also request an exchange or refund if it is not cashed out.
6. Your bank or credit union
Your bank or credit union may sell money orders. However, you can generally expect to pay more at one of these establishments than at other locations. For example, Wells Fargo and Chase charge $5 per money order.
Denise Toussaint, senior vice president and regional banking relationship manager at Sunrise Banks, believes the benefit of purchasing a money order at a bank is an opportunity for financial education. “You’ll have the opportunity to talk to someone, build a relationship, and learn about other avenues (besides remittances) that can be of value,” she says.
7. Walmart
Every Walmart Supercenter or Neighborhood Market sells money orders, meaning you can buy one at the same time you get milk, toilet paper, dog food, or a new jacket. Simply visit the Customer Service Desk or Financial Services Center to make your purchase while inside or outside the store.
Walmart Money order fees vary by location. However, you will never pay more than $1 in processing fees.
Alternatives to money orders
A money order can help you send money to another person or company. However, it may not always be your best option. Some alternatives to money orders to consider include:
- Personal examination. Writing a check is quick and easy if you have a checking account.
- Cashier’s check or certified check. If the beneficiary (recipient of funds) needs a secured payment method, you can get a cashier’s or certified check. With a cashier’s check, you pay the bank, and the bank issues the check from the institution’s account. The funds come from your account with a certified check, but the bank certifies that the check will clear when the recipient goes to cash it.
- Electronic transfer. Our society is steadily moving from paper to digital. You can move money from one bank to another electronically in several ways, including mobile apps or bank transfers.
Ready meals
The next (or first) time you need a money order, you have several options. Deciding where to get a money order ultimately comes down to convenience and price. Going to the nearest vendor might make sense if you’re on a time crunch.
However, you may want to shop around for the best deal if your budget is limited. White says money order pricing “is probably lowest in areas where there’s a lot of competition.”