17 Best Places To Get Money Orders

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES. FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Money orders are a popular payment option for people who don’t have a checking account.

One of the most popular places to get a money order is at a post office.

But it can be a major hassle to get to a post office and then run the risk of there being long lines.

The good news is there are many other places that offer money orders.

The problem however is not all of these places offer the best rates on money orders.

In this post, I list 17 best places to get a money order so you know where to go when you need one!

17 Best Places To Get Money Orders

#1. United States Postal Service

best places to get money orders

The U.S. Post Office is the best place to get a money order in terms of convenience.

They are located almost everywhere and they have thousands of locations all over the country with many open Saturdays for your benefit.

The fee for a postal money order varies bases on the amount of the money order and they only sell money orders up to $1,000.

It is also important to know that the postal service uses its own brand for money orders, and not MoneyGram or WesternUnion.

To pay for a USPS money order, you can use cash, debit cards, or traveler’s checks.

If you have a money order to cash, you can do so at the post office, but you need to have proper ID.

#2. Your Local Bank

Another convenient place to get a money order is your local bank.

Almost all banks offer money orders but they typically have the highest fees of all the places listed.

However, your bank may offer very low fees depending on the type of relationship you have with them.

For example, if you have a high tier checking account along with loan accounts with them like a mortgage, you might qualify for a lower fee.

In some cases, you might get free money orders as well.

Also, many banks limit the amount of money orders to a maximum of $500.

Again though, depending on your relationship, you might be able to get a larger value money order.

To pay for your money order, most banks will accept cash or a debit card.

However, each bank differs, so be sure to ask before you go so you know what form of payment to bring.

#3. Your Local Credit Union

If you have a credit union in your area, you can reach out to them.

Credit unions not only allow you to buy a money order, but cash them as well.

However, you might need to be a banking customer to get the lowest fees and get a money order for the amount you need.

#4. Walmart

Walmart is one of the best places to get a money order.

Not only are there plenty of Walmart stores nationwide, but they only charge up to $1.00, depending on the amount.

Another benefit is you can get a money order for more than $1,000.

If you need one for more than this amount, you need government-issued ID.

To pay for the money order, you can use cash or a debit card.

If you have a money order to cash, you can do so at Walmart.

However, the fees here are much steeper, being anywhere from $4 to $8.

#5. 7-Eleven

7-11 is a popular place to get a money order since they too are nationwide with roughly 8,500 stores.

The fees for a money order vary by location, and they are different depending on the amount.

The minimum fee is $0.65, otherwise it is between 1% and 3%.

For example, if you get a money order for $50, the fee is $0.65.

If you get a money order for $200 and the fee is 3%, the fee is $6.

The maximum amount you can get a money order is for $500.

To pay for the money order, 7-11 only accepts cash.

If you are looking to cash a money order, you need to pick another option on the list as 7-11 doesn’t offer this service.

#6. Kroger

grocery-store

Kroger is a grocery store that operates 2,700 locations in 35 states.

Depending on where you are, they may operate under different names like Fry’s, Dillon’s, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Pick ‘N Save, and more.

The fee for money orders varies by location, but are generally between $0.84 and $0.88.

The maximum amount for a money order is $1,000 but Kroger states there may be exceptions.

You can pay for a money order with cash or debit card.

Also, Kroger does allow you to cash a money order.

Regardless if you are sending or receiving a money order, Kroger requires valid government ID.

#7. Meijer

Meijer is another supermarket chain and it operates in the Midwest, specifically Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.

The maximum amount for a money order is $500 and they limit a daily amount of $3,000.

The fee is a flat $0.65 regardless of the amount, making this a great deal.

To pay for your money order, Meijer accepts cash or debit card as payment.

Meijer does not cash money orders, so you will have to find another option in this case.

#8. Publix

If you live in the Southeast, Publix is a grocery store that sells money orders.

The fee for a money order is $0.99 and you can purchase them for up to $1,000.

However in some cases, you can purchase in greater amounts if you have a valid ID card.

To pay for the money order, Publix accepts cash or debit card.

They do not cash money orders.

#9. CVS

CVS is a nationwide drugstore chain with over 10,000 locations.

You can buy money orders up to $500 in value with a daily limit of $2,500 per day.

The fee is $1.25 regardless of the money order amount.

CVS only accepts cash as a form of payment and they do not cash money orders.

#10. Rite Aid

If you don’t have a CVS local to you but you have a Rite Aid, you can buy a money here.

The maximum amount is $500 and the fee is a flat $0.99.

You can pay for the money order with cash or debit card.

And like CVS, Rite Aid does not cash money orders.

#11. Walgreen’s

walgreens

Walgreen’s doesn’t offer traditional money orders like the other places on this list.

They used to, but now they offer Western Union money transfers.

These are a faster and arguably safer way to send money to others and pay bills.

You can set up the transfer using the Western Union app and then go to a local Walgreen’s location to pay for the transfer.

You can pay for the money transfer with cash, debit card or credit card.

The fees vary based on the amount you are sending and where you are sending it, domestically or internationally.

#12. Online Companies

Speaking of international money orders, what do you do if you want to send money overseas?

Most money orders you purchase are domestic money orders, meaning they are only valid in the United States.

If you want to send money internationally, your best option is to look into online companies.

There are websites that allow you to transfer money online for a small fee.

The fee will vary if you pay with a bank account or credit card.

There also could be exchange rate fees if you are sending another currency.

#13. Check Cashing Company

check cashing company

Another option is to use a local check cashing store.

These vary depending on where you live, so to find one near you, you should do an online search for ‘buy money orders near me’.

The results will show most, if not all, the places to buy a money order in your area.

Before you pick one however, make sure you do some research.

These places tend to charge the highest fees, so if you are near one of the other options listed, they probably are a cheaper option.

Also inquire about forms of payment.

While all will accept cash, some might take debit cards or other forms of payment as well.

#14. MoneyGram

Money Gram not only offers money orders at many of the places listed in this post, but they also have retail locations throughout the U.S. as well.

If you have one near you, you might want to go directly to them to buy your money order.

The maximum amount of Moneygram money orders varies by location and the fees charges are based on money order amount and the type of payment used.

With MoneyGram, you can pay with cash, online bank account, debit card or credit card.

If you pay with a debit or credit card, the fees are significantly higher.

#15. WesternUnion

As with Money Gram, Western Union also has locations throughout the United States, allowing you to go direct here as well.

The amount of Western Union money orders you can buy varies by location as do the fees.

You can pay for a money order with cash, debit card or credit card in some locations.

If you are looking to cash a money order, it is best to call ahead as not all locations offer this service.

#16. Your Local Grocery Store

If you live in an area that doesn’t have a larger grocery store chain like the ones mentioned above, you can try your local grocery store.

There is a small chance they offer money orders.

Simply go up to the customer service desk and ask about money order purchases.

Just be sure to ask about the fees, value limits, and if they partner with Money Gram or Western Union.

In the event they do not sell money orders, one of the other options listed in this post will be able to help you.

#17. Local Convenience Store

Most convenience stores allow you to buy money orders.

Again, you need to understand the fees, payment methods, and limits before you go so you can have everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

frequently asked questions

Here are the most common questions I get asked about money orders.

Final Thoughts

There are 17 of the best places to get a money order.

The most important thing is to shop around so you know what stores you have in your area and what fees they charge.

The lower the fee you pay, the better.

And you should strongly consider opening a bank account as you can more easily make payments and send money with a check as opposed to a money order.

Scroll to Top