Many businesses don’t accept personal checks, so in some cases you may need to make payments, pay bills, or send money via money order. But where is the best place to get a money order? It’s best to know your options before choosing a provider.
Where to get a money order: 10 best places
A money order can be purchased at many places, including post offices, grocery stores, banking institutions, credit unions, and retail establishments like Walmart. Keep in mind that each provider has its own costs, limits, and fees for money orders. Here is a list of the 10 best places to get a money order, taking into account the maximum limits and fees:
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Banks and credit unions
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Western Union
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US Postal Service
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7-11
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CVS Pharmacy
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Safeway
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Kroger
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Meijer
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Publix
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Walmart
1. Banks and credit unions
One of the best places to get a money order is your local bank or credit union – as long as your bank offers competitive fees. For example, Wells Fargo charges $5 per money order, which is significantly higher than the average fee of about $2. On the other hand, Regions Bank offers money orders for $2.
Don’t worry if your bank or credit union charges higher than average fees for money orders. There are plenty of other options. If you have a savings or checking account with the bank, you may be able to waive the money order fees.
2. Western Union
Western Union is a popular option for money orders. The maximum amount for a WU money order is $999.99.
As for fees, some locations may charge as little as $1 while others may charge much more, so be sure to check with your Western Union agent about the fees before placing the order.
3. US Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is a cost-effective option for purchasing money orders, especially if you need one for under $500. Here’s how the fees work:
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If your money order is $500.00 or less, the fee is $2.35.
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If your money order is between $500.01 and $1,000, the fee is $3.40.
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There is a $0.79 fee for military money orders of any value.
As with all providers, restrictions apply. The United States Postal Service limits domestic payments to $1,000 and international payments to $700.
4. 7-Eleven
Most 7-Eleven locations offer money orders, but like Western Union, the fee depends on the location you visit. Additionally, the amount for money orders at 7-Eleven is capped at $500.
5. CVS Pharmacy
Some CVS locations offer money orders through MoneyGram. Fees vary by location and are not publicly listed.
6. Safeway
Some Safeway locations offer money orders through Western Union.
7. Kroeger
Kroger is an inexpensive way to get money orders. Check with your local Kroger store to find out the maximum amount you can spend on a money order.
8. Meijer
If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, or Wisconsin and have a Meijer branch near you, you’re in luck. This company offers money orders for a fee of just $0.65 each. And even better, you can purchase money orders with your debit card instead of cash, and there are no additional fees.
9. Publix
Publix is not just a grocery store, the company also offers a wide range of financial services, including money orders. It offers money orders through Western Union.
10. Walmart
How much is a money order at Walmart? The answer is $1 or less. Walmart says the fee for money orders varies by location, but is never more than $1. And like most places, the company also limits the value of money orders to $1,000.
How much does a money order cost?
The cost of a money order depends on where you buy it. In some cases, such as the USPS, the price also depends on the amount of the money order.
Benefits of money orders
Money orders offer several benefits, including the following:
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Generally, they do not expire.
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They are useful for making payments if you do not have a checking or savings account.
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You can send them by mail instead of cash.
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If you lose your money order, you may be able to get a replacement.
Alternatives to money orders
If a money order is the right choice for payment, you can choose one of the following alternatives:
Last Take To GO
Whether you need a money order to put down a deposit on a new apartment or to pay for services from a provider that doesn’t accept checks, you don’t have to look far. Compare the fees and limits of the above services that sell money orders and you’re good to go. If your checking account or credit card is short on funds, a money order can help you in a pinch.
Bank branches
Other services
More about money orders and checks
Costs for money orders
Cynthia Measom, Caitlyn Moorhead and Kelli Francis contributed to the reporting of this article.
The data is correct as of June 26, 2024 and is subject to change.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Where to Get a Money Order: The 10 Best Places to Buy One
