Where to get a money order: Best places to purchase one

Money orders can be a convenient way to pay for something with secure, guaranteed funds. They’re popular as a way to pay bills like rent or to send money to friends and family. However, their value is typically capped at $1,000 or less.

You can get a money order from many places, including banks, credit unions, retail locations and post offices.

Places to get a money order

Your bank or credit union

If you have an account at a local bank or credit union, it’s likely the best place for you to get a money order. Getting your money order from the bank means that your bank can deduct the funds directly from your account. You don’t have to carry large sums of cash to another location to purchase the money order.

Some institutions will charge a small fee to sell you a money order, often around $5.

Retail stores

There are stores dedicated to offering financial services, such as check cashing and money orders, that you can visit. For example, Western Union is a well-known company that offers money orders and other financial services.

Many grocery stores, such as Kroger, allow customers to buy money orders. Big box stores like Walmart also frequently sell money orders. You can also buy a money order at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, which accepts cash or debit card payments for money orders.

Post office

The United States Postal Service has a long history of offering financial services to Americans. You can buy or cash money orders at any USPS location. The fee for your money order is based on the dollar amount and may be less than your bank charges.

How much does it cost to buy a money order?

The United States Postal Service has a long history of offering financial services to Americans. You can buy or cash money orders at any USPS location. The fee for your money order is based on the dollar amount and may be less than your bank charges.

For example, the USPS charges:

• $2.55 for money orders ranging from $0.01 to $500
• $3.60 for money orders between $500.01 and $1,000

At Walmart, you will pay no more than $1 for your money order. At Wells Fargo, you will pay $5 to purchase a money order in any amount up to $1,000. 

Why use a money order?

There are several reasons why using a money order can be a good idea.

1. Money orders are guaranteed. This means that, unlike a check, you know an authentic money order won’t bounce — like a personal check could.
2. Keeps your financial information private. Money orders are also a good way to keep your financial information private. If you want to send money to a friend or family member, you can use a money order so you don’t have to provide banking details such as account numbers or routing numbers.
3. No bank account is required. Even if you don’t have a bank account, you can still use a money order to send money to someone.

Alternatives to money orders

Peer-to-peer payments

Sending money electronically is a convenient way to transfer money from your checking or savings account directly to that of a friend or relative. This is often free, although some providers charge a fee for faster transfer times. Some popular peer-to-peer services include:

• Zelle
• Venmo
• PayPal
• Cash App

Personal checks

Writing a check is a simple way to make a payment from your checking account, though certain bank accounts — such as second-chance checking accounts — may not come with check privileges. 

You can write a check for any amount, as long as you have the money in your checking account to cover it. That means you aren’t restrained by money orders’ $1,000 limit.

Cashier’s check

Issued on your behalf by your bank or credit union, a cashier’s check is a way you can make a payment that’s backed by the bank’s funds. This may make cashier’s checks the best option of these three alternatives for purchases where the recipient requires a guarantee of payment. Banks typically charge  $5 to $15 to issue a cashier’s check.

Sending money orders

Here’s what you should know about sending a money order. The following is a rundown of things you should know about sending a money order, payment methods and what to do with your receipt. 

How to send a domestic money order

Visit a post office, financial institution or another authorized provider. Once you get the money order, write the recipient’s full name and other necessary details. If necessary, you can also include a memo or account number for the payment. Pay the money order amount plus any required fees, which depends on the issuer. Finally, send the money order to the recipient (make sure all details are filled out).

What are the payment methods accepted for money orders and the post office?

Make sure to bring cash or a debit card because credit cards are typically not an accepted form of payment at the post office.

What should you do with your money order receipt?

It’s a good idea to keep your money order receipt for tracking and proof of purchase. This could help you recover your funds if the money order is ever lost, stolen or damaged.