Boniface Praise 
Money orders are one of the safest and most accessible ways to send guaranteed payments, especially if you don’t have a bank account or prefer not to use personal checks. Whether you’re paying rent, sending funds to family, or covering bills, knowing where to get a money order quickly and conveniently can save you time and hassle.
While banks offer them, they’re far from your only option. In fact, many grocery stores, convenience chains, and even pharmacies offer money order services with longer hours and lower fees. This guide breaks down the best places to get a money order near you, including what to bring, how much it costs, and why each option might suit your needs best.
What Is a Money Order?
A money order is a prepaid paper payment that functions similarly to a check, but without being tied to a bank account. Instead of pulling money from a checking account after it’s sent, a money order is purchased upfront, making it one of the safest ways to pay someone when you need a guaranteed form of funds.
Money orders are typically used for rent payments, utility bills, government fees, or other instances where you need to prove payment or don’t want to use personal checks. You can get a money order from multiple locations including post offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses.
Because the amount is paid in full before it’s issued, a money order cannot bounce, making it a trusted option for recipients who require payment security.
⸻
How Does a Money Order Work?
When you get a money order, you are essentially converting cash (or debit card funds) into a certified, prepaid payment form. Here’s how the process works step by step:
1. Purchase It at a Verified Location:
Visit a location that offers money order services, like a USPS branch, Walmart, Western Union agent, or grocery store. Pay the amount you want to send plus a small fee.
2. Fill Out Recipient and Sender Details:
You’ll enter the name of the person or company you’re paying, your own details, and possibly a memo (such as an account number or purpose). Once written, these details cannot be altered.
3. Keep Your Receipt:
Every money order comes with a detachable receipt or stub that includes a tracking number. Hold on to this in case you need to verify delivery or request a refund.
4. Deliver the Money Order:
You can hand-deliver the money order or send it through the mail. The recipient deposits or cashes it like a regular check, but without the risk of it being declined due to insufficient funds.
The reason people continue to get a money order instead of writing personal checks is because of its prepaid nature, security features, and broad acceptability across institutions and service providers.
where to get a money order near me
Below are where to get a money order near you.
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the most widely available places to get a money order across the U.S. and Canada. With thousands of locations and extended hours, it’s convenient whether you live in a city or a small town.
Walmart uses MoneyGram for its money order services, typically available at the customer service desk. You’ll need to bring cash or a debit card (credit cards are not accepted), along with a government-issued photo ID for large transactions. Fees vary by location but usually stay under $1.
For anyone looking to buy a money order near home or while shopping, Walmart offers an affordable, no-fuss solution.
⸻
2. The United States Postal Service (USPS)
Your local post office is a reliable, secure place to get a money order, especially if you’re mailing payments or dealing with international transactions. USPS money orders are backed by the federal government and widely accepted throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Money orders from USPS can be purchased using cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check, and they cost between $1.50 and $2.65 depending on the amount. You can send up to $1,000 domestically per order, with international limits slightly lower.
This is a great option if you’re looking for federally backed money order services with strong fraud protection and tracking capabilities.
⸻
3. CVS Pharmacy
CVS stores aren’t just for prescriptions, they’re also one of the more convenient places to get a money order near you, thanks to their long hours and wide coverage. Most CVS locations offer money orders through MoneyGram at the checkout counter.
You’ll need cash, and most locations limit individual money orders to $500–$1,000. Fees are generally around $1.25, making CVS both affordable and accessible, especially if you’re running errands late or outside of bank hours. If you need a quick, low-fee option and want to combine it with your regular shopping routine, CVS makes it easy to get a money order without waiting in long lines.
4. Western Union Locations
Western Union is one of the most trusted names for sending money worldwide, and you can get a money order at thousands of Western Union agent locations across the U.S., UK, and Canada. This includes dedicated branches, as well as partner retailers like check-cashing stores, grocery chains, and pharmacies.
Western Union money orders are accepted almost everywhere, and they offer solid tracking and refund options. The fee usually ranges between $1 and $2, depending on the issuing agent and the amount. Bring a valid ID and cash to complete the transaction.
If you’re trying to get a money order for a landlord, utility bill, or long-distance relative, Western Union’s network and reliability make it a go-to option.
⸻
5. Kroger and Affiliated Grocery Stores
If you live near a Kroger or one of its many affiliates such as Fry’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, or Ralphs—you can get a money order while grocery shopping, often with extended store hours and low fees.
Kroger uses Western Union for its money order services, which are typically offered at the customer service desk. Most locations allow you to purchase money orders up to $1,000, with fees usually under $1. This is ideal for people who want to avoid banks but still need a secure way to send guaranteed funds.
For convenience, competitive pricing, and widespread availability, Kroger stores are among the best places to get a money order without a bank account.
⸻
6. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers one of the most accessible and flexible places to get a money order near you, especially if you’re in need outside of traditional business hours. Many 7-Eleven locations operate 24/7 and partner with MoneyGram or Western Union to provide money order services at the register.
You’ll need to pay in cash, and fees vary by store, often starting around $1. Depending on the partnership, you might also find transaction limits between $500 and $1,000. If you’re searching for a late-night or weekend option to get a money order quickly, 7-Eleven is a practical and underrated choice.
7. Check-Cashing and Payday Loan Stores
Check-cashing businesses and payday lenders like ACE Cash Express or Advance America may not be everyone’s first choice, but they offer a fast and easy way to get a money order, especially if you don’t have a bank account.
These locations typically allow walk-ins without appointments and are open during extended hours. You’ll need to pay with cash, and fees may be higher than average—usually between $1 and $5 depending on the location and amount. Still, they remain one of the few places where you can get a money order with minimal hassle and no questions asked.
For people who prefer not to use traditional financial institutions or need funds processed right away, these providers offer convenience and speed.
⸻
8. Banks and Credit Unions
If you’re a member of a bank or credit union, it’s often safest to get a money order directly from your financial institution. Most banks offer money orders to account holders, and credit unions tend to have lower fees than major national banks.
Expect to pay $5 or less if you’re a customer, though some banks offer them free of charge as part of your account benefits. You’ll usually need to fund the money order from your account or with cash—credit cards are rarely accepted.
This option is ideal for people who want to get a money order in a highly secure environment with strong fraud protections and digital record-keeping.
⸻
9. Meijer
Meijer is a regional supermarket and supercenter chain that operates in the Midwest and is an easy stop if you’re trying to get a money order near you while doing your grocery run. It partners with Western Union and offers services at the customer service desk inside most locations.
Fees at Meijer are competitive, usually around $0.65 to $1, and you can purchase money orders up to $1,000. You must pay in cash, and a government-issued ID may be required for larger amounts.
For shoppers in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, Meijer offers a cost-effective and low-friction way to get a money order without needing a trip to the bank.
10. Publix Super Markets
If you live in the southeastern U.S., Publix is a trusted name in grocery shopping—and it’s also one of the most convenient places to get a money order. The service is available at the customer service desk in most stores, typically during regular business hours.
Publix uses Western Union for its money order services, and the fee is usually around $0.85 per order. You’ll need to pay with cash, and there may be transaction limits of $500 to $1,000 depending on location. If you’re already shopping for groceries, picking up a money order at the same time is both quick and efficient.
For residents in Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states, Publix offers a simple and affordable way to get a money order without detouring to a bank or check-cashing store.
how to get a money order
Understanding the process ahead of time can save you from common mistakes and unnecessary fees. Whether you’re using a retail store, post office, or financial institution, here are key things to keep in mind when you plan to get a money order:
1. Payment Methods:
Most locations only accept cash or debit card for money order purchases. Credit cards are almost never allowed, and checks are rarely accepted.
2. Identification Requirements:
For smaller amounts (under $1,000), you may not need ID. But for larger transactions, government-issued ID is often required, especially at banks, post offices, or when using Western Union and MoneyGram.
3. Limits and Splits:
If your payment exceeds the location’s limit—often $500 or $1,000—you may need to purchase multiple money orders. Be prepared to fill out each one separately and pay individual fees.
4. Filling It Out Correctly:
Once you get a money order, you’ll need to fill out the “Pay to the Order of” field (recipient’s name), your name and address, and possibly your signature. Mistakes or leaving sections blank can invalidate the order or cause delays.
5. Keep Your Receipt:
This is your only proof if the money order is lost, stolen, or disputed. Always keep the stub or tracking number, especially when sending money to a landlord, government agency, or unknown seller.
6. Refund Policies Vary:
If you lose your money order or need to cancel it, refund procedures depend on the issuing company. USPS, MoneyGram, and Western Union each have unique processes that may involve tracking fees or forms.
By knowing how to properly get a money order and avoid common pitfalls, you’ll protect your funds and ensure smooth delivery of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to purchase a money order.
Where can I get a money order near me right now?
You can get a money order at grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, and financial institutions including your local bank or credit union. If you’re in a rush or it’s outside banking hours, retail chains and check-cashing stores are reliable options. Always call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
How much does it cost to get a money order?
The cost to get a money order depends on where you buy it. For example, USPS charges $1.75 for amounts up to $500, while Walmart fees start at $0.88. Banks often charge up to $5, but some may waive the fee for account holders. Locations like Meijer or Publix typically charge under $1.
Can I get a money order with a debit card or credit card?
Most places allow you to get a money order using cash or debit cards. Credit cards are rarely accepted, and using one may trigger a cash advance fee. Always check payment methods in advance. For instance, the post office and many grocery chains only accept cash for money orders.
What’s the difference between a money order and a cashier’s check?
While both are prepaid and secure, money orders are usually for smaller amounts (under $1,000) and are widely available at non-bank retailers. Cashier’s checks are issued by banks and used for higher-value transactions. If you need to get a money order for everyday payments like rent or bills, it’s often quicker and more convenient than visiting a bank for a cashier’s check.
Do I need ID to get a money order?
In most cases, you don’t need ID to get a money order under $1,000. However, for larger transactions or certain locations like banks and Western Union agents, government-issued ID may be required. It’s a good idea to bring ID with you, especially if you’re sending funds to official or international recipients.
Can I track or cancel a money order after I send it?
Yes, you can track or cancel a money order if needed, but each provider has its own process. USPS, Western Union, and MoneyGram offer tracking services using the receipt stub or reference number you receive when you get a money order. If it’s lost or undelivered, most issuers allow you to request a refund for a small fee.
where to buy a money order near me-Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on where you can purchase money orders near you.
Getting a money order remains one of the most reliable ways to send certified funds when cash or personal checks aren’t an option. Whether you need to pay rent, settle a bill, or send money securely, there are plenty of trustworthy places to get a money order near you.
From large retailers like Walmart and CVS to specialized providers like MoneyGram and Western Union, the flexibility of where and how to get a money order makes it accessible to almost everyone. Your local post office, grocery store, or even your bank can help you complete the transaction quickly and affordably.
Always remember to fill it out correctly, keep your receipt, and choose a provider that fits your schedule, budget, and security needs. Whether you value speed, availability, or low fees, you’ll have no shortage of ways to get a money orderthat works for your situation.
Recommended reading
About the Author
