Money orders can be really handy things to have, but what if you don’t know what they are exactly?
In this article, we will go through what a money order is, why you should use them, and how to find the answer to the question “where can I get money orders near me?” or maybe even a money order online.
We will look at all of the different options for where to get your money order, so you’re all set up ready to go.
What Is A Money Order?
So firstly, you may be wondering “what is a money order?” and why you would even want one.
A money order is a paper document that is used as a form of payment, similar to a check.
The person that is named on the money order will receive that specified amount of money. Money orders are helpful for budgeting purposes and if you are selling things to make money.
Why Do I Want To Use A Money Order?
There are a few reasons why you may want to use a money order:
- You don’t need to have a bank account to use it. If you don’t have a bank account, it can be a bit tricky making payments. You can use money orders to send payments to other people without needing a bank account.
- A safe way of moving money around. If you are using cash, there’s always the possibility that someone will steal it from you. With a money order, it’s much safer than cash because you can simply cancel the money order if this happens.
- Makes it safer when you are purchasing items also. The seller of the thing that you are buying may ask you to pay via a money order. If you need to pay by money order then you will need to know how to use one.
- For sending money overseas. If you are going to be sending money overseas then you may feel more comfortable (and the recipient) if you are using a money order. The recipient should be able to convert the amount into their currency.
How To Get A Money Order?
Now that you know why you should use a money order, you may be wondering how to get a money order.
You can get a money order by going to a company that provides them.
Money orders can be done for free, but they generally come with a fee, so you’ll want to look around at the best place.
Where Can I Get A Money Order?
As mentioned, there are various places which offer money orders. Not everywhere offers them though, so make sure you check before heading there.
What stores sell money orders? Let’s take a look at the best places that you can get a money order:
1. MoneyGram
MoneyGram has got to be one of the most popular options out there for money orders, and for good reason!
It’s one of the best ways to send money is via MoneyGram. You will find that as we work through this list of places that you can see MoneyGram popping up here and there.
Don’t forget that there are usually fees involved. MoneyGram charges a fee of 70 cents for money orders up to $1,000.
2. Western Union
Does Western Union do money orders? Western Union is another popular option for sending money and is well known for helping you to send money overseas.
They also offer a money order option which has a fee of around $1 for money orders up to $1,000.
3. USPS
The US Postal Service is one of the most popular options for money orders because of how well known and trusted it is.
That doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with the other companies that we are going through on this list – just that the USPS is very popular and convenient.
There are a lot of USPS locations available where you can get your money orders.
The fees that USPS money order charges vary depending on how much the money order is.
You’re looking at around $1.25 for a money order up to $500, and $1.70 between $500 and $1,000.
It’s worth noting that you are unable to use a credit card for your money order transaction.
4. Pharmacies
Did you know that you are able to get money orders at some pharmacies?
Make sure that you check with your local pharmacy as it may be different in your location.
Walgreens
Walgreens money orders – they don’t offer money orders but they do offer money transfers through Western Union. The fees are generally higher for this, however – the starting fee is $11.
CVS
Money order CVS – stores offer money orders, but only up to $500. You do, however, have the option to do multiple money orders if you need to send more than that. The fees are 99 cents per money order.
Rite Aid
Does Rite Aid do money orders? Yes! Rite Aid money orders work in the same way as CVS money orders, with money orders available up to $500. The fees are the same at 99 cents as well.
5. Grocery Stores & Convenience Stores
It may sound crazy, but you can get money orders at a lot of grocery stores and convenience stores.
This is really helpful if you are going to be going to the store anyway!
Walmart
With the amount of time that we all spend going to Walmart, money orders being available is so helpful. You can pay for a money order at Walmart with either cash or a debit card.
The exact fees vary by location, but the maximum will be 88 cents. If you are making purchases over $1,000 then I.D. will be required.
Publix
Publix is a regional grocery store where you can buy money orders.
The Publix money orders that you get here are backed by Western Union. You are limited to individual money orders of up to $500 – if you want higher than that then you will have to purchase multiple. The fees range from 85 cents to 89 cents.
Kroger
To use a Kroger money order all that you need to do is find your nearest Money Services location. Once there, you need to fill out a money form and pay the fees.
The fees vary, but in general, it is 84 cents with a card and 88 cents without a card.
Meijer
Meijer works in a similar way to most of the others, with the largest money order that you can buy being $500. The fees are 65 cents per $500.
Vons
Vons is a grocery store in Southern California and Southern Nevada, who give the option of buying a money order.
You can get a money order either with MoneyGram or Western Union. The fees range from 99 to $1.50 depending on how much you purchase.
Safeway
Did you know that you can get Safeway money orders? If you are going to the supermarket already then this is a very convenient option.
Some accept only debit cards, so it’s worth checking this before you go. The fees vary depending on location but start at around 59 cents.
Giant Food Stores
At Giant Food Stores you can get Western Union money orders. The amount that you can purchase and the fees vary depending on location.
Tops
Tops sells Western Union money orders but it’s worth noting that they don’t cash in money orders – even if they have been purchased at Tops.
The fee is 65 cents for a money order up to $1,000.
7 Eleven
7 Eleven is a cheap place to purchase a money order. The fees work on a percentage basis. It will be between 1 – 3% of the purchase price.
6. Banks & Credit Unions
If you aren’t feeling comfortable with one of those options then you can always go to a bank or credit union that offers money orders.
Chase
If you are a customer of Chase then you can purchase money orders from them. The fees vary depending on what kind of checking account you have. They vary from $0 to $5 for money orders up to $1,000.
Citi
If you have a Citi Priority account or Citigold Account then you won’t pay any fees for money transfers (but there are transaction limits). If you have any other account with them then you have to pay a $5 fee.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers money orders for up to $1,000. The fees are $5 per money order. They do accept cash for purchasing money orders – unlike a lot of different places.
Navy Federal Credit Union
The money orders with the Navy Federal Credit Union are offered through Western Union.
Although this is the largest credit union in the US, the fees that they charge for money orders is pretty high. The fees currently go up to $14.50.
PenFed
PenFed money orders work in a similar way to the Navy Federal Credit Union. It provides money orders through Western Union and the fees go up to $12.
7. Independent Check Cashing Companies
There are lots of independent check cashing companies throughout the US, and a lot of these sell money orders.
To find these, head to good old Google! You can search for things like “where to get a money order near me”, “money orders near me now” or even “gas stations that do money orders near me”.
Money Order FAQ
Let’s take a look at the most common questions that come up when it comes to money orders:
Where Can I Cash Money Orders Near Me?
It’s important to note that just because you can purchase money orders somewhere, doesn’t mean that you can cash in there too.
Check with the store before heading there to see if they cash them in as well.
How Much Are Money Orders (Cost)?
The amount that you will pay for a money order depends on the amount that you want to buy.
You will have to pay a fee, which varies depending on where you are getting it from.
How Do I Pay For A Money Order? Can I Use A Credit Card?
You can pay for a money order usually either by debit card or cash. Most places usually don’t allow you to pay for it with a credit card.
Is There A Limit On Money Order Amount?
There is typically a limit on a money order. The amount depends on where you go but a lot of places offer up to $500 or $1,000.
What Should I Do If I Lost My Money Order Or Receipt?
If you go through a large company such as Western Union or MoneyGram (which most places use) then they will help you get a copy of it.
If you are sending a money order then you can always cancel it if you need to.
How Do I Know If My Money Order Is Legitimate?
It’s very important that you check the legitimacy of the money order that you receive as a lot of people use them as scams.
If you believe it is fake then you should go with your gut. You can always call your bank to get them to call the routing number from where the money order comes from.
You don’t want to end up getting into debt because something has gone horribly wrong.
Are Money Orders Safe?
As mentioned, money orders can be used as scams, so be careful.
They are generally safe when it is a legitimate transaction. If you think that you will need to reverse the payment then you may not want to use a money order.
Final Thoughts On Money Orders Near Me
Money orders can be a great way of moving money around if you need to. Perhaps you don’t have a bank account, or you don’t want to use cash.
As with pretty much everything financial, beware of scams. Only send money to legitimate people and use a provider such as MoneyGram or Western Union.
Make sure you go through a legitimate provider and not just search for “free money orders near me” and go for a random one.
If you want to send money via money order then this article should help you find the best ways to do that.
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