In our digitally advanced world, money orders and physical checks are slowly becoming a thing of the past. A lot of people don’t even carry cash anymore, opting instead to purchase most things with a card or PayPal instead.
However, sometimes a Money Order is needed for things like rent, or big purchases that might get flagged to your bank as suspicious or fraudulent activity, even if that’s not the case. Where can you buy money orders, and how much do they cost?
Money Order Facilities Near You
If you wanted to get a money order near you, these locations are nationwide and you won’t be left wondering, “where to get a money order near me?”
1) United States Postal Service
USPS is one of the safest places to get a money order, as it is a government-regulated place. They allow you to purchase money orders up to $1,000, and you can pay for them with cash, debit cards, or traveler’s checks. It costs $1.20 for money orders of $0.01 to $500.00, and $1.65 for money orders of $500.01 to $1,000. Their money orders are on the pricey side, but you can feel rest assured that your money is safe with them.
2) CVS
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Your local CVS should have a MoneyGram machine. They will only charge 99 cents, and you can get money orders up to $500.00 for that fee.
3) Your Local Bank
Most banking institutions will sell money orders but at a steep price of around $5.00 per money order. These are usually valued up to $1,000 each. If you’re lucky, they may even waive that $5.00 fee for you.
3) Walmart
Most Walmart locations happen to have MoneyGram machines, which is a company that provides money orders. Getting a money order from Walmart will cost you as little as 70 cents per money order, with values up to $1,000. Most cities have at least one Walmart, and it may be closer to you than you realize.
4) Your Local Gas Station
Most gas stations, like 7-11, Chevron, and smaller, family-owned places, have MoneyGram machines. They will charge anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00 for their services, and will usually allow values up to $1,000. Depending on where you go, you may be allowed to use a debit card for these purchases, but some places may only allow cash. Inquire before you take your money in, just in case!
6) Kroger
Kroger has around 2,700 locations, and they are equipped with Western Union machines. They also sell cheap money orders up to $1,000. If you a higher amount you can simply buy another money order and fees start at 69 cents per money order (when you use your shopper’s card).
7) Check Cashing Companies
Most check cashing companies will offer money orders. Their fees vary, as well as their values. Simply find one near you and inquire with them about money orders.
8) Publix
Publix is one of the cheapest places to get a money order compared to other grocery stores. This grocery store chain won’t cash out your money order but it’ll sell you one for less than $1 at all of their locations (except GreenWise Market stores). You can also cash personal checks that are under $75 or payroll checks under $500 here.
9) Meijer
Meijer has Western Union machines at their locations that sell money orders up to $500 for 65 cents per money order. If you need over $500, then you can simply buy another money order. You can’t cash money orders at any of its locations though.
How Do I Know if a Money Order I Receive is Legit?
Similar to a check, make sure all the information filled out on your money order is correct before you send it off. False or incorrect information can result in a waste of money. Be careful with your money.
How Do I Purchase a Money Order?
You are able to purchase a money order at USPS locations, your local gas station, or local grocery store with cash or with a debit or credit card. Money orders will typically have $500 or $1,000 limit, so if you need more you’ll have to purchase additional money orders.
How Much Does a Money Order Cost?
| Location | Cost | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | $1 – $5 | $1,000 |
| Fifth Third Bank | $1.25 | $1,500 |
| Kroger (King Soopers, City Market) | $0.65 | $1,000 |
| Meijer | $0.65 | $500 |
| MoneyGram | $0.70 | $1,000 |
| Regions Bank | $1.00 | $1,000 |
| Safeway | $0.59 | $500 |
| Santander Bank | $5.00 | $1,000 |
| TD Bank | $5.00 | $1,000 |
| USPS | $1.25/$1.65 | $500/$1,000 |
| USPS International | $4.50 | $700 |
| Walmart | $0.70 | $1,000 |
| Western Union | $1.00 | $1,000 |
How Does a Money Order Work?
Money orders are different than personal checks since they offer a guaranteed form of payment and can’t bounce like a check. Also, with money orders, you are able to specify who can cash it which provides safety.
The Bottom Line
Using money orders to pay for rent, your utilities or other bills is helpful because you literally have proof of payment. This is a good reason to pay somebody using money orders since it is trackable. If you wanted to get a money order near you, these locations are nationwide and you won’t be left wondering, “where to get a money order” or “money orders near me?”
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