Ace Cash Express offers money orders at most of its locations, though availability and fees vary by store and state
Ace Cash Express is a check-cashing and financial services chain with locations across the United States. Many Ace locations sell money orders as part of their service menu, but not every store carries them — you'll need to call ahead or visit in person to confirm. The cost of a money order at Ace depends on the amount and your state; some states cap what Ace can charge, while others do not.
Money orders from Ace work the same way as those from other vendors: you pay the face value of the order plus a fee, the recipient cashes it at a bank or check-cashing location, and you receive a receipt for your records. Ace does not require you to have an account or membership to buy a money order.
Key Takeaways
- Not every Ace Cash Express location sells money orders, so call your nearest store before you go.
- You will pay the full amount of the money order plus a separate fee, which varies by state and the amount ordered.
- Bring cash or a debit card, as Ace accepts both for money order purchases.
- You receive a receipt that shows the money order number and amount, which you need if you ever need to stop payment or trace the order.
- Ace money orders can be cashed at banks, credit unions, and check-cashing locations, but not all retailers accept them.
What you need to bring to buy a money order at Ace
You need the recipient's name and address, the amount you want to send, and payment in cash or by debit card. Ace does not accept credit cards for money order purchases at most locations. You do not need a government ID to buy a money order at Ace, though the cashier may ask for one to verify your identity.
Have the exact amount ready if you're paying in cash, or be prepared to receive change. If you're unsure of the recipient's exact address, ask them to confirm it before you go to Ace — money orders are difficult to correct once issued.
Ace Cash Express money order fees and limits
Ace's money order fees are not fixed nationally. The amount you pay depends on your state and the size of the order. Some states regulate what check-cashing businesses can charge for money orders, while others do not. Call your local Ace store to ask what they charge for the amount you need to send.
Most Ace locations have a maximum money order amount, typically between $500 and $1,000, though this varies by store. If you need to send more than your local Ace can handle in a single order, you can buy multiple money orders or use a different method like a bank wire transfer.
How to find an Ace Cash Express location near you
Ace Cash Express has a store locator on its website where you can enter your zip code and see nearby locations, hours, and services offered. Not all Ace locations offer the same services, so the locator will tell you which stores sell money orders. You can also call a location directly to confirm they have money orders in stock and ask about their current fees.
If there is no Ace near you, other options for buying money orders include banks, credit unions, grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices. Each charges different fees and may have different limits on the amount you can order.
How the money order process works at Ace
Walk into an Ace location and tell the cashier you want to buy a money order. Provide the recipient's name and address, the amount, and your payment. The cashier will fill out the money order, take your payment plus the fee, and give you the completed order and a receipt.
Keep your receipt in a safe place. It contains the money order number and amount, which you need if the recipient says they never received it or if you need to stop payment. The recipient can then take the money order to a bank, credit union, or check-cashing location to deposit or cash it.
When Ace money orders might not work
Some businesses and government agencies do not accept money orders from check-cashing companies like Ace — they may require a bank money order or a cashier's check instead. Before you buy a money order at Ace, ask the person or organization you're sending it to whether they accept money orders from check-cashing locations.
If the recipient needs a bank money order specifically, you'll need to visit your bank or credit union instead. Banks typically charge less for money orders than check-cashing companies do, though you may need to have an account with them.
What to do if something goes wrong with your Ace money order
If the recipient says they never received the money order, contact Ace with your receipt and money order number. Ace can research whether the money order was cashed and, if it was not, may be able to issue a replacement or refund. This process takes time — sometimes several weeks — so report a missing money order as soon as you know about it.
If the money order was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, contact Ace immediately and file a report. Bring your receipt and any evidence that you did not authorize the payment. Ace's ability to recover funds depends on how long ago the money order was cashed and whether they can trace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at Ace with a credit card?
Most Ace locations do not accept credit cards for money order purchases. You can pay with cash or a debit card. Call your local store to confirm their payment methods before you go.
How long does it take for a money order from Ace to clear?
A money order is not a check and does not need to clear. Once the recipient cashes or deposits it at a bank or check-cashing location, the funds are available immediately or within one business day, depending on the receiving institution.
What if I made a mistake on the money order?
Money orders cannot be altered or corrected once they are issued. If you made an error, you will need to contact Ace about stopping payment and buying a new one. Bring your receipt and explain the mistake. Ace may charge a fee to stop payment.
Can I get a refund if I don't use the money order?
Yes, if the money order has not been cashed, Ace can refund your payment minus a fee for stopping payment. Bring your receipt and the uncashed money order to the store. The refund process may take several days.
Is a money order from Ace as safe as one from a bank?
Money orders from Ace and banks work the same way and are equally safe once issued. The main difference is that some organizations only accept bank money orders. Ask the recipient whether they have a preference before you buy.