The fastest places to buy a money order

You can buy a money order at a bank, credit union, post office, grocery store, or convenience store. Most are open during regular business hours, and you can walk in without an appointment. The post office and grocery stores tend to have the longest hours, including some weekend availability.

Banks and credit unions usually charge $1 to $10 per money order, depending on the amount. The post office charges a flat rate that varies by the money order size — typically $1.45 to $2.00 for amounts under $500. Grocery stores and convenience stores often charge $1 to $3. Call ahead if you need a large money order, since some locations have limits on how much a single order can be for.

Bring cash or a debit card, since not all locations accept credit cards for money order purchases. You will also need to know the exact amount and the name of the person or business you are paying. Some places let you fill out the money order on the spot; others require you to complete it at home.

Key Takeaways

  • Post offices, banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores all sell money orders, and most charge between $1 and $10 per order.
  • You need to bring cash or a debit card and know the payee's name and the exact amount before you arrive.
  • Grocery stores and convenience stores often have longer hours than banks, making them faster for evening or weekend purchases.
  • Money orders have a maximum amount per order, which varies by location — call ahead if you need to send more than $500.

Post office money orders

The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at every post office location. Fees are $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000. You can buy up to ten money orders at once, and the post office is open on Saturdays at most locations.

Bring your cash and the payee's name. The postal worker will fill in the amount and issue number, then you sign the back. Keep your receipt — it is your proof of purchase and contains the serial number you need if the money order is lost or stolen. The post office can track it and issue a replacement.

Bank and credit union money orders

Most banks and credit unions sell money orders to customers and non-customers alike. Fees range from $1 to $10 depending on the institution and the amount. Some banks waive the fee for account holders, so ask if you have a checking or savings account there.

The teller will ask for cash or a debit card and the payee's name and amount. They typically fill out the money order for you and hand it over signed and ready to send. Ask for a receipt with the serial number so you can track it if needed.

Grocery stores and convenience stores

Supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K, sell money orders at their customer service desk. Fees are usually $1 to $3 per order. These locations often have extended hours and weekend availability, making them convenient for after-work or weekend purchases.

Go to the customer service counter with cash and the payee's name and amount. The clerk will complete the money order and give you a receipt. Maximum amounts vary by location — most allow up to $500 or $1,000 per order, but call ahead to confirm if you need a larger amount.

What to bring and how to fill it out

Bring cash or a debit card. Have the payee's name spelled correctly and the exact dollar amount ready. You do not need an ID at most locations, but some may ask for one.

The money order itself has spaces for the payee's name, the amount, your name and address, and a memo line. Some locations fill this in for you; others hand you a blank form to complete. Sign the back before you send it. Do not sign the back until you are ready to mail or deliver it — if someone else has access to a signed money order, they can cash it.

Keep your receipt. It shows the serial number, which you will need if the money order goes missing or is never cashed. The issuer can track it and issue a replacement, though the process takes several weeks.

Money order limits and what to do if you need more

Most money orders have a maximum of $500 to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,000, you could buy four $500 money orders or two $1,000 orders.

Some locations have different limits — call ahead if you are sending a large amount. A few banks and the post office allow larger single orders, but this is not standard. Buying multiple orders takes a few extra minutes but costs only slightly more in fees.

Money order safety and tracking

A money order is safer than cash because it is traceable. If it is lost or stolen before it reaches the recipient, you can contact the issuer with your receipt and serial number. They will investigate and issue a replacement, though this can take four to eight weeks.

The recipient cashes or deposits the money order at their bank or check-cashing service. They cannot cash it without your signature on the back, so do not sign it until you are ready to send it. Once the recipient cashes it, the transaction is complete and cannot be reversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order without an ID?

Most locations do not require an ID to buy a money order. However, some banks and certain locations may ask for one, especially for large amounts. Call ahead if you do not have an ID with you.

What if I make a mistake on the money order?

If you fill it out wrong before signing, ask the clerk for a new one — most will issue a replacement without an extra fee. If you have already signed it, do not send it. Contact the issuer with your receipt and serial number to report it as damaged, and they will issue a replacement.

How long does it take for a money order to be cashed?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes it at their bank or check-cashing service, it clears within one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank. The money order itself is valid indefinitely, but it is best to send it within a reasonable time.

Can I cancel a money order I already bought?

Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Contact the issuer with your receipt and serial number. They will verify it has not been cashed and issue a refund, minus a small cancellation fee — usually $1 to $5. This process takes several weeks.

What is the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?

A money order is smaller and cheaper, with limits of $500 to $1,000 per order. A cashier's check is issued by a bank, has no limit, and costs $5 to $15. Use a money order for small payments; use a cashier's check for large ones like a down payment on a house.