How to cash a money order
You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing service. Most places cash them the same day, though some require you to have an account there. You will need to sign the back of the money order in front of the person cashing it — they will watch you do this. Bring a photo ID. The fee, if there is one, is usually small (often nothing at banks and credit unions) but can run $2 to $5 at check-cashing stores.
The fastest route is usually your own bank or credit union if you have an account there. They know you, they have your ID on file, and they often cash money orders for free. If you do not have an account, a grocery store or pharmacy is usually faster and cheaper than a dedicated check-cashing store, though they may have limits on how much they will cash at once.
Key Takeaways
- You must sign the back of the money order in front of the person cashing it, and bring a photo ID.
- Banks and credit unions usually cash money orders for free if you have an account, while check-cashing stores typically charge $2 to $5.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies often cash money orders without requiring an account, though they may have daily limits.
- Most money orders are cashed the same day, but call ahead if you are cashing a large amount or at an unfamiliar location.
Where banks and credit unions fit in
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, that is your cheapest and fastest option. They will cash the money order for free in most cases, and they already have your ID and signature on file. You can do it in person at a branch, and many banks will deposit it directly into your account if you prefer not to carry cash.
You do not need an account to cash a money order at some banks, but they may charge a fee (usually $5 to $10) and may ask more questions. Call your bank first to ask their policy. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than banks are.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail locations
Most grocery stores and pharmacies have customer service desks that cash money orders without requiring an account. Walmart, Target, and similar retailers often do the same. The fee is usually $3 to $5, sometimes less. These places are convenient because they have long hours and many locations, and the process is usually quick.
Ask at the customer service desk or money services counter. They will ask for your ID and watch you sign the back. Some locations have daily limits — for example, they may cash up to $500 per day — so if you are cashing a large money order, call ahead to confirm they can handle it.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores will cash money orders, but they are usually the most expensive option, charging $3 to $10 depending on the amount. Use them only if you cannot get to a bank, credit union, grocery store, or pharmacy. They are open late and on weekends, which can be useful if you need cash outside normal business hours.
Bring your ID and be ready to sign the back of the money order. The process is quick, usually five to ten minutes. Ask about their fee before you hand over the money order — fees vary by location and by the amount you are cashing.
What to do if the money order is damaged or old
A money order does not expire, but if it is damaged, torn, or faded, some places will refuse to cash it. If the amount or payee name is illegible, the issuer (the place that sold the money order) can issue a replacement. You will need your receipt from when you bought it, or the money order number if you have it.
Contact the issuer directly — if it is a Western Union money order, call Western Union; if it is a MoneyGram, call MoneyGram. If you bought it at a bank or post office, contact that location. Replacement usually takes a few days to a few weeks. If you have the receipt, bring it with you when you try to cash the damaged money order; some places will cash it anyway if they can read the key information.
What happens if the money order is lost or stolen
If your money order is lost or stolen before you cash it, contact the issuer immediately with your receipt or money order number. They can put a stop on it so no one else can cash it, and they will issue a replacement. This process usually takes one to two weeks.
If someone else cashes it before you report it lost, the issuer will not replace it — the money is gone. This is why it is important to keep your receipt in a safe place and to cash money orders promptly rather than letting them sit around.
Signing and ID requirements
You must sign the back of the money order in the presence of the person cashing it. They are watching to make sure your signature matches your ID. If the money order is made out to someone else and you are trying to cash it on their behalf, they must sign it and be present with their ID, or they must sign it and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature (this is called a third-party endorsement, and many places will not accept it).
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some places will accept other forms of ID, but a photo ID is standard. If you do not have a photo ID, ask the location if they have other options; some will accept a combination of documents, but this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a money order without a photo ID?
Most places require a photo ID to cash a money order. If you do not have one, call ahead to ask if the location will accept other forms of identification. Some banks or credit unions may make exceptions for existing account holders, but this is uncommon.
What if I lost the receipt for my money order?
You can still cash the money order if you have it in hand — the receipt is not required to cash it. However, if the money order is lost or stolen, you will need the receipt or the money order number to report it to the issuer and request a replacement.
Can someone else cash my money order for me?
Only if they have your permission and you sign the back of the money order. They must also bring their own photo ID. Some places will not accept third-party endorsements, so call ahead to confirm the location's policy before sending someone to cash it.
How long does it take to cash a money order?
Most money orders are cashed the same day, usually within five to fifteen minutes. If you are depositing it into a bank account instead of taking cash, it may take one to two business days to appear in your account.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash at once?
Banks and credit unions typically have no limit. Grocery stores and pharmacies may have daily limits (often $500 to $1,000), so call ahead if you are cashing a large money order. Check-cashing stores also vary by location.