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 locations have them available during regular business hours, and the process takes just a few minutes. Banks and credit unions usually charge $1 to $10 per money order, while grocery stores and convenience stores often charge less — sometimes 50 cents to $2.

The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at every post office and many grocery stores that have postal counters. Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets with customer service desks sell them too. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K carry them, though availability varies by location. Call ahead if you need to be certain a specific store has them in stock that day.

If you bank with a major institution like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, your branch can issue a money order on the spot. Credit unions almost always offer them to members. These are often the cheapest option and the most reliable if you already have an account there.

Key Takeaways

  • You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order at most retailers; credit cards are rarely accepted.
  • Bring the exact amount you want to send plus the fee — fees range from 50 cents to $10 depending on where you go.
  • You will need to fill out a form with the recipient's name and your name and address, which takes two to three minutes.
  • Money orders have limits: the U.S. Postal Service caps them at $1,000 each, and most retailers have similar limits.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it lost or trace where it went.

What to bring and how much it costs

Bring cash or a debit card. Most places that sell money orders do not accept credit cards, and some do not accept checks. You will also need to bring enough money to cover both the amount you want to send and the fee charged by that location.

Fees vary widely. The U.S. Postal Service charges between $1.45 and $1.95 depending on the amount. Walmart typically charges $0.88 for money orders under $1,000. Your bank or credit union may charge $1 to $5, or nothing at all if you are a member in good standing. Call the location where you plan to buy one if the fee matters to your budget.

You do not need an ID to buy a money order at most retailers, though some banks and credit unions may ask for one. The post office does not require ID. Bring it anyway — it speeds up the process and helps if there is any confusion about your name or address.

How to fill out a money order

The form is simple and takes about two minutes. You will write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Write their name exactly as it appears on their account or ID if you know it.

On the "From" or "Purchaser" line, write your name and address. This is so the recipient knows who sent it, and so you can be contacted if the money order is lost. Some forms also ask for a phone number or account number — fill these in if they appear, but they are not always required.

Do not sign the money order yourself. The recipient signs it when they cash or deposit it. If you sign it before handing it over, it becomes negotiable by anyone who has it, which defeats the purpose of using a money order instead of cash.

Money order limits and when you need more than one

The U.S. Postal Service limits each money order to $1,000. Walmart and most other retailers have the same $1,000 cap. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders — one for $1,000 and another for the remainder, for example.

Some banks allow higher limits for their own customers, so ask your bank if you need to send a large amount. Otherwise, buying two or three money orders is the standard approach. Each one will have its own fee, so factor that into your total cost.

Keeping track of your money order

When you buy a money order, you receive a receipt. Keep this receipt until you know the money order has been cashed or deposited. The receipt has a tracking number that lets you find out whether the recipient has used it yet.

If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, contact the place where you bought it with your receipt and tracking number. They can put a stop on it and issue a replacement. This process usually takes a few weeks, so do not expect instant results. The post office, Walmart, and most banks have procedures for this — ask when you buy the money order where to call if something goes wrong.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than cash because it has a specific recipient's name on it — if it is lost, only that person can cash it. It is also safer than a personal check because the funds are already may provide; the recipient does not have to wait for the check to clear or worry about insufficient funds.

A money order costs more than a check (if you have a checkbook) but less than a wire transfer. Wire transfers are faster and work for larger amounts, but they cost $15 to $50 and require a bank account. If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, or if you do not have a bank account yourself, a money order is often the most practical choice.

For very small amounts or local payments, cash is simpler. For large amounts or international transfers, a wire transfer or online money transfer service may be better. Money orders work best for amounts between $100 and $1,000 going to someone you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most retailers do not accept credit cards for money orders. Banks and credit unions may accept them from their own customers, but this is rare. Call ahead to confirm. Cash or a debit card is your safest bet.

What happens if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

If you catch the error before you leave the store, ask the cashier for a replacement. Most places will issue a new one and refund your fee. If you have already left, contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number — they can usually cancel it and reissue a corrected version, though this takes time.

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

Once the recipient has the money order, they can cash or deposit it immediately at their bank or a check-cashing service. There is no waiting period. The time it takes depends on when they decide to use it, not on the money order itself.

Can I get my money back if I change my mind?

Yes, but only if the money order has not been cashed yet. Return to the place where you bought it with your receipt and ask for a refund. They will verify that it has not been used, then refund your money minus the fee. If it has already been cashed, you cannot get the money back.

Do I need to report a money order on my taxes?

No. A money order is just a way to transfer money you already have. It is not income, and you do not report it to the IRS. If the money order itself is payment for something you sold or earned, that income is what you report — not the money order.