Where you can buy a money order
You can buy a money order at most banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The easiest option depends on where you already do business — if you have a checking account at a bank, that bank will sell you one. If you don't have a bank account, a grocery store or convenience store is usually faster than waiting in line at a post office.
Not every location sells money orders, so call ahead or check the store's website before you go. Some smaller convenience stores or rural locations may not carry them. Walmart and Target both sell money orders at their customer service desks, and most supermarkets do as well.
Key Takeaways
- You can buy a money order at a bank, credit union, post office, grocery store, or convenience store without a bank account.
- Bring cash or a debit card, the amount you need plus the fee (usually $1 to $3), and the recipient's name spelled correctly.
- The fee varies by location — post offices and banks typically charge less than convenience stores.
- Fill in the recipient's name, your name and address, and the amount before you leave the counter or at home afterward.
What to bring and how much it costs
Bring cash or a debit card to cover the amount of the money order plus a fee. The fee ranges from about $1 to $3 depending on where you buy it. Post offices and banks usually charge less than convenience stores — a USPS money order typically costs $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $1.95 for $500 to $1,000, but these prices change and vary by location.
You do not need a bank account or ID to buy a money order at most places, though some stores may ask for identification. Bring the recipient's full name spelled exactly as they expect it, and your own name and address so the seller can fill in the "from" line.
How to fill out a money order
The money order has blank lines for the recipient's name, the amount, your name and address, and sometimes a memo line. Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash or deposit it. Write the amount in both the box (in numbers) and the line (in words), just like a check.
Fill in your name and address on the "From" line so the recipient knows who sent it. You can add a memo line if there is one — for example, "Rent for March" or "Invoice 4521" — but this is optional. Some people fill it out at the counter with the seller watching, and others fill it out at home. Either way works, but filling it out at the counter means you can ask the seller to check it before you leave.
Fees at different locations
| Location | Typical Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Post Office | $1.45–$1.95 | Lowest cost; prices set nationally but may vary slightly by location. |
| Bank or Credit Union | $1–$3 | Often free or discounted for account holders; varies by institution. |
| Grocery Store | $1–$2 | Varies by chain; usually cheaper than convenience stores. |
| Convenience Store | $2–$3 | Highest cost; pay for convenience of location and hours. |
| Walmart or Target | $0.88–$1.50 | Among the cheapest options; available during store hours. |
What happens after you buy it
Once you have the filled-out money order, you can mail it, hand it to the recipient in person, or give it to someone else to deliver. The recipient cashes or deposits it at their bank or a check-cashing service. Money orders don't expire, so there's no rush to send it, though it's good practice to send it within a reasonable time.
Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed. If it gets lost or stolen in the mail, you can use the receipt to file a claim with the issuer (the post office, bank, or store where you bought it) and request a replacement or refund. This process can take several weeks, so keeping the receipt is important.
When a money order makes sense
Use a money order when you need to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account, when you want a record of payment, or when the recipient won't accept a personal check. Money orders are also useful if you don't have a bank account yourself but need to pay a bill or send money securely.
If you're sending money to someone you know and trust, a bank transfer or payment app is usually faster and cheaper. If you're paying a business or landlord, ask whether they accept electronic payments first — many now do, and it's faster than waiting for a money order to arrive in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order without a bank account?
Yes. You can buy a money order at a post office, grocery store, convenience store, or Walmart without any bank account. Bring cash or a debit card and the recipient's name. Some locations may ask for ID, but you don't need an account.
What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?
If you make a mistake before you leave the counter, ask the seller for a replacement. Most will issue a new one and void the incorrect one. If you discover the mistake after you leave, contact the issuer with your receipt — they can cancel it and issue a replacement, though this takes time.
How long does a money order take to arrive in the mail?
A money order travels at the same speed as regular mail — typically 3 to 5 business days within the United States, longer if sent to a rural area. If speed matters, hand-deliver it or use a faster payment method like a bank transfer.
Can someone else cash my money order if they have it?
Yes, which is why you should treat a money order like cash. Once it's filled out with a recipient's name, only that person can cash it — but if someone steals it, they can forge the signature on the back. Mail it promptly or hand-deliver it rather than leaving it lying around.
What's the maximum amount I can put on a money order?
Most money orders have a limit of $1,000 per order. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders. Some banks or credit unions may have different limits, so ask when you buy.