Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at your bank, a check-cashing store, the post office (if it's a USPS money order), or many grocery stores and pharmacies. Your bank is usually the fastest and cheapest option if you have an account there — most banks cash money orders for free or a small fee. Check-cashing stores and post offices will cash any valid money order, but they charge a fee that ranges from a dollar or two to several dollars depending on the amount and the location.

Some grocery stores and pharmacies like Walmart, Target, and CVS offer money order cashing at their customer service desk, though not all locations do. Call ahead to confirm they cash money orders and what their fee is. If you don't have a bank account or prefer not to use your bank, the post office is a reliable choice for USPS money orders — you can walk in without an account and cash it the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank cashes money orders for free or a small fee if you have an account, and this is usually the fastest option.
  • The post office cashes USPS money orders without requiring an account, and most locations have extended hours.
  • Check-cashing stores and some retailers cash any money order but charge a fee that varies by location and amount.
  • You need the original money order, a valid ID, and sometimes a signature to cash it.
  • If the money order is damaged, lost, or made out to the wrong person, you'll need to contact the issuer for a replacement or correction.

What you need to bring

Bring the original money order and a valid photo ID. Most places will not cash a photocopy or a picture of the money order — it has to be the physical document. Your ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some places may also ask you to sign the back of the money order in front of the cashier to prove you're the person it's made out to.

If the money order is made out to you and someone else (like "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it. If it's made out to a business, you may need to bring documentation showing you're authorized to cash it on behalf of that business, such as a business license or a letter from the owner.

The step-by-step process

First, check the front of the money order to make sure all the information is correct — the amount, the payee name (who it's made out to), and the issuer. If anything looks wrong or damaged, do not try to cash it; contact the issuer instead.

Second, sign the back of the money order in the space marked "Payee Signature" or "Endorsement." Some places will ask you to do this at the counter in front of the cashier. Write your name exactly as it appears on the front of the money order.

Third, take the signed money order and your ID to the bank, post office, check-cashing store, or retailer where you plan to cash it. Hand both to the cashier and tell them you want to cash the money order. They will verify the money order is legitimate, check your ID, and count out the cash or deposit it into your account if you're at your bank.

Fourth, count the cash before you leave the counter to make sure the amount is correct. Keep your receipt in case there's a problem later.

What happens if the money order is damaged or lost

If the money order is torn, water-damaged, or partially illegible, most places will refuse to cash it. Contact the issuer — the organization that sold the money order — with your receipt or the money order number. They can issue a replacement, though this usually takes several business days and may cost a small fee.

If you've lost the money order entirely, contact the issuer with proof of purchase (your receipt) and the money order number if you have it. They can put a stop on the original and issue a replacement. This process is slower than cashing a money order in person and typically takes one to two weeks.

Money orders made out to the wrong person

If a money order is made out to someone else's name, you cannot cash it. The person whose name is on the money order must cash it themselves, or they can sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" to transfer it to you. This is called a third-party endorsement, and many banks and check-cashing stores no longer accept third-party money orders because of fraud risk.

If the money order was supposed to be made out to you but has the wrong name, contact the issuer with your receipt. They can cancel the original and issue a corrected one with your name on it. This is free in most cases and takes a few business days.

Fees and timing

Banks typically charge nothing to cash a money order if you have an account, though some charge a small fee ($1 to $3) for non-customers. The post office charges a fee that varies by location, usually between $1 and $5 depending on the money order amount. Check-cashing stores charge higher fees, often 1% to 3% of the money order amount, so a $500 money order might cost $5 to $15 to cash.

Cashing a money order usually takes minutes if you go in person with the original document and valid ID. If you're depositing it into a bank account instead of taking cash, the funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though some banks hold money orders for a few days while they verify them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without an ID?

No. Banks, the post office, check-cashing stores, and retailers all require a valid photo ID to cash a money order. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If you don't have an ID, you'll need to get one before you can cash the money order.

What if I lost the receipt for the money order?

You can still cash the money order if you have the original document and a valid ID. The receipt is mainly useful if the money order is lost or damaged and you need to contact the issuer for a replacement. If you have the money order itself, you don't need the receipt to cash it.

Can I deposit a money order into my bank account instead of taking cash?

Yes. Most banks let you deposit a money order into your account the same way you would deposit a check. Sign the back, hand it to a teller or deposit it through an ATM or mobile app, and the funds will appear in your account within one business day. This is often faster and safer than carrying cash.

How long does a money order stay valid?

USPS money orders are valid for two years from the date of issue. Other money orders (from Western Union, MoneyGram, or banks) may have different expiration dates — check the money order itself or contact the issuer. After expiration, you'll need to contact the issuer to get a replacement or refund.