Kroger sells money orders at customer service, not at checkout

You can buy a money order at Kroger by going to the customer service desk, not the regular checkout lanes. Most Kroger locations offer this service during store hours. The cost is typically under $2, though the exact price varies by store location and the amount of the money order. You'll need cash or a debit card to pay.

Not every Kroger location offers money orders — smaller stores or those in certain regions may not have them. Call your local Kroger customer service desk before you go to confirm they sell them. If your store doesn't, you can use other retailers like Walmart, CVS, or your bank instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the customer service desk at Kroger, not a checkout lane, to buy a money order.
  • The fee is usually under $2, but varies by location and the amount you're sending.
  • You'll need to bring cash or a debit card and know the recipient's name and the exact amount.
  • Call ahead to confirm your store sells money orders, since not all locations do.
  • Money orders typically take a few business days to clear once the recipient deposits them.

What you need to bring to Kroger

Bring the exact amount of money you want to send, plus the fee. You can pay with cash or a debit card at most Kroger customer service desks. Have the recipient's full name ready — you'll write it on the money order as the payee.

You don't need an ID to buy a money order at Kroger, though some locations may ask for one. If you're sending money to someone specific, know their exact name and address so you can fill out the form correctly. The customer service clerk will help you complete the money order at the desk.

How much Kroger charges for money orders

Kroger's money order fee is typically between $0.70 and $1.50, depending on your location and the amount. Larger money orders sometimes cost slightly more. Call your store to ask about the exact fee before you go, since prices can differ between locations.

The fee is separate from the amount you're sending. If you want to send $500, you'll pay $500 plus the fee. Some Kroger locations may have limits on how much you can send in a single money order — common limits are $500 to $1,000, though this varies.

Steps to buy a money order at Kroger

Go to the customer service desk during store hours and tell the clerk you want to buy a money order. Have your cash or debit card ready. Tell the clerk the amount you want to send and provide the recipient's full name.

The clerk will give you a form to fill out or will fill it out for you. You'll write or confirm the payee name, the amount, and sometimes your name and address. Once you've completed the form and paid the fee plus the money order amount, the clerk will give you the money order. Keep your receipt.

Where money orders work and how long they take

Kroger money orders are issued by MoneyGram or Western Union, depending on your location. These are widely accepted at banks, check-cashing services, and most retailers. The recipient can cash or deposit a Kroger money order at their bank, a check-cashing store, or sometimes at another Kroger location.

Money orders typically clear within a few business days once deposited. Some banks deposit them the same day, while others take two to three business days. If you need the money to arrive faster, ask the recipient to deposit it right away rather than holding it.

What to do if your Kroger doesn't sell money orders

If your store doesn't offer money orders, Walmart, CVS, and most grocery chains sell them at customer service. Your bank or credit union may also sell money orders, sometimes for a lower fee or free if you're a member. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they have a limit on the amount.

If you need a money order urgently and your Kroger is closed, Western Union and MoneyGram locations are open extended hours at many retailers and standalone offices. You can find locations online at their websites. These options usually cost more than buying at Kroger but are available when stores are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Kroger money order online?

No, Kroger does not sell money orders online. You must go to a physical store location and visit the customer service desk in person. You cannot order one over the phone or through their website.

What if I lose my money order before cashing it?

Contact Kroger customer service with your receipt and the money order number. MoneyGram and Western Union can sometimes issue a replacement, but the process takes time and requires proof of purchase. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed.

Can I send a money order to an address outside the United States?

Kroger money orders are for domestic use only. To send money internationally, you'll need Western Union or MoneyGram's international services, available at their standalone locations or online. These cost more but work across borders.

Do I need a Kroger loyalty card to buy a money order?

No, you do not need a Kroger loyalty card or membership to buy a money order. Anyone can purchase one at the customer service desk by paying cash or using a debit card.