Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business. The fastest option depends on whether you have an account there and how much the money order is for. Most places cash them same-day, though some have limits on how much they'll pay out at once.

Banks and credit unions are the most reliable if you're a member — they almost always cash money orders without fees. If you don't have an account, a check-cashing business or grocery store will do it, but you'll pay a fee (usually $1 to $5 depending on the amount). Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens cash them too, typically for $1 to $3.

The issuer matters. A money order from USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram is accepted almost everywhere. A money order from a specific bank or store may only be cashed at that location or at banks that work with that issuer.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions cash money orders free if you have an account, but charge $2 to $5 if you don't.
  • Check-cashing businesses, grocery stores, and pharmacies will cash them without an account, but charge a fee.
  • You need the original money order and a valid ID; some places also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address.
  • Money orders from USPS, Western Union, and MoneyGram are accepted almost everywhere, but bank-specific money orders may only work at that bank.
  • If a money order is lost or damaged, the issuer can issue a replacement, but it takes time and requires proof of purchase.

What you need to bring

Bring the original money order and a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some places ask for a second form of ID or proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). Call ahead if you're cashing a large amount; some businesses have daily limits or require advance notice.

The money order must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it's made out to someone else entirely, they need to be present and sign it over to you, or you won't be able to cash it. If it's blank or made out to "Cash," you can usually cash it, but bring ID anyway.

Fees and limits at different places

Banks charge nothing if you have an account. If you don't, expect $2 to $5 depending on the amount. Credit unions follow the same pattern. Check-cashing businesses typically charge 1% to 3% of the money order's value, so a $500 money order costs $5 to $15 to cash.

Grocery stores and pharmacies usually charge a flat fee of $1 to $3 for money orders under $1,000. Walmart and Target cash them for around $3. USPS locations charge $1.25 for money orders up to $500 and $1.75 for $500 to $1,000, but they only cash money orders they issued themselves.

Many places have daily limits — $5,000 to $10,000 is common for check-cashing businesses, though banks rarely do. If your money order exceeds the limit, ask if you can cash it in multiple transactions or if they'll make an exception with advance notice.

How to find a location near you

Search "check cashing near me" or "money order cashing near me" on Google Maps to see what's open and their hours. Call first if you're going to a small business or an unfamiliar location — some close early or have limits on what they'll cash. If you have a bank or credit union account, log into your app or website to find branch locations and hours.

Walmart, Target, and most grocery stores have money order cashing at customer service. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have it at the register or customer service desk. USPS locations are listed on usps.com — search by zip code to find the nearest one.

What happens if the money order is damaged or lost

If the money order is damaged but still readable, most places will still cash it. If it's torn, faded, or the amount is unclear, they may refuse it. In that case, contact the issuer — USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank — with your receipt or proof of purchase. They can issue a replacement, but it takes 30 to 60 days and costs a small fee.

If the money order is lost, you'll need the receipt or the serial number to file a claim with the issuer. Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed. If you lose both the money order and the receipt, the issuer can still help, but it's slower and you may not recover the full amount.

Why some places won't cash your money order

A money order may be refused if it's made out to someone else and they're not present to sign it over. It can also be refused if the amount is illegible, if there are signs of tampering, or if it's from an issuer the business doesn't recognize. Some small check-cashing businesses only accept money orders from major issuers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

If a money order is very old (more than a year), some places get nervous about it, though it's still valid. If you run into trouble, try a bank or credit union — they're more likely to work with you on edge cases. If they refuse, contact the issuer to confirm the money order is legitimate and hasn't been cashed already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without an ID?

No. Every place that cashes money orders requires a valid government-issued ID. 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 a money order anywhere.

What if the money order is made out to my business, not my name?

If it's made out to your business name and you're the owner, bring your business license or EIN documentation along with your personal ID. Some banks and check-cashing businesses will cash it; others won't. Call ahead to confirm they'll accept it before you go.

Can I cash a money order at an ATM?

No. ATMs only accept deposits and dispense cash; they don't cash checks or money orders. You have to go to a teller at a bank or credit union, or to a check-cashing business or retail location that handles them in person.

How long does it take to cash a money order?

Usually 5 to 10 minutes. The cashier verifies the money order, checks your ID, and hands you the cash. If you're cashing a very large amount or the business needs to verify it with the issuer, it may take longer, but same-day cashing is standard.

Will the bank deposit a money order into my account instead of cashing it?

Yes. If you have a bank account, you can deposit a money order instead of cashing it. Bring it to a teller with your ID and account information. Deposits usually clear within one to two business days, depending on the bank.