Where to find money orders near you
Money orders are sold at most banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores in your area. The easiest way to find one is to call ahead — a five-minute phone call saves a trip to a closed location or a store that has run out. Post offices always carry them, and most are open Saturday mornings. Grocery stores and pharmacies with money order services (like Walmart, Target, and CVS) often have longer hours than banks.
If you need a money order outside normal business hours, 24-hour convenience stores and gas stations sometimes sell them, though not all do. Call first. Online searches for "money order near me" will show locations, but the hours and availability listed are not always current, so a quick phone call is still your best bet.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores all sell money orders, and most locations are within a few miles of your home.
- Calling ahead takes five minutes and confirms the store has money orders in stock and is open when you plan to go.
- Fees range from about $1 to $5 depending on where you buy and the amount, so comparing a few nearby locations can save money on larger orders.
- You will need cash or a debit card, a valid ID, and the recipient's name and address before you arrive.
- Money orders typically take one to three business days to clear once the recipient deposits them, though some banks clear them faster.
What to bring and how much it costs
Bring cash or a debit card, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and the recipient's name and address. Some locations accept checks, but cash is fastest. You do not need to have an account at the bank or store where you buy the money order.
Fees vary by location and amount. Post offices charge around $1.45 for money orders up to $500 and $1.95 for $500 to $1,000. Walmart and most grocery stores charge $0.70 to $1 for smaller amounts. Banks typically charge $5 to $10. If you are sending a large amount, buying from a grocery store or Walmart saves money compared to a bank. Ask the fee before you pay — it is added to the total amount you hand over.
How to fill out a money order
The cashier will give you a blank money order form. You fill in the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, your name and address on the "From" line, and the amount in both the box and the written line. Use a pen, not pencil. Write clearly so the recipient can read it.
Do not sign the money order yet. Some places ask you to sign it at the counter in front of the cashier so they can verify your ID. Others let you sign it after you leave. Ask the cashier which is expected. If you sign it blank and lose it, anyone can cash it, so wait until you are ready to send it or hand it over.
Fees and limits at different locations
| Location | Typical Fee | Maximum Amount | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Office | $1.45–$1.95 | $1,000 | Weekdays, Saturday mornings |
| Walmart / Grocery Store | $0.70–$1 | $1,000 | Store hours (often 6am–11pm) |
| Bank | $5–$10 | $1,000–$5,000 | Weekdays, some Saturday |
| Convenience Store / Gas Station | $1–$3 | $500–$1,000 | 24 hours (if available) |
What happens after you buy the money order
You receive a receipt and the money order itself. Keep the receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it. The receipt has a tracking number that lets you check whether the money order was cashed, and it proves you sent the money if there is a dispute.
Mail the money order to the recipient or hand it to them in person. Once they deposit it at their bank, it typically clears in one to three business days. Some banks clear money orders the same day, but do not count on it. If the recipient says they never received it after a week, use the tracking number on your receipt to file a claim with the issuer (usually the post office or the store where you bought it).
When a money order makes sense versus other options
Money orders work best when the recipient does not have a bank account or when you need a record of payment. They are safer than cash because they are traceable and can be replaced if lost. They cost less than a wire transfer for amounts under $500.
If you are sending money to someone with a bank account, a bank transfer or payment app (like Venmo or PayPal) is usually faster and free. If you need the money to arrive the same day, a wire transfer is your only option, though it costs $15 to $30. If you are paying a bill, check whether the company accepts online payment — it is almost always free and instant.
Tracking a money order if something goes wrong
If the recipient says they never got the money order, contact the issuer (the post office, bank, or store where you bought it) with your receipt and tracking number. They can tell you whether it was cashed and by whom. If it was never cashed, they can issue a replacement or refund.
If someone else cashed it fraudulently, report it to the issuer and your bank immediately. Provide your receipt and the tracking number. The issuer will investigate, but recovery can take weeks. This is why keeping your receipt and not signing the money order until you are ready to send it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card?
Most places do not accept credit cards for money orders because they are considered a cash advance. Use cash or a debit card instead. A few banks may allow credit card purchases if you have an account with them, so ask before you go.
What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?
Do not cross anything out or use white-out. Go back to the cashier and ask for a replacement. Most places will issue a new one and void the mistake at no extra charge, though some may charge a small fee. Keep the voided one as proof.
How long does a money order stay valid?
Money orders do not expire, but if one is not cashed within a set period (usually one to three years depending on the issuer), you may be charged an inactivity fee. Check your receipt for the issuer's policy. If you think a money order was lost, contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number to file a claim.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number. They will verify it has not been deposited and issue a refund, though they may charge a cancellation fee of $1 to $5. This process takes one to two weeks.
Do I need to report money orders to the IRS?
No. Money orders are not reported to the IRS unless you are a business regularly sending large amounts. If you are sending money as a personal payment or gift, you do not need to report it. The recipient does not owe taxes on money received as a gift or personal payment either.