MoneyGram money orders work like other money orders — you pay cash or debit at a location, receive a receipt, and the recipient cashes it elsewhere — but MoneyGram's network is smaller and slower than Western Union, and fees are often higher.
MoneyGram operates through retail locations (grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops) rather than its own offices. You walk in, tell the clerk you want a money order, provide the recipient's name and address, hand over cash or a debit card, and receive the money order plus a receipt. The recipient takes the money order to any MoneyGram location and cashes it. The whole transaction is permanent once issued — there is no reversal if you change your mind.
The main trade-off is speed and reach. MoneyGram has fewer locations than Western Union in most areas, so your recipient may have to travel farther to cash it. Processing also takes longer if sent by mail. Fees run $1.50 to $5 depending on the amount and location, which is often more than a bank money order but comparable to Western Union.
Key Takeaways
- MoneyGram money orders are issued at retail locations, not banks, and you pay with cash or a debit card at the time of purchase.
- Your recipient must visit a MoneyGram location to cash the money order, which may not be convenient if they live in a rural area or far from participating retailers.
- Fees typically range from $1.50 to $5 depending on the amount sent, and you should ask the clerk the exact fee before paying.
- Once a money order is issued and you have the receipt, you cannot cancel or change it, so verify the recipient's name and address before handing over cash.
- Mailing a MoneyGram money order takes several days, so this method is slower than in-person cash pickup or bank transfers for urgent payments.
Where to buy a MoneyGram money order
MoneyGram money orders are sold at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores, check-cashing shops, and some gas stations. Use the MoneyGram locator on their website or call 1-800-448-1010 to find the nearest location. Hours vary by retailer — a Walmart location may be open until 11 p.m., while a pharmacy closes at 9 p.m. or earlier.
Not every location in a chain carries MoneyGram. A CVS in one neighborhood might offer it while another CVS down the street does not. Call ahead or check the locator to confirm the specific store has the service before you go.
What you need to bring and provide
Bring cash or a debit card. You do not need an ID to buy a MoneyGram money order, though the clerk may ask for one. You will need the recipient's full name and mailing address — the money order is written to that person, and they must provide the same name when cashing it.
Have the amount ready. MoneyGram money orders go up to $500 per order. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders, but you will pay a fee on each one. Ask the clerk for the exact fee before you commit — it varies by location and amount.
How fees work and what they cost
MoneyGram charges a fee to issue the money order. The fee depends on the amount sent and the location where you buy it. A $100 money order might cost $1.50 at a Walmart but $3 at a check-cashing shop. A $500 order typically costs $3 to $5. The clerk must tell you the fee before you pay.
The recipient does not pay a fee to cash the money order at a MoneyGram location. However, if they take it to a bank or check-cashing shop that is not a MoneyGram agent, that business may charge its own fee to cash it.
How long it takes for the recipient to get the money
If you hand the money order to the recipient in person, they can cash it immediately at any MoneyGram location during business hours. If you mail it, delivery takes 3 to 7 business days depending on the postal service, and then they still need to visit a location to cash it. There is no way to speed up mailing or to track whether the money order has been cashed.
The recipient should cash the money order within 90 days of the issue date. After that, MoneyGram may refuse to cash it, and you will have to contact MoneyGram to request a refund — a process that can take weeks.
Canceling or replacing a lost money order
If you lose the money order or the receipt before the recipient cashes it, contact MoneyGram at 1-800-448-1010 with the receipt number (printed on your receipt). MoneyGram can put a stop on the money order so it cannot be cashed by someone else, and they can issue a replacement. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days and requires proof of purchase.
If you issued the money order but want to cancel it before the recipient cashes it, the same process applies — call MoneyGram with your receipt number. However, MoneyGram does not refund the fee you paid to issue the money order, only the face value.
MoneyGram money orders versus other options
A bank money order costs less (often $1 to $2) and is safer because your bank has a record of it. However, you must have a bank account and go during business hours. Western Union money orders have more locations than MoneyGram in most areas, making them easier for the recipient to cash, but fees are similar. A wire transfer through your bank is faster and more secure but costs $15 to $30 and requires both parties to have bank accounts.
For small amounts under $100 sent locally, a bank money order is usually the cheapest choice. For amounts over $500 or international transfers, a wire transfer or Western Union is more practical. MoneyGram is useful mainly if you do not have a bank account and need to send money to someone without one either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a MoneyGram money order with a credit card?
No. MoneyGram accepts cash and debit cards only. Credit cards are not accepted because they are considered a loan, and money transmitters are not permitted to issue money orders on credit.
What happens if the recipient loses the money order?
If the recipient loses it before cashing, they should contact you immediately so you can call MoneyGram with your receipt number and put a stop on it. MoneyGram can then issue a replacement, though the process takes 30 to 60 days. Without your receipt number, MoneyGram cannot help.
Can I send a MoneyGram money order to another country?
MoneyGram money orders are for domestic use only within the United States. For international transfers, MoneyGram offers wire transfer services, but those are a different product with higher fees. Check MoneyGram's website for international options.
Is there a limit to how much I can send?
A single MoneyGram money order has a maximum of $500. You can buy multiple money orders in one transaction, but each one carries its own fee. Some locations may have daily limits on how many you can purchase.
Do I need to report a MoneyGram money order to the IRS?
MoneyGram does not report individual money order purchases to the IRS. However, if you regularly send large amounts of money, the pattern itself may trigger reporting requirements under anti-money-laundering laws. Consult a tax professional if you have concerns about your specific situation.