Publix sells money orders at the customer service desk, and the cost is typically under $1, though the exact price varies by state and location

Publix Super Market operates a money order service through its customer service counter in most stores. You walk in, go to the desk, hand over cash, and receive a money order made out to whoever you name. The transaction takes a few minutes. Publix money orders are issued by a third-party provider — usually MoneyGram or a regional processor — not by Publix itself, which means they work the same way any other retail money order does: the recipient takes it to a bank, grocery store, or check-cashing place to convert it to cash or deposit it.

The main reason to use Publix for a money order instead of a bank is convenience: you can buy one while you're already shopping, without a separate trip. The main reason not to is that Publix does not offer money orders in every location, and some states have restrictions on where grocery stores can sell them. Before you go, call your local Publix customer service desk to confirm they sell money orders and ask what the current fee is.

Key Takeaways

  • Publix money orders are sold at the customer service desk, not at checkout, and cost less than $1 in most states.
  • You need to bring cash and know the name of the person or business the money order should be made out to.
  • Not every Publix location sells money orders, so call ahead to confirm your store offers them.
  • Publix money orders are issued by a third-party company and work the same way as money orders from any other retailer.
  • The recipient can cash a Publix money order at a bank, grocery store, check-cashing business, or other financial institution.

What you need to bring to Publix

Bring cash in the amount you want the money order to be for, plus the fee. Publix does not accept debit cards, credit cards, or checks for money order purchases — cash only. You also need to know the name of the payee (the person or business receiving the money), spelled correctly. If you are unsure of the exact spelling, ask the person before you go to Publix, because you cannot change it after the money order is printed.

You do not need an ID to buy a money order at Publix, though the customer service desk may ask for one. Bring it anyway to avoid a trip back to your car. If you are buying a money order for someone else, you do not need their permission or signature — you are the one purchasing it, so you are the one who needs to be present.

How much Publix money orders cost

The fee for a Publix money order is typically between 50 cents and $1, depending on your state and the specific Publix location. Florida, where Publix is headquartered and operates most of its stores, generally has lower fees than states where Publix has fewer locations. Some states regulate money order fees, so the price is set by law rather than by Publix itself.

Call your local Publix customer service desk to find out the exact fee before you go. The fee is separate from the amount you are sending — if you want to send $500, you pay $500 plus the fee. There is usually a maximum amount per money order (often $500 or $1,000), so if you need to send more than that, you will have to buy multiple money orders.

The difference between Publix money orders and bank money orders

A Publix money order and a bank money order work the same way once it is printed: the recipient takes it to a financial institution and cashes it or deposits it. The main differences are convenience and fee. Publix is open longer than most banks and you can buy a money order while shopping. Banks typically charge more per money order but may waive the fee if you have a checking account with them.

Publix money orders are backed by the third-party company that issues them (usually MoneyGram), not by Publix itself. This means if something goes wrong — the money order is lost, stolen, or not cashed — you contact the issuer, not Publix. Bank money orders are backed by the bank, which some people find more reassuring, though in practice the difference rarely matters for routine transactions.

How to fill out a Publix money order

The customer service clerk will fill in most of the money order for you at the time of purchase. You provide the payee name (who it is made out to) and the amount. Do not write anything on the money order yourself unless the clerk asks you to — the issuer's security features depend on the printing being done a certain way, and handwriting in the wrong place can make it invalid.

Once you have the money order, write your name and address on the back in the "From" or "Sender" field. This is not required, but it helps the recipient contact you if there is a problem. Do not sign the front of the money order — the recipient signs it when they cash it. Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it lost or stop payment.

What to do if your local Publix does not sell money orders

Not all Publix locations sell money orders, and some states do not allow grocery stores to sell them at all. If your Publix does not offer them, you have other options: banks, credit unions, Walmart, Western Union locations, and check-cashing businesses all sell money orders. Banks and credit unions usually charge $5 to $10 per money order but may waive the fee if you are a member. Walmart and Western Union typically charge $1 to $3, similar to Publix.

If you need a money order urgently and your Publix is closed, Walmart is usually open later and on Sundays. Western Union locations are often in pharmacies and convenience stores that stay open 24 hours. Call ahead to confirm they sell money orders and ask about the fee, because prices vary by location.

How the recipient cashes a Publix money order

The person who receives the money order takes it to a bank, credit union, grocery store, check-cashing business, or other financial institution and presents it along with an ID. They sign the back of the money order in front of the teller or clerk, and the institution cashes it or deposits it into their account. Most places cash money orders for free if you have an account with them; non-members may pay a small fee (usually $1 to $3).

The recipient should not sign the money order before they go to cash it — they sign it in front of the teller as proof they are the person it is made out to. If the money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, the recipient should contact you immediately so you can report it to the issuer and request a replacement or refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Publix money order with a debit card?

No. Publix only accepts cash for money order purchases. You must bring the exact amount in bills or coins. If you do not have cash, you can withdraw it from an ATM or ask the customer service desk if there is an ATM in the store.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name?

Once the money order is printed, you cannot change the payee name. If you spelled it wrong or named the wrong person, you have to ask the customer service desk if they will cancel it and issue a new one. Some Publix locations will do this; others will not. It is worth asking, but do not count on it — this is why you should confirm the spelling before you go to the desk.

How long does a Publix money order take to cash?

The recipient can cash it immediately at any bank, grocery store, or check-cashing business. There is no waiting period. If they deposit it into a bank account, it may take one to three business days to clear, depending on the bank.

What if the money order is lost or stolen?

Contact the issuer (usually MoneyGram) with your receipt and the money order number. You can request a replacement or refund, but the process takes time — usually two to four weeks. This is why keeping your receipt is important. If someone else cashes it before you report it lost, you may not be able to recover the money.

Is a Publix money order safer than sending cash in the mail?

Yes. A money order is a paper instrument that requires the recipient to sign it and show an ID to cash it. Cash can be stolen from the mail with no way to recover it. A money order can be replaced if it is lost or stolen, as long as you have the receipt and report it quickly.