Walgreens sells money orders at most locations, and the process takes about five minutes

You can walk into a Walgreens, ask for a money order at the customer service desk, and walk out with one the same day. Walgreens charges a flat fee per money order — the amount varies by state and location, typically between $0.65 and $1.50. You pay the fee plus the face value of the money order itself (the amount you want the money order to be worth). You'll need cash or a debit card to buy one.

Not every Walgreens location offers money orders, though most do. If you're near a Walgreens, calling ahead to confirm they sell them takes one minute and saves a wasted trip. The customer service desk can tell you the exact fee your location charges.

Money orders at Walgreens work the same way as anywhere else: you fill in the recipient's name, sign it, and hand it to someone who deposits or cashes it. The recipient cannot cash it unless their name is on it, which makes it safer than cash for sending money through the mail or giving it to someone you don't know well.

Key Takeaways

  • Walgreens money orders cost between $0.65 and $1.50 per order depending on your state and location, plus the face value amount.
  • You can buy a money order with cash or a debit card at the customer service desk during store hours.
  • Not all Walgreens locations sell money orders, so call ahead to confirm before you go.
  • The money order is ready immediately — you fill it out on the spot and can hand it to the recipient or mail it the same day.
  • You'll need the recipient's full name and your own identification to complete the transaction.

What you need to bring to Walgreens

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Walgreens requires this for all money order purchases. Bring cash or a debit card to pay the fee and the money order amount. Credit cards are not accepted for money orders at Walgreens.

Have the recipient's full name ready. You'll write it on the money order, and Walgreens may ask you to confirm it before you complete the purchase. If you're sending the money order to someone and don't know their exact legal name, ask them first — a money order made out to "Mike" when the recipient's name is "Michael" can create problems when they try to cash it.

How much Walgreens charges and what limits apply

The fee is separate from the money order amount. If you want a $500 money order and the fee is $1.00, you pay $501 total. Walgreens typically limits money orders to $1,000 per order, though this can vary by location. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders.

Some Walgreens locations may have lower limits or different fees depending on state regulations. Call your local store to confirm the maximum amount and the exact fee before you go. The fee structure does not change based on the size of the money order — a $100 money order costs the same fee as a $1,000 one at the same location.

How to fill out a Walgreens money order

The money order form has blank lines for the recipient's name, your name, and a memo line. Write the recipient's full legal name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Write your own name on the "From" line. The memo line is optional — you can leave it blank or write a note like "rent" or "invoice #12345" so the recipient knows what the payment is for.

Sign the money order in the signature line. Do not sign it before you hand it to the recipient — an unsigned money order can be cashed by anyone. Walgreens staff will watch you fill it out and may ask you to confirm the recipient's name before you leave. Keep your receipt, which shows the money order number and amount.

Mailing a Walgreens money order safely

Money orders are safer to mail than cash because they're made out to a specific person. Write the recipient's name clearly so there's no confusion. Put the money order in an envelope with your receipt and mail it through the postal service — do not leave it in a mailbox unattended or give it to an unreliable carrier.

The recipient can deposit or cash the money order at their bank, credit union, or another location that accepts them (most do). If the money order is lost or stolen in the mail, you can contact Walgreens with your receipt and the money order number to file a claim. This process takes time, so mailing is best for situations where a small delay is acceptable.

When Walgreens money orders make sense versus other options

A money order works well when you need to send money to someone you don't know well or through the mail, because it can't be cashed by the wrong person. It's also useful if you don't have a bank account or don't want to share your banking information. The fee is low compared to wire transfers or cashier's checks.

A money order is slower than a bank transfer or digital payment app — the recipient has to physically deposit or cash it, which takes a day or two. If you're paying a bill to a company, check whether they accept money orders first; many prefer checks or online payments. If you're sending money to someone you trust and both of you have bank accounts, a direct transfer or payment app is usually faster and cheaper.

What to do if your local Walgreens doesn't sell money orders

Not every Walgreens location carries them, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas. Call ahead to confirm. If your nearest Walgreens doesn't sell money orders, check other nearby retailers — grocery stores, check-cashing services, and post offices all sell them. Post offices typically charge a similar fee and have the same limits.

Some banks and credit unions sell money orders to customers and non-customers, often for a lower fee than retailers charge. If you have a bank account, calling your bank to ask about their money order fee and limits takes one minute and may save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Walgreens money order without a photo ID?

No. Walgreens requires a valid photo ID for all money order purchases. This is a federal requirement, not a Walgreens policy. Bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

What happens if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

Ask the Walgreens employee for a new form before you sign it. Once you sign a money order, it's considered complete and you cannot change it. If you've already signed it, you'll need to buy a new money order and may not get a refund for the first one.

Can the recipient cash a Walgreens money order at any bank?

Most banks and credit unions will cash a Walgreens money order, but some may require the recipient to have an account there. Grocery stores, check-cashing services, and Walgreens itself will cash money orders from other retailers. The recipient should call ahead if they're unsure.

How long does a Walgreens money order stay valid?

Money orders don't expire, but some states have rules about how long a business can hold the funds before turning them over to the state. In practice, a money order can be cashed years after purchase. Keep your receipt in case you need to file a claim for a lost or stolen money order.

Can I get a refund if I buy a money order and don't use it?

Walgreens will refund the money order amount and fee if you bring it back unused and unwritten. If you've already filled it out or signed it, you cannot return it. You'll need to buy a new money order to send to the correct recipient.