Walmart Money Center money orders are available at most Walmart locations and cost between $0.70 and $1.50 per order, depending on the amount.

You can walk into any Walmart with a Money Center service desk, hand over cash, and walk out with a money order within minutes. The process is straightforward: tell the clerk the amount you need, provide the recipient's name, pay the fee plus the order amount, and receive your completed money order. Walmart does not require an account, membership, or advance notice.

Money orders from Walmart are backed by Walmart itself, not by a bank or credit union, which means they are accepted almost everywhere a money order is expected — utility companies, landlords, courts, government agencies, and most businesses. The main trade-off is that Walmart's fees are higher than some banks or credit unions offer, but lower than Western Union or similar wire services.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart Money Center money orders cost $0.70 to $1.50 per order depending on the amount, with no membership required.
  • You pay cash on the spot — the order amount plus the fee — and receive your completed money order immediately.
  • Money orders from Walmart are accepted by landlords, utilities, courts, and government agencies as a form of may provide payment.
  • You can purchase money orders up to $1,000 per order, and there is no limit on how many you can buy in one visit.
  • Walmart Money Center is open during store hours, which vary by location but typically run 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What information you need to bring

Bring the recipient's name and address exactly as you want it printed on the money order. This is the most important detail — the money order will be made out to this name, and the recipient will need to match it when they cash it. If you misspell a name or get the address wrong, you will need to cancel the order and buy a new one.

You do not need a photo ID to purchase a money order at Walmart, though the clerk may ask for one. Bring cash or a debit card — Walmart Money Center does not accept credit cards for money order purchases. If you are sending the money order by mail, have the recipient's mailing address ready so you can write it on the envelope.

How much Walmart Money Center charges

Walmart's money order fees are tiered by amount. Orders up to $500 typically cost $0.70, and orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $1.50. These fees are fixed and do not change based on where you live or which Walmart location you visit. The total cost is the order amount plus the fee — so a $300 money order costs $300.70 out of pocket.

Compare this to your bank or credit union: many offer money orders free to account holders or charge $5 to $10 per order. If you need only one or two money orders, Walmart's low fee makes sense. If you regularly send money orders, a bank account with assistance programs orders may save you money over time.

Limits on how much you can send

Walmart Money Center allows a maximum of $1,000 per money order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can purchase multiple money orders in the same visit — there is no daily or weekly limit on the total number you can buy. Some customers send $2,000 or $3,000 by purchasing two or three separate orders.

Keep in mind that the recipient will receive multiple money orders and will need to deposit or cash each one separately. For very large payments, a cashier's check from a bank or a wire transfer may be more practical, though both cost more than money orders.

How to fill out and send your money order

The Walmart clerk will print most of the information on the money order — the amount, the date, and a serial number. You will need to write the recipient's name in the "Pay to the Order of" line. Some locations ask you to sign the back of the money order before you leave; others leave that for the recipient to do when they cash it. Ask the clerk what is required at your location.

If you are mailing the money order, write the recipient's address on the envelope and use first-class mail or a tracked service. Do not send a money order in an unsealed envelope or through an unreliable carrier. Once a money order is cashed, it cannot be reversed, so if it is lost or stolen in the mail, you will need to file a claim with Walmart to recover your money — a process that takes several weeks.

What to do if you need to cancel or replace a money order

If you made a mistake on the money order or changed your mind, return to the Walmart Money Center with the original money order and your receipt. Walmart will cancel it and issue a refund, minus a cancellation fee of around $1.50 to $2.00. The refund is issued as cash or store credit, depending on how you paid.

If your money order was lost or stolen before the recipient cashed it, contact Walmart Money Center with your receipt and serial number. Walmart can place a stop on the order and issue a replacement, but this process takes time — usually two to four weeks. During that period, the recipient cannot cash the original order. Keep your receipt in a safe place until you confirm the money order has been cashed.

Walmart Money Center hours and locations

Walmart Money Center operates during regular Walmart store hours, which vary by location. Most Walmarts are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but some open earlier or close later. A few 24-hour Walmart locations exist, though they are becoming rare. Check your local Walmart's hours online or call ahead before you go.

Not every Walmart has a Money Center desk. Smaller Walmart Neighborhood Market locations may not offer money orders, or they may be handled at the customer service desk instead of a dedicated Money Center. If you are unsure whether your nearest Walmart offers money orders, call the store or check the Walmart website for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Walmart money order without a receipt?

Yes. You do not need to show a receipt to purchase a money order. However, if you later need to cancel or place a stop on the order, you will need the receipt and serial number. Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed.

What if the recipient's name has a middle initial or suffix?

Write it exactly as the recipient wants it on the money order. If they go by "John Q. Smith Jr." and you write "John Smith," they may have trouble cashing it. Ask the recipient how they want their name printed before you go to Walmart.

Can I use a credit card to pay for a Walmart money order?

No. Walmart Money Center accepts only cash and debit cards for money order purchases. Credit card transactions are not allowed. If you do not have cash or a debit card, you will need to use a different service or withdraw cash from an ATM first.

How long does it take for a money order to clear once the recipient cashes it?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order at their bank, it typically clears within one to three business days. Walmart money orders are treated like regular checks by most banks, so clearing time depends on the recipient's bank, not on Walmart.

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

Yes. A money order is a may provide payment that cannot be cashed by anyone other than the person whose name is on it. Cash can be stolen and spent by anyone. However, if the money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, you will need to file a claim with Walmart to recover your money, which takes time.