Walmart money order cost depends on the amount, and the fee is the same whether you buy one or many
Walmart charges a flat fee per money order, not a percentage of the amount. As of now, that fee is $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000. You pay the same $0.88 whether you're sending $10 or $1,000. Walmart does not issue money orders for amounts over $1,000, so if you need to send more than that, you'll need to use a different method or split it across multiple money orders.
The fee covers the cost of the money order itself plus the service of issuing it. You pay this fee at the register when you purchase the money order, separate from the amount you're sending. So if you want to send $500, you'll hand over $500.88 total — $500 for the money order and $0.88 for the fee.
Walmart's fee is competitive with other retailers. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per money order, and post offices typically charge $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Walmart's lower cost is one reason people choose it for money orders, especially when sending smaller amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart charges $0.88 per money order, regardless of whether you're sending $10 or $1,000.
- The maximum amount for a single Walmart money order is $1,000; amounts over that require multiple money orders.
- You pay the fee at the register when you purchase the money order, in addition to the amount being sent.
- Walmart's fee is lower than most banks and comparable to or slightly lower than the U.S. Postal Service.
How to buy a money order at Walmart
Go to the customer service desk or money services counter at your local Walmart. You'll need to provide the recipient's name and your own name. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — Walmart accepts all three for money order purchases.
Tell the associate the amount you want to send. They'll print the money order, you'll sign it, and you'll pay the amount plus the $0.88 fee. The process usually takes five to ten minutes. Keep your receipt; it contains a reference number you can use to track the money order if it goes missing.
When Walmart money orders cost less than alternatives
If you're sending under $500, Walmart is almost always cheaper than a bank. Most banks charge a flat $5 to $10 per money order, so Walmart's $0.88 fee saves you money on smaller amounts. Even for larger amounts, Walmart stays competitive.
The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500 and $2.00 for money orders from $500.01 to $1,000. That means Walmart is cheaper for any amount. However, if you already have a bank account and your bank offers assistance programs orders to customers, that's the lowest cost option — zero dollars.
Some credit unions also offer free or very low-cost money orders to members. Before paying at Walmart, check whether your bank or credit union includes money orders in your account benefits.
What happens if you need to send more than $1,000
Walmart will not issue a single money order for more than $1,000. If you need to send $2,500, you'll need to buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. That means you'll pay $0.88 three times, for a total fee of $2.64.
This is still often cheaper than alternatives. A bank might charge $10 per money order, which would cost $30 for three. The post office would charge $2.00 per money order for amounts over $500, totaling $6.00 for three.
If you're sending a very large amount and the fee adds up, consider a cashier's check from your bank instead. A cashier's check can be written for any amount and usually costs $5 to $15, which might be less than multiple money orders if you're sending several thousand dollars.
Money order fees at other retailers
Walmart is not the only place to buy a money order. Here's how costs compare at common locations:
| Location | Fee for up to $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $0.88 |
| U.S. Postal Service (up to $500) | $1.45 |
| U.S. Postal Service ($500.01–$1,000) | $2.00 |
| Most banks | $5–$10 |
| Most credit unions | $0–$5 |
| Western Union (at various retailers) | $1–$5 |
Prices vary by location and institution, so call ahead if you're considering the post office or your bank. Some post offices charge different amounts, and some banks waive fees for certain account types.
Why you might choose Walmart over other options
Beyond cost, Walmart money orders are convenient if you already shop there. You can buy one while you're picking up groceries or other items, without making a separate trip. Walmart locations are widespread, so there's likely one near you.
Walmart money orders are also widely accepted. They're backed by a major retailer and recognized by banks, landlords, and other institutions. You won't run into problems using a Walmart money order the way you might with a money order from a small or unfamiliar source.
The downside is that Walmart money services have limited hours — they close when the store does, and some locations have shorter hours than the store itself. If you need a money order at 11 p.m., the post office (which has extended hours at some locations) or your bank might be your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Walmart money order online?
No. Walmart does not issue money orders through its website or app. You must go to a physical Walmart location and visit the customer service or money services desk in person.
What if I lose my Walmart money order receipt?
Keep your receipt. It contains the reference number you need to track or replace the money order if it's lost or stolen. Without it, replacing a money order is much harder. If you do lose the receipt, contact Walmart customer service with the date and amount of purchase, and they may be able to help you locate the reference number.
Do I need an ID to buy a Walmart money order?
Walmart does not always require an ID, but they may ask for one depending on the amount and their location's policy. Bring a valid ID to be safe. If you don't have one, ask the associate whether they can process the money order without it.
Is the $0.88 fee the same at every Walmart?
Walmart's money order fee is set nationally, so it should be $0.88 at every location. However, fees can change, so confirm the current price when you visit or call ahead if you want to be certain.
Can I use a credit card to pay for a Walmart money order?
Yes. Walmart accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards for money order purchases. Some credit card companies may treat a money order as a cash advance and charge additional fees, so check your card's terms if you're concerned about extra costs.