Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, check-cashing service, or the issuer's office — usually Western Union or MoneyGram. Banks and credit unions are the most straightforward if you have an account there; they cash them during business hours with no fee. Grocery stores and pharmacies (Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens) cash them at their customer service desk, though some charge a small fee and have daily limits. Check-cashing services and payday loan shops will cash them but typically charge the highest fees.

The issuer's location matters less than you might think. A Western Union money order can be cashed at any Western Union agent, not just where it was bought. The same applies to MoneyGram. If you're in a hurry or don't have a bank account, your nearest grocery store or pharmacy is usually faster than tracking down a bank branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions cash money orders free if you have an account, but check-cashing services and payday shops charge fees ranging from a few dollars to a percentage of the amount.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies cash money orders at customer service desks during store hours, though some have daily limits or charge small fees.
  • You need the original money order, a valid photo ID, and sometimes your account number if you're cashing at a bank.
  • The money order must be made payable to you or be endorsed to you by the person it was written to.
  • Western Union and MoneyGram money orders can be cashed at any agent location for that service, not just where they were purchased.

What you need to bring

Bring the original money order and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some places also ask for your account number if you have one there, though it's not always required. Never bring a copy or a photo of the money order; financial institutions need the physical original.

If the money order is made payable to someone else, that person must endorse it (sign the back) and you must also sign it. Some places will not cash a money order with multiple endorsements, so check before passing it along. If you're unsure whether the money order is properly made out to you, ask the cashier before you hand it over.

Banks and credit unions

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, this is your best option. They cash money orders free during business hours, and the transaction is fast — usually under five minutes. You'll need your account number or debit card and a photo ID. Some banks cash money orders even if you don't have an account, but they may charge a fee or require you to deposit it rather than take cash.

Call ahead if you're cashing a very large money order (over $1,000) or if you need cash rather than a deposit. Some branches keep limited cash on hand and may ask you to come back later or visit a different location. Credit unions sometimes have stricter policies about cashing money orders for non-members, so confirm before you go.

Grocery stores and pharmacies

Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and Walgreens all cash money orders at their customer service desks. Hours match store hours, which is often longer than a bank's. Fees vary by location — some charge nothing, others charge $1 to $5. Many have daily limits, often $500 to $1,000, so if you're cashing a larger amount you may need to split it across multiple visits or use a different method.

Bring your photo ID and the original money order. The process is straightforward: hand the money order to the cashier, show your ID, and they'll verify it and give you cash. If the money order is damaged, torn, or the amount is unclear, they may refuse it. Ask the cashier before you hand it over if you're unsure whether they'll accept it.

Check-cashing services and payday shops

These businesses cash money orders but charge the highest fees — typically $2 to $10 or a percentage of the amount (1% to 3%). They're useful if you need cash outside bank hours or don't have a bank account, but the cost adds up. Some payday shops also require you to provide personal information beyond your ID, which you should review before agreeing.

These services are widely available in most neighborhoods, but compare fees before you go. A $500 money order cashed at a 3% fee costs you $15. The same money order at a bank or grocery store costs nothing. Use this option only if other routes are genuinely closed to you.

Western Union and MoneyGram agent locations

If the money order was issued by Western Union or MoneyGram, you can cash it at any agent location for that service. Western Union agents include grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops, and dedicated Western Union offices. MoneyGram agents are similar. You don't need to go to the location where the money order was purchased.

Fees depend on the agent. A bank or credit union that's a Western Union agent may cash it free if you have an account. A check-cashing shop that's a Western Union agent will charge a fee. Call ahead or check the company's website to find nearby agents and confirm their fees before you go.

What happens if the money order is damaged or lost

A damaged money order (torn, water-damaged, faded) may be refused by a cashier. If the amount is illegible or the signature line is torn, most places will not accept it. If this happens, contact the issuer (Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank if it issued the money order) and ask about a replacement. You'll typically need the receipt or proof of purchase, which the person who bought it should have.

If the money order is lost, the issuer can issue a replacement if you have the receipt and can provide details about the original (amount, date, recipient). This process takes time — sometimes weeks — so don't count on it if you need cash immediately. Keep money orders in a safe place until you cash them, just as you would a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without a bank account?

Yes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing services, and Western Union or MoneyGram agents will cash money orders without requiring an account. Bring your photo ID and the original money order. Fees vary by location — grocery stores and pharmacies often charge nothing or a small fee, while check-cashing shops charge more.

What if the money order is made out to someone else?

The person it's made out to must sign the back (endorse it), then you sign below their signature. Some places won't cash money orders with multiple endorsements. Ask the cashier before you hand it over whether they'll accept it in that form.

How long does it take to cash a money order?

At a bank or grocery store, usually five to ten minutes. The cashier verifies the money order, checks your ID, and gives you cash or deposits it. Check-cashing services are similarly fast. The only delay is if the money order is damaged or the amount is unclear.

Can I deposit a money order instead of cashing it?

Yes. Banks and credit unions let you deposit money orders into your account, which is often faster than cashing it for physical cash. You can deposit it in person or by mail. Some banks let you photograph the money order and deposit it through their mobile app.

What if I lost the receipt for the money order?

You don't need the receipt to cash it — you just need the money order itself and a photo ID. If the money order is lost, the person who bought it will need the receipt to request a replacement from the issuer.