What Amscot money orders are and where to get them
Amscot is a check-cashing and financial services chain with locations across Florida. They sell money orders at their physical locations — you cannot order them online or by phone. You walk in, tell the cashier the amount you need, pay a fee on top of that amount, and receive a printed money order you can mail or deliver to a payee.
Amscot money orders work the same way as money orders from other vendors: the payee deposits or cashes them at their bank or check-cashing location. The main difference between Amscot and other sources (grocery stores, post offices, Western Union agents) is location — Amscot is only in Florida, and you must visit a branch in person.
Amscot locations are concentrated in central and south Florida. If you live outside Florida or in a part of Florida without an Amscot branch nearby, a post office, grocery store, or Walmart money order may be more practical. You can find an Amscot location using their store locator on their website.
Key Takeaways
- Amscot money orders are sold only at Amscot branch locations in Florida, and you must buy them in person with cash or a debit card.
- You pay the face amount of the money order plus a fee that varies by location and amount, typically a few dollars.
- The payee's name must be written on the money order before you hand it over, and you should keep your receipt until the payee confirms they received and cashed it.
- Amscot money orders can be replaced if lost or stolen, but you will need your receipt and proof of payment to start a trace.
How much Amscot charges for a money order
Amscot charges a fee for each money order you buy. The fee amount depends on the branch location and the size of the money order. Fees are not published uniformly online, so the most accurate way to find out what you will pay is to call your local Amscot branch or visit in person.
Generally, Amscot money order fees are in the range of a few dollars, but this varies. Smaller money orders (under $100) may have a lower fee than larger ones. Some branches may charge differently than others. When you arrive to buy a money order, the cashier will tell you the total cost before you pay.
You pay with cash or a debit card. Amscot does not accept credit cards for money order purchases at most locations. Bring enough cash or have your debit card ready.
What information you need to fill in before you leave the store
Before the cashier hands you the money order, you must write in the payee's name — the person or business the money order is for. Do not leave this blank. If you do not know the exact name or spelling, ask the person you are sending it to before you buy the money order.
You will also write your own name and address in the sender section, though some Amscot locations may print this for you. The date and amount are usually pre-printed or filled in by the cashier. Keep your receipt, which shows the amount, fee, and a reference number you will need if the money order is lost or the payee says they never received it.
Do not sign the back of the money order yourself. The payee signs the back when they cash or deposit it. If you sign it, the money order becomes harder for the payee to use.
How to send an Amscot money order safely
Once you have the completed money order, you can mail it or hand-deliver it. If you mail it, use a regular envelope and send it through the U.S. Postal Service. Do not send a money order through a private carrier like FedEx or UPS unless the payee specifically asks you to — it costs more and is unnecessary.
Write the payee's address clearly on the envelope. Include a return address so the post office can send it back if the address is wrong. If you are mailing it to a business, include any account number or reference information they gave you in a note inside the envelope.
If you hand-deliver the money order, give it directly to the person or to an authorized representative. Do not leave it in a mailbox or with someone who is not authorized to receive it. Ask for a receipt or confirmation that they received it.
What to do if your Amscot money order is lost or not received
If the payee says they never received the money order, or if you lost it before sending it, you can file a trace request with Amscot. You will need your receipt from the purchase. The receipt has a reference number that Amscot uses to track the money order.
Contact the Amscot location where you bought the money order. They will start a trace, which means they check whether the money order has been cashed. This process takes time — typically several weeks. If the money order has not been cashed, Amscot can issue you a replacement.
If the money order was cashed by someone other than the intended payee, you may have a fraud issue. Report this to Amscot and to your local police. Bring your receipt and any proof of mailing or delivery.
Amscot money orders versus other money order sources
The main advantage of Amscot is convenience if you live near a branch — you can buy a money order while you are already there for other services. The main disadvantage is location. If you do not live in Florida or your nearest Amscot is far away, a post office or grocery store money order is usually faster and just as reliable.
Post office money orders are available nationwide and can be bought at any post office. Grocery stores like Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Walmart sell money orders in most locations. Western Union agents (often at check-cashing stores, grocery stores, or pharmacies) also sell money orders. All of these sources charge fees similar to Amscot's, and all money orders work the same way once they are issued.
The payee does not care which vendor issued the money order — any money order is cashed the same way at any bank or check-cashing location. Choose whichever source is closest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Amscot money order online or over the phone?
No. Amscot money orders are sold only in person at Amscot branch locations. You must visit a store, pay the fee, and receive the printed money order on the spot. You cannot order online or by phone.
What if I made a mistake writing the payee's name on the money order?
If you made a small spelling error, the payee may still be able to cash it — banks often accept money orders with minor name variations. If the name is completely wrong, contact the Amscot location where you bought it. They may be able to issue a replacement if the original has not been cashed.
How long does it take for a money order to reach someone in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes three to five business days within Florida and five to seven business days to other states. If you need the money order to arrive faster, use Priority Mail or hand-deliver it. Money orders themselves are not faster than regular mail — only the delivery method matters.
Can I get my money back if I bought an Amscot money order but changed my mind?
If the money order has not been cashed and you have your receipt, Amscot may refund the amount minus the fee. You must return to the location where you bought it and ask about their refund policy. Policies vary by location, so call ahead before you go.
What happens if someone else cashes my Amscot money order?
If someone cashes a money order that was not made out to them, that is fraud. Report it to Amscot with your receipt and to your local police. Amscot will investigate and may be able to recover the funds, but this process is slow. This is why you should keep money orders find until they are delivered and never mail them to an address you are unsure about.