CVS sells money orders at most locations, and the process takes about five minutes
You can walk into a CVS pharmacy, ask for a money order at the register or customer service desk, and walk out with one the same day. CVS does not require an account, membership, or advance notice. You bring cash or a debit card, tell the cashier the amount you need (up to $500 per money order at most CVS locations), and pay a small fee on top of that amount.
The fee varies by location but typically runs between $1 and $2 for amounts under $500. Some CVS stores may charge slightly more or less, so ask before you hand over money. You fill out the money order right there — it takes the same space as a check and asks for the same basic information: who it is to, who it is from, and what it is for.
Not every CVS location offers money orders. Smaller stores or those in certain areas may not stock them. Call ahead or check the CVS website to confirm your nearest store sells them, or straightforward ask when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- CVS money orders cost between $1 and $2 in fees and are available at most locations during regular store hours.
- You can buy a money order for up to $500 with cash or a debit card, with no account or ID required in most cases.
- You fill out the money order on the spot with the recipient's name, your name, and any memo about what the payment is for.
- Some CVS locations do not carry money orders, so confirm availability before you go or call ahead.
What information you need to fill in
When you receive your blank money order from the CVS cashier, you will see lines for four pieces of information. The payee line is where you write the name of the person or business that will cash it — this is the most important line because the money order can only be cashed by whoever you write here. Write the name exactly as the recipient expects it, especially for businesses.
The payer line asks for your name — the person buying the money order. This is how the recipient knows who sent it. The memo line is optional and is where you can write what the money order is for (for example, "rent for March" or "car payment"). The amount box is where you write both the dollar amount in numbers and spell it out in words, just like a check.
Do not leave the payee line blank and do not make it out to "cash" — that turns it into a security risk because anyone who finds it can cash it. If you are unsure of the exact name the recipient uses, ask them before you fill it out.
Payment methods and fees at CVS
CVS accepts cash and debit cards for money orders. You cannot use a credit card. The fee is separate from the amount you are sending — if you want to send $200 and the fee is $1.50, you pay $201.50 total at the register.
Fees vary slightly between CVS locations and may change over time, so the $1 to $2 range is typical but not may provide everywhere. Some locations in high-cost areas may charge more. Ask the cashier for the exact fee before you hand over payment, and they will tell you the total you owe.
You do not need a CVS loyalty card, bank account, or any form of ID to buy a money order at CVS, though the cashier may ask for your address for their records.
How to send your money order after you buy it
Once you have filled out the money order, you can mail it, hand it to someone in person, or give it to a business directly. Money orders sent by mail should go in an envelope with a stamp — do not send a money order in a postcard or unprotected. The recipient will take it to their bank or a check-cashing location to deposit or cash it, just like a check.
Keep the receipt CVS gives you. It has a tracking number on it that lets you look up whether the money order was cashed. If the money order is lost or stolen in the mail, you can use that receipt to request a replacement, though the process takes time and requires proof that it was not cashed.
If you are mailing the money order to pay a bill, send it to the address the company gives you for payments — usually on your bill or their website. If you are handing it to someone in person, make sure they sign the back of it when they receive it, the same way they would sign the back of a check.
When to use a CVS money order instead of other options
Money orders are useful when you need to send money to someone who does not have a bank account or when a business requires a money order instead of a personal check. They are also safer than cash in the mail because they can only be cashed by the person whose name is on them.
If you need to send money to someone when ready or across the country in hours, a money order is not the right tool — it takes the same time as a check in the mail, usually three to five business days. If you need when ready transfer, look into wire transfers through your bank or apps like Venmo or PayPal instead.
Money orders are also not the cheapest way to send small amounts of money. If you are sending less than $20, the fee might be a large percentage of what you are sending. For regular bill payments, setting up automatic bank transfers or paying online through the company's website costs nothing.
Limits on how much you can send
Most CVS locations allow you to buy one money order for up to $500 at a time. If you need to send more than $500, you can buy multiple money orders — there is no rule against buying two or three in one transaction. You will pay a separate fee for each one.
Some locations may have different limits, so ask the cashier what the maximum is at your store. If you need to send a large amount, buying multiple money orders is the standard solution, though it does mean paying multiple fees.
What happens if something goes wrong
If you lose a money order before you send it, contact CVS with your receipt. They can issue a replacement, though you may have to wait and provide proof that the original was not cashed.
If a money order you sent does not arrive, the recipient should contact you so you can file a claim with CVS using your receipt number. CVS will investigate whether it was cashed. If it was not, they will issue a replacement money order.
If you write the payee name wrong, the money order cannot be corrected — you will have to buy a new one. This is why it is worth taking a moment to confirm the exact name before you fill it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ID to buy a money order at CVS?
No, CVS does not require an ID to buy a money order. The cashier may ask for your address for their records, but you do not have to provide one. You do need to pay the fee and the amount in cash or with a debit card.
Can I buy a money order with a credit card?
No, CVS only accepts cash or debit cards for money orders. Credit cards are not an option. If you do not have cash or a debit card, you will need to go to a different location or use a different payment method.
What if the person I am sending the money order to never cashes it?
Money orders do not expire, so the recipient can cash it at any time in the future. If you need the money back, you can file a claim with CVS using your receipt, but they will only refund you if the money order has not been cashed.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
You can request a refund from CVS if the money order has not been cashed, but you will lose the fee you paid. You will need your receipt and proof that it was not cashed. The process can take several weeks.
Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?
Yes, a money order is safer than cash because it can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it. If cash is lost or stolen, it is gone. If a money order is lost, you can file a claim and request a replacement using your receipt.