Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing service. Banks and credit unions are the most straightforward option if you have an account there — they will cash it without extra fees. Grocery stores like Walmart and Target, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, and standalone check-cashing shops will also cash money orders, though some charge a small fee (usually $1 to $5) if you are not a customer.

The fastest route depends on what you have nearby and whether you have a bank account. If you bank somewhere, that is your easiest option because the teller knows you and the process takes minutes. If you do not have a bank account, a grocery store or pharmacy is usually faster and cheaper than a check-cashing service.

What you need to bring

Bring the money order itself and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. That is all most places require. Some check-cashing services may ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint, but this is uncommon.

Make sure the money order is made out to you or to you and someone else. If it is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot cash it — the person it is made out to must be present, or they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" to transfer it to you.

How to sign the back of the money order

The back of the money order has a blank line or box labeled "Endorsement" or "Sign here." Sign your name on that line exactly as it appears on the front of the money order. Do not sign it until you are at the place where you plan to cash it — some locations will not accept a money order that is already signed.

If the money order is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must sign the back. If it says "and," both signatures are required. If it says "or," either person can sign alone.

The step-by-step process at a bank

Walk up to the teller window and tell them you want to cash a money order. Hand them the money order and your ID. The teller will check that the money order is legitimate, that it is made out to you, and that it has not already been cashed. This takes about two minutes.

The teller will ask you to sign the back if you have not already. They will then count out your cash or ask whether you want it deposited into your account. If you want cash, they will hand it to you. If you want it deposited, it will show up in your account within one business day, though many banks credit it the same day.

Cashing a money order at a grocery store or pharmacy

Go to the customer service desk or the money services counter — do not go to the checkout lane. Tell the associate you want to cash a money order. Hand them the money order and your ID. They will scan or enter the money order number into their system to verify it is real and has not been cashed already.

Sign the back of the money order if you have not already. The associate will count out your cash and hand it to you. The whole process takes about five minutes. Some stores charge a fee if you do not have a loyalty card or membership, so ask before you hand over the money order.

What happens if the money order is damaged or lost

If the money order is torn, water-damaged, or partially illegible, most places will still cash it as long as the amount and the issuer are clear. Bring it anyway — the teller or associate will decide whether it is acceptable.

If you lost the money order before cashing it, contact the issuer (the company or organization that sold it) with your receipt. You will need the receipt to prove you bought it. The issuer can tell you whether the money order has been cashed and can issue a replacement if it has not. This process usually takes one to two weeks and may cost a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, credit unions, grocery stores, and pharmacies all cash money orders, and banks are fastest if you have an account there.
  • You need only the money order itself and a valid photo ID — no other documents are required.
  • Sign the back of the money order at the location where you are cashing it, matching your signature exactly to the name on the front.
  • If the money order is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people must sign the back to cash it.
  • If you lose the money order before cashing it, contact the issuer with your receipt to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without a bank account?

Yes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services will cash money orders without an account. Bring your photo ID and the money order. Some places charge a small fee ($1 to $5) if you are not a customer, so ask before you hand it over.

What if the money order is made out to my business, not my name?

You cannot cash it yourself. The person or business whose name is on the money order must cash it or sign the back and transfer it to you in writing. Have them write "Pay to the order of [your name]" and sign below it, then bring it with your ID.

How long does it take to cash a money order?

At a bank or credit union, it takes about two to five minutes. At a grocery store or pharmacy, it takes about five to ten minutes. Check-cashing services may take longer if they are busy, but usually no more than fifteen minutes.

Can I cash a money order by mail?

No. You must cash it in person at a bank, store, or check-cashing service. The issuer will not cash it by mail, and mailing a money order is risky because anyone who receives it can cash it if they forge your signature.

What if the money order says "non-negotiable"?

A money order marked "non-negotiable" cannot be cashed for cash — it can only be deposited into a bank account. Take it to your bank and ask to deposit it instead of cashing it.