Where to buy a money order

You can buy a money order at most banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The easiest option depends on where you already do business. If you have a checking account, your bank or credit union often sells them at the counter during business hours — sometimes without a fee for account holders. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at every post office location. Grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway sell them near the customer service desk or checkout. Convenience stores and gas stations typically carry them as well, though availability varies by location.

Call ahead if you need a money order outside normal business hours or want to confirm the seller has them in stock. Some smaller branches or rural locations may not carry them regularly. If you are sending money urgently, a post office or bank near you is more likely to be open on weekends than a grocery store.

Key Takeaways

  • Money orders are sold at banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores, with fees ranging from under $1 to around $5 depending on the seller and the amount.
  • You will need cash or a debit card to buy a money order; most sellers do not accept personal checks or credit cards.
  • The maximum amount you can put on a single money order is typically $1,000, though some sellers cap it lower.
  • You must fill in the recipient's name, your name and address, and the amount before you leave the counter.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it as lost or trace where it went.

What you need to bring

Bring cash or a debit card. Most sellers accept both. Personal checks and credit cards are rarely accepted for money order purchases. You do not need an account at the bank or credit union selling the money order — walk-in customers can buy them.

You will also need to know the recipient's full name and address. Write these down before you go to the counter, or have them ready on your phone. The seller will not fill in this information for you; you do it yourself on the form. If you do not know the recipient's exact address, ask them for it before you buy the money order, because you cannot change it after purchase.

Bring your own address as well. The form asks for your name and address so the recipient knows who sent it. Some sellers may ask for a photo ID, though this is not universal.

How much money orders cost

Fees vary widely depending on where you buy. The U.S. Postal Service charges between $1.45 and $2.00 for money orders up to $500, and $2.20 to $2.65 for orders from $500 to $1,000, depending on the specific post office location. Banks and credit unions often charge $3 to $10 per money order, or may waive the fee for account holders. Walmart and other grocery stores typically charge $0.70 to $1.50. Convenience stores and gas stations often charge $1 to $3.

The fee is separate from the amount you are sending. If you want to send $200, you pay the $200 plus the fee — so you hand over $201 or $202 depending on where you buy. Ask the seller for the fee before you hand over money, so you know the total cost.

Money order amount limits

Most sellers cap a single money order at $1,000. Some post offices and banks allow up to $1,000; others set the limit at $500 or $750. A few sellers may have lower limits. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders — for example, two $500 money orders to send $1,000 total.

Ask the seller what their limit is before you fill out the form. The limit is set by the seller, not by law, so it can differ between locations and between types of sellers.

Filling out the money order form

The seller will hand you a blank form. Fill in four pieces of information: the recipient's name (the person or business receiving the money), the amount in dollars, your name, and your address. Write clearly in pen. Do not use pencil — money orders are legal documents and pencil can be erased.

The form usually has a line for a memo or reference number. This is optional and is for your own record-keeping. You might write "rent payment" or "invoice 12345" so both you and the recipient remember what the money order was for. The recipient will see this memo when they cash it.

Double-check the amount and the recipient's name before you hand the form to the seller. Once you pay, you cannot change these details. If you make a mistake, ask the seller whether they can void it and issue a new one — some will, some will not.

Paying for and receiving your money order

Hand the completed form and your payment (cash or debit card) to the seller. They will process it at the counter and give you the money order itself, a receipt, and sometimes a duplicate copy. The receipt is your proof of purchase and shows the amount, the fee, and the date. Keep this receipt until the money order is cashed. If the money order is lost or stolen in the mail, the receipt is what you will need to report it and request a replacement.

The seller will also give you instructions on how the recipient should cash it. Most money orders can be cashed at banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing services. The recipient does not need an account anywhere — they just need to sign the back and present it with an ID.

Tracking a money order if it goes missing

If the recipient says they never got the money order, or if you think it was lost in the mail, contact the seller where you bought it. Bring your receipt. They can look up the money order in their system and tell you whether it has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they can issue a replacement. If it has been cashed, they can tell you when and sometimes where, which helps you figure out what happened.

This process takes time — usually one to two weeks. This is why keeping your receipt is critical. Without it, the seller cannot look up the money order or issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most sellers do not accept credit cards for money order purchases. Cash and debit cards are the standard payment methods. Some banks may allow credit card holders to buy money orders using their credit line, but this is rare and varies by institution.

What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

Once you have paid, you cannot change the recipient's name or the amount. Ask the seller when ready if they can void it and issue a new one. Some will do this at no extra charge; others may charge a second fee or refuse. This is why checking your work before handing it over matters.

How long does it take for a money order to reach someone?

A money order travels through the mail like a regular letter, so delivery time depends on postal service speed in your area — typically three to seven business days. It is not faster than a check. If you need the money to arrive quickly, consider a wire transfer or electronic payment instead.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

You can ask the seller to cancel it and refund your money, but they may charge a cancellation fee. Some sellers will not cancel at all. The best approach is to be certain about the recipient and amount before you pay.

Do I need to report a money order on my taxes?

Buying a money order is not a taxable event. You are straightforward converting cash into a different form of payment. However, if you are sending money as a gift, loan, or business payment, the underlying transaction may have tax implications — consult a tax professional about your specific situation.