Where to Get a Money Order Near Me: 11 Convenient Locations

Are you trying to find the best places to buy money orders near you?

Sometimes sellers and businesses won’t accept personal checks or electronic transfers and require a money order instead. When you need a secure way to pay and can’t use a credit card or online payment, a money order is a reliable alternative. They’re widely accepted, easy to obtain, and useful for a variety of payments.

If you’ve rarely needed a money order before, this guide will walk you through common locations, what to expect, and practical tips so you can quickly find the nearest option.

Key Takeaways

Money orders are a popular, secure payment method and are available at many nearby retailers and financial institutions.
Top places to buy money orders include Walmart, the U.S. Post Office, 7‑Eleven, grocery stores, Western Union, MoneyGram, banks, and credit unions.
Compare each provider’s maximum amount (commonly $500 or $1,000) and service fees before choosing where to buy.

What is a Money Order?

A money order is a prepaid, guaranteed payment instrument you buy from a retailer, post office, bank, or money transfer service. Because it doesn’t include your bank account details and is backed by the issuer, it’s safer than sending cash or a personal check.

Benefits of money orders include:

Security – They don’t expose your bank account and reduce the risk associated with mailing cash or losing a personal check.
Acceptance – Many businesses and individuals accept money orders because they are backed by the issuer.
Accessibility – Money orders are sold at many common locations including retail stores, post offices, grocery stores, and banks.

However, there are downsides: scams exist involving counterfeit or altered money orders, lost or stolen money orders can be difficult to recover, and some sellers charge fees to issue or cash them.

11 Places to Get Money Orders Near Me

Here are popular and convenient places to purchase money orders.

1. Walmart

Walmart sells MoneyGram money orders at customer service counters or Money Services Centers. Fees are typically low—often about $1—making Walmart one of the cheapest retail options. Money order limits at Walmart are commonly $1,000, and the purchase takes only a few minutes.

2. U.S. Post Office (USPS)

The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at post office counters. You can pay with cash, debit, or traveler’s checks (credit cards are generally not accepted). USPS fees are modest and tiered: $2.00 for money orders up to $500, $2.90 for $500.01 to $1,000, and lower fees for military postal money orders. USPS money orders typically have a $1,000 limit.

3. 7‑Eleven

Many 7‑Eleven convenience stores sell money orders through providers like MoneyGram or Western Union. Fees vary by location and usually range from about 1% to 3% of the amount. Typical purchase limits are around $500, so call ahead to confirm availability and rates.

4. CVS

CVS sells MoneyGram money orders at many stores. The fee is frequently around $1.25, and the usual maximum per money order is $500. Availability can differ by location, so check with your local store.

5. Kroger and Other Grocery Stores

Grocery chains like Kroger, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and Meijer often sell Western Union money orders at customer service desks. Fees depend on the store and state—often around $1.00 with store loyalty cards and slightly higher without. Limits commonly reach $1,000, though some locations may cap at $500.

6. Western Union

Western Union sells money orders through its agent locations and retail partners. Fees usually range from about $0.50 to $2.99, and in‑person limits are commonly $1,000. Western Union’s broad network makes it a convenient choice for many customers.

7. MoneyGram

MoneyGram money orders are available at MoneyGram agents, retailers, and some banks and grocery stores. Fees can be as low as around $0.70, and the typical limit per money order is $1,000. Look for MoneyGram kiosks or agent locations in your area.

8. Publix

Publix offers Western Union money orders at customer service desks in stores across several southeastern states. Fees are often around $0.85, with common limits of $500 per money order. Check your local Publix for exact details.

9. Local Credit Union

Credit unions often issue money orders to members at competitive rates. If you belong to a credit union, verify whether they offer money orders and whether membership affects fees. Credit unions can be an economical and reliable option.

10. Chase and Other Banks

Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo provide money orders, usually to account holders. Fees vary—Chase, for example, may charge around $5 but can waive fees for certain customers. Bank limits are typically $1,000 per money order; ask your bank about account requirements and fees.

11. Local Check‑Cashing Stores

Independent check‑cashing businesses commonly sell money orders too. They often charge higher fees, but they’re a convenient option when you need a money order quickly or don’t have a bank account.

How to Buy a Money Order

Buying a money order is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Choose a provider – Select based on proximity, fees, and purchase limits.
Gather recipient details – Have the recipient’s full name and any required address information ready.
Bring acceptable payment – Most sellers accept cash, debit cards, or traveler’s checks; credit cards are usually not accepted.
Bring identification if needed – Some sellers require ID for certain amounts or for recordkeeping.
Fill out the money order – Complete fields like payee name, purchaser name, and amount. Fill everything carefully to avoid problems.
Pay the face value plus the fee – You pay both the amount of the money order and the issuer’s fee at purchase.
Keep your receipt – The receipt is essential for tracking, claims, and proof of purchase.

Note that domestic money orders generally allow higher limits than international ones.

Potential Problems and How to Avoid Them

Money orders are useful, but be aware of issues such as loss, theft, and fraud. Here are practical precautions and solutions.

Lost or Stolen Money Orders

If a money order is lost or stolen, act quickly:

Contact the issuer – Notify the company that issued the money order (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.) and provide the money order number and purchase date.
File a claim – Complete the issuer’s claim or fraud form with the details requested.
Pay any processing fee – Issuers often charge a small fee to investigate and reissue or refund the money order.
Wait for resolution – Investigations can take several weeks before you receive a replacement or refund.

Keep the receipt and take a photo of it for backup. Those documents are often required for the claim process.

Fraud Risk

Scammers sometimes produce counterfeit money orders or alter valid ones. To reduce risk:

Only accept money orders from trusted sources and verify the issuer.
Look for security features like watermarks, security threads, and official stamps or logos that reputable issuers use.
Be cautious when dealing with strangers or unusually large amounts, and trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, investigate further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the easiest place to get a money order?

The post office is often the easiest option because of low fees and widespread availability, but retail locations like Walmart and many grocery stores also offer inexpensive and convenient choices. Typically, choose the closest option with acceptable fees.

Where can I purchase a money order nearby?

Buy money orders at post offices, banks, credit unions, big retailers (Walmart, some pharmacies), grocery store customer service desks, and money transfer providers like MoneyGram or Western Union. Use your phone’s map app and search for “money order near me” to find nearby locations.

Do supermarkets sell money orders?

Yes. Many supermarket chains—Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and others—sell money orders at customer service counters. Fees and limits vary by chain and location.

Can I buy a money order at a bank?

Yes. Most banks and credit unions issue money orders, often to account holders. Fees can be higher than retail alternatives, so check your bank’s policy and pricing first.

Are money orders available at CVS or Walgreens?

CVS frequently offers MoneyGram money orders at many locations; fees are usually around $1.25. Walgreens generally no longer offers money orders at most stores, so call ahead before visiting.

Do gas stations sell money orders?

Some gas stations provide money orders through MoneyGram or Western Union agents. 7‑Eleven is a common example. Availability varies by station, so confirm with a phone call before going.

How much does a money order cost?

Costs vary by provider but are usually modest—often between $1 and $3. In addition to the fee, you pay the money order’s face value. Compare local options to find the lowest fee for your needs.

Who sells the cheapest money orders?

Walmart is widely regarded as one of the cheapest retail sellers, frequently charging about $1. Some banks or credit unions may offer free money orders for account holders, so check with your financial institution.

How do you cash a money order?

To cash a money order, go to a bank, a retail location that cashes money orders, or the issuer. Sign (endorse) the back, present valid ID, and be prepared to pay any cashing fees. Many banks will cash money orders for account holders with little to no fee.

Summary — Where to Purchase Money Orders Near Me

Money orders are a simple, secure payment option when you can’t use checks, cards, or online transfers. To find the nearest seller, search your phone’s map or use a local directory for “money order near me.” Compare fees, limits, and convenience before you go, and always keep your receipt and a photo of it as backup.

How often do you need to use a money order?