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- UPS does not offer money orders as it specializes in package delivery and logistics.
- Money orders are a secure, prepaid alternative to checks and are used for various transactions.
- Banks and credit unions are reliable places to purchase money orders, often with a small fee.
- The U.S. Post Office (USPS) provides affordable money orders with added security and tracking.
- Retail stores like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens offer money orders through services like MoneyGram and Western Union.
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven may also provide money orders via third-party services.
- Online services, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, offer the option to purchase money orders remotely.
- You can cash money orders at banks, credit unions, retail stores, and money transfer services like Western Union.
Does UPS Give Money Orders?
When you think of UPS, you likely picture package delivery and logistics services. But what if you need a money order? You might wonder, “Does UPS give money orders?” The simple answer is no. UPS does not offer money orders.
In this blog post, we will dive into why UPS doesn’t handle money orders, the alternatives available to you, and where you can go if you need to buy or cash a money order.
Why Doesn’t UPS Handle Money Orders?
UPS is a global logistics and package delivery company. Their business model centers on moving packages and freight from one place to another, not on offering financial services like money orders.
UPS does not handle banking services, such as issuing checks, selling money orders, or cashing them. These services are outside their scope of business, and they have focused their operations on improving their core services, such as package delivery and supply chain management.
Money orders are a form of payment that’s similar to a check but guaranteed by the issuing institution. Since UPS does not provide financial services, it is not equipped to offer money orders. Instead, you can visit other places to find a money order.
What Are Money Orders and Why Might You Need One?
A money order is a paper-based payment method that functions like a check but with the added security of being prepaid. When you purchase a money order, the amount is paid upfront, and it can be sent to a recipient who can cash it or deposit it into their bank account.
Money orders are often used for transactions where personal checks are not accepted or when the sender wants to avoid using cash.
People use money orders for various reasons, including:
- Paying bills when other payment methods are unavailable.
- Sending money to someone who doesn’t have a bank account.
- Making secure payments for large purchases or transactions.
Money orders are also commonly used when you need to send a payment safely, such as when you are dealing with a business or individual who doesn’t accept credit or debit cards.
Alternatives to UPS for Money Orders
Since UPS doesn’t handle money orders, it’s important to know where you can go to get one. Below are the best options for purchasing and cashing money orders.
1. Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions are some of the most reliable places to get a money order. Many banks offer this service to their account holders, and you can typically buy money orders in person at the bank’s branch. Some banks may also allow you to order a money order online, though this is less common.
Keep in mind that banks usually charge a fee for issuing a money order. The fee can vary depending on the institution, but it’s typically in the range of $5 to $10 per money order.
If you are a member of a credit union, you may have access to more affordable money order fees. Credit unions are often known for providing lower fees for financial services compared to traditional banks.
2. U.S. Post Office (USPS)
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most well-known and trusted providers of money orders. You can purchase a money order at any USPS branch across the United States. The USPS money order is widely accepted, and it’s easy to cash at most locations as well.
One of the biggest advantages of getting a money order from the USPS is its affordability. Fees for money orders at USPS are generally lower than those at banks and credit unions. For instance, the cost of a domestic money order from the USPS can be as low as $1.45 for amounts under $500.
Additionally, USPS money orders can be tracked, which gives them an added level of security. This makes them a great choice if you need to send money securely.
3. Retail Stores
Several retail chains offer money orders as a service, making them an accessible option if you need one quickly. Popular retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid often provide money orders through third-party services like MoneyGram or Western Union.
Walmart, for example, offers money orders through MoneyGram for a small fee, typically around $0.70 for amounts up to $1,000. These services are available at most Walmart locations, which makes them a convenient choice if you’re already out running errands.
Retailers like CVS and Walgreens also offer money orders, but they tend to be slightly more expensive than those provided by USPS or banks. The fees for money orders at these locations usually range from $1 to $5, depending on the provider and the amount of the money order.
4. Convenience Stores
In addition to major retail chains, many convenience stores also offer money orders. Services like Western Union or MoneyGram are available in numerous convenience stores, allowing customers to purchase money orders with ease.
Many 7-Eleven stores, for instance, offer money orders through Western Union. If you need a money order but don’t have time to visit a bank or post office, a convenience store may be your best bet.
The fees at convenience stores vary, but they generally fall within the $1 to $5 range, similar to other retail locations.
5. Online Services
While UPS does not handle money orders, some online platforms allow you to purchase a money order. These platforms typically operate in partnership with banks, credit unions, or money transfer services.
For example, services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow customers to send money online in the form of a money order or similar payment. While these services typically focus on money transfers, they often offer a money order option for those who want to send money securely.
Online services can be a great choice if you’re sending money to someone who is far away or if you want to avoid visiting a physical location. However, keep in mind that fees for online money orders can sometimes be higher, and the process may take a little longer than purchasing one in person.
How to Cash a Money Order
If you’ve received a money order, you might wonder how to cash it. Cashing a money order is similar to cashing a check, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Banks and Credit Unions
If you have a bank account, you can cash a money order at the bank where you hold your account. Banks often allow you to deposit a money order into your account or cash it for a small fee. If the money order is from a reputable source, like USPS, you should have no trouble cashing it at most banks.
2. Retail Stores
Some retail stores also offer money order cashing services, particularly large chain stores like Walmart. Walmart’s MoneyCenter will cash money orders up to $1,000, and other retailers may offer similar services. Be aware that fees may apply, and they may be higher than those at a bank or credit union.
3. Money Transfer Services
If you need to cash a money order and you don’t have a bank account, money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram may be able to help. These services typically allow you to cash a money order for a fee, though the process can take longer compared to cashing one at a bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Does UPS sell money orders?
No, UPS does not sell money orders. They specialize in package delivery and logistics, not financial services.
Where can I buy a money order?
You can buy a money order at banks, credit unions, the U.S. Post Office, retail stores like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, or convenience stores offering services like MoneyGram or Western Union.
Can I cash a money order at UPS?
No, UPS does not offer money order cashing services. You can cash money orders at banks, credit unions, and retail locations like Walmart.
What is the cheapest place to buy a money order?
The U.S. Post Office generally offers some of the most affordable money orders, with fees starting as low as $1.45 for amounts under $500.
How do I send a money order?
You can purchase a money order at banks, the Post Office, or retailers like Walmart, then send it to the recipient by mail.
Can I get a money order at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart offers money orders through MoneyGram for a fee, typically around $0.70 for amounts up to $1,000.
What is the purpose of a money order?
Money orders are used to make secure payments, particularly when the recipient doesn’t accept checks or when cash is not preferred.
Can I buy a money order online?
Yes, you can purchase money orders online through services like Western Union or MoneyGram, but fees may be higher than in-person options.
Is there a limit on how much a money order can be?
Yes, most money orders have limits. For example, USPS money orders are typically limited to $1,000 per order, while retailers may have similar restrictions.
The Bottom Line
To answer the question directly: “Does UPS give money orders?” The answer is no. UPS is a logistics company focused on package delivery, and it does not handle financial services like money orders.
However, there are plenty of alternatives where you can buy and cash money orders. You can visit banks, credit unions, the U.S. Post Office, retail stores like Walmart and CVS, or convenience stores that offer services through Western Union or MoneyGram.
If you need to send or receive money securely, money orders are a reliable option. While UPS doesn’t offer them, there are many other places that can meet your needs, whether you are purchasing one for a bill payment or sending money to someone far away. Just make sure to shop around for the best rates and services that suit your needs.