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The cost of a money order at Walmart depends on the specific store, but generally, it’s no more than $1, making it a competitively priced option. In contrast, the U.S. Postal Service charges $1.75 for money orders up to $500 and $2.40 for money orders between $500 and $1,000.
If you don’t have a checking account and need to pay a bill or make a purchase using a check, a money order is a practical solution. Money orders are inexpensive and easy to obtain; you can easily purchase one at your local Walmart.
What is a money order?
A money order is a form of pre-paid financial instrument that functions like a check. It allows you to make payments for bills or expenses. People often use money orders when the entity they need to pay does not accept credit cards or personal checks. Additionally, some individuals choose money orders to keep their checking account details confidential.
The process of purchasing a money order is straightforward. You can easily find locations where you can purchase one, eliminating the need for extensive searching.
How much is money order at Walmart?
The cost of a Walmart money order typically ranges from free to a maximum of $1, depending on the specific store.
This fee is competitive compared to other options, such as the U.S. Postal Service, which charges $1.75 for money orders up to $500 and $2.40 for money orders between $500 and $1,000. If you’re considering getting a money order, it’s worth checking with Walmart to see if their fees align with your preferences.
What is a Walmart money order?
A Walmart money order is like a prepaid check or bank certificate. You pay the desired amount, along with a small fee, at Walmart to obtain the money order. Once purchased, you fill in your name and the recipient’s name on the money order.
The advantage of a money order is that it’s paid in advance, reducing the risk of bouncing like a personal check. Each money order has a unique number, making it traceable. If lost or stolen, you can usually cancel and reissue the money order by providing the necessary information found on the stub that comes with it.
Walmart money order payments
Walmart does not accept credit cards for money order payments. To purchase a money order at Walmart, you must use either cash or a debit card. Once you obtain a Walmart money order, it’s equivalent to cash. Walmart recommends filling out all necessary fields, including your name and the recipient’s name, immediately after purchase.
Walmart MoneyCenter services
Walmart MoneyCenter Services provide various financial solutions despite Walmart not being a traditional bank. While it can issue money orders, which are prepaid financial instruments, it offers a range of additional services.
These include credit cards, Walmart MoneyCards, Bluebird cards, and Netspend Visa with Rapid Reload. Money transfers are facilitated through options such as MoneyGram transfer, MoneyGram money order, bill pay, and check cashing. Walmart MoneyCenters also offer services like money transfers via Western Union and Walmart2Walmart Powered by Ria, check printing, and bill pay.
Does Walmart cash money orders?
Yes, Walmart cashes money orders that were issued at Walmart for a fee. Additionally, they provide check-cashing services for various financial instruments, including MoneyGram money orders purchased at Walmart, cashier’s checks, tax checks, payroll checks, government checks, insurance settlement checks, 401(k) or other retirement distribution checks, two-party personal checks, and pre-printed checks.
Walmart has a check-cashing limit of $5,000, which is raised to $7,500 from January through April to accommodate larger tax refunds. The limit for two-party personal checks is $200, with a maximum fee of $6. For checks and money orders of $1,000 or less, the maximum fee is $4, while for larger amounts, it is a maximum of $8.
You can receive the cash directly or load it onto a Walmart MoneyCard, which costs $1 initially but has no fee for subsequent reloads. To complete the transaction, you’ll need to present identification to verify that you are the lawful recipient.
6 other places you can get a money order apart from Walmart
Conducting a basic online search for “money orders near me” can show you various nearby places that offer money orders. Once you have this list, you just need to choose a location that suits your preferences and compare the associated fees.
The post office
The post office provides a convenient option for sending money orders. With over 30,000 locations across the country, you can easily find a nearby branch. Money orders, available for amounts up to $1,000, come with a $2 processing fee for those up to $500 and a $2.90 fee for amounts exceeding $500. This service is a straightforward way to send money securely.
Convenience stores
Convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, provide unexpected services beyond snacks and fuel. 7-Eleven, a widely recognized chain, extends its offerings to financial services, such as money orders, at its 13,000 locations.
Despite the convenience, there are limitations—money orders are capped at $500 each. The cost also fluctuates; our inquiries to various stores revealed fees ranging from $1.39 to $2.99.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores, like ACE Cash Express and Amscot, go beyond simply exchanging checks for cash. In addition to this primary service, they often offer other financial services.
These can include helping you pay bills, providing loans, and selling money orders. For instance, ACE Cash Express has a widespread presence with over 850 locations in 23 states, but its fee information is not readily available online or over the phone, following the company’s policy. On the other hand, Amscot, based in Florida, is a check-cashing store that issues money orders at no cost.
Western Union
Western Union operates with around 45,000 agents across the United States and Canada who provide money order services. These agents are located in various places such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and check-cashing stores, including major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway.
When using Western Union, you have the option to purchase money orders with a maximum value of $1,000. The associated fee for these money orders may vary depending on the specific location where you make the purchase.
If you encounter any difficulties while completing your money order, Kammi Cavalieri, the leader of product management at Western Union, assures customers that the company’s agents are well-trained and ready to assist. According to Cavalieri, “Our agents are always willing to help you fill out the money order.”
MoneyGram locations
MoneyGram money orders are available for purchase at 26,000 locations, primarily found in convenience or grocery stores. Lisa White, the head of go-to-market strategy at MoneyGram, recommends these locations for acquiring a MoneyGram money order.
Keep in mind that processing fees and face value limits may differ at each location, so it’s advisable to contact the specific store beforehand to gather accurate information.
Additionally, MoneyGram provides online support for their money orders. This means you can request various services, such as obtaining a copy of your money order for proof of payment or initiating a replacement or refund process if the money order hasn’t been cashed.
Your bank or credit union
Banks or credit unions often offer money orders for sale, but the cost is typically higher compared to other places. For instance, Wells Fargo and Chase may charge $5 per money order.
According to Denise Toussaint, a senior vice president at Sunrise Banks, buying a money order at a bank provides an opportunity for financial education. This means you can speak with someone, build a relationship, and learn about additional financial options beyond money orders that may be beneficial.
What do you need for a money order?
To get a money order, you can go to a bank, credit union, the U.S. Post Office, or certain supermarkets and convenience stores. When buying and filling out a money order, you’ll be asked for the recipient’s or business’s name, your address, any relevant account number, and your signature.
Alternatives to money orders
If you’re looking for alternatives to money orders, here are a few options to consider:
- Personal Check:
- A simple and convenient option if you have a checking account.
- Quick and easy to write, allowing you to send money to another person or company.
- Cashier’s or Certified Check:
- Ideal when the payee requires a guaranteed form of payment.
- With a cashier’s check, you pay the bank, and they issue the check from their account.
- Certified checks come directly from your account, but the bank certifies that the funds are available.
- Electronic Transfer:
- Reflecting the shift towards digital transactions in our society.
- Move money electronically between banks using methods such as mobile apps or wire transfers.
- Offers a quick and secure way to transfer funds without the need for physical paperwork.
Each of these alternatives provides different advantages, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences.