You're standing in the aisle at CVS, probably holding a bottle of shampoo or a bag of seasonal candy, and you suddenly remember that your landlord doesn't take Venmo. Or maybe you're buying a used car from some guy on Facebook and he rightfully refuses to take a personal check. You need a money order. You're already at CVS. So, the big question: does CVS do money orders?
The short answer is yes. But there are a few "gotchas" that can send you walking out empty-handed if you aren't prepared.
Honestly, CVS is one of the most convenient spots to grab a money order because they have over 9,000 locations and many of them are open way later than your local bank branch. They use MoneyGram as their provider. If you've never done this before, don't sweat it. It's basically like buying a specialized piece of paper that acts like cash but has the security of a check.
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The Reality of Buying a Money Order at CVS
Walking up to the counter and asking for a money order is simple, but the rules are firm. You can't just swipe your credit card to earn points on a $500 transfer. It doesn't work like that.
CVS generally requires cash for money order purchases. Some locations might let you use a debit card with a PIN, but you absolutely cannot use a credit card or a personal check to buy one. Think about it from their perspective—they are essentially vouching for that money. They need to know the funds are "real" before they print that slip.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fees vary a little bit by location, but you're typically looking at around $1.25 per money order. Compared to some big banks that charge $5 or $10 for a cashier's check, this is a total steal.
There is a catch with the limits, though. Most CVS stores have a maximum limit of $500 per money order.
If you need to pay an $800 rent bill, you’ll have to buy two separate money orders. This also means you'll pay the fee twice. It’s a bit of a hassle, but still usually cheaper and faster than driving across town to a post office or a bank.
Does CVS Do Money Orders for Large Amounts?
If you need $3,000 for a down payment, CVS might not be your best bet. Because of federal anti-money laundering regulations, there are strict daily limits. While the individual paper might top out at $500, most locations will cap your total daily purchase at **$1,000 to $2,500** depending on their specific store policy and local laws.
If you hit these limits, you’ll likely need to show a government-issued ID. Don't be "that person" who gets to the front of the line and realizes their license is in the car. Just bring it in with you.
Can You Cash a Money Order at CVS?
This is a huge point of confusion. While CVS will happily sell you a money order, they will not cash one.
If someone hands you a MoneyGram money order and you think you can just go to CVS to get your cash, you’re out of luck. You'll need to take that to a bank where you have an account, a check-cashing store, or sometimes a grocery store like Walmart or Kroger that has a dedicated money services desk.
Step-by-Step: Getting It Done Right
- Check the Pharmacy or Front Counter: Usually, you handle money orders at the main checkout, but in some busier stores, they might send you to the pharmacy counter.
- Bring Your Cash: Again, don't rely on your credit card. Have the exact amount plus the fee ready.
- Fill It Out Immediately: This is the most important part. A blank money order is basically a lost $500 bill. If you drop it and someone else finds it, they can write their own name in the "Pay to the Order Of" line and cash it.
- Keep Your Receipt: That little perforated strip on the side? That is your only proof of purchase. If the money order gets lost in the mail or the recipient claims they never got it, you need that receipt to track it or get a refund through MoneyGram.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People mess this up all the time. First off, don't use a nickname. If you're paying "Smith Properties," don't write "The Landlord Guy." The person cashing it has to match the name exactly to their ID.
Second, watch your handwriting. If you smudge the ink or make a mistake, do not try to cross it out and initial it like you would a personal check. Most places will reject an altered money order. If you mess up, you usually have to take the damaged one back to the place of purchase or contact MoneyGram directly for a replacement, which can take weeks.
Why Use CVS Instead of the Post Office or Walmart?
Walmart is usually the cheapest, often charging less than a dollar, but their money centers usually close by 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is incredibly reliable, but their lines are legendary and their hours are limited to "standard business hours."
CVS wins on availability. If it's 10:00 PM on a Tuesday and you absolutely must have a payment ready for the morning, a 24-hour CVS is a lifesaver. You’re paying an extra quarter or two for the convenience of not having to stand behind twenty people mailing packages or waiting for a bank to open at 9:00 AM.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
If you realize your money order was lost or stolen, head to the MoneyGram website immediately. You'll need the number from your receipt. There is usually a fee for a replacement (often around $15 to $25), so it isn't a fun process, but it's better than losing the full amount.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your local CVS hours before you head out, as not all locations are 24 hours anymore.
- Verify the exact amount you need to send, including any cents, as you cannot "edit" the amount once it's printed.
- Withdraw the cash from an ATM beforehand to avoid the high out-of-network fees on the CVS in-store ATMs.
- Grab a pen from your car or junk drawer; sometimes the ones at the counter are chained up or mysteriously missing when you need to fill out the form.