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You're standing in line, maybe at a rental office or a DMV, and they drop the bomb: "We don't take cash or personal checks." It’s annoying. In a world of instant Venmo transfers and Apple Pay, the humble money order feels like a relic from 1995. But here you are, wondering where can I get a money order without driving across three counties or paying a $10 fee.
Honestly, it’s easier than it looks.
A money order is basically a "prepaid" check. You give someone cash, they give you a piece of paper that’s guaranteed not to bounce. It’s safe. It’s reliable. And if you know where to go, it's incredibly cheap. But if you walk into the wrong bank, you might end up paying five times more than you need to. Let’s break down the actual spots where you can grab one today, how much they cost, and the weird rules nobody tells you until you’re at the counter.
The Post Office: The Gold Standard
If you want the most "official" version of this document, head to the United States Postal Service (USPS). They issue what’s known as a Postal Money Order.
Why does this matter? Well, for one, they are nearly impossible to counterfeit compared to the flimsy ones you get at a gas station. If you’re sending money to a government agency—think USCIS for immigration papers or a state court—they often prefer or even require the USPS version.
You can buy them at any post office counter. They usually cost around $2.10 for amounts up to $500, and about $3.00 for anything between $500 and $1,000. If you’re a military member using a military post office, those fees drop to about 65 cents.
One thing people always forget: you cannot buy these with a credit card. It’s cash or debit only. If you try to use a credit card, the system will just reject it. They don't want the risk of a chargeback on a guaranteed instrument.
Big Box Retailers and Your Local Grocery Store
This is usually the most convenient option for most people. Think about it. You’re already buying milk; you might as well get your rent payment sorted too.
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Walmart is the heavy hitter here. They use MoneyGram. It is arguably the cheapest place in the country to get a money order, often charging less than $1.00 (the exact price varies by location, but it’s usually around 88 cents). You just go to the Customer Service desk or the MoneyCenter.
Then you have the grocery chains. Kroger, Meijer, Publix, and Safeway all offer them. Most of these stores use Western Union.
Fees at grocery stores are a bit of a moving target. At a Kroger-owned store (like Fred Meyer or Ralphs), you’re looking at roughly $1.00 to $1.50. Publix is usually around 99 cents. Safeway can be a bit pricier, sometimes hitting the $2.00 mark.
A Quick Word on Limits
Most retail locations have a $1,000 limit per money order. If you need to pay $1,500 for rent, you’ll have to buy two. This means you pay two fees. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind when you’re counting out your cash.
Convenience Stores: The "I’m in a Hurry" Option
7-Eleven and CVS are the big names here.
7-Eleven is hit or miss. Because many are franchises, the owner gets to decide if they want to deal with the hassle. Some have a MoneyGram machine; some don't. Some only take cash; others might let you use a debit card if the clerk is feeling nice (though officially, it’s usually cash).
CVS is more consistent. They generally use MoneyGram and limit you to $500 per money order. The fee is usually around $1.25.
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Walgreens? Forget it. They stopped selling them years ago. Don't waste your gas.
Why Your Bank Is Probably a Bad Idea
You’d think your own bank would be the best place to go. You have an account there! They know you!
Wrong.
Most major banks like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo will charge you anywhere from $5 to $10 for a money order. It’s a convenience fee for a service they don't really want to provide. Some "premium" checking accounts will waive this fee, but for the average person, it’s a total rip-off.
The only reason to use a bank is if you need a Cashier’s Check instead. People get these confused all the time. A money order is usually capped at $1,000. If you’re buying a car or putting a down payment on a house and need to send $5,000, a money order won't work. You need a cashier’s check, which is a bank-backed document that can be for much larger amounts. Those will cost you $10-$15, and you definitely have to get those at a bank.
Check Cashing Places: The Last Resort
Places like Amscot or Speedy Cash sell money orders. In some states, Amscot actually offers them for free. Yes, $0.00.
Why? Because they want you in the door. They hope you’ll stay to cash a check or take out a loan. If you have one nearby and they offer the free service, it’s a great hack. Just be prepared for the atmosphere—it’s usually a lot of bulletproof glass and long wait times.
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How to Not Get Scammed (The Boring but Important Stuff)
Money order fraud is real.
If someone sends you a money order for "too much" and asks you to wire back the difference, it is a scam. 100% of the time. The money order will look real, your bank might even "clear" it for a day or two, but eventually, it will bounce, and you’ll be out the cash you sent back.
When you buy a money order, fill it out immediately.
A blank money order is basically cash. If you drop it in the parking lot and I pick it up, I can write my own name on it and cash it. There is no "undo" button.
Also, keep that receipt! It’s the little strip you tear off the side. If the money order gets lost in the mail, that receipt is the only way you can track it or request a refund. Without it, your money is just gone. Poof.
Common Places to Get a Money Order at a Glance
- USPS: Very secure, accepted everywhere, costs $2.10 - $3.00.
- Walmart: Cheapest option (under $1), easy access.
- Kroger/Publix/Meijer: Reliable, usually around $1.
- 7-Eleven: Convenient, but check-in advance if that specific store does it.
- Banks: Most expensive ($5-$10), only worth it for large cashier’s checks.
The Actual Steps to Follow Right Now
If you need one today, don't overthink it.
- Check the amount you need. If it’s over $1,000, plan to buy multiple or go to the bank for a cashier’s check.
- Grab your ID and Cash/Debit Card. Don't even try to bring a credit card or a personal check to pay for a money order. It won't work.
- Head to Walmart or the Post Office. These are your most reliable bets.
- Fill it out before you leave the counter. Write the recipient's name and your address clearly.
- Snap a photo of the receipt. Put the physical receipt in a safe spot, but having a digital photo ensures you don't lose the tracking number if you misplace the paper.
Money orders aren't glamorous, but they get the job done when you need a "guaranteed" payment. Stick to the retailers or the post office to keep your fees low, and always—always—keep that tiny paper receipt until you’re 100% sure the person on the other end has cashed it.