Where To Cash Your Money Order Quickly and Safely

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Here are a few key places where you generally can purchase, use or cash your money order: 

Banks and Credit Unions

If you have a bank account, cashing a money order at your bank or credit union is often the easiest and cheapest option. Many financial institutions allow account holders to deposit or cash money orders with little to no fees.

Pros:

• Typically low or no fees
• Secure and reliable
• Option to deposit into your account

Cons:

• May require an account
• Limited hours compared to retail stores

Retail Stores

Some major retailers, like Walmart and certain grocery stores, offer money order cashing services. This is a convenient option if you don’t have a bank account or need to cash a money order outside of traditional banking hours.

Pros:

• Extended hours, including evenings and weekends
• No bank account required
• Easily accessible locations

Cons:

• Fees vary and may be higher than banks
• Limits on the maximum amount you can cash

At Walmart, for example, you can cash a MoneyGram or Western Union money order for a small fee, typically under $4, depending on the amount. Other retailers may have similar policies, but it’s best to check in advance.

Check-Cashing Services

Companies like Western Union, MoneyGram and standalone check-cashing businesses provide another way to cash a money order. These services are widely available, including grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations, but they tend to charge higher fees.

Pros:

• No bank account required
• Available in many locations

Cons:

• Higher fees than banks or retailers
• Some locations may have stricter limits on cashing large amounts

Post Offices

If you have a USPS money order, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most reliable places to cash it. The process is straightforward, and there are no additional fees.

Pros:

• No fees for USPS money orders
• Secure and trustworthy

Cons:

• Only cashes USPS money orders (not Western Union or MoneyGram)
• Limited hours compared to other locations

Requirements for Cashing a Money Order

No matter where you go, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements to cash a money order:

• Valid ID: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or military ID, is typically required.
• Endorsement: Sign the back of the money order in front of the cashier or teller.
• Receipt: If there’s any issue, having the receipt can help verify and track the money order.

Fees and Limits

Different locations have varying fees and limits when cashing a money order.

• Banks and credit unions: Usually free for account holders; non-customers may be charged a small fee.
• Retail stores: Typically charge $4 to $8, depending on the location and amount.
• Check-cashing services: Fees vary but can be up to 10% of the money order’s value.
• Post offices: No fees for USPS money orders.

Most places have a maximum limit on the amount they’ll cash, often around $500 to $1,000. If your money order exceeds that limit, you may need to deposit it at a bank or split it between multiple cashing locations.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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