How To Cash a Money Order Quickly and Safely

By Taylor DeJesus

March 1, 2023

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Money orders can be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for large purchases through private sales, sending money to family members or putting a security deposit down on a new apartment. Like cashing a regular check, cashing a money order is a relatively simple procedure. If you have recently received a money order, read below to learn how to cash it quickly and safely.

How To Cash a Money Order Step-by-Step

There are a few simple steps you will need to take to cash your money order.

1. Double-check the information on the money order.
2. Plan when and where to cash your money order.
3. Bring proper identification and endorse the money order.
4. Pay service fees.

Keep reading to learn the details on each of these steps.

1. Double-Check the Information on the Money Order

A money order usually includes the recipient’s name and address and the payer’s signature. Always double-check that the payer filled out your information properly and signed the correct name. Also, ensure that the payer bought the money order for the right amount.

If you own a small business, the payer will have an account or order number. In this case, it’s a good idea to check that the numbers listed match your records.

2. Plan When and Where To Cash Your Money Order

As soon as you receive a money order, begin planning when you want to cash it. Although most money orders don’t have an expiration date, some laws may require them to be reissued after a certain amount of time. In addition, some issuers will charge higher service fees if you don’t cash your money order in a timely manner.

Many banks and check-cashing stores, in addition to some grocery stores and retail locations, can cash money orders. Consider doing some research beforehand to choose a convenient location with affordable fees.

3. Bring Proper Identification and Endorse the Money Order

Most locations that cash money orders will require a government-issued ID to prove you are the rightful recipient. You should provide your identification to the clerk and then endorse, or sign, the money order. To prevent theft, be sure to cash the money order right after signing it.

4. Pay Service Fees

Although some places will charge a fee to cash a money order, there are many affordable and even free options, such as Western Union or the U.S. Postal Service. Your bank may also waive fees if you have an account. On the other hand, check-cashing stores are likely to have higher service fees.

Where Can You Cash a Money Order?

Although you cannot cash a money order just anywhere, plenty of locations that offer this service are both accessible and convenient.

Banks

Most banks will cash money orders, and some may even allow you to use an ATM or an app to do so. However, if you don’t have a bank account where you cash your money order, you may need to pay a service fee. Therefore, banks are most convenient for people who have an account and are near the bank’s physical location.

Some banks may also be getting stricter about money order policies, so it is sometimes easier to cash your money order elsewhere first and then deposit it into your bank account. Check with your local bank to ask whether it will cash money orders and how to do so.

Check-Cashing Stores

Check-cashing stores may be a good option if you don’t have a bank account. However, they are likely to charge higher fees than banks, grocery stores or other financial institutions.

Grocery and Retail Stores

Many grocery and retail stores offer money order-cashing services for specific issuers. For example, Walmart will cash money orders that have been issued by MoneyGram. Some stores may charge fees, but this is another good option if you don’t have a bank account.

U.S. Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service will cash any checks issued by the USPS for free. While the lack of fees makes the post office a convenient location for postal money orders, keep in mind that you will need to visit your bank to deposit it into your account.

What Is the Easiest Way To Cash a Money Order?

Choosing how to cash your money order is based mainly on personal preference and location. If you have a bank account, it might be easiest to visit your bank’s local branch because it can be deposited directly into your account at little to no cost.

If you don’t have a bank account, you may choose to visit the nearest location that will cash the type of money order you have received. For example, you might choose USPS for a postal money order or Walmart for a MoneyGram order.

Cashing a money order should be a relatively painless process. By waiting to endorse your money order until you are ready to cash it and keeping it in a secure location, you can be sure to receive your money quickly and safely.

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