Looking for the best places to get money orders near you? Sometimes, businesses and individuals don’t accept personal checks or other payment methods, and a money order is a preferred alternative. Money orders are a safe way to pay when you can’t use a credit card or online transfer. They’re easy to get and widely accepted for various payments.
But where can you get a money order nearby? If you’ve never gotten a money order before or don’t do it often, it can be confusing. In this article, I’ll cover some of the top places to get money orders near your home, work, or school, including grocery stores, banks, and more.
### Key Takeaways
– Many people prefer using money orders for payments, and there are plenty of places nearby to get them.
– Top places include 7-Eleven, Walmart, the post office, local grocery stores, and more.
– Check the money order amount limit (usually $500 or $1,000) and the fee before choosing a place.
### What is a Money Order?
A money order is a guaranteed payment method that you can buy from various places. It’s safer than sending cash or personal checks.
#### Benefits of Money Orders:
– **Safety**: Money orders don’t contain your bank account information, reducing the risk of your account being compromised.
– **Wide Acceptance**: Most recipients accept money orders as a guaranteed form of payment.
– **Ease of Purchase**: You can buy money orders at many locations like Walmart, post offices, grocery stores, and banks.
However, there are some risks, including scams and the difficulty of recovering funds if lost. Also, some places charge fees for purchasing or cashing money orders.
### 11 Places to Get Money Orders Near Me
1. **Walmart**
– Purchase money orders at the customer service counter or Money Services Center.
– Fees are typically around $1, with a limit of $1,000.
– Money orders are issued by MoneyGram.
2. **Post Office**
– Buy money orders at USPS locations with cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check.
– Fees range from $2.00 to $2.90, with a $1,000 limit.
– Military facilities offer money orders for $0.65.
3. **7-Eleven**
– Availability varies by location, so call ahead.
– Fees are around 1% to 3% of the amount, with a $500 limit.
– Uses MoneyGram or Western Union.
4. **CVS**
– Purchase MoneyGram money orders for $1.25.
– Limit is $500.
5. **Kroger and Other Grocery Stores**
– Locations like King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and Meijer offer money orders.
– Fees are around $1.00 with a Kroger card and $1.10 without.
– Limit is typically $1,000, but can be $500 at some locations.
6. **Western Union**
– Available at various locations, including some listed above.
– Fees range from $0.50 to $2.99, with a $1,000 limit.
7. **MoneyGram**
– Available at retailers, banks, and some grocery stores.
– Fees start at $0.70, with a $1,000 limit.
8. **Publix**
– Available at customer service desks in certain states.
– Fees are $0.85, with a $500 limit.
9. **Local Credit Union**
– Often offer competitive rates for members.
– Quick and easy if you already have an account.
10. **Chase and Other Banks**
– Available for customers, with fees around $5.00 (waived for certain members).
– Limit is $1,000.
11. **Local Check Cashing Company**
– Convenient but typically higher fees.
– Useful for those needing a money order quickly without a bank account.
### Steps to Get a Money Order
1. **Choose a Provider**: Based on your location and fees.
2. **Gather Information**: Recipient’s name, address, and amount.
3. **Bring Payment**: Usually cash, debit card, or traveler’s check.
4. **Bring ID**: Some locations require it.
5. **Fill Out the Money Order**: Include all required information.
6. **Pay the Fee**: Keep your receipt for tracking.
### Possible Problems with Money Orders
– **Lost or Stolen Money Orders**: Contact the issuer, fill out a claim form, pay a processing fee, and wait for a resolution.
– **Potential for Fraud**: Avoid accepting money orders from unknown sources and check for security features.
### Frequently Asked Questions About Money Orders
– **Easiest Place to Get a Money Order**: The local post office or retail stores like Walmart.
– **Where to Purchase**: Post offices, banks, credit unions, retail stores, and money transfer services.
– **Supermarkets**: Many large grocery stores offer money orders.
– **Banks**: Most banks and credit unions provide money orders.
– **Walgreens or CVS**: CVS offers money orders, but Walgreens no longer does.
– **Gas Stations**: Some, like 7-Eleven, sell money orders.
– **Cost**: Generally around $1 to $2.
– **Cheapest**: Usually Walmart or certain banks for account members.
– **Cashing a Money Order**: Visit a bank or retailer, endorse it, and provide ID. There will be a fee.
### Summary
To find a place to purchase a money order near you, search online or use your phone’s map. Confirm availability, fees, and payment methods. How often do you need to use a money order?