William LipovskyShort Answer
7-Eleven sells either Western Union or MoneyGram money orders, depending on the location. There is a purchase fee of 1% to 3% per money order and a maximum amount of $500 per money order. 7-Eleven doesn’t cash money orders. For more details of 7-Eleven’s money order services, see below.
Table of Contents
7-Eleven Money Orders
7-Eleven sells money orders but doesn’t cash them. Either Western Union or MoneyGram money orders may be available at 7-Eleven, depending on the location.[1][2] To find out more about 7-Eleven’s money order policy, we contacted store locations in Florida, Virginia, and Washington.
Limits & Fees
Purchasing a money order at 7-Eleven will cost you 1% to 3% of the money order amount, depending on the location.[2] For example, if you’re purchasing a money order for $100, you can expect to pay a fee of $1 to $3. This makes it one of the cheapest places to get a money order.
The maximum amount you can purchase on a 7-Eleven money order is $500.[2] If you need a money order greater than $500, you’ll need to purchase more than one money order.
How to Buy
7-Eleven only accepts cash for money order purchases.[2] Note that while most 7-Eleven locations are open 24 hours,[3] store hours can vary by location, and money orders may not be available any time the store is open. If you plan to visit the store at a late hour, you might want to call ahead to be sure that money order services are still available.
After purchasing a money order, you’ll need to fill it out before giving or sending it to the recipient. It’s best to fill out the money order soon after buying it. (If you lose a blank money order and someone finds it, they can write it to themselves and cash it.) Check out our step-by-step guide on how to fill out a money order.
Tracking
If you need to know whether the recipient has cashed the money order after you fill it out and send it, you can track it. You should follow the issuer’s tracking process rather than contacting the 7-Eleven store where you bought the money order. Our related research details how to track a money order from each issuer.
Refunds
If you turn out not to need the money order for its intended purpose, you can request a refund directly from the issuer rather than 7-Eleven. Note that you can’t get a refund if someone has already cashed the money order. See our instructions for requesting a refund from each issuer.
Cathy Desmet
Lindsey Desmet
Jennifer Kostuch
Erika Crawford
Loren Eaton
Joseph Cho
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
Kait Scirri
Hello, I accidently filled out my money orders incorrectly as it was my first time and I was in a hurry. I wrote the business address and name under purchasers address and I signed the front and back. ( I know I suck! ) the money order does have the account number and information needed however will they accept it since I endorsed the back? I got it at seven eleven. I have the stubs and I didn’t Pt the western union 15.00 per money order. I have 3 500.00 MO and one for 130.00. All say the same thing. Please help!
Hi Jibbs,
They won’t be able to accept the money order because it’s improperly filled out. You’re best option is probably to request a refund from Western Union. Check out our article on How to Refund a Money Order for more details. The refund process basically involves filling out a form and paying a refund fee. Western Union charges $15 to refund a money order if you have the receipt. Or, while it’s very unlikely they’ll be able to, you could try to going back to the 7-Eleven where you bought the money order to see if you can return it. If you have the time and want to save $30 it can’t hurt to ask.
And two more things that I don’t think apply to your situation, but might be helpful. Normally, if one buys a money order and then doesn’t use it, they can write “not used for intended purposes” on the back and endorse it, and then cash it. It sounds like this isn’t an option for you because you filled in the business as the purchaser. If a no-longer-needed money order hasn’t been filled out yet, another option the buyer has is to make the money order out to themself, and then cash it. I assume you did put the business in the pay to line, so this also wouldn’t be an option.
Thanks very much!!
Hi, I bought the AFS money orders from 7 eleven. I wrote some person name on it now I do not want to use it. What is the procedure to cash or put in my account.Thank you
Hi Sara,
The good news is that you can get a refund for your money order if you’ve decided not to use it. Since you’ve already written someone’s name on it, your first step is to simply write ‘Not for purpose intended’ on the endorsement line and sign your name. Then, just take it to your bank or another location that cashes money orders. This article will help you locate a place that will cash your money order. Hope this helps!
It’s puzzling to me that 7-11 (actually, every convenience store in my town, southern Florida) will only accept cash for a money order. I can see where there might be issues with payment via credit card, but there doesn’t seem to be much difference paying with debit vs cash.
The only thing I can think of (since availability of debit funds is determined at the register, and money deducted from the checking account in short order) is a small fee charged for processing the debit transaction (I’d heard it was less than the credit card fee, but still a thing – true?). I suppose some stores might want to eliminate the possibility of the cashier confusing credit for debit, although I’d think programming at some level could do that effectively. Convenience stores in my hometown in North Florida had no trouble accepting debit (several years ago, anyway).
When I ask the cashiers WHY their store has jumped on this particular bandwagon, I invariably get a blank stare and either “I don’t know” or “you just can’t use a card to pay for money orders. It’s like that everywhere.” Followed by a suggestion to move along. Grocery stores (Wal Mart, Publix, etc) all accept debit. So what’s the deal? I have never been able to address this question to anyone who makes these decisions, or anyone who actually knows. You can tell it’s one of those little things that gets on my nerves (like the way some stores insist on bagging alcohol purchases, usually claiming that it’s the law, or the way police officers here harass you if you walk outside after midnight, or the way you leave work early to drive across town and get there before 5, but the store has invariably closed ten or twenty minutes early, and will not unlock their door and honor their published hours no matter how much you shout and pound on the glass). I just want to know why.
Hi Tom,
One reason many stores stopped accepting debit to pay for money orders is to stop a practiced called “manufactured spending.” Basically, people would buy prepaid gift cards (which run as debit) with their credit cards so that they could reach a minimum spending amount to get a bonus reward on the credit card. Then, people would use the prepaid card they bought to buy money orders, essentially converting their money back into cash. In this way, people could get bonuses without actually spending money (besides perhaps, a couple dollars in fees to buy the money order). Other stores will tell you they don’t accept debit cards for money order purchases because of the risk of fraud. You might be interested in our article on Where to Buy Money Orders with Gift Cards.
Hi, I purchased a WU money order from 7/11 for posting to NZ for my passport renewal( I live in San Diego). When I took it to the post office the clerk asked me if my money order was an international one….
1. Can I use it for an international payment and send it to NZ.?
2. If not, can I cash it at a western union brick and mortar location….I have the MO and receipt. The MO is made out to Dept of internal Revenue.
Hi John,
NZ is New Zealand? Looks like you can pay with a money order and I see no reason one from Western Union wouldn’t be acceptable. It does say that it should be made out to “Department of Internal Affairs” and not of “Revenue.” See page four here.
You can’t cash it because it’s not made out to you, what you can do is refund it. To refund a Western Union money order, use this form. There is a $15 processing fee. You can read more about Western Union money orders here.
Thank you Rebecca for getting back to me right away. I really appreciate it. Can you also advise how will I be receiving the refund? Will I receive a check? Just so I know what to look for 🙂
Thanks.
Hi Janie —
Glad I could help! You should expect a refund check.
Hello,
I need to request a refund on 3 WU money orders that were purchased 10/2016 and were never cashed. I have printed the request refund form to be filled out from online but it also says I need to include the $15.00 nonrefundable processing fee. Can you please advise how I need to send the $15.00? or can it be deducted from the refund? It says the request can be also emailed or fax so I thought maybe the $15 can be deducted from the refund. Also how does WU issue refunds and how long does it take? Please advise ASAP.
Thank you!
Hi Janie,
Great question. The Money Order Customer Request does state that “Issuer may deduct applicable fees from your refund if the Money Order has not cashed
and the required fee is not enclosed with your request.” Looks like this applies to you! I would also recommend faxing your request (720-864-0477) or scanning the document and emailing it to them ([email protected]) so your request is processed sooner. Looks like it takes them 6-8 weeks to process requests.
i got 3 money order from 7 eleven in hackensack on summit ave in may for my rent and my apartment didnt receive it how can i track asap. i can’t find the reciept ???
Hi Shantoy,
Looks like your money orders were from Western Union. Because you don’t have your receipt, you will need to fill out and send a Money Order Research Request form. Click here for instructions on how to do this. Good luck!
I purchased a money order from a local 7 eleven and paid my bill, but when I got home I noticed that the receipt from the clerk numbered from the money order didn’t match the numbers from the receipt on the money order. Is that a problem?
Hi Meme,
If you need to locate a money order or request a refund, you will always use the money order receipt. Therefore, if you think the clerk provided you with the wrong receipt, it is important to go back to the store and get the one that matches your money order, just in case.
I wrote the wrong name on a and 711 won’t help me, can can I do next?
In most situations, you should be able to endorse it, writing “Not for purpose intended,” followed by your name, and then cash it at your bank or check cashing business. Good luck!
I purchased a money order for $100 at 7 eleven–it is a Western Union Money order. The recipient of the money order gave it back to me. On the money order they wrote their company name in the Pay to the order of XXXX. However, they did not endorse the back of the money order. I have the money order, the money order receipt, and the receipt from 7-Eleven. I want to cash it at my bank. Do I expect to encouter any issues.
I don’t know why the company addressed the money order to themselves way in advance. Western Union customer service is non-functional in that I can’t reach a human.
Hi Samantha,
If you want a refund on your money order, you’ll need to follow the instructions in our article under the How to Get a Refund on a Money Order from 7-Eleven heading. Since you have your receipt, you shouldn’t have any issues getting your money back.
Yep but i dont want to pay a $15 fee. I am cheap that way.
It never hurts to try at your bank. Some will cash it for you. You’ll likely be asked to write “Not for purpose intended” on the endorsement line and then sign it. Good luck!
I have 3 money order written out to my landlord …i won’t. Be signing a new lease with her .. In don’t want a refund but is there anyway they can be reissued so I can make them out to myself ?
Jay,
If you have a MoneyGram money order (according to the website’s FAQs), and you’ve filled out the money order but no longer need it, take it to your bank or a check cashing store and you’ll receive your money back. You won’t need to make it out to yourself. I hope this helps!
Can I purchase a Money Order using my Master Card?
Hi Nick,
Unfortunately, 7-Eleven only accepts cash as a payment method for purchasing money orders. Debit cards and credit cards, including MasterCards, are not accepted for money orders. Sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
I received several visa pre paid debit cards(non refillable) from a raffle from work, does any store possibly accept visa pre paid debit cards to purchase a money order
Hi Dan,
Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that any store would accept your prepaid cards as a payment method for a money order. Since they’re non-reloadable, most stores will likely consider them gift cards rather than true prepaid cards, and after some research I wasn’t able to find any stores that accept gift cards to purchase money orders. Sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
Is there any way to use a money order to load funds on my prepaid card?
Hi Betsey,
Based on the description of the VCom services, it seems that you should be able to use a money order to load funds onto your prepaid card — although you’ll need to first cash the money order through a VCom ATM and then load the cash onto the prepaid card at the register. I hope this helps!
Why cant the government pay for lost or stolen money orders since the post office is in charge of sending them? At least make the fee five dollars instead of $30 dollars!!!!!!
Hello please help i purchase money order from 7 11 i lost stubs only have a paper receipt they gave me a form for convince express but its saying that i will not be not able to replacement why is that
Hi Vandary,
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’ve had with your money order! Was the issuer of the money order Western Union or MoneyGram? If it was a Western Union money order, you may be able to get a refund without having the receipt. You’ll need to print and fill out a Money Order Research Request form to find out if the money order has been cashed. You can send this form, along with a $30 nonrefundable administrative fee, to the address on the form.
Unfortunately, if the money order was from MoneyGram, there is not much you can do without a receipt. MoneyGram states that a receipt is required to submit a claim card. If your money order was from MoneyGram, you can contact MoneyGram customer support to see if there are any further steps that you can take. No matter who issued the money order, unfortunately, a refund will typically not be issued if the money order has already been cashed. Please let us know if you have any more questions and best of luck getting this resolved!
No inconvenience at all Hillary……..I just wanted to be sure. And again, thank you for the reply.
Will 7-Eleven accept American Express card to purchase a money order? And because I’m required to pay my Amex balance in full each month, will i pay interest?
Hi Marcus,
7-Eleven does accept American Express for money orders. Many credit cards will treat a money order purchase as a cash advance, and if this is the case, the purchase would likely start accruing interest immediately. Some credit card companies also charge a cash advance fee on top of this higher interest rate. While 7-Eleven will accept American Express, you may want to check in about the cash advance fees and policies for your particular card before you make the purchase. I hope this helps!
Thank you Hillary for the reply. I called Amex and they indicated to me there is no interest since the type of acct. I have with them requires balance to be paid in full each month. (I have the green amex card). I live in So Cal, so I need to find a 7 Eleven that will accept amex for money orders. I know some of the 7 Elevens I shop at only accept cash. Again, thank you for the reply..
Hi Marcus,
Happy to help! That’s good news about the interest. To find a location that definitely accepts credit cards for money orders, you can use the 7-Eleven store locator to call ahead and verify that a particular location will accept your card. Best of luck!
Hello Hillary, I contacted a few 7-Elevens in my area, and both locations indicated to me that they accept cash only for purchasing a money order..(again, I live in So Cal). Interestingly, I called the 7-Eleven corporate office,and they too indicated to me that money orders are purchased with cash only……any reply will be greatly appreciated
Hi Marcus,
I contacted the corporate office for 7-Eleven and you’re absolutely right. I’ve updated the article to correct the misinformation and reviewed the other details in the article for accuracy. I’m very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Unfortunately, this does mean that you won’t be able to purchase a money order with your American Express card. However, since you know that you won’t be charged interest on a cash advance, perhaps you would be able to withdraw cash on the card to make the purchase. Again, my sincere apologies for any confusion.
I SENT A 7ELEVEN MONEY ORDER TO US IMMIGRATION WITH LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND PASSPORT PHOTOS THRU USPS SINCE OCT. 4TH AND THE ENVELOPE ARRIVED IN PHOENIX AZ POSTAL STATION OCT. 9TH AND BEEN IN TRANSIT SINCE THEN- IT HAS NEVER ARRIVED TO DESTINATION AND IDIOT POSTAL WORKERS CANT FIND THE ENVELOPE. THE MONEY ORDER WAS MADE OUT TO UNITES STATES IMMIGRATION- I KEPT MY RECEIPT IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENED. CAN I GET A REFUND FOR THIS LOST MONEY ORDER? ITS AGGRAVATING KNOWING I HAVE $385 MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO USCIS FLOATING SOMEWHERE IN PHOENIX.
Hi Mejia,
Sorry to hear about all the trouble with your money order! Was the money order purchased with Western Union? If so, print and complete the Western Union money order customer request form, include a $15 nonrefundable processing fee and mail to:
Western Union Financial Services Inc.
P.O. Box 7030
Englewood, CO 80155-7030
If it was purchased through MoneyGram, you’ll need to submit a claim card. Additional details can be found on the MoneyGram FAQs page.
I hope this helps!
I need to send the money order to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for my visa status application. I am wondering do they accept the Money Order from 7-eleven?
Thanks!
Hi Michael,
Money orders used to pay Immigration Services must be drawn on US financial institutions and payable in US funds. This basically means ‘yes’ you can pay Immigration with a 7-Eleven money order. Though since it’s not explicitly stated that Immigration does accept 7-Eleven money orders, if needed, you can get a refund if necessary. Though it should work just fine. 7-Eleven simply uses either MoneyGram or Western Union and both are US financial institutions that can have funds drawn from US accounts. If you have any follow-up questions, Michael, do not hesitate to leave another comment.
I purchased a money order at 7-11 for a security deposit and made it out to an apartment complex, but did not get apartment. Where can I cash the money order at since it is not being used for intended purpose or can 7-11 reissue me another money order off of that money order? If I request a refund thru email how long will it take to get my money back?
Hi Alobos,
The refund process is different depending on if you have a MoneyGram or Western Union money order. However, this post explains exactly how to get a refund with any type of money order. Though if you have further questions, leave another comment and I’ll of course answer them.
7-11 printed my m.o. wrong and now they refuse to reprint or reissue it. I don’t need a refund, I need a usable money order. I don’t believe I should have to pay a 15-30 dollar fee for a misprinted m.o.How can you fix this? I’ve visited the 7-11 four times trying to fix this issue and only gotten rude responses. This money order was for work and I can’t just affordable another one, and because of this I’ve incurred late fees.Please state your policy on reissues not refunds. 7-11 or you need to be able to fix your own mistakes without charging a ridiculous $30 additional fee.
Hi Evie,
How is the money order flawed?
The money order was printed so that the perforation went thru the wrong area of the check.
That is indeed an issue. I recommend calling the Corporate Headquarters/Store Support Center at 972-828-7011. You’ll be connected with a ‘Guest Relations representative’ any time between 7AM – 11PM CST (cute).
What are the numbers on the money orders? Is there a date and time on the money orders when they are purchased? Can two money orders have the same time of purchase on them?
Hi Jaretta,
MoneyGram money orders typically don’t show an exact time – just a date. Western Union money orders do typically show the time and date. Western Union money orders can show the same time if they were processed within one minute of each other. But that is very unlikely so if you’d rather not have them show the same times, you can wait a minute.
the 7-11 I use in N.L.V. charges $1.50
I lost my money order receipt and I need to know if there is a way I can track my money order..
Hi Mrs. Nelson,
Yes, you can still track your money order without the receipt. But it takes some time and money. You must fill out this form and include a $30 nonrefundable processing fee. You can mail, fax or email it to:
Western Union Financial Services Inc.
P.O. Box 7030
Englewood, CO 80155-7030
Fax: 1-720-864-0477
Email: [email protected]
The article has been updated to reflect this information.
Hi William,
I got a money order from 7-11 for Uscis about $420 in 2016 sometime in November or December. I lost my money order receipt and don’t have a copy of the money order either. The file hasn’t been received by the department. How can I track down the money order I was issued? Please get back to me as soon as you see this.
Hi Sameer,
Use one of the following forms to research your money order:
https://www.westernunion.com/content/dam/wu/pdf/Money%20Order%20Research%20Request.pdf
http://www.moneygram.com/us/en/Documents/NXT/MO%20Search%20English%20Sept%202015.pdf