Money orders can be purchased at a variety of places, including banks, grocery stores, and the post office. Although they seem like a logical starting place, banks aren’t always the cheapest places to get a money order. Many grocery stores sell cheap money orders backed by Western Union or MoneyGram, and the post office is a reliable, affordable option. Generally, you shouldn’t pay more than $2 for a money order.
We’ve broken our research down into the following categories: banks, credit unions, the post office, pharmacies, convenience stores/gas stations, grocery stores, and finally places that — though they fall into those categories — don’t sell money orders
Note: If the person you’re sending the money order to doesn’t know where to cash it, see our list of places where you can cash a money order. If you want to know more about money orders before buying one, we also have more details about how they work in our money order FAQ.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Get a Money Order?
You can use the table below for a quick comparison of fees, limits, and accepted payment methods, then click any business or scroll below for more information.
Location | Issuer | Fees | Limit | Payment Methods |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America | Banks of America | $5 | $1,000 | Cash, debit, credit, bank withdrawal |
Bank of the West | Bank of the West | $5 | $1,000 | Cash, debit, bank withdrawal |
BB&T | BB&T | $5; free for Elite Gold & Elite Work account holders | $1,000 | Cash, debit, credit, bank withdrawal |
Chase | Chase | $5; free for Premier Platinum Checking account holders | $1,000 | Cash, debit, credit, bank withdrawal |
Citibank | Western Union | $5; free for Citi Priority & Citigold account holders | $1,000 | Cash, debit, credit, bank withdrawal |
M&T Bank | M&T Bank | $6 | $1,000 | Cash or bank withdrawal |
TD Bank | TD Bank | $5; free for many account holders | $1,000 | Cash or bank withdrawal |
U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank | $5 | $1,000 | Cash, debit, credit, bank withdrawal |
Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo | $5; free for certain account holders | $1,000 | Cash or bank withdrawal |
Golden 1 Credit Union | Golden 1 Credit Union | $5 | $1,000 | Cash or bank withdrawal |
Navy Federal Credit Union | Western Union | $1.45 | $1,000 per order; max $10,000 per day | Cash or bank withdrawal |
Security Service Federal Credit Union | Traveler's Express (by MoneyGram) | $2 | $1,000 | Cash or bank withdrawal |
Amsot | Amscot | Free | $1,000 | Cash |
Check Into Cash | Western Union | Vary by location | Varies by location | Cash |
Payomatic | Western Union | $1.99 | $1,000 | Cash, debit, EBT, or money received in another transaction |
Speedy Cash | MoneyGram or Western Union | Vary by location | Varies by location | Cash or Speedy Cash Loan |
7-Eleven | MoneyGram or Western Union | 1% to 3% of the total money order | $500 | Cash |
Circle K | MoneyGram | $1 | $500 | Cash |
Kwik Trip | MoneyGram | $0.99 | $500 | Cash |
Racetrac | MoneyGram | $1.49 | $500 per money order; max $2,500 per day | Cash |
Royal Farms | MoneyGram | $1.25 | $300 | Cash |
Speedway | MoneyGram | $1.59 | $500 | Cash |
Stripes | Western Union | 1% to 3% of the total money order | $500 | Cash |
Turkey Hill | Western Union | $0.99 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Valero | Western Union | $1.50 | $500 | Cash |
QuikTrip | Western Union | $1.50 | $300 per money order; max $950 per day | Cash |
Kmart | Western Union | $0.70 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Walmart | MoneyGram | $0.88 | $1,000 per money order; max $3,000 per day | Cash, debit, or Walmart MoneyCard |
Albertsons | MoneyGram | $0.89 | $500 | Cash, debit, or credit card |
Cub Foods | Western Union | $0.79 | $1,000 per money order; max $3,000 per day | Cash |
Dillons | Western Union | $1; $0.69 with a shopper's card | $1,000 | Cash |
Family Fare | Western Union | $0.75 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Food City | Western Union | $1 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Food Lion | Western Union | $1 | $500 | Cash, EBT, or PIN_based debit card |
Fred Meyer | Western Union | $0.79; $0.69 with a shopper's card | $1,000 | Cash, debit, or credit card |
Fry's Foods | Western Union | $0.80; $0.69 with a shopper's card | $1,000 | Cash |
Giant Eagle | Western Union | $0.99 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Giant Food | Western Union | $1 to $2 | $1,000 | Cash |
H-E-B | Western Union | $0.69 | $1,000 | Cash |
Harris Teeter | Western Union | $0.99 | $500 | Cash |
Ingles | Western Union | $0.69 | $1,000 per money order; max $2,000 per day | Cash |
Jewel-Osco | MoneyGram | $0.99 | $500 | Cash |
King Soopers | Western Union | $1; $0.69 with a shopper's card | $500 | Cash, debit, or credit card |
Kroger | Western Union | $0.88 | Varies by location | Cash, debit, or credit card |
Meijer | Western Union | $0.65 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Price Chopper | Western Union | $1 | $500 | Cash |
Publix | Western Union | $0.85 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Ralphs | Western Union | $0.69 to $1.25; always $0.69 with a shopper's card | $500 | Cash |
Safeway | MoneyGram | $0.59 | $500 | Cash |
Schnucks | MoneyGram | $4 to $5 | $1,000 | Cash or debit card |
Shoppers | MoneyGram | $0.59 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
ShopRite | Western Union | $0.99 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Smith's | Western Union | $1; $0.69 with a shopper's card | $500 to $1,000 | Cash |
Stater Bros. | MoneyGram | $1 | $1,000 | Cash |
Stop & Shop | Western Union | $1 | $1,000 | Cash or debit card |
Tom Thumb | Western Union | $0.89 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Vons | MoneyGram or Western Union | $0.89 to $1.50 | $500 to $1,000 | Cash |
Weis | Western Union | $0.79 | $500 | Cash or debit card |
Winn-Dixie | Western Union | $0.79 per $500 | $1,000 | Cash, debit, or credit card |
CVS | MoneyGram | $1.25 | $500 | Cash |
Rite Aid | Western Union | $0.99 | $500 | Cash |
USPS | USPS | $1.20 to $1.60 | $500 to $1,000 | Cash, debit card, or traveler's check |
Banks
You might be able to get a money order for free if you have a qualifying account at certain banks. If you’re not an account holder, fees will usually be on the higher end.
Bank of America
- Money order issuer: Bank of America[1]
- Fees and limits: $5 per money order up to $1,000; prices may vary by branch[1]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card, or the bank can take it directly from your account if you’re an account holder[1]
- Find a Bank of America
Bank of the West
- Money order issuer: Bank of the West[2]
- Fees and limits: $5 per money order with no limit on the money order amount; fees are the same for both account holders and non-account holders[2]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card; if you have an account, they can also take funds to pay directly from your account[2]
- Find a Bank of the West
BB&T
- Money order issuer: BB&T[3]
- Fees and limits: $5 per money order up to $1,000; free if you have an Elite Gold or Elite Work account[3]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card, or the bank can take it directly from your account[3]
- Find a BB&T
Chase
- Money order issuer: Chase[4]
- Fees and limits: $5 per money order up to $1,000; free if you have a Chase Premier Platinum Checking account[4]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card, or the bank can take it directly from your account[4]
- Find a Chase
Citibank
- Money order issuer: Western Union[5]
- Fees and limits: You must have an account with Citibank to buy a money order; for most customers, money orders are $5 each up to $1,000; they’re free if you have a Citi Priority or Citigold account[5]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card, or the bank can take it directly from your account. If you pay with a credit card, it will be considered a cash advance and significant fees from your credit card provider may be incurred.[5]
- Find a Citibank
M&T Bank
- Money order issuer: M&T Bank[6]
- Fees and limits: $6 per money order up to $1,000; you do not need to have an M&T Bank account[6]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the bank can take it directly from your account[6]
- Find an M&T Bank
TD Bank
- Money order issuer: TD Bank[7]
- Fees and limits: You must have an account at TD Bank to buy a money order; money orders are $5 each up to $1,000. Fees are waived for certain accounts, including Relationship Checking, Premier Checking, 60 Plus Checking, Preferred Savings, Private Tiered Checking, and Private Tiered Savings.[8]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the bank can take it directly from your account[8]
- Find a TD Bank
U.S. Bank
- Money order issuer: US Bank[9]
- Fees and limits: $5 per money order up to $1,000[9]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card, or the bank can take it directly from your account[9]
- Find a U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo
- Money order issuer: Wells Fargo[10]
- Fees and limits: You must have an account to buy a money order. Money orders are $5 each up to $1,000; free for certain account holders.[11]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the bank can take it directly from your account[10]
- Find a Wells Fargo
Credit Unions
Golden 1 Credit Union
- Money order issuer: Golden 1 Credit Union[12]
- Fees and limits: You must be a member to buy a money order; money orders cost $5 each up to $1,000[12]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the credit union can take it directly from your account[12]
- Find a Golden 1 Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union
- Money order issuer: Western Union[13]
- Fees and limits: You must have an account with NFCU to buy a money order; money orders cost $1.45 each for up to $1,000 (limit $10,000 per day)[13]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the credit union can take it directly from your account[13]
- Find a Navy Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union
- Money order issuer: Traveler’s Express (owned by MoneyGram)[14]
- Fees and limits: You must have an account with SSFCU to buy a money order; money orders are $2 each for up to $1,000[14]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or the credit union can take it directly from your account[14]
- Find a Security Service Federal Credit Union
Check Cashing Stores
Amscot
- Money order issuer: Amscot[15]
- Fees and limits: Free for up to $1,000[15]
- Accepted payment types: Cash[15]
- Find an Amscot
Check Into Cash
- Money order issuer: Western Union[16]
- Fees and limits: Vary by location[16]
- Accepted payment types: Cash[16]
- Find a Check Into Cash
Payomatic
- Money order issuer: Western Union[17]
- Accepted payment types: Cash, debit card, EBT, or money received in another transaction (e.g., cashed check, Western Union Receive)[18]
- Find a Payomatic
Speedy Cash
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram or Western Union[19]
- Fees and limits: Vary by location[19]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or Speedy Cash loan[19]
- Find a Speedy Cash
Convenience Stores & Gas Stations
7-Eleven
- Money order issuer: Western Union or MoneyGram[20]
- Fees and limits: 1% to 3% of the total money order amount for up to $500[20]
- Accepted payment types: Cash[20]
- Find a 7-Eleven
Circle K
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram[21]
- Fees and limits: $1 per money order up to $500[21]
- Accepted payment types: Cash[21]
- Find a Circle K
Kwik Trip
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Kwik Trip
See our research on the Kwik Trip money order policy
RaceTrac
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $1.49 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash; some accept debit or credit cards
- Find a RaceTrac
See our research on the RaceTrac money order policy.
Royal Farms
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $1.25 per money order up to $300
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Royal Farms
Find out more in our research on the Royal Farms money order policy.
Speedway
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $1.59 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Speedway
See our related research about Speedway money orders.
Stripes
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: 1% to 3% per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Stripes
Find out more in our research on the Stripes money order policy.
Turkey Hill
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Turkey Hill
See our research on the Turkey Hill money order policy.
Valero
- Money order issuer: Varies
- Fees and limits: $1.50 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Valero
See our research on Valero’s money order policy.
QuikTrip
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $1.50 per money order for up to $300; $950 total daily limit
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a QuikTrip
Find out more in our research about QuikTrip’s money order policies.
Discount Stores & Superstores
Kmart
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.70 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Kmart
See more in our research about Kmart’s money order policies.
Walmart
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.88 per money order up to $1,000; $3,000 total daily limit
- Accepted payment types: Cash, debit card, or Walmart MoneyCard
- Find a Walmart
Find out more in our research about Walmart’s money order policies.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores sell money orders, and they can be the most convenient places to buy one after banks and the post office have closed. Fees are usually reasonable. Find more information about hours and store-specific requirements in our linked store feature content.
Albertsons
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.89 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card
- Find an Albertsons
See our related research about Albertsons money order policies.
Cub Foods
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.79 per money order up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Cub Foods
See our research on Cub Foods’ money order policy
Dillons
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: About $1 per money order up to $1,000 without a shoppers card; $0.69 with a shoppers card
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Dillons (Dillons is owned by Kroger, and the search will return other Kroger owned stores that sell money orders too)
See our related research about Dillons money order policies.
Family Fare
- Money order issuer: Western Union[22]
- Fees and limits: $0.75 per money order up to $500[22]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card[22]
- Find a Family Fare
Food City
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $1 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Food City
Find out more in our research on Food City’s money order policies.
Food Lion
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $1 or less per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash, EBT, or PIN-based debit card
- Find a Food Lion
See more in our research on Food Lion’s money order policies.
Fred Meyer
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.79 for up to $1,000 without a shoppers card; or $0.69 with a shoppers card
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card
- Find a Fred Meyer (Fred Meyer is owned by Kroger, and the search will return other Kroger owned stores that sell money orders too)
See more in our related research on Fred Meyer’s money order policies.
Fry’s Foods
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and Limits: $0.80 per money order up to $1,000 without a shoppers card; and $0.69 with a shoppers card
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Fry’s Foods (Fry’s Foods is owned by Kroger, and the search will return other Kroger owned stores that sell money orders too)
Find out more in our research on Fry’s money order policies.
Giant Food
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $1 to $2 per money order up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Giant Food
See our research on Giant Western Union money order policy.
Giant Eagle
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Giant Eagle
See our research on Giant Eagle’s money order policies.
H-E-B
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.69 per money order up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find an H-E-B
Find out more in our research on H-E-B’s money order policies.
Harris Teeter
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order up to $500 (some stores have lower limits)
- Accepted payment types: Cash or personal check
- Find a Harris Teeter
See our related research on Harris Teeter’s money order policies.
Ingles
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.69 per money order up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find an Ingles
See our research on Ingles’ money order policy.
Jewel-Osco
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Jewel-Osco
See our related research on Jewel-Osco’s money order policies.
King Soopers
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: About $1 per money order for up to $1,000 without a shoppers card; $0.69 with a shoppers card
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card
- Find a King Soopers (King Soopers is owned by Kroger, and the search will return other Kroger-owned stores that sell money orders too)
Find out more in our related research about King Sooper’s money order policies.
Kroger
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: Varies by store; usually about $0.88
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card
- Find a Kroger (the locator will also return other Kroger-owned stores that sell money orders)
See our related research on Kroger’s money order policies.
Meijer
- Money order issuer: Western Union[23]
- Fees and limits: $0.65 per money order for up to $500[23]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card[23]
- Find a Meijer
Price Chopper
- Money order issuer: Western Union[24]
- Fees and limits: $1 per money order up to $500[24]
- Accepted payment types: Cash[24]
- Find a Price Chopper
Publix
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.85 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Publix
See our research on the Publix money order policies.
Ralphs
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.69 to $1.25 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Ralphs
See our research on the Ralphs money order policy.
Safeway
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $0.59 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Safeway
See our related research on Safeway’s money order policies.
Schnucks
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $4 or $5 per money order for up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Schnucks
Find out more in our research on Schnucks money order policies.
Shoppers
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram[25]
- Fees and limits: $0.59 per money order up to $500[25]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card[25]
- Find a Shoppers
ShopRite
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a ShopRite (not all locations sell money orders; call ahead to confirm)
See our research on the ShopRite money order policies.
Smith’s
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: Up to $1,000 at some locations and $500 at others; for About $1 per money order for up to $1,000 (some stores have lower limits) without a shopper’s card, or $0.69 with a shoppers card, per money order
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Smith’s (Smith’s is owned by Kroger, and the search will return other Kroger owned stores that sell money orders too)
See our research on Smith’s money order policies.
Stater Bros.
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: Up to $1,000 for $1 per money order
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Stater Bros
See our research on Stater Bros. money order policies.
Stop & Shop
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: Up to $1,000, for about $1 per money order
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Stop & Shop
Find out more in our research on the Stop & Shop money order policies.
Tom Thumb
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: Up to $500 for $0.89
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card
- Find a Tom Thumb
See our research on the Tom Thumb money order policy.
Vons
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram and Western Union
- Fees and limits: Up to $500 for $0.89 for MoneyGram; up to $1,000 each for $1 to $1.50 for Western Union (up to $3,000)
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Vons
See more in our related research on [26].
Weis Markets
- Money order issuer: Western Union[26]
- Fees and limits: About $0.79 (varies from store to store), up to $500[26]
- Accepted payment types: Cash or debit card[26]
- Find a Weis
Winn-Dixie
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: Up to $1,000 per money order, for a $0.79 fee per $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash, credit or debit card
- Find a Winn-Dixie
See our related research about Winn-Dixie’s money order policies.
Pharmacies
CVS
- Money order issuer: MoneyGram
- Fees and limits: $1.25 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a CVS
See more in our research on CVS’s money order policies.
Rite Aid
- Money order issuer: Western Union
- Fees and limits: $0.99 per money order for up to $500
- Accepted payment types: Cash
- Find a Rite Aid
See our related research on Rite Aid’s money order policies.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
The post office sells its own money orders, and is considered one of the most reliable backers. You might be required to pay with a postal money order (and not a Western Union or MoneyGram), if you’re paying a government. It also has an option for international money orders, which are accepted in over 25 countries.
- Money order issuer: United States Postal Service
- Fees and limits: $1.20 for money orders up to $500; and $1.60 for money orders up to $1,000
- Accepted payment types: Cash, debit card, or traveler’s checks
- Source: USPS Money Orders page
- Find a USPS Location
Wondering where you can buy a money order over the weekend? See our list of places that sell money orders on Sundays.
Places That Don’t Sell Money Orders
Unlike many similar stores listed above, the following stores don’t sell money orders, as confirmed by customer service representatives:
- ALDI
- Costco
- Dollar General (See our research on Dollar General’s money order policy)
- Farm Fresh
- FedEx (See our findings on FedEx’s money order policy)
- Heinen’s
- HSBC Bank
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union
- Sam’s Club
- Save A Lot
- Sheetz (See our findings on the Sheetz money order policy)
- Smart & Final
- State Employees’ Credit Union
- Target (See our research on Target’s money order policy)
- Walgreens and Duane Reade (See our research on Walgreens’ money order policy)
- Wawa (See our findings on Wawa’s money order policy)
- Whole Foods
How can I get a money order via mail? I am out of country, but would like to buy a money order to pay a bill.
PC,
Most of the time, actual money orders can only be acquired at a physical location, since the provider of the money order doesn’t want to assume the risk that comes with not verifying a person’s identity in person. There are, however, money transfer services which allow you to send money to a payee, which may be offered by the company whom you wish to pay, or you might also consider searching for money order services in your country (since this varies greatly by location). Unfortunately, due to the volume of comments that we receive, we’re not able to help with specific, individual requests. I hope this helps!