Free Guide to Finding Money Order Locations Near You

Why Money Orders Matter and Where to Find Them

Money orders are a straightforward way to send money without using a personal check or credit card. Unlike checks, which can bounce or get lost in the mail, a money order is prepaid—you hand over cash and receive a document proving you've paid a specific amount to a specific person. This makes them useful for rent payments, utility bills, online purchases from sellers who don't take cards, and situations where the recipient needs proof of payment.

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The challenge isn't that money orders are hard to understand—it's that people often aren't sure where to buy them. Unlike banks, which used to be the primary source, money orders are now sold in dozens of locations throughout most communities. A person might live near five or six places that sell them without realizing it. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the majority of Americans live within a short distance of at least one money order vendor, but many don't know where to look.

This guide walks through the specific places where money orders are sold, how to figure out which location works best for your situation, what information you'll need to bring, and how costs vary by vendor. The goal is to help you locate a money order vendor near you and understand what to expect when you get there.

Key takeaway: Money orders are sold at dozens of different business types—not just banks. Knowing where to look saves time and often saves money on fees.

The Major Retailers That Sell Money Orders

Retail chains are often the most convenient place to buy a money order because they're located in most neighborhoods and have long hours. Walmart, for example, sells money orders at customer service desks in nearly all of its stores. The fees are typically around $0.88 for a money order up to $1,000, making them among the lowest in the industry. Target also sells money orders through its financial services at guest services, usually for fees between $1 and $2 depending on the amount.

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Other major retailers include CVS and Walgreens, which sell money orders at pharmacy counters or customer service desks. These are particularly useful if you're already shopping there. Fees at CVS and Walgreens typically range from $1.25 to $1.50 for standard money orders. 7-Eleven stores sell money orders in most locations, with fees around $1 to $1.50. These convenience stores are especially helpful if you need a money order outside normal business hours, since many are open 24 hours.

Kroger, Safeway, and other supermarket chains frequently have customer service desks or money order services built into their checkout areas. Fees at grocery store money order counters tend to range from $0.50 to $1.50, making them competitive with Walmart. The advantage of buying at a grocery store is that you can complete your shopping and handle your money order transaction in one trip.

One thing to note: not every location of a national chain sells money orders. A Walgreens in a downtown area might sell them, while one in a small town might not. This is why checking ahead by phone or online is worth the few minutes it takes.

Key takeaway: Start your search at retail chains you already visit—Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and grocery stores are the most convenient and often have the lowest fees.

Banks and Credit Unions as Money Order Sources

Traditional banks and credit unions remain common places to buy money orders, though they're becoming less dominant than they once were. If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, buying a money order there is often straightforward—you can request one from a teller or use some banks' online banking platforms to order one. Many banks don't charge fees if you're an account holder, or charge only small fees ranging from $0 to $2.

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Credit unions often have similar policies. According to data from the National Credit Union Administration, most credit unions sell money orders to members, typically for fees between $0.50 and $1.50. Non-members can often buy money orders at credit unions too, though the process might take slightly longer and fees may be higher.

The main drawback to banks and credit unions is availability. They keep shorter hours than retail stores—most close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and may not be open on weekends. If you need a money order on a Saturday evening, a bank won't be an option. Additionally, if you don't have an account with a particular bank, you might pay a higher fee or encounter policies that make it inconvenient.

That said, if you already bank somewhere, calling your bank's customer service number to ask about money order fees and policies takes less than five minutes and can save you money. Some banks offer money orders as part of account perks, especially for premium checking accounts.

Key takeaway: If you have a bank or credit union account, start there—fees may be lower or nonexistent for members. Call ahead to confirm hours and costs rather than making a trip only to find limited availability.

How to Search for Nearby Money Order Locations Using Online Tools

The fastest way to find money order vendors near you is to use Google Maps or your phone's built-in maps application. Open the map, search for your current location, and type "money orders near me" into the search bar. Results will show you nearby Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, banks, and other vendors, along with their addresses, hours, and often customer reviews mentioning whether they sell money orders.

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Walmart's website has a store locator tool where you can search for your nearest store and confirm that location sells money orders through its customer service desk. The same applies to Target, CVS, Walgreens, and most other major retailers—they have online store finders that let you filter by location and confirm services offered. Typing the store name and "money orders" into a search engine often brings up that store's policy page quickly.

If you use a particular bank or credit union, visiting their website's branch locator and filtering by "financial services" or "money services" shows which nearby branches sell money orders. Calling the branch directly (the number is usually on the website) takes two minutes and confirms they have them in stock and can process your request.

A practical tip: when searching online, look at customer reviews. People often mention in reviews whether a location sells money orders, how long the wait was, and whether the staff was knowledgeable. This information isn't always perfect, but it gives you a sense of what to expect. Some reviews also mention which payment methods a location accepts (cash only vs. cash and debit card), which is useful to know in advance.

Key takeaway: Use Google Maps or store websites to find locations and confirm hours before you go. A quick phone call to confirm availability and payment methods prevents wasted trips.

Understanding Money Order Costs and What Information You'll Need

Money order fees vary significantly by vendor and by the amount of the money order. Walmart typically charges $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000—among the lowest available. Retail chains generally charge between $0.75 and $2.00. Banks and credit unions often charge $0 to $2, depending on whether you're a member. Post offices (covered in the next section) typically charge between $1.45 and $1.95.

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These fees add up if you're sending multiple money orders. If you send ten money orders at Walmart ($0.88 each), you'll pay $8.80 in fees. At a higher-fee location, you might pay $15 or $20 for the same transaction. Choosing a lower-fee vendor when you have a choice makes financial sense, especially if money is tight.

When you go to buy a money order, bring the following information: the exact amount you want to send (you can't make a partial payment later), the name of the person or business receiving the money order, and cash or a debit card (most locations accept both, but some accept only cash). You'll also need a photo ID—this is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works.

Some vendors have additional requirements. A few locations cap the amount of money orders you can buy per day or require you to fill out a form if you're buying a very large money order. These policies are in place to prevent misuse, not to create obstacles. Calling ahead or