Where can I get a money order near me?

You can get a money order at the post office (USPS), Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores, Western Union locations, MoneyGram locations, and most banks and credit unions. USPS and Walmart offer the lowest fees — $1–$3 for most amounts.

What is the cheapest place to get a money order?

Walmart is typically the cheapest — $1 for money orders up to $1,000. USPS charges $2.35 for amounts up to $500 and $3.40 for $500.01–$1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram locations (CVS, Walgreens) charge $1–$2+ depending on the location.

Can I get a money order 24 hours a day?

24-hour options are limited. Some 24-hour Walmart Supercenters, Western Union agents at 24-hour convenience stores, and self-service kiosks may be available around the clock. USPS offices are typically only open during business hours (8am–5pm weekdays).

Do you need a bank account to get a money order?

No. Money orders are purchased with cash or a debit card — no bank account required. This is one of the main reasons money orders are used by unbanked consumers who need a guaranteed payment method.

What is the maximum amount for a money order?

Most money orders are capped at $1,000 per instrument. USPS caps at $1,000 for domestic orders. Western Union and MoneyGram typically cap at $1,000 as well. For amounts over $1,000, buy multiple money orders or use a cashier's check instead.

Where to Get a Money Order 2026 — Locations, Fees, and Hours

You can get a money order at the post office, Walmart, most grocery stores, CVS, Walgreens, and Western Union or MoneyGram locations. No bank account needed — just bring cash. The cheapest options are Walmart ($1 flat) and USPS ($2.35–$3.40). Avoid banks and check-cashing stores, which charge significantly more.

Money Order Locations and Fees (2026)

Location	Fee	Max Amount	Payment Accepted
Walmart (Money Center)	$1	$1,000	Cash, debit
USPS (post office)	$2.35 (up to $500) / $3.40 ($500–$1,000)	$1,000	Cash, debit
Western Union (CVS, etc.)	$1–$5+ (varies)	$1,000	Cash, debit
MoneyGram (Walmart, CVS)	$1–$2	$1,000	Cash, debit
7-Eleven	$1.50	$500	Cash
CVS Pharmacy	$1.25–$1.50	$500	Cash, debit
Walgreens	$1–$2	$500	Cash, debit
Kroger / grocery stores	$0.65–$1.50	$500–$1,000	Cash, debit
Banks (account holders)	$3–$10	Varies	Account debit
Banks (non-customers)	$5–$15	Varies	Cash
Check-cashing stores	1%–3% of amount	Varies	Cash

Cheapest option: Walmart at $1 flat. Available at 4,700+ US locations including most 24-hour Supercenters.

Most convenient: USPS — 30,000+ locations nationwide, consistent fees, and the most trusted money order brand.

Walmart

Walmart’s Money Center is the most popular place to buy money orders in the US. Available at most Walmart Supercenters during Money Center hours (typically 8am–8pm; 24-hour locations may vary).

Fee: $1 for any amount up to $1,000
Payment: Cash or debit card (not credit card)
Maximum: $1,000 per money order
Can purchase multiple: Yes — buy several if you need more than $1,000

Walmart money orders are issued through MoneyGram. For step-by-step filling instructions, see how to fill out a money order.

USPS (Post Office)

USPS money orders are the gold standard — widely accepted, government-backed, and available at all 30,000+ post office locations.

Fee: $2.35 (up to $500) | $3.40 ($500.01–$1,000)
Payment: Cash or debit card (most locations)
Maximum: $1,000 domestic | $700 international
Hours: Most post offices open Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, Saturday 8am–12pm

USPS is also the easiest to replace if lost — file Form 6401 at any post office. See what to do if you lose a money order for the full replacement process.

CVS and Walgreens

Both pharmacy chains sell money orders through Western Union or MoneyGram kiosks at customer service counters.

CVS: $1.25–$1.50, up to $500
Walgreens: $1–$2, up to $500; some locations $1,000

Advantage: Extended hours (often 8am–10pm, with some 24-hour locations) and widespread availability.

Limitation: Lower caps ($500 at many locations vs. $1,000 at Walmart/USPS).

Grocery Stores

Most major grocery chains offer money orders at the customer service desk:

Chain	Fee	Max
Kroger	$0.65–$1.29	$500
Safeway	$0.99	$500
Albertsons	$0.75–$1.50	$500–$1,000
Publix	$0.99	$500
Meijer	$0.65	$500

Grocery store money orders are among the cheapest but are often capped at $500. Hours match store hours.

Banks and Credit Unions

Most banks issue money orders for account holders at $3–$10. Non-customers may pay more or be refused.

When to use a bank: If you already have an account and need a money order, it’s convenient. But the fee is higher than retail options — a cashier’s check from your bank may be a better option for large amounts where guaranteed funds matter.

When You Need More Than $1,000

Money orders are capped at $1,000 per instrument. For larger amounts, you have two options:

Buy multiple money orders — e.g., three $1,000 money orders for a $3,000 payment (three fees apply)
Use a cashier’s check — one check for any amount; costs $8–$15 but simpler for large payments

For a detailed comparison, see money order vs. cashier’s check.

Worked Example

You need to pay $850 in rent to a landlord who doesn’t accept personal checks. You’re near a Walmart and a post office:

Walmart: $1 fee, done in 5 minutes, $1 total cost
USPS: $3.40 fee, slightly slower line, $3.40 total cost
CVS: likely capped at $500 — would need two orders, two fees

Walmart wins on cost and simplicity for this scenario.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy