Money orders are a secure and convenient way to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account or who lives in a different country. But where can you cash a money order? And how much will it cost?
In this article, we'll answer these questions and provide you with a list of places that cash money orders. We'll also discuss the fees that are typically associated with cashing a money order.
Keep reading to learn more about cashing money orders.
Who Cashes Money Orders
Here are 8 important points about who cashes money orders:
- Banks
- Credit unions
- Post offices
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Walmart
- Western Union
- MoneyGram
These are just some of the places that cash money orders. The fees for cashing a money order vary depending on where you go. Banks and credit unions typically charge the lowest fees, while convenience stores and grocery stores charge the highest fees.
Banks
Banks are one of the most common places to cash money orders. Most banks will cash money orders for their customers, even if the money order was not purchased from that bank. However, there may be a fee for cashing a money order at a bank. The fee varies from bank to bank, but it is typically around $5.
To cash a money order at a bank, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and your bank account number. The teller will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will deposit the money into your bank account.
If you do not have a bank account, you may still be able to cash a money order at a bank. However, you may need to pay a higher fee. You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement.
Banks are a safe and convenient place to cash money orders. However, it is important to be aware of the fees that may be involved.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at a bank:
- Bring your ID and your bank account number.
- If you do not have a bank account, you may need to pay a higher fee.
- You may need to provide additional documentation, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement.
- Be aware of the fees that may be involved.
Credit unions
Credit unions are another common place to cash money orders. Like banks, most credit unions will cash money orders for their members, even if the money order was not purchased from that credit union. However, there may be a fee for cashing a money order at a credit union.
- Membership required: To cash a money order at a credit union, you must be a member of that credit union. If you are not a member, you may still be able to cash a money order, but you may need to pay a higher fee.
- ID and account number required: To cash a money order at a credit union, you will need to bring your ID and your credit union account number. The teller will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will deposit the money into your account.
- Fees may apply: The fee for cashing a money order at a credit union varies from credit union to credit union. However, the fee is typically lower than the fee charged by banks.
- Additional documentation may be required: If you do not have an account at the credit union, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement.
Credit unions are a good option for cashing money orders because they typically charge lower fees than banks. However, you must be a member of the credit union to cash a money order.
Post offices
Post offices are another convenient place to cash money orders. The United States Postal Service (USPS) cashes money orders for a fee. The fee varies depending on the amount of the money order, but it is typically around $1.
To cash a money order at a post office, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and a small fee. The postal clerk will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will give you the cash.
Post offices are a good option for cashing money orders because they are located in many convenient locations. However, the fees charged by post offices are higher than the fees charged by banks and credit unions.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at a post office:
- Bring your ID and a small fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by the post office.
- Post offices may have limited hours of operation.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at a post office.
Overall, post offices are a convenient place to cash money orders, but the fees are higher than those charged by banks and credit unions.
Convenience stores
Convenience stores are another common place to cash money orders. Many convenience stores offer check cashing services, and they will also cash money orders for a fee. The fee for cashing a money order at a convenience store varies, but it is typically around $5.
To cash a money order at a convenience store, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee. The cashier will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will give you the cash.
Convenience stores are a convenient option for cashing money orders because they are open long hours and they are located in many convenient locations. However, the fees charged by convenience stores are higher than the fees charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at a convenience store:
- Bring your ID and the fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by the convenience store.
- Convenience stores may have limited hours of operation.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at a convenience store.
Overall, convenience stores are a convenient option for cashing money orders, but the fees are higher than those charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Grocery stores
Some grocery stores also offer check cashing services, and they may also cash money orders for a fee. The fee for cashing a money order at a grocery store varies, but it is typically around $5.
To cash a money order at a grocery store, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee. The cashier will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will give you the cash.
Grocery stores are a convenient option for cashing money orders because they are open long hours and they are located in many convenient locations. However, the fees charged by grocery stores are higher than the fees charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at a grocery store:
- Bring your ID and the fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by the grocery store.
- Grocery stores may have limited hours of operation.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at a grocery store.
Overall, grocery stores are a convenient option for cashing money orders, but the fees are higher than those charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Walmart
Walmart is another popular place to cash money orders. Walmart cashes money orders for a fee of $3. The fee is the same regardless of the amount of the money order.
To cash a money order at Walmart, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee. You can cash money orders at the customer service desk. The customer service associate will verify your ID and the money order, and then they will give you the cash.
Walmart is a convenient option for cashing money orders because it has many locations and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the fee charged by Walmart is higher than the fees charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at Walmart:
- Bring your ID and the fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by Walmart.
- Walmart is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at Walmart.
Overall, Walmart is a convenient option for cashing money orders, but the fee is higher than those charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Western Union
Western Union is a global money transfer company that also offers money order cashing services. Western Union charges a fee of $5 to cash a money order. The fee is the same regardless of the amount of the money order.
To cash a money order at Western Union, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee. You can cash money orders at Western Union locations or at participating agents. To find a Western Union location or agent near you, you can use the Western Union website or app.
Western Union is a convenient option for cashing money orders because it has many locations and it is open long hours. However, the fee charged by Western Union is higher than the fees charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at Western Union:
- Bring your ID and the fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by Western Union.
- Western Union has many locations and is open long hours.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at Western Union.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is another global money transfer company that also offers money order cashing services. MoneyGram charges a fee of $2 to cash a money order. The fee is the same regardless of the amount of the money order.
To cash a money order at MoneyGram, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee. You can cash money orders at MoneyGram locations or at participating agents. To find a MoneyGram location or agent near you, you can use the MoneyGram website or app.
MoneyGram is a convenient option for cashing money orders because it has many locations and it is open long hours. However, the fee charged by MoneyGram is higher than the fees charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
Here are some tips for cashing a money order at MoneyGram:
- Bring your ID and the fee.
- Be aware of the fees charged by MoneyGram.
- MoneyGram has many locations and is open long hours.
- You may need to wait in line to cash a money order at MoneyGram.
Overall, MoneyGram is a convenient option for cashing money orders, but the fee is higher than those charged by banks, credit unions, and post offices.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about who cashes money orders:
Question 1: Where can I cash a money order?
Answer: You can cash a money order at a variety of places, including banks, credit unions, post offices, convenience stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram.
Question 2: What do I need to bring to cash a money order?
Answer: You will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee (if there is one).
Question 3: How much does it cost to cash a money order?
Answer: The fee for cashing a money order varies depending on where you go. Banks and credit unions typically charge the lowest fees, while convenience stores and grocery stores charge the highest fees.
Question 4: Do I need to have a bank account to cash a money order?
Answer: You do not need to have a bank account to cash a money order at a bank or credit union. However, you may need to pay a higher fee.
Question 5: Can I cash a money order that is made out to someone else?
Answer: In most cases, you cannot cash a money order that is made out to someone else. However, some places may allow you to cash a money order that is made out to someone else if you have the person's endorsement.
Question 6: Can I cash a money order that is expired?
Answer: No, you cannot cash a money order that is expired. Money orders typically have a one-year expiration date.
Question 7: What should I do if I lose a money order?
Answer: If you lose a money order, you should contact the issuer of the money order immediately. They may be able to cancel the money order and issue you a new one.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about who cashes money orders. If you have any other questions, you can contact your bank or credit union for more information.
Now that you know where to cash a money order, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your money order:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your money order:
Tip 1: Compare fees before you cash a money order.
The fees for cashing a money order vary depending on where you go. Be sure to compare the fees charged by different places before you choose where to cash your money order.
Tip 2: Bring your ID and the money order when you go to cash it.
You will need to bring your ID and the money order with you when you go to cash it. The person cashing the money order will need to verify your ID and the money order before they can give you the cash.
Tip 3: Endorse the money order before you give it to the person cashing it.
You need to endorse the money order before you give it to the person cashing it. To endorse a money order, simply sign your name on the back of the money order.
Tip 4: Keep the receipt for the money order.
Be sure to keep the receipt for the money order in case there is any problem with the transaction.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your money order.
Now that you know where to cash a money order and how to get the most out of your money order, you can use money orders with confidence.
Conclusion
Money orders are a safe and convenient way to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account or who lives in a different country. You can cash a money order at a variety of places, including banks, credit unions, post offices, convenience stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram.
The fees for cashing a money order vary depending on where you go. Banks and credit unions typically charge the lowest fees, while convenience stores and grocery stores charge the highest fees.
To cash a money order, you will need to bring the money order, your ID, and the fee (if there is one). You will also need to endorse the money order before you give it to the person cashing it.
By following the tips in this article, you can get the most out of your money order.
So next time you need to send money to someone, consider using a money order. Money orders are a safe, convenient, and affordable way to send money.