What Ace Cash Express Money Orders Are

Ace Cash Express is a check-cashing and financial services chain that sells money orders at most of its locations. A money order from Ace works the same way as one from any other vendor — you pay the face amount plus a small fee, and Ace prints a document that functions like a certified check. You can mail it, hand it to someone, or deposit it into a bank account. The recipient cashes or deposits it at their bank or another money order vendor.

Ace money orders are useful when you need to send cash through the mail safely, pay a bill that won't take a card, or give someone a payment method that feels more formal than cash. Unlike a personal check, a money order doesn't require a bank account and can't bounce.

Key Takeaways

  • Ace Cash Express sells money orders at most locations for a fee that typically ranges from about $1 to $5 depending on the amount.
  • You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order at Ace, and you must know the exact amount you want to send.
  • The process takes about five to ten minutes and produces a receipt you should keep until the money order is cashed.
  • Ace money orders can be sent by mail, given in person, or deposited into a bank account just like money orders from other vendors.
  • If a money order is lost or never cashed, you can request a refund or replacement by bringing your receipt to an Ace location.

How to Buy a Money Order at Ace Cash Express

Walk into an Ace Cash Express location with cash or a debit card and tell the cashier you want to buy a money order. Have the exact amount ready — you cannot buy a money order for more than you need and get change back. The cashier will ask you for the name of the person or business the money order is payable to (called the payee), and you'll provide that information.

The cashier will print the money order, show you the amount and payee name to confirm they're correct, and tell you the fee. Pay the fee in cash or on your debit card. You'll receive the money order itself and a receipt. Keep the receipt — you'll need it if the money order is lost or if you need to cancel it later.

Ace Money Order Fees and Limits

Ace charges a fee for each money order, but the exact amount varies by location and by the size of the money order. Fees typically range from about $1 to $5. Some Ace locations may have different fee structures, so ask the cashier before you pay. The fee is separate from the face amount — if you want to send $500, you pay $500 plus the fee.

Most Ace locations can issue money orders up to $1,000, though some may have lower limits. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders. Ask the cashier what the maximum is at your location before you decide how many to buy.

What Information You Need to Bring

You don't need an ID or bank account to buy a money order at Ace. You do need to know the name of the person or business you're sending it to — this is the payee name that will be printed on the money order. Write it down or have it ready before you go to the counter.

You also need the exact dollar amount you want to send. If you're unsure, figure it out before you arrive so you don't hold up the line. You'll pay in cash or with a debit card, so bring one of those with you.

Using Your Ace Money Order

Once you have the money order, you can mail it, hand it to someone in person, or deposit it into a bank account. If you're mailing it, put it in an envelope with any other documents the recipient needs. Money orders can take several days to arrive by mail, so plan ahead if there's a important date.

The person who receives the money order can cash it at their bank, at another Ace Cash Express location, at a check-cashing store, or at many grocery stores and pharmacies. They'll need to sign the back of the money order, just like a check. If they're depositing it into a bank account, they can do that at an ATM or at a teller window.

If Your Money Order Is Lost or Never Cashed

If you lose a money order or if the person you sent it to says they never received it, go back to the Ace location where you bought it with your receipt. Ace can issue a replacement or refund, but the process takes time — usually several weeks — because Ace has to confirm that the original money order was never cashed. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

If you want to cancel a money order you just bought, you can usually do that right away at the same location. After you leave the store, cancellation becomes harder and takes longer. If you realize you made a mistake, go back to Ace as soon as you can.

Ace Money Orders vs. Other Vendors

Ace is one option for buying a money order, but you can also get them at banks, credit unions, the post office, Walmart, grocery stores, and other check-cashing chains. The main difference is usually the fee and the hours — Ace locations often stay open later than banks and are open on weekends, which can be convenient. The money order itself works the same way no matter where you buy it.

If you have a bank account, your bank may issue money orders for free or for a lower fee than Ace charges. If you don't have a bank account or need a money order outside of banking hours, Ace is a straightforward option. Compare the fee at your nearest Ace location to what other vendors charge nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order at Ace without an ID?

Yes. Ace does not require an ID to buy a money order. You only need cash or a debit card and the name of the person or business you're sending it to.

What happens if the money order is never cashed?

If the recipient never cashes the money order, the money stays with Ace. You can request a refund by bringing your receipt back to the location where you bought it, but Ace will need to confirm the money order was never cashed, which takes several weeks. This is why you should follow up with the person you sent it to if they say they didn't receive it.

Can I change the payee name after I buy the money order?

No. Once Ace prints the money order with a payee name, that name cannot be changed. If you made a mistake, you'll need to cancel it and buy a new one. This is why it's important to double-check the payee name before the cashier prints it.

How long does it take to get a refund if my money order is lost?

Refunds for lost or uncashed money orders typically take two to four weeks. Ace has to research whether the money order was ever cashed before they can issue a refund. Keep your receipt and be prepared to wait.

Can I mail a money order safely?

Money orders are safer to mail than cash because they're made out to a specific person and can't be cashed by anyone else. However, they can still be lost in the mail. If you're mailing a large amount, consider sending it through certified mail so you have proof of delivery.