Walmart money order fees and where to pay

Walmart charges $0.88 for a money order up to $1,000 at most locations in the United States. This is one of the lowest fees available — many banks and check-cashing services charge $1 to $5 for the same service. The fee is the same whether you buy one money order or multiple ones on the same visit.

You can buy a money order at the customer service desk in any Walmart store that offers this service. Not every Walmart location provides money orders, so call ahead or check the Walmart website to confirm your nearest store has them available. Hours vary by location, but most customer service desks are open during regular store hours.

Walmart does not sell money orders online or through its app. You must go to a physical store and pay in cash or debit card at the time of purchase. The money order is printed on the spot, so the transaction takes only a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart charges $0.88 per money order for amounts up to $1,000, making it cheaper than most banks and check-cashing services.
  • You must visit the customer service desk in person with cash or a debit card; Walmart does not sell money orders online.
  • Not all Walmart locations offer money orders, so confirm your store carries them before making a trip.
  • You will need to know the payee name and the exact amount before you reach the counter.

What information you need to bring

Have the payee name ready — this is the person or business the money order is being paid to. You must spell it correctly, as the payee name cannot be changed once the money order is printed. If you are unsure of the exact legal name, ask the person or organization receiving the money order to confirm it.

Know the exact dollar amount you want on the money order. Walmart money orders go up to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders on the same day. The amount cannot be changed after printing, so double-check before you hand over your cash.

Bring a valid form of identification. Walmart requires ID to prevent fraud. A driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. You do not need to be a Walmart customer or have a membership to buy a money order.

How to fill out and use your money order

The Walmart customer service associate will fill in most of the money order for you at the time of purchase. You will receive a completed money order with the payee name and amount already printed. You do not fill it out yourself at the counter.

After you receive the money order, you may see blank spaces for your name and address as the sender. Fill these in before you mail or deliver the money order. Some recipients require this information for their records. The money order also has a receipt stub — keep this until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it.

Mail or hand the money order directly to the payee. Money orders work like checks: the recipient takes it to their bank or a check-cashing service to deposit or cash it. There is no tracking system through Walmart, so keep your receipt in case you need to prove you sent it.

When Walmart money orders cost more or are unavailable

A few Walmart locations do not offer money orders at all. This is most common in rural areas or very small stores. If your nearest Walmart does not have them, you can buy money orders at most banks, credit unions, post offices, and check-cashing services — though the fee will likely be higher.

Some Walmart locations may charge slightly different fees or have different limits. Call your store's customer service desk to confirm the current price and maximum amount before you go. Fees and policies can change, and individual stores sometimes have their own rules.

Walmart does not offer money orders on Sundays at some locations due to staffing or policy. Check your store's hours for the customer service desk specifically, as it may close earlier than the rest of the store.

Money order alternatives if Walmart is not convenient

The United States Postal Service sells money orders at any post office for $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Post offices are often in more locations than Walmart and have longer hours in some areas. USPS money orders work the same way as Walmart's — the recipient cashes or deposits them at a bank.

Most banks and credit unions sell money orders to customers and non-customers alike. Fees range from $1 to $5 per order. If you already bank somewhere, this may be faster than going to Walmart, though the cost will be higher.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores sell money orders, usually for $1 to $3 each. These are common in urban and suburban areas. The downside is that fees are higher than Walmart and hours may be limited.

What happens if a money order is lost or damaged

If you lose a money order before the recipient cashes it, contact Walmart customer service with your receipt. Walmart can issue a replacement, but the process takes time and requires proof of purchase. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

If the money order is damaged or printed incorrectly, return to the customer service desk with it and your receipt. Walmart will usually issue a replacement at no extra charge. Do this as soon as possible after purchase.

If the recipient says they never received the money order you mailed, you will need to trace it. Walmart money orders do not have tracking like certified mail. Your only proof is the receipt stub you kept. This is another reason to keep records of who you sent it to and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Walmart money order with a credit card?

No. Walmart only accepts cash or debit card for money orders. Credit cards are not accepted at the customer service desk for this transaction. You must have cash or a debit card available.

What is the maximum amount for a Walmart money order?

The maximum is $1,000 per money order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders in one visit. Each one costs $0.88.

Do I need a Walmart account or membership to buy a money order?

No. Anyone with a valid ID can buy a Walmart money order whether or not they shop at Walmart or have a membership. The ID is required to prevent fraud.

How long does it take for a money order to clear once the recipient deposits it?

This depends on the recipient's bank, not on Walmart. Most banks clear money orders within one to three business days, the same as a check. Ask the recipient's bank for their specific timeline.

Can I cancel a Walmart money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if you have not given it to the recipient yet. Return to the customer service desk with the unused money order and your receipt. Walmart will refund the $0.88 fee, though some locations may have a restocking fee. Ask before you buy if this matters to you.