Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, check-cashing service, or the post office — whichever issued it or accepts them. Banks and credit unions are often fastest if you have an account there. Grocery stores and pharmacies like Walmart, Target, and CVS cash them without requiring membership, though some charge a small fee. The post office will cash any money order it issued. Check-cashing services exist in most neighborhoods and will cash money orders from any issuer, but their fees are usually higher than banks or stores.

The location matters less than having the right documents and the money order itself being valid. A money order that is damaged, altered, or missing required information may be refused at any location. If the money order is old — typically more than a year or two — some places will reject it, though this varies by issuer and location.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the original money order, a valid photo ID, and sometimes a signature on the back to cash it anywhere.
  • Banks and credit unions usually cash money orders for free if you have an account, while stores and check-cashing services often charge $1 to $5.
  • The post office will cash any money order it issued, and most grocery stores and pharmacies will cash money orders from any issuer.
  • Money orders older than one or two years may be rejected, and you should check with the issuer if you are unsure about the age or validity of yours.

What you need to bring

Bring the original money order and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The ID must match the name on the money order or be in the name of the person who is authorized to cash it. Some places will also ask you to sign the back of the money order in front of them to confirm you are the intended recipient.

If someone else is cashing the money order on your behalf, that person will need their own ID and you may need to sign the back of the money order first, depending on the location. Not all places allow third-party cashing, so call ahead if you are not the named recipient.

How the cashing process works

Walk in with your money order and ID. Hand both to the teller or cashier and tell them you want to cash it. They will check that the money order is valid — that it has not been altered, that the amount is legible, and that it has not already been cashed. This check usually takes a few minutes.

If the money order is valid, they will ask you to sign the back if you have not already. They will then count out the cash and hand it to you, or in some cases ask if you want it added to a bank account instead. At a bank or credit union, you may also have the option to deposit it rather than take cash. The entire transaction usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Fees and where they explore

Banks and credit unions typically cash money orders for free if you have an account with them. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart usually charge $1 to $3 per money order. Check-cashing services charge $3 to $5 or sometimes a percentage of the amount. The post office charges a small fee — usually under $2 — to cash money orders it issued.

Some locations have limits on how much they will cash in a single transaction or per day. A grocery store might cash up to $500 per money order but only one per customer per day, while a check-cashing service might have a higher limit. Ask before you hand over the money order if you are cashing a large amount.

What to do if the money order is rejected

If a location refuses to cash your money order, ask why. Common reasons are that it is too old, the amount is illegible, it has been altered, or it has already been cashed. If you believe it is valid, try another location — a bank or the post office is more likely to investigate than a grocery store.

If you suspect the money order was already cashed by someone else, or if it is lost or stolen, contact the issuer when ready. The issuer is printed on the front of the money order — usually Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, or a bank. They can tell you whether it has been cashed and, if not, can place a stop on it or issue a replacement. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days.

Money orders older than one or two years

Most money orders do not expire, but many issuers will not cash them if they are very old — typically more than one or two years. Some will still cash them but may charge a fee or require you to contact the issuer first. The rules vary by issuer and by state.

If your money order is old and you are unsure whether it is still valid, contact the issuer before going to a location to cash it. You can usually find contact information on the money order itself or on the issuer's website. They can confirm whether it is still good and tell you where to cash it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without a bank account?

Yes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, check-cashing services, and the post office will all cash money orders without requiring you to have a bank account. You will need a valid photo ID and the original money order. Some locations charge a fee, usually $1 to $5.

What if I lost the money order?

Contact the issuer right away — the name is printed on the front. They can tell you if it has been cashed and, if not, can place a stop on it or issue a replacement. Bring your receipt if you have it. The replacement process usually takes 30 to 60 days.

Can someone else cash my money order for me?

It depends on the location. Some places require the person named on the money order to be present with ID. Others will allow a third party if you sign the back first. Call ahead or ask the teller before handing it over. Not all locations allow third-party cashing.

Do I need to sign the back of the money order before cashing it?

Most locations will ask you to sign the back in front of them as part of the cashing process. Some require it beforehand. It is safest to leave the back blank until you are at the location where you plan to cash it, so you can sign it in front of the teller or cashier.

What if the amount on the money order is smudged or hard to read?

Most locations will refuse to cash it if the amount is illegible, because they cannot verify how much to pay you. If the money order is damaged, contact the issuer to report it and request a replacement. Bring your receipt if you have one.