US Trends

who cashes money orders

You can usually cash a money order at the same type of place where it was bought: banks or credit unions, major retailers (like Walmart), post offices (for USPS money orders), money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram), and some check‑cashing stores and grocery stores.

Who Cashes Money Orders? (Quick Scoop)

Main places that cash money orders

Here are the most common options and how they typically work.

  1. Banks and credit unions
    • Most banks and credit unions will cash money orders, especially if you already have an account with them.
    • Customers often pay low or no fees; non‑customers may face a small fee or refusal.
  1. Post offices (USPS money orders)
    • Local post offices will cash USPS money orders and often do it with no fee for domestic USPS orders.
 * You must bring a valid government‑issued photo ID and sign (endorse) the money order in front of the clerk.
  1. Money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram)
    • Many Western Union and MoneyGram locations that issue money orders can also cash them, though not every kiosk offers cash‑out, so calling ahead is smart.
 * Fees vary by location, and limits may apply on the amount they will cash.
  1. Retailers and grocery stores
    • Big‑box stores and some supermarket customer service desks (often with Western Union or MoneyGram counters) can cash money orders.
 * These are convenient if you do not have a bank, but they often charge a small flat fee.
  1. Check‑cashing and payday loan stores
    • Many check‑cashing businesses will also cash money orders, including ones not issued there.
 * They are easy to use but usually have higher fees than banks or post offices.

Fast checklist before you go

To keep it quick and smooth, use this simple checklist.

  1. Look at the logo or name printed on the money order (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, etc.) and prioritize going to the same issuer or a related location.
  2. Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) that matches the name on the money order.
  3. Wait to sign the back until the teller or clerk tells you to endorse it.
  4. Ask about fees and whether you can get full cash back or if part must be deposited.
  5. Keep the receipt once it is cashed in case there’s any issue later.

If you don’t have a bank account

If you’re unbanked, you still have several realistic options.

  • Use the issuer’s location (for example, USPS for postal money orders, Western Union for Western Union money orders) to maximize the chance of lower fees.
  • Try post offices, large retailers, or grocery stores with money‑service counters if there’s no branch of the issuer nearby.
  • As a last resort, go to a check‑cashing store , but compare fees first because they can be significantly higher than banks or the post office.

Example: Simple scenario

Imagine you receive a USPS money order for 500 dollars.

  • The easiest move is to take it to your local post office with your ID and ask to cash it.
  • If that’s not possible, you could ask your bank if they accept USPS money orders and what fee, if any, they charge.

Bottom line: The best place to cash a money order is usually the issuer (post office for USPS, Western Union/MoneyGram counters, or the store that sold it), followed by your own bank or credit union for potentially lower fees.

Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.