Does Walmart Do Money Orders In 2022? (Fees + Limits)
Yes, Walmart conveniently provides money order services in all their store locations as of 2022. By using Walmart for your money order needs, you can avoid high fees but still securely send or receive funds. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know to utilize Walmart‘s money order services like a pro.
Getting Started with Walmart Money Orders
Sending money orders is necessary for many situations – paying rent, purchasing a car, reimbursing someone for shared expenses, and more. Nearly 500 million money orders are purchased in the US every year according to the US Postal Service. Money orders allow you to pay or receive money without the risks of mailing cash.
Walmart makes the process easy by offering money order services starting at only $0.01. With affordable fees, no maximum send amount, and thousands of locations across the country, Walmart is a prime option for your money order needs.
Here‘s an overview of using Walmart for money orders:
Purchasing Money Orders
Visit any Walmart Money Services desk to purchase a money order made out to the recipient of your choice. You can send up to $2000 on one money order.
Cashing Money Orders
Take any money order to Walmart along with ID and have them cash it for you on the spot for a small fee.
Getting a Refund
As long as the money order is unsigned and not expired, you can cash it back in for a full refund if unused.
Tracking Status
Use MoneyGram‘s tracking system online or by phone to check if your money order has been cashed.
Security
Money orders include security features and must be countersigned to be cashed, keeping your money secure.
Affordable Fees
Walmart caps money order fees at $1 for orders under $1000.
Now let‘s explore step-by-step instructions and insider tips for seamlessly sending, receiving and tracking Walmart money orders.
Step 1 – Locate the Money Services Desk
The first step in using Walmart money orders is finding the Money Services desk or MoneyCenter. This is the place in-store where all money order transactions happen.
The Money Services desk is usually located:
- Near the front of the store
- Close to the customer service desk
- In proximity to the checkout lanes
However, since Walmart locations vary, the Money Services area may be in another part of your local store. If you don‘t immediately see signs pointing to Money Services, ask any Walmart employee for help locating it.
Calling your specific store ahead of time is also wise to simply ask "Where is your Money Services desk located?" so you walk right to it.
Step 2 – Know What to Bring
To save time and make the process smooth, ensure you have everything needed to purchase, cash, or refund a Walmart money order.
Here‘s a checklist of what to bring:
- Cash to cover the money order amount + fees
- Debit card/PayPal if paying electronically
- Government-issued Photo ID like a driver‘s license
- The original money order receipt if cashing or refunding
- The physical money order document if cashing
If you have all these items ready before heading to Walmart, transacting your money order will take just a few minutes versus needing to run to your car for a forgotten item.
Pro Tip: Knowing Walmart‘s money order limits and fees for amounts above $1000 ahead of time ensures you bring enough cash or debit/PayPal funding.
Step 3 – Purchase Your Money Order
Once at the Money Services area, here‘s how to purchase a money order:
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Get in line for assistance if needed and let the Money Services employee know you need to purchase a money order.
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Tell them the recipient name and address for the money order. Have this information ready in advance.
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Specify the amount you wish the money order to be made out for. Walmart‘s maximum per money order is $2000.
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Pay for the money order amount plus the fee in cash, with a debit/PayPal card, etc.
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Provide your photo ID if purchasing a large money order.
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Receive your official money order payable to the recipient and a receipt with money order details like the reference number.
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Fill in the recipient‘s name on the "Pay to the order of" line. You keep the receipt, Walmart keeps the bottom portion with the reference numbers.
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Hand or mail the money order to the recipient. Make sure to send the instructions so they know how to cash it.
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Store your money order receipt securely in case you need it again for tracking or refund purposes.
And you‘re done! It‘s that quick and easy to get a money order at Walmart in just a few minutes.
Step 4 – Cash Money Orders
Not only can you purchase money orders at Walmart, you can also cash money orders. Walmart cashes MoneyGram and Western Union money orders in addition to money orders they issue.
To cash a money order at Walmart:
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Bring the original money order, receipt, and a valid government photo ID to the Money Services desk
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A clerk will verify the money order is real, unsigned, and has not expired. You may need to countersign it.
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Pay the cashing fee in cash or debit. This is usually up to $1.
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Receive the money order amount back in cash right on the spot.
Cashing a money order is fast and convenient at Walmart so you don‘t have to wait for funds to clear at your own bank. Make sure you have the physical money order document – a photocopy will not work for cashing.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to ensure your local Walmart MoneyCenter has adequate cash on hand if cashing a large money order.
Step 5 – Get a Refund on Unused Money Orders
Sometimes you end up not needing a money order you already got from Walmart. The good news is you can cash it back in for a full refund if it remains unused.
To get a refund on a Walmart money order:
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Locate your original money order receipt
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Take the physical money order document back to Walmart unsigned within 90 days.
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Provide the receipt and money order to a Money Services employee
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Confirm that the money order has not expired and is not damaged/altered.
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Receive your refund in the full amount of the original money order.
Just make sure you don‘t sign the money order or accidentally damage it before asking for a refund. As long as it is still intact, getting your money back on unused money orders at Walmart is hassle-free.
Step 6 – Track the Money Order Status
Wondering if the money order you purchased was cashed by the recipient yet? Easily check the status using MoneyGram‘s tracking system.
You‘ll need the following information handy to track online or by phone:
- Money order amount
- Reference or serial number from your receipt
- Date of purchase or approximate timeframe
Track Online
Go to MoneyGram‘s tracking website and enter your receipt reference number and money order details.
Track via Phone
Call 1-800-542-3590 to speak with a MoneyGram agent who can look up your money order status.
Following up to ensure the money order was processed gives you peace of mind.
Step 7 – Report Lost or Stolen Money Orders
Losing a money order or having one stolen can be stressful. Thankfully, Walmart money orders have protections in place for your security.
If your money order goes missing:
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Call 1-800-666-3947 immediately to reach MoneyGram
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Report that you lost your money order or believe it is stolen
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Provide the amount, reference number, and purchase location
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MoneyGram will start the process to put a stop payment on the money order if it has not been fraudulently cashed.
The quicker you report a missing money order, the less likely it will be illegally used by someone else. Keep your money order receipt in a secure place, like you would cash, to ensure you have the information needed if it goes missing.
Fees and Limits for Walmart Money Orders
Understanding Walmart‘s fees and maximums for money orders ensures your transaction goes smoothly.
Here are the key details:
Fees:
| Money Order Amount | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1000 | $1 |
| $1001 – $1500 | $1.50 |
| $1501 – $2000 | $2 |
Limits:
- Minimum money order amount: $0.01
- Maximum per money order: $2000
- Some locations may charge less than the maximum fee listed. Always ask when you purchase.
- For amounts over $2000, you need to get multiple money orders.
Knowing the caps on fees ensures you bring enough cash or account funding. Ask the Money Services clerk to confirm the total fees before purchasing.
Pros of Walmart Money Orders
Why choose Walmart for your money order needs? Here are some of the top advantages:
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Convenient locations – With over 5,300 Walmart stores in the US alone, there‘s likely one in your neighborhood already
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Everyday low prices – Walmart fees max out at $1 for money orders up to $1000, which is lower than many alternatives
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Open late – Walmart locations are often 24/7 or open until 11pm, allowing late night money order access
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Refundable – Unused money orders can be fully refunded making them less risky to purchase
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No bank required – Anyone can walk in and use Walmart‘s money order services without an account
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Trusted provider – Backed by MoneyGram, a major financial services company
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Ideal for rent – Landlords often require money orders for rental payments
Shoppers already frequent Walmart for low prices – why not take advantage for money orders too? The convenience, accessibility, and affordability make Walmart an ideal choice.
Potential Drawbacks of Walmart Money Orders
While Walmart money orders have many perks, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider as well:
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Single purchase limit of $2000 could require multiple money orders if sending more
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Cannot send money orders for the full amount anonymously
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Money order receipt is required for refunds or tracking
-rush fees are not offered if you need a money order faster than the standard process
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Additional identity verification steps may be needed for large dollar money orders
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Money order recipient has to cash it in person at a MoneyGram location
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Fraud protection not as robust as alternatives like cashier‘s checks
Most of these drawbacks only apply to niche cases. For most everyday money order needs, Walmart offers a balanced set of benefits. But it helps to be aware of limitations too as you choose the right option.
Walmart Money Order FAQs
Have more questions about the specifics of Walmart money order policies? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can you buy money orders with a credit card at Walmart?
No, Walmart only allows you to purchase money orders with cash, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and PayPal. Credit cards are not accepted.
Is there a cutoff time for money orders at Walmart?
Walmart can issue money orders anytime during the store‘s open hours. Even late at night, you can get a money order as long as the Money Services desk is staffed. 24-hour locations allow money order service all day and night.
Can minors purchase money orders from Walmart?
Yes, there are no age restrictions on buying or cashing money orders at Walmart. The minor does need to have government issued ID to show, unless accompanied by a guardian.
Does Walmart require a thumbprint for money orders?
In some cases yes. If purchasing larger money orders, Walmart may require fingerprints or other identity verification like a second form of ID to comply with financial regulations.
Can you get a cashier‘s check from Walmart?
No, Walmart only offers standard MoneyGram money orders. For cashier‘s checks and other bank-issued payments, you need to visit a physical bank branch.
How long is a Walmart money order good for?
Walmart money orders expire 180 days from the date of purchase if they are not cashed. Be sure to have recipients cash any money orders within 6 months.
Is there a way to expedite or rush a money order from Walmart?
Unfortunately no – Walmart does not offer any rush processing or expedited service on their money orders currently. All money orders take the standard turnaround time.
Getting answers to the fine print questions ensures you walk in prepared when you need a Walmart money order.
The Bottom Line – Walmart for Your Money Orders
When you need to securely send or receive money without cash, Walmart offers a convenient, affordable money order solution. For everyday transactions like paying bills or reimbursing friends, Walmart keeps fees low starting at just $1 for orders under $1000.
Their thousands of locations open late provide accessibility for money orders when you need them. Perks like refundability give you flexibility in case plans change. And MoneyGram‘s tracking system allows you to check money order status online or by phone 24/7.
So the next time you need a money order, remember that Walmart has you covered. Stop into any location with cash or debit card in hand to purchase a money order in minutes. Or cash in money orders sent to you right at the Money Services desk. With excellent customer service and helpful guidance along the way, Walmart takes the hassle out of money orders.