Walmart Money Order Fees: What to Expect

Quick answer

• Walmart typically charges a low fee for money orders, often around $1.00 or less, but this can vary by location.
• You can purchase money orders up to a certain limit, usually a few thousand dollars per order.
• Payment is typically accepted in cash, debit card, or prepaid card. Personal checks are generally not accepted.
• Keep your receipt for tracking and if you need to inquire about a lost or stolen money order.
• Walmart money orders are issued by a third-party provider, not Walmart itself.
• For exact current fees and limits, always check with your local Walmart store.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need a secure way to send money without using a bank account or credit card.
• People looking for a cost-effective alternative to other money transfer services.
• Shoppers who are already at Walmart and want to quickly purchase a money order for bill payments or sending funds.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before you head to Walmart, clarify why you need the money order and when it needs to arrive. Are you paying a one-time bill, sending money to family, or making a large purchase? Knowing your deadline helps ensure the money order process fits your needs.

Current cash flow

Assess your available funds. Can you afford the total amount of the money order plus the fee? Ensure you have the necessary cash or acceptable payment method ready to avoid a wasted trip.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

While not directly related to purchasing a money order, having an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability. If the money order is for an unexpected expense, it highlights the importance of a safety net.

Debt and interest rates

If you’re considering using a credit product to pay for the money order, understand the associated interest rates and fees. It’s generally best to pay for money orders with cash or a debit card to avoid incurring debt.

Credit impact

Purchasing a money order at Walmart does not directly impact your credit score. However, if you were to use a credit card to buy a money order and then not pay off the credit card balance, the interest and potential late fees could negatively affect your credit over time.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Determine the exact amount needed.

• What to do: Calculate the precise amount you need to send, including any associated fees.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear, final number for the total cost.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Guessing the amount. Always double-check your math to ensure you have enough funds.

Step 2: Locate the customer service desk.

• What to do: Find the designated area in your local Walmart store where money orders are processed. This is typically at the customer service desk.
• What “good” looks like: You’re at the correct counter, ready to make your purchase.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Going to a regular checkout lane. Money orders are usually only handled at specific service desks.

Step 3: Inquire about the current fee.

• What to do: Ask the associate for the exact fee for the money order. Fees can vary slightly by store or region.
• What “good” looks like: You know the precise fee, allowing you to calculate the total cost.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming the fee is the same everywhere. Always verify the current charge.

Step 4: State the amount of the money order.

• What to do: Tell the associate the exact value you want the money order to be for.
• What “good” looks like: The associate confirms the amount you’ve requested.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Misstating the amount. Clearly communicate the dollar figure to prevent errors.

Step 5: Prepare your payment.

• What to do: Have your cash, debit card, or an approved prepaid card ready.
• What “good” looks like: You have the exact total amount (money order value + fee) in an acceptable form of payment.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Bringing a personal check. Walmart typically does not accept personal checks for money order purchases.

Step 6: Complete the transaction.

• What to do: Pay the associate and receive your money order and receipt.
• What “good” looks like: You have the physical money order and the transaction receipt in hand.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to take the receipt. This is your proof of purchase and essential for tracking.

Step 7: Fill out the money order accurately.

• What to do: Carefully write the payee’s name and your own name and address on the designated lines of the money order.
• What “good” looks like: All information is legible and correctly entered.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Making errors or not filling out all required fields. Double-check for neatness and completeness.

Step 8: Securely deliver the money order.

• What to do: Give the money order directly to the intended recipient or mail it according to instructions.
• What “good” looks like: The money order is in the hands of the payee.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Sending it via an insecure method or to the wrong person. Always ensure secure delivery.

Step 9: Store your receipt.

• What to do: Keep the receipt in a safe place until you confirm the money order has been cashed or cleared.
• What “good” looks like: You have a readily accessible record of your transaction.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Discarding the receipt immediately. It’s your lifeline if there’s an issue.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking the current fee	You might not have enough cash on hand, leading to an incomplete transaction or embarrassment.	Always ask for the current fee before proceeding. Keep a little extra cash aside for unexpected small charges.
Using a personal check for payment	The transaction will be denied, wasting your time and potentially causing inconvenience for the store.	Be prepared with cash, a debit card, or a prepaid card. These are the standard accepted payment methods.
Filling out the money order incorrectly	The payee might not be able to cash it, or it could be delayed. In rare cases, it could be lost or stolen.	Write clearly and legibly. Double-check the payee’s name and your own details. If you make a mistake, ask the customer service associate if you can get a new one or if there’s a correction procedure.
Losing the money order	The funds are lost unless you can prove ownership and initiate a trace, which can be a lengthy process.	Keep the money order in a secure place until it’s delivered. Never leave it unattended.
Losing the receipt	You have no proof of purchase, making it very difficult to track or resolve issues with a lost money order.	Treat your receipt like cash. Store it with your important documents until the money order is cashed. Consider taking a photo of the receipt as a backup.
Not verifying the payee’s identity	You could accidentally send money to the wrong person, making it very hard to recover.	If possible, confirm the payee’s full legal name and address before writing the money order.
Purchasing a money order for an amount exceeding limits	The transaction will be refused, requiring you to find an alternative payment method or purchase multiple orders.	Check Walmart’s current money order limits beforehand. If you need to send more, you may need to make multiple purchases or explore other remittance options.
Sending a money order to a questionable recipient	You risk losing your money with no recourse if the recipient is fraudulent.	Only send money orders to trusted individuals or legitimate businesses. Be wary of unsolicited requests for payment via money order.
Not confirming the money order has been cashed	You might be unaware if there’s an issue with the payment, potentially causing problems for the payee.	Follow up with the payee to confirm they have received and cashed the money order.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, then a Walmart money order is a viable option because it functions like a prepaid check.
• If your payment is for an amount over Walmart’s single money order limit, then you will need to purchase multiple money orders or use a different payment method because there are limits on individual money order values.
• If you are paying a bill that requires a specific payment method other than cash or check, then a money order might not be suitable because the recipient must be able to accept it.
• If you are sending money internationally, then a Walmart money order is likely not the best choice because they are primarily for domestic transactions.
• If you prefer to pay with a personal check, then you cannot purchase a money order at Walmart because they do not accept personal checks for this service.
• If you are concerned about tracking your payment, then keep the receipt, as it’s essential for initiating a trace if the money order is lost or stolen because it serves as proof of purchase.
• If you need to send a very large sum of money, then you should investigate other remittance services, as money orders have purchase limits, and using multiple money orders can become cumbersome.
• If you want to avoid fees associated with other money transfer services, then a Walmart money order is a good choice because its fee is typically very low.
• If the recipient requires the payment to be immediately available, then a money order might not be the fastest method compared to instant electronic transfers, as it needs to be mailed and then cashed.
• If you are unsure about the payee’s legitimacy, then do not send a money order because once it’s cashed by the wrong person, recovering the funds is extremely difficult.
• If you need to dispute a transaction or report a lost money order, then you will need your original receipt because it contains crucial information for initiating any claims.

FAQ

How much does a money order cost at Walmart?

The fee for a money order at Walmart is typically very low, often around $1.00 or less. However, this fee can vary slightly by location, so it’s always best to check with your local store.

What is the maximum amount for a Walmart money order?

Walmart money orders usually have a maximum limit per order, often in the range of a few thousand dollars. If you need to send more, you may have to purchase multiple money orders.

Can I pay for a money order with a credit card at Walmart?

No, Walmart generally does not allow the purchase of money orders with a credit card. You can typically pay with cash, a debit card, or a prepaid card.

What happens if I lose my money order?

If you lose a money order, you can try to initiate a trace with the issuing company, but this process requires your original receipt and can take time. It’s crucial to keep your receipt in a safe place.

Can I cancel a money order?

Once a money order has been cashed, it generally cannot be canceled. If it has not been cashed, you may be able to initiate a stop payment or trace through the issuer, but this usually requires the receipt and may involve a fee.

Who issues Walmart money orders?

Walmart money orders are issued by a third-party financial services provider, not by Walmart itself. This is common for retailers offering money order services.

How do I fill out a money order?

You’ll need to accurately write the name of the person or business you’re sending the money to (the payee) and your own name and address in the designated spaces on the money order.

Can I send a money order internationally?

Walmart money orders are primarily intended for domestic use within the United States. For international money transfers, you would need to use a different service.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• International money transfers: If you need to send money outside the U.S., explore services specializing in international remittances.
• Alternative payment methods: This article focuses solely on money orders; research other options like wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cashier’s checks for different needs.
• Dispute resolution for cased money orders: If a money order has already been cashed and there’s an issue, specific legal or financial advice may be required.
• Business accounts for money orders: This guide is for individual consumers; businesses may have different procedures or limits.
• Money order scams: While we touched on caution, detailed information on identifying and avoiding money order fraud is a separate topic.