Walmart Money Order Fees (Full Price Breakdown)
Walmart money order fees are straightforward and competitive compared to other financial service providers.
If you’re looking to send money safely or pay bills, knowing the exact cost helps you budget and compare options.
Walmart’s financial services are just one part of its competitive pricing. Check out our Price Guide for a full look.
Key Highlights
- Walmart money order fees range from $0.70 to $1.50 depending on the amount, making them an affordable money transfer option.
- You can purchase money orders in-store at most Walmart locations during regular business hours without needing an account.
- Maximum money order amounts at Walmart are typically $1,000 per order, though you can purchase multiple orders in a single transaction.
What is a Walmart Money Order?
A Walmart money order is a prepaid financial instrument you can buy at any participating Walmart store.
Think of it as a safer alternative to sending cash through the mail. The recipient can cash it at a bank, grocery store, or check cashing service. You pay the amount you want to send plus a small fee, and Walmart provides a receipt for your records.
These are ideal for paying rent, settling debts, or sending money to someone without using your bank account directly.
Unlike personal checks, money orders don’t require a bank account, and they clear more reliably than checks do.
Current Walmart Money Order Fee Structure
Walmart’s money order fees depend on the dollar amount you’re sending. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll pay at most Walmart locations:
- Orders up to $1,000: $0.70 fee
- Orders $1,000.01 and above: $1.50 fee
➤ These fees are among the lowest in the industry. For comparison, many banks charge between $3 to $10 per money order, and other retailers often charge $1 to $2.
Keep in mind that fees can vary slightly by location. Some Walmart stores may charge different rates based on regional policies. I recommend calling your local Walmart to confirm current pricing before heading in.
Where to Buy Walmart Money Orders
You can purchase Walmart money orders at the customer service desk or Money Services counter inside most Walmart stores.
Not every location offers this service, so check availability ahead of time by calling or visiting Walmart.com to find participating stores near you.
Money orders are available during regular store hours. Some Walmart locations open as early as 6 a.m. and close at midnight, while hours vary.
The Money Services desk may have slightly different hours than the main store, so arrive with enough time to complete your transaction before closing.
The same service desk that handles money orders also processes passport photos. Walmart passport photos cost $7–$10, among the cheapest available.
The service desk that sells money orders also handles other in-store payment requests. If you’re wondering whether Walmart still takes personal checks, the answer is yes, at staffed registers with a valid ID.
How to Purchase a Walmart Money Order
The process is quick and simple. Here’s what happens when you buy a money order at Walmart:
✦ Find the Money Services or customer service desk in your local Walmart. This is usually near the front of the store or near the pharmacy area.
✦ Let them know you want to purchase a money order and the amount you wish to send. The associate will confirm the fee and proceed with the transaction.
✦ You’ll need to pay both the money order amount and the fee. Walmart accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. You do not need a Walmart account.
✦ The associate will hand you the money order to complete. You’ll write in the recipient’s name, your name (the sender), and sign it. Keep your portion of the receipt for your records.
✦ Mail the money order to the recipient or deliver it in person. The recipient can then cash it at their bank or most retail locations that cash checks and money orders.
Money Order Amount Limits at Walmart
Walmart sets a maximum limit of $1,000 per single money order.
Must Know
If you need to send more than $1,000, you have two options. First, you can purchase multiple money orders in the same transaction. Second, you can go back to Walmart on another day and purchase additional orders.
There’s no daily or monthly cap on total money orders purchased, though large purchases may require additional verification.
The $1,000 limit applies nationwide at Walmart locations. This is a deliberate safeguard to prevent fraud and money laundering.
For very large transfers, wire transfers through a bank or services like Western Union may be more practical, though they typically cost more.
Walmart Money Order vs. Other Payment Methods
Walmart Money Orders vs. Bank Money Orders
Banks typically charge $3 to $10 per money order, making Walmart’s $0.70 to $1.50 fee significantly cheaper. However, banks often provide better fraud protection and may offer confirmation numbers for tracking.
If you have a bank account and send money orders regularly, the extra cost may be worth the added security.
If you’re also picking up propane on the same visit, Walmart propane exchanges run $20–$25 for a 20 lb tank.
Walmart Money Orders vs. Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are faster, usually completing within 24 hours or less. However, they cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank.
Wire transfers are better for time-sensitive payments or large amounts, while money orders work fine for scheduled payments and smaller sums.
Walmart Money Orders vs. Check Cashing Services
Services like Check Into Cash or Money Mart charge $2 to $5 per money order, plus additional fees if you need cash advances.
For straightforward money orders, Walmart is the cheaper choice. These services do offer additional financial products like payday loans, but that comes at a higher cost.
Walmart Money Orders vs. Digital Payment Apps
Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App are free or charge minimal fees for transfers between app users. However, these require both parties to have accounts and internet access.
If you’re sending money to someone without a smartphone or bank account, a money order remains more practical.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Always write the recipient’s name clearly and sign the money order before handing it over. An unsigned or incorrectly filled money order can cause delays or prevent the recipient from cashing it.
- Keep your receipt in case you need to trace the money order or file a claim if it’s lost or stolen. The receipt contains the tracking number, which Walmart uses to investigate missing payments.
- Only send money orders to people you trust. Once sent, the money order is essentially cash and cannot be stopped or reversed. If you’re unsure about the recipient, consider alternative payment methods that offer buyer protection.
- Remember that each individual money order caps at $1,000. If you try to purchase a larger single order, the associate will redirect you to purchase multiple orders or use another service.
Fees Comparison Chart
Here’s how Walmart money order fees stack up against competitors:
Alternate Options
- Walmart
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank
- Western Union (in-store)
- Check Into Cash
- Target Money Center
Fees
- $0.70 to $1.50
- $5 to $10
- $5
- $2 to $10
- $2 to $5
- $0.88 to $1.24
Walmart consistently offers among the lowest prices in the industry. Target and a few credit unions come close, but Walmart edges them out on overall affordability and convenience due to their widespread store locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Extra Charges?
No, Walmart money order fees are transparent and straightforward. What I see on the price list is what you pay, nothing more.
Can You Track a Walmart Money Order?
Yes, but with limitations. Your receipt contains a reference number that allows Walmart to trace the money order if it’s lost or stolen. However, Walmart doesn’t provide real-time tracking like a shipping service does. You can’t check online to see if the money order has been cashed.
How Long Walmart Money Orders Take to Clear?
Money orders typically clear within 3 to 5 business days once deposited, depending on the recipient’s bank. If cashed at a Walmart store or check cashing service, funds may be available immediately or within one business day. Direct bank deposits take longer but are more secure for larger amounts.
What You Need to Bring to Buy a Money Order?
Purchasing a Walmart money order is one of the easiest financial transactions around. You only need two things:
- Payment in the form of cash, debit card, or credit card
- The recipient’s name and your name to fill out the money order
Can You Use Walmart Money Orders for International Payments?
No, Walmart money orders are designed for domestic use only within the United States. You cannot purchase a money order to send internationally. For overseas payments, services like Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank’s wire transfer service are your best options, though they charge more.
Can You Get a Refund on a Walmart Money Order?
Yes, as long as it has not been cashed. Bring your receipt to the Money Services desk within 60 days and a small fee of around $1 to $2 will apply. Once cashed, the transaction is final and no refund is possible.
