How to Get a Money Order

A money order is a form of a check that has already been paid for. Many businesses and government offices will only accept money orders for payment as assurance that the check will not bounce. Money orders also offer benefits for the signer as the check has no personal banking information that can be stolen. A money order also has a stub that serves as a receipt in case the check is lost.

Banks

Many banks offer money orders to customers; they generally will not give them to non-account holders. The fees for a bank money order are generally higher than non-bank sources, ranging from $5 and higher. You must visit a teller window to receive a money order from your bank.

Post Office

Post offices also supply money orders to customers. They can be purchased up to $1,000 for domestic use, and they are replaceable with a receipt. The fee for a $.01-$500 money order is $1.10, $1.55 for up to $1,000, and $4.25 for an international money order. They can be cashed in 29 countries, but you can only purchase up to $700 for an international money order.

Gas Stations and Supermarkets

Many gas stations, grocery stores and supermarkets offer money orders. Generally costing under $5, these money orders are convenient to get while shopping. They are bought from the customer service desk. They come pre-printed with a detachable stub that can be used if the money order is lost.

Check Cashing Centers

Many money lenders and check cashing centers that are not banks also offer money orders.  Generally, these businesses offer free money orders to attract customers; they hope customers will then take advantage of other services, such as payday loans and check cashing, that have an associated fee.