Advertiser Disclosure
by Aidan Kang, CFA
Senior Writer
Saving & Budgeting
UPDATED: October 26, 2022

Do you need to send cash locally? You’re probably considering a money order.

According to the US Postal Facts, the Postal Service issued 254,000 money orders daily, totaling 77.1 million money orders in 2020. This shows that a lot of people perceive money orders as a trusted and reliable way to send cash.

But your local post office isn’t the only one that offers this service. We've checked the official Walmart site, as well as read independent reviews to understand how Walmart's money order works in 2022.

You can send money easily with a Walmart money order if you know what to do. 

Avoid wasting time going on a trip to Walmart only to find out you can't make money orders due to certain limitations. Plus, you can save on fees from other methods of getting money orders.

What Is a Walmart Money Order?

A Walmart money order functions like a prepaid check or bank certificate.

So how does it work?

First, you need to pay the amount you want to send. You may also need to pay a small fee. After that, Walmart will issue a money order. The customer service representative will ask you to write your name and the recipient.

Why do people still choose money orders?

Individuals who don’t have a bank account can still receive funds through money orders. They can even use such to pay bills. Lastly, since it’s paid in advance, you can avoid issues related to a bouncing check.

How to Pay for Walmart Money Orders 

Cash provides the most typical way to pay for money orders. If you don’t have cash on hand, you can use your debit card.

However, you can’t buy a money order with your credit card. Issuers, like Walmart, want the money in hand before they give money orders.

Hence, we recommend preparing cash or debit cards before purchasing money orders at Walmart. This way, you can have a hassle-free experience without needing to hastily withdraw money or return to your house for your debit card.

How to Purchase Money Orders At Walmart

There are two things you need to get a money order at Walmart—cash or debit card and an additional fee.

Walmart only asks for a government-issued photo ID for purchases over $1,000.

But how do you purchase a money order at Walmart?

  1. Go to the Customer Service Desk or Money Services Center at any Walmart Supercenter or Neighborhood Market.
  2. Pay through cash or debit card.
  3. After getting the money order, write your name and the recipient using black ink.

Upon receiving the money order, give it to the recipient and remind that person to always keep it in a secure place.

Find Walmart Near Me

What Are Money Order Costs and Limits?

You can get a $1,000 money order at Walmart for $1, which is the maximum fee. Take note that charges vary per location, so check first with the nearest Walmart in your area.

It’s possible to pay less than $1 for money orders. You can ask different Customer Service Desks or Money Services Centers to compare the costs and choose which offers the lowest fee.

Note that Walmart’s money order limit is only up to $1,000, so you need to purchase several money orders, with the same $1 charge, for transactions over $1,000.

Should You Keep Your Money Order Receipt?

Upon paying for the money order, you'll receive a purchase receipt. Remember to keep this as proof that you’ve paid the money order. What’s important is the number in the stub. You can even take a picture or write the number on a notebook or notes app.

Why do you need to keep the stub?

You might need to contact MoneyGram about your money order. If that happens, MoneyGram will ask for the receipt number.

So why do you need to call MoneyGram and not Walmart? It’s because Walmart partners with MoneyGram to offer money orders.

Does Walmart Cash Money Orders?

Yes, you can go to any Walmart to cash MoneyGram money orders. However, the retail company charges cashing of money orders. Also, you need to present an ID to prove that you’re the recipient.

Also, take note that the check cashing limit varies per state, so it’s helpful to contact the nearest Walmart branch regarding the maximum amount.

How much do you need to pay in cashing money orders?

Walmart collects a maximum fee of $4 for money orders up to $1,000.

Follow the guide below to cash money orders at Walmart.

  1. Visit a local Walmart store.
  2. Go to the Customer Service Desk or Money Services Center at any Walmart Supercenter or Neighborhood Market.
  3. Present your money order and a valid ID.
  4. Pay the cashing fee.

How to Cancel Money Order Issued by Walmart

You can cancel a Walmart money order by visiting the dedicated page for money transactions. After entering the stub number and your last name, you’ll be redirected to the Transaction Details page. Here, you can cancel the transaction.

Take note that Walmart will not refund the transfer fees.

Here’s how to cancel the money order if you have a MoneyGram account.

  1. Go to the MoneyGram website.
  2. Click the “Login” button in the upper right corner.
  3. Input your email address and password.
  4. Find the specific money order, then navigate to its Transaction Details page.
  5. Cancel the money order.

If you’re having issues canceling the money order online, you can call MoneyGram at (800) 922-7146.

However, Walmart will not cancel your money order once the recipient has already cashed it.

Are Walmart Money Orders Refundable?

Yes, you can get a refund for uncashed Walmart money orders.

You only need to go to your local Walmart store and present the original sales receipt. Make sure that your money order isn’t damaged, altered, or tampered with. If your money order already has markings, the global retailer will no longer return your payment.

How to Track Walmart Money Order

You can track money orders online, so there’s no need to go to the nearby Walmart branch. Here’s how to do it.

  1. Go to the Money Order Status page.
  2. Input the money order’s serial number. Aside from the purchase stub, you can find the number on the left side, below the date, and on the bottom of the money order.
  3. Type the exact dollar amount.
  4. Click the “Check Status” button at the bottom of the page.

You can also contact Walmart at 1-800-542-3590. Prepare the amount and serial number before calling the hotline.

What Happens If You Lose Your Money Order?

Although you’ve been extra careful with your money order, there’s always the possibility of losing it. Fortunately, you can still replace your money order.

  1. Check the status of your money order by following the steps mentioned in the last section.
  2. If Walmart finds out that your money order is entitled to a replacement, you can request a replacement after checking its status.
  3. Expect your money order replacement within 10 days. You can check your request's status by visiting this page.

Can You Buy Money Orders Online?

Currently, you can only buy Walmart money orders by visiting any branch. 

If you want to send money online, here’s what you can do.

  1. Visit this page to send money via Walmart.
  2. Click the “Log In” or “Register” button.
  3. Input details, such as recipient, amount, and mode of transfer. You can either choose a pick-up method or a bank transfer.
  4. This time, you can pay using a debit or credit card.

Take note that this isn’t a money order but a fund transfer.

What to Know About Walmart MoneyCenter Services

The usual Walmart MoneyCenter hours are 8 AM to 8 PM from Mondays to Saturdays. They start late on Sundays⁠—from 10 AM to 6 PM. However, the exact times vary by branch. It’s best to contact your local Walmart for the store hours.

Aside from getting money orders, other services are available at Walmart MoneyCenters.

  • Bill payments
  • Buy gift cards
  • Mobile check deposit
  • Direct deposit
  • Reload debit card
  • Domestic and international money transfer

What Are Alternatives to Walmart Money Order?

Aside from Walmart, you can also purchase money orders from other places. The process is almost the same for all establishments—present your ID, pay through cash or debit, then fill out the required information.

Some places where you can get money orders:

Should You Get Money Orders at Walmart?

Walmart offers money orders for a low price, which is less than $1 in some branches. It’s also easy to purchase one; all you need to do is go to the nearest Walmart store, then pay for the money order. You don’t even need an ID for purchases lower than $1,000.

You have the option to refund or cancel it without any additional fee. Also, Walmart allows you to track the money orders to check their status online. In sum, it’s a safe and quick way to send money.

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