Sending money safely and reliably is crucial, whether you’re paying bills, sending gifts, or supporting loved ones. While checks and cash carry risks, money orders offer a secure alternative. Walmart, a household name for convenience and affordability, provides money order services through trusted providers like Western Union and MoneyGram. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a Money Order Walmart service, from costs and limits to sending procedures and frequently asked questions.
Does Walmart Sell Money Orders?
Yes, Walmart is a convenient place to purchase money orders. Think of a money order as a prepaid check. You pay the face value of the money order plus a small service fee upfront, and receive a paper document that the recipient can cash or deposit. Many people prefer money orders over personal checks or cash for security reasons and because they don’t require a bank account.
At most of their numerous locations, Walmart offers money orders through well-established money transfer companies, Western Union and MoneyGram. You can typically find these services at the Customer Service Desk or the Money Services Center within the store during regular business hours. Both Western Union and MoneyGram are reputable and reliable, ensuring your money transfer is handled securely.
Customer service at Walmart
How Much Does a Money Order Cost at Walmart?
One of the most attractive aspects of using a money order Walmart service is its affordability. Walmart advertises that the fee for a money order will never exceed $1 USD, regardless of the amount you are sending (up to the money order limit). This consistently low fee makes it an economical option, especially if you need to send multiple money orders or send money frequently. However, it’s always wise to confirm the exact fee at your specific Walmart location, as prices can sometimes vary slightly by region.
It’s important to remember that while Walmart’s fees are low for purchasing the money order, additional costs might arise, particularly if you’re sending money internationally. If the recipient is cashing the money order in a different country, they will likely encounter less favorable exchange rates compared to the mid-market rate. Furthermore, international banks or institutions might impose their own processing fees when cashing or depositing a foreign money order.
Both MoneyGram and Western Union, the providers Walmart uses, generate revenue by setting their exchange rates slightly below the mid-market rate. They retain the difference as profit. This is a common practice in the money transfer industry, and it’s something to be aware of when considering international money transfers with money orders.
Walmart Money Order Limits: What You Need to Know
Walmart, like most money order providers, implements limits on the amount you can send via a single money order. While Walmart doesn’t publicly state a specific money order Walmart limit online, the standard limit for most providers in the industry is $1,000 USD. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that you will encounter a similar limit when purchasing a money order at your local Walmart.
If your needs exceed this $1,000 limit, you can purchase multiple money orders to send a larger sum. However, be aware that there might also be daily limits on the total number of money orders you can buy in one transaction or within a single day. These restrictions are in place for security and regulatory compliance. Due to these limitations, money orders are generally best suited for sending smaller to medium amounts of money domestically. For larger sums or international transfers, alternative methods might be more efficient and cost-effective.
Sending Money Overseas with a Walmart Money Order: Considerations
Yes, it is technically possible to use a money order Walmart service to send money to another country. You can purchase a money order at Walmart and then mail it to your recipient abroad.
However, there are several important factors to consider before choosing this option for international money transfers. Firstly, postal delivery times for international mail can be lengthy and unpredictable. A money order sent through the mail might take a considerable amount of time to reach its destination, and there’s always a risk of mail delays or loss.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, many banks and financial institutions outside of the United States are hesitant to accept foreign money orders, or they may impose substantial fees to process them. This is due to concerns about fraud and the complexities of international financial regulations.
Therefore, even if your recipient successfully receives the money order in the mail, they might face significant difficulties or high costs when attempting to cash or deposit it in their local bank. In some cases, they might even be unable to access the funds at all. This can lead to frustration and negate the intended convenience of using a money order.
While Walmart offers money orders through MoneyGram and Western Union, both of these companies also provide faster and more direct money transfer services, often available at Walmart locations as well. These services, such as wire transfers, are designed for quicker international transactions. However, it’s crucial to compare the costs associated with these services before opting for them. Companies like MoneyGram and Western Union profit from currency exchange rate markups, meaning that these services can sometimes be more expensive than they initially appear, especially when compared to services with transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates, such as Wise.
Wise international money transfer
For international money transfers, exploring alternatives like Wise can be significantly more beneficial. Wise provides international money transfers to over 160 countries using the mid-market exchange rate and charges low, transparent fees. This can result in substantial savings and faster, more reliable transfers compared to traditional money orders or wire transfers, especially when sending money overseas. Using services like Wise ensures your recipient receives the intended amount without unexpected deductions or complications in cashing the funds.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send a Money Order at Walmart
Sending a money order Walmart is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit a Walmart Location: Go to any Walmart store that offers Money Services. Head to the Customer Service Desk or the Money Services Center, usually located within the store.
- Payment Method: Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the money order. Walmart does not accept credit cards for money order purchases because money orders are prepaid instruments.
- Specify the Amount: Tell the Walmart clerk the exact amount you wish to send via money order. Remember the money order limit is generally $1,000 USD.
- Pay for Your Money Order: Pay the face value of the money order plus the small service fee (typically under $1).
- Receive and Fill Out the Money Order: The clerk will provide you with the money order document. Carefully and legibly fill out all the required sections.
- Keep Your Receipt: Safeguard your receipt. It’s essential for tracking the money order or canceling it if necessary. You’ll need it as proof of purchase.
- Send or Deliver the Money Order: You can either give the money order directly to your recipient in person or send it to them via mail. If mailing, consider using a trackable mail service for added security and confirmation of delivery.
Remember, money orders are physical paper documents, so you must purchase them in person at a Walmart store. Online purchase of Walmart money orders is not available. If you plan to send more than $1,000, be prepared to provide a government-issued photo ID, as this is often required for larger value money orders for security and compliance purposes.
How to Correctly Fill Out a Walmart Money Order
Properly filling out your money order Walmart is critical to ensure it’s processed correctly and reaches the intended recipient without issues. Here’s a detailed guide:
- “Pay to the Order Of”: In this section, write the full legal name of the person or organization you are sending the money to. Use the recipient’s complete name, exactly as they would cash or deposit the money order.
- Recipient’s Address (If Required): Some money orders may have a line for the recipient’s address. Fill this in if it’s requested.
- “Purchaser” or “Sender” Section: This section is for your information. Provide your full name and address as the purchaser of the money order. This is important for tracking and potential cancellation purposes.
- “Memo” or “For” Field: Use this optional field to add a brief note. For example, if you’re paying a bill, include your account number. If it’s for a gift, you could write a short message.
- “Purchaser’s Signature” (Front): Sign your name on the line indicated for the purchaser’s signature on the front of the money order. Crucially, do not sign the back of the money order. The back endorsement is reserved for the recipient when they cash or deposit the money order.
If you have any questions or are unsure about any section while filling out the money order, don’t hesitate to ask the Walmart clerk for assistance. They are there to help guide you through the process. Always double-check all the information you’ve written before leaving Walmart to avoid errors that could cause delays or complications.
Tracking and Cancelling a Walmart Money Order
Once you’ve sent your money order Walmart, you might want to track its status or, in some cases, cancel it. Here’s what you need to know:
Tracking a Money Order:
Money orders are physical documents, so traditional tracking in the same way as a package is not possible. You cannot track its physical location in transit. However, you can check if the money order has been cashed by the recipient.
- MoneyGram Tracking: For money orders purchased through MoneyGram at Walmart, you can track the status online or by calling MoneyGram customer service at 1-800-542-3590. You will typically need the money order number and other details from your receipt.
- Western Union Tracking: For Western Union money orders obtained at Walmart, follow the tracking instructions printed on the back of your money order. This usually involves visiting the Western Union website and entering the money order tracking number.
Tracking will generally only confirm whether the money order has been cashed. It won’t provide real-time location updates while it’s in the mail.
Cancelling a Money Order:
If your money order hasn’t been cashed yet, you may be able to cancel it and receive a refund. Walmart has specific policies for money order cancellations:
- Time Limit: Refunds are typically only available within a limited timeframe after the purchase date, often around 10 days. It’s crucial to act quickly if you need to cancel.
- Required Items: To cancel a money order and get a refund, you must bring the original money order, your original Walmart receipt, and a valid government-issued photo ID to the Walmart Money Services desk.
- Condition of Money Order: The money order must be in its original condition and not damaged or altered in any way to be eligible for a refund.
Contact Walmart customer service or visit the Money Services desk at your local Walmart store as soon as possible if you need to cancel a money order. Be prepared to provide all the necessary documentation and adhere to their cancellation procedures.
Walmart Money Order FAQs
Can I cash a money order at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart does cash both Western Union and MoneyGram money orders. However, be aware that Walmart may charge a check-cashing fee for this service. The fee can vary depending on the amount of the money order and Walmart’s specific policies.
Can I buy a Walmart money order with a debit card?
Yes, you can purchase a money order at Walmart using either cash or a debit card. Walmart does not accept credit cards for money order purchases.
Are Walmart money orders traceable?
To a limited extent. You can verify if a money order Walmart has been cashed. However, you cannot track its physical location once it has been mailed. It’s not traceable in transit like a package with real-time updates.
Walmart money orders: In summary, they are a convenient and affordable option for sending smaller amounts of money domestically. The low fees, capped at $1, make them an attractive choice. However, for international money transfers, money orders can be slow, unreliable, and may incur high recipient fees or even be difficult to cash. Walmart itself recommends verifying with your recipient before sending an international money order.
For sending money abroad, consider using Wise. Wise offers a fast, simple, and secure way to send money to over 160 countries online with low, transparent fees and the real mid-market exchange rate, potentially saving you significant costs and ensuring a smoother transaction for your recipient.
Sources:
Sources checked 12.09.2024
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
