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CVS Money Order: Everything You Need To Know (2023)

Last updated by
Emily Africa
Edited by
Cara Corey
Fact checked by
Andrew Latham
    • Article Summary:

    CVS Pharmacy has almost 10,000 locations across the United States. If you want to purchase a money order, chances are you can find a CVS near you that offers MoneyGram money transfer services. All you need to buy a money order is a government-issued ID and sufficient cash or a debit card. Money orders are a secure, convenient, and trackable form of payment. Read on if you are considering a money order from CVS or you’re interested in some alternatives to a CVS money order.

    Sometimes you just want a little bit of extra security. For example, if you are participating in a transaction larger or different than your everyday purchases, you might want to utilize a money order. Money orders are secure forms of payment that you can purchase at retailers, post offices, and financial institutions. It just so happens that CVS Pharmacy stores sell money orders using MoneyGram. Keep reading to learn about the safe, low-hassle way to buy money orders at CVS.

    What is a money order?

    A money order is a form of money transfer, like a check. You can use a money order to make a payment for virtually any purchase. Money orders are commonly used to pay for security deposits, bills, used car purchases, or international money transfers.

    Unlike traditional checks, money orders are guaranteed. They cannot bounce because they are prepaid using cash or a bank account debit. Money orders are appealing because they are convenient and are usually safer than cash or digital payments. They don’t include your bank information, so you can protect yourself when sending money.

    How do money orders work?

    Anyone can purchase money orders given they have enough money to fund the amount of the money order plus any fees. To purchase a money order, you just need a government-issued photo ID and a form of payment. Common places to purchase money orders include banks or credit unions, retailers such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box stores, and USPS post offices. Some financial institutions and other vendors even offer convenient money order machines.

    There is usually a price limit on money order amounts. For example, USPS won’t sell a money order for greater than $1,000. A money order typically comes with a small fee, depending on the issuer.

    When you buy a money order, you will specify the amount and recipient information. The money order issuer will take your payment and print the money order. The money order is then a valid form of payment. It can be used as a check and does not expire.

    What is CVS?

    CVS Pharmacy is a United States pharmacy and retail store with close to 10,000 locations. Additionally, CVS has an online retail store that carries many products found in stores. CVS Pharmacy is a subsidiary of CVS Health. CVS Health was founded in 2007 and is the largest pharmacy chain operating solely in the U.S. You can find a CVS store in every state in America and in about 3,300 cities.

    Does CVS sell money orders?

    Yes, you can buy a money order at CVS. CVS sells money orders using MoneyGram, a money transfer service provider. MoneyGram money transfers are as safe and convenient as any other money order.

    What are the hours for CVS money order services?

    You should be able to purchase a money order at CVS any time the participating CVS store is open. Many CVS stores are open 24 hours, meaning you can buy a money order any time of day or night. Other CVS stores are typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., although this can vary. Check online or call your local CVS for your store’s hours.

    How to find a CVS that sells money orders

    Many CVS locations offer MoneyGram money orders. To find one closest to you, use MoneyGram’s store locator. Type in your address, city, or zip code, and the map will show you nearby CVS stores that sell money orders. It’s likely a local store will show up.

    Keep in mind that MoneyGram operates out of other drug stores and retailers, so locations other than CVS may appear on your search. The CVS website has a store locator as well, but it does not indicate which locations sell money orders or not. However, you can also use other methods to send and receive money. Here are some money transfer services to consider.

    How does a money order work at CVS?

    It’s easy to buy money orders at CVS. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to walk into a CVS MoneyGram location, show them your state ID card, and purchase a money order. You can buy the physical money orders and deliver them yourself, or you can send direct money transfers to the recipient through MoneyGram.

    What are CVS money order limits?

    The limit for a single CVS cash money order is $500. You can buy multiple money orders if you need more than $500. There are no limits to the number of money orders you can purchase at CVS.

    What are MoneyGram money order fees?

    MoneyGram fees at CVS are similar to money order fees at Postal Service offices. Currently, the fee for a CVS money order is $1.25. If you want to purchase multiple CVS money orders, you will have to pay multiple fees. For example, if you need $1,000 in money orders, you’ll buy two money orders with a $1.25 fee each. Your total cost will be $1,002.50.

    Pro Tip

    If you want to skip the fees, consider getting a money order at a bank or credit union. Not all banks or credit unions offer zero-fee money orders, but some do. Regardless, you are more likely to find lower fees at a financial institution.

    How to track a CVS money order

    You can send and receive money orders through MoneyGram at CVS. If you want to track the status of your money order, you can do so by entering your reference number and last name into MoneyGram’s online tracker. You can also call MoneyGram’s automated line to check the status and track your money order.

    Do CVS money orders expire?

    Money orders usually don’t expire when you purchase them through CVS, a post office, bank, or credit union. However, MoneyGram money orders may be subject to a service charge if they are not cashed after one year. Check the back of your money order under the “service charge” section for more information.

    How to buy a CVS money order

    Getting a money order at CVS is pretty easy. You can buy a money order at the CVS service desk or checkout register of any participating CVS. Follow these steps for a quick and convenient money order purchase.

    1. Get your money ready: Prepare your payment ahead of time. Either withdraw enough cash to cover your money order amount and fees or make sure you have enough money in your debit account. You can pay for money orders using cash or debit cards.
    2. Know your recipient’s information: You may have to fill out the name, contact info, and current mailing address of your recipient, so make sure you have their information correct. Double-check that all of the information is correct before sending the money order out.
    3. Know your information: You’ll need to fill out your information along with the recipient’s to make money transfers. As the purchaser, you’ll also have to sign the front of the check and provide a description in the memo line. Just like the recipient information, double-check your information to make sure you have written everything correctly. You won’t be able to change anything once you send it out.
    4. Keep your receipts: Once you purchase and send money orders, keep the receipts. In case there are any issues or you want to check the status of your money orders, receipts can provide proof of purchase and reference numbers.

    Does CVS cash money orders?

    You cannot cash money orders at CVS. Cashing a money order is a lot like cashing a check. If you want to cash money orders, your best bet is to visit your bank or credit union, or a post office. Remember, you don’t have to worry that it will bounce. If you don’t have a bank, learn about some other locations where you can cash a money order.

    PROS AND CONS OF MONEY ORDERS

    There are advantages and disadvantages of purchasing money orders. Consider these pros and cons if you are considering buying a money order.

    Pros
    • Convenience: You can buy money orders at grocery stores, convenience stores, post offices, or your financial institution.
    • No bank account needed: You don’t actually need a bank account to purchase a money order. That’s one of the reasons CVS is such a great option. All you need is a government-issued ID and enough money to pay for the money order.
    • International: You can safely send money internationally using money orders. Money orders work domestically as well.
    • Tracking: As long as you know the money order reference number, it is easy to track. This way you don’t have to worry about whether the money order made it to the recipient.
    • Security: Money orders don’t show your personal information and they guarantee the recipient will receive funds.
    Cons
    • Limits: Money orders come with maximums, which could be inconvenient if you need to transfer a lot of money. You can always buy multiple money orders, but this means more fees.
    • Fees: Associated fees make money orders more expensive than using cash or a check. There may also be service charges for not cashing the money order within a certain time period.

    FAQ

    How do I use a CVS money order?

    You can use a CVS money order to pay or receive payment for any purchase. To buy a CVS money order, visit the register or service desk at a participating MoneyGram location. To cash a CVS money order, visit your bank or credit union, or a post office.

    Does CVS do money orders with a credit card?

    CVS does not usually accept credit cards to pay for money orders because credit is not a guaranteed form of cash. Your best bet is to use cash or your debit card.

    Does Walgreens do money orders?

    Similar to CVS, Walgreens offers money orders through Western Union.

    Can you pay for a money order with a debit card?

    You can pay for money orders with debit cards. Just make sure you have enough money in your bank account to cover the total cost of the money order or orders, plus fees. Your total CVS money order cost will be the sum of your money orders plus $1.25 times however many money orders you purchased.

    Key takeaways

    • Money orders are safe and secure alternative payment methods to cash or checks. You can use them to send money internationally or domestically.
    • You can buy money orders at most CVS stores for a small fee. CVS uses MoneyGram to process money transfers. The maximum amount on a single money order at CVS is $500, but you can purchase multiples if needed. You cannot cash your money order at CVS.
    • You can purchase a money order with cash or a debit card. To purchase a money order, you need an ID like your driver’s license, enough money to cover the amount plus fees, the recipient’s information, and your information.
    View Article Sources
    1. CVS Health – Statistics & Facts – Statista
    2. Money Transfers – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
    3. How to Send Money to Someone without a Bank Account – SuperMoney
    4. What is a Money Order Machine? – SuperMoney
    5. What Is a Money Order and How Does It Work? – SuperMoney
    6. Where Can I Cash a Check If I Don’t Have a Bank? – SuperMoney
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