You can cash money orders at various locations depending on where the money order was issued. Common places to cash money orders include:
- The original issuer location (e.g., Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, or the post office). Cashing at the issuer often results in lower or no fees
- Banks and credit unions, especially if you have an account there, which usually cash money orders for free or with minimal fees
- Post offices handle USPS money orders and will cash them for free
- Check-cashing stores and some grocery stores with money-transfer counters may also cash money orders, but they often charge fees
To cash a money order, you generally need to:
- Endorse it by signing the back in front of the teller or cashier
- Present valid photo identification such as a driver's license or passport
- Be prepared to pay any applicable fees, which vary by location
It is advisable to cash the money order promptly to avoid loss or fraud and to verify the money order’s authenticity before cashing
. USPS money orders do not expire and can be cashed at any post office or bank
. In summary, you can cash money orders at the issuing location, banks, credit unions, post offices, and some check-cashing stores, with varying fees and ID requirements depending on the place
