How Long Does It Take to Get a Money Order?

Quick Answer

Getting a money order is one of the fastest financial transactions available. The actual purchase takes under 5 minutes at the counter — you provide payment, the clerk prints the money order, and you fill in the recipient details. Total time including any wait in line is typically 5–10 minutes.

Money Order Providers Compared

Provider	Fee	Maximum Amount	Payment Accepted	Hours
USPS	$1.75 – $2.40	$1,000	Cash, debit card	Post office hours
Walmart	$1.00	$1,000	Cash, debit card	6 AM – 11 PM (varies)
Western Union (agents)	$1.00 – $5.00	$1,000	Cash	Varies by agent
MoneyGram (agents)	$1.00 – $5.00	$1,000	Cash	Varies by agent
7-Eleven	$1.50 – $3.00	$500	Cash	24 hours (many locations)
CVS Pharmacy	$1.25 – $2.00	$500	Cash, debit card	Pharmacy hours
Banks/Credit Unions	$0 – $10.00	Varies	Account funds	Banking hours
Kroger/grocery stores	$0.50 – $1.50	$1,000	Cash, debit card	Store hours

Step-by-Step Process

1. Bring cash or a debit card — most providers do not accept credit cards for money orders.
2. Go to the customer service counter or money center.
3. Request a money order for the desired amount.
4. Pay the face value plus the fee — for example, a $500 money order at Walmart costs $501.00.
5. Fill in the recipient's name (the "Pay to" line) immediately.
6. Keep the receipt stub — this is your proof of purchase and is needed for tracking or refunds.

The entire counter transaction takes 2–3 minutes. Filling in the details adds another 1–2 minutes.

Wait Times by Location

Location Type	Typical Wait	Best Time to Visit
Post office	5–20 minutes	Early morning (before 10 AM)
Walmart Money Center	5–15 minutes	Weekday mornings
Convenience store	0–5 minutes	Anytime
Bank branch	5–15 minutes	Midweek mornings
Grocery store	3–10 minutes	Weekday afternoons

Important Details

Limits and Multiple Money Orders

Most providers cap individual money orders at $500 or $1,000. For larger amounts, purchase multiple money orders. Federal regulations require ID for money order purchases totaling $3,000 or more in a single day.

What to Bring

• Cash or debit card (credit cards rarely accepted)
• Recipient's full name (have this ready before arriving)
• Government-issued ID if purchasing $3,000+ in money orders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never leave the "Pay to" line blank — a blank money order is like cash and cannot be recovered if lost.
• Keep the receipt — without it, tracing a lost money order can take 30–60 days and cost $15–$40.
• Do not use a credit card — the few providers that accept them treat it as a cash advance with high fees and immediate interest.

Money Order vs. Other Payment Methods

Method	Speed	Cost	Best For
Money order	5–10 min to purchase	$0.50 – $5.00	Rent, bills, unbanked recipients
Cashier's check	10–20 min at bank	$5 – $15	Large purchases, real estate
Wire transfer	15–30 min to send	$15 – $50	International or urgent payments
Personal check	1–2 min to write	Free (with account)	Trusted recipients