Do you have to go to a bank to buy a money order?

Many people find it convenient to buy money orders at banks where they have accounts, but money orders are also available at United States Postal Service branches. Many retail stores, such as Walmart, and wire-transfer institutions, such as Western Union, also offer money order services.

As of 2015, the USPS offers money orders worth up to $1,000 for a fee of $1.65 or less. Bank-issued money orders are usually more expensive, while the MoneyGram-sponsored transactions at Walmart cost about $0.70. The most important thing is to choose a trusted vendor when the money order is for a large amount. Banks and postal branches generally offer the most assistance to track, recover or replace a lost or stolen money order.