Yes, The UPS Store locations offer money orders, but not all of them do

Most UPS Store locations sell money orders, but availability depends on the individual franchise owner. Some locations stopped offering them during the pandemic and have not resumed. Before you go, call the specific store near you to confirm they have money orders in stock. The staff can also tell you the fee, which varies by location but typically ranges from $1 to $5 per money order.

Money orders at The UPS Store are issued by a third-party provider, not by UPS itself. This means the process and fees differ from what you might find at a bank or post office. The store prints the money order on the spot, and you can pay with cash or a debit card at most locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Call ahead to your local UPS Store to confirm they sell money orders, since not every location offers them.
  • Fees at The UPS Store typically range from $1 to $5 per money order, depending on the location.
  • You can usually pay for a money order with cash or a debit card, though some locations may have different payment rules.
  • The maximum amount you can purchase on a single money order varies by location but is often $1,000 or $2,500.
  • You will need to fill out the money order by hand with the recipient's name and your name as the sender.

How to buy a money order at The UPS Store

Walk into your local UPS Store and tell the staff you want to buy a money order. They will hand you a blank form and ask for the amount. Before you hand over payment, write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line and your name on the "From" line. Some locations require you to show an ID, though this is not universal.

The staff will process the payment and issue the money order. Keep your receipt—it contains the serial number and is your proof of purchase if the money order is lost or never cashed. The entire transaction usually takes less than five minutes.

Fees and payment methods at The UPS Store

The fee for a money order at The UPS Store is set by each franchise owner, so it varies widely. You might pay $1 at one location and $5 at another. Call ahead to ask the exact fee before you go, especially if you are buying multiple money orders.

Most UPS Store locations accept cash and debit cards. Some accept credit cards, but this is less common. A few locations may require cash only. Ask about payment methods when you call to confirm they have money orders in stock.

Maximum amounts and limits

The UPS Store does not have a single company-wide limit on money order amounts. Most locations allow you to purchase money orders up to $1,000 or $2,500 per transaction. If you need to send more than the limit, you can buy multiple money orders on the same day.

Some locations may have lower limits or require you to fill out extra paperwork for larger amounts. Ask the staff what their specific limit is when you call.

When The UPS Store money orders make sense

The UPS Store is useful if you need a money order outside normal business hours. Many locations are open early and stay open late, including weekends. This makes them more convenient than a bank if you work standard hours.

However, The UPS Store is usually more expensive than the post office or your bank. The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for a money order up to $500 and $1.95 for $500 to $1,000. Most banks offer money orders to their customers for $5 to $10, but some waive the fee entirely. If cost matters, compare before you buy.

Alternatives if your UPS Store does not have money orders

If the UPS Store near you does not sell money orders, the post office is your next best option. Every post office sells money orders during business hours, and fees are lower than The UPS Store. You can also visit your bank if you have an account there—many banks sell money orders to customers for free or a small fee.

Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services also sell money orders. Walmart charges around $0.70 to $1.20 per money order, making it one of the cheapest options. However, Walmart limits money orders to $1,000 per transaction.

What to bring and what to know

Bring cash or a debit card and the recipient's full name. You do not need an ID at most UPS Store locations, but some do ask for one. If you are unsure, call ahead.

Write clearly on the money order form. Mistakes on the recipient's name or amount can cause problems when the money order is cashed. If you make a mistake, ask the staff if they can void it and issue a new one—some locations will do this for free, while others may charge a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order at The UPS Store with a credit card?

Some UPS Store locations accept credit cards, but many do not. Call your local store to ask about their payment methods. Most locations accept cash and debit cards reliably.

What if I lose my money order receipt?

Keep your receipt—it has the serial number and is your proof of purchase. If the money order is lost or never cashed, you will need the serial number to request a refund. Without the receipt, the process is much harder.

How long does it take to cash a money order from The UPS Store?

The recipient can cash it at a bank, post office, or check-cashing service when ready. There is no waiting period. The money order is valid as soon as it is issued.

Can I buy a money order for more than $2,500?

Most UPS Store locations cap money orders at $1,000 to $2,500 per transaction. If you need to send more, buy multiple money orders. Some locations may allow higher amounts—call ahead to ask.

Does The UPS Store issue money orders the same way the post office does?

No. The UPS Store uses a third-party provider, while the post office issues its own money orders. Both are widely accepted, but fees and limits differ. The post office is usually cheaper.