UPS Store locations do sell money orders, but not all of them

Most UPS Store locations offer money orders, but availability depends on the individual franchise owner. Some locations have stopped carrying them because the profit margin is low and the transaction takes staff time. Before you go, call the specific UPS Store nearest you — the staff can tell you in 30 seconds whether they sell them and what the fee is.

If your local UPS Store does carry money orders, you'll pay a fee that typically ranges from $1 to $5 per order, depending on the amount and the location's pricing. You'll need to bring cash or a debit card, a valid ID, and know the payee's name (the person or business the money order is for). The transaction takes about five minutes.

Money orders from UPS Store are issued by a third-party provider — usually MoneyGram or Western Union — not by UPS itself. This matters because if you need to track or cancel the order later, you'll contact the provider, not UPS.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every UPS Store sells money orders; call ahead to confirm your location carries them and what the fee will be.
  • You'll need a valid ID, cash or a debit card, and the name of the person or business you're sending the money to.
  • Money orders from UPS Store are issued by MoneyGram or Western Union, so you track and cancel through them, not through UPS.
  • If your UPS Store doesn't carry them, banks, credit unions, post offices, and Walmart are common alternatives with similar or lower fees.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The staff will check it before issuing the order. You'll also need the exact name of the payee, spelled correctly. If you're unsure of the spelling, ask the person or business before you go.

Payment can be cash or a debit card at most locations, though some may accept credit cards. You cannot pay with a personal check. Bring enough to cover both the money order amount and the fee — if you're ordering a $500 money order with a $3 fee, bring $503.

Fees and limits at UPS Store

UPS Store money order fees vary by location and amount. A typical fee structure charges $1 to $2 for orders under $500 and $2 to $5 for orders $500 and above, but this is not standard across all franchises. Call your location to get the exact fee before you go.

Most money orders have a maximum limit of $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders, but each one will have its own fee. Some locations may have lower limits — again, calling ahead saves a trip.

How to fill out a money order at UPS Store

The UPS Store staff will fill in most of the money order for you. You'll need to provide the payee's name (who the money order is for) and your name as the purchaser. The staff will add the amount, the date, and the serial number.

Do not sign the back of the money order before you leave the store. The payee — the person or business receiving it — signs the back when they cash or deposit it. If you sign it, anyone can cash it, and you lose the protection that comes with having the payee's name on the front.

Alternatives if your UPS Store doesn't carry money orders

Post offices sell money orders with fees typically between $1.45 and $2.45 depending on the amount. The maximum is $1,000 per order. Post offices are open during business hours and some have extended Saturday hours.

Banks and credit unions often sell money orders to customers for $1 to $3 per order, and sometimes for free if you have a checking account. Call your bank first to confirm they offer them and what the fee is. Walmart sells money orders for $0.88 to $1.24 per order at customer service desks, making them one of the cheapest options. Western Union and MoneyGram locations (found at grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops) also sell money orders, usually for $1 to $5 depending on the amount.

When to use a money order instead of other payment methods

Money orders are useful when you need to send cash through the mail safely — the recipient can't cash it without the payee line being filled in correctly. They're also accepted by landlords, utility companies, and government agencies that may not take personal checks or online payments from new customers.

Money orders leave a paper trail because they have a serial number, so if there's a dispute about whether payment was received, you can track it. This makes them better than cash for important payments like rent or court fees. However, they cost more than a bank transfer and take longer to clear than a check, so they're not the best choice for routine bills you can pay online.

How to track or cancel a money order from UPS Store

If you need to track a money order you bought at UPS Store, contact the issuer directly — MoneyGram or Western Union. You'll need the serial number from your receipt. The issuer can tell you whether it's been cashed and by whom.

To cancel a money order, contact the issuer with your receipt and serial number. There is usually a cancellation fee of $15 to $25, and the process takes several weeks. You can only cancel if the money order hasn't been cashed yet. If it has already been cashed, you cannot get the money back — the issuer will tell you who cashed it, and you'll need to pursue that separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online from UPS Store?

No, UPS Store does not sell money orders online. You must visit a physical location in person with a valid ID. Some money order providers like Western Union and MoneyGram offer online ordering with in-person pickup, but that is separate from UPS Store.

What's the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?

A money order is issued by a third party (MoneyGram, Western Union, or the post office) and costs $1 to $5. A cashier's check is issued by a bank and costs $5 to $15. Cashier's checks are larger amounts and carry more weight in formal transactions, but money orders work fine for rent, utilities, and most everyday payments.

Can I get a money order without a valid ID?

No. UPS Store and all other money order issuers require a government-issued ID to prevent fraud. If you don't have one, you cannot buy a money order at that location. You would need to get an ID first or use an alternative payment method.

What happens if I lose the receipt for my money order?

You can still track the money order if you remember the serial number or the amount and approximate date you bought it. Contact the issuer (MoneyGram or Western Union) with that information. If you have neither, tracking becomes much harder, so keep your receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed.

Can I use a money order to pay someone online?

No. A money order is a physical document that must be mailed or handed to the recipient in person. It cannot be used for online payments. For online transactions, use a credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or digital payment service like PayPal or Venmo.