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Money Gram money orders are a convenient way to send and receive money, but it's essential to understand how they work. You can purchase a Money Gram money order at a participating agent location, such as a grocery store or check cashing service.
To use a Money Gram money order, you'll need to provide identification and the recipient's information. This typically includes the recipient's name, address, and contact details.
Money Gram money orders can be sent to over 200 countries worldwide, making them a popular choice for international transactions. They are also accepted by most merchants and can be cashed at participating locations.
The fees for Money Gram money orders vary depending on the location and the amount being sent, but you can expect to pay around $4 to $10 for a standard money order.
What Is a MoneyGram Money Order?
A MoneyGram money order is a safe alternative to cash or personal checks. You can purchase it at various locations such as U.S. post offices, Walmart, Western Union, banks, and other places.
The value of the money order, plus any issuing fees, must be paid upfront when you buy it. You can pay with cash or a debit card.
You specify who will receive the money order, and both you and that person must sign it for it to be valid. This cuts down on theft.
The money order is a certificate that is written out for a particular sum of money, similar to a personal check. However, you don't need to have a bank account to use a money order.
You pay the amount upfront, along with the fee for the money order, and you'll be able to use it to send money wherever you want.
Pros and Cons
Money Gram money orders have their advantages and disadvantages.
You don't need a bank account to send or receive a money order, making it a convenient option for those without traditional banking. They are also widely available, so you can easily find a place to purchase one.
However, once a money order is cashed or lost, it can be difficult to get your money back, even if it was due to a scam or fraud. This is a significant con to consider.
Here are some key pros and cons to keep in mind:
It's worth noting that money orders have some security features, such as being prepaid and replaceable if lost or stolen. They also don't require the disclosure of personal financial information, making them a good option for those who value their privacy.
Getting a MoneyGram Money Order
You can buy MoneyGram money orders from any MoneyGram location, which you can find by visiting their website and clicking on "Find a location".
To make a payment with a money order, you need to check if the recipient accepts this form of payment. Not all companies or people will accept money orders, so it's essential to ask them first.
You can purchase a money order from various locations, including post office locations, banks, local businesses, Western Union branches, and MoneyGram branches. If you don't have a MoneyGram branch nearby, you can likely find another location in your area that offers money orders.
If you can't find a convenient location or don't have time to visit the branch in person, MoneyGram offers an online money order option. However, you should still check with the recipient to ensure they will accept this form of payment.
You can also use the search option on the MoneyGram website to locate a branch in your area. Simply enter your address and check the box that matches your service needs to find a branch that can give you what you need.
Filling Out a MoneyGram Money Order
Filling out a MoneyGram money order is a straightforward process that requires some basic information. You should know exactly how much money you need to send the recipient before you go to the MoneyGram location.
To start, ask the teller for a money order and fill it out as soon as you purchase it. This is because if you leave the fields blank, anyone who picks it up can make it out to themselves and keep your money. To prevent this, make sure to fill out the form immediately upon purchase.
You'll need to enter the recipient's name in the "Pay to the Order Of" line. Always ask the recipient what name should be provided on the money order, as you must use a legal name rather than a nickname. For example, you may know your landlord as "Jane", but she may need to deposit the money order as her corporate name, which might be "Smith Properties, Inc."
Next, sign the money order on the "Purchaser, Signer for Drawer" line. You don't need to print your name legibly, but use your official signature – the one found on your license and on the back of your credit cards.
You should also include your address on the money order, beneath the signature line. This should be your street address, city, state, and postal code.
Finally, separate the money order from its receipt by bending along the perforated line. This will help you save the receipt stub as proof of purchase, in case your money order is stolen or lost.
Sending and Receiving a MoneyGram Money Order
Sending a MoneyGram money order online is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. You'll need to enter your basic money order information on the MoneyGram website, including the recipient's country, receive option, and amount.
To start, select the country where the recipient will be receiving and processing the money order from the "Send To" drop-down menu. Then, choose "Pick Up Any Agent – USD" from the "Receive Option" menu. Next, enter the amount to be paid to the recipient, including a decimal and two zeroes to indicate that no cents should be paid, even if it's an even dollar amount.
You'll also need to select a transfer speed, which will determine the amount of the transfer fee you'll pay. If you use a debit or credit card to make your payment, MoneyGram can process your money order within about 10 minutes. However, if you want to use your bank account to pay for the money order, it will take them 3 business days to process it.
Here's a summary of the transfer speed options:
Once you've entered your basic information and selected a transfer speed, you'll need to sign up for a MoneyGram account if you don't already have one. If you're new to MoneyGram, you'll need to enter your email address to sign up for an account.
After signing up for your MoneyGram account, you'll need to fill in the recipient's information, including their first and last name, as well as the state in which they live. This information will be used to deliver the money order to the recipient.
Cashing a MoneyGram Money Order
If you've received a MoneyGram money order, you can cash it at various locations. You can try cashing it at the same entity that issued it, whether that's a bank branch, post office, or other location.
Some banks may cash MoneyGram money orders issued by the same bank or by the U.S. Postal Service, but may charge a fee if you're not a customer of the bank. Check-cashing locations, convenience stores, and grocery stores can be alternatives, but watch out for fees.
You'll probably need to show identification wherever you go. If you don't need the money right away and you have a bank account, consider depositing it. Banks accept money orders as they would regular checks at branches, ATMs, or even on a banking app with a mobile check deposit function.
Don't forget to sign the back of the money order before depositing. Even if the provider you choose does let you pay with a credit card, it'll be much cheaper not to. That's because credit card issuers typically treat money orders as cash advances, charging a fee based on the amount of the transfer — often 3% to 5% — and assessing interest immediately.
If you no longer have the money order or you made a mistake on it, you may be able to cancel it and get a replacement or refund — as long as the money order hasn't been cashed. You'll need to bring your receipt and the money order itself, if you have it, to the place where it was purchased.
The issuer will probably have you fill out some paperwork, using information from your receipt, and you'll likely pay a fee. And it can take up to a month or longer for the issuer to process your claim.
- Try to cash a MoneyGram money order at a location that issued it, such as a bank branch or post office.
- Be prepared to show identification and potentially pay a fee.
- Consider depositing the money order into your bank account if you don't need the cash immediately.
- Don't use a credit card to pay for cashing a money order, as it'll be more expensive.
Fees and Charges
Money order fees can add up, but it's good to know what you're getting into. Some banks don't even offer money orders, like Ally Bank and Bank of America.
If you do need to buy a money order, be prepared to pay a fee. For example, Chase charges $5 for money orders up to $1,000, but if you have a premium account, it might be free.
You'll also need to factor in any processing fees that might be tacked on. Some money orders require you to pay a processing fee as well.
Banks' Fees
Some banks charge a fee for money orders, which can range from $5 to $5 for up to $1,000.
Chase and Wells Fargo require you to purchase money orders in a branch, adding an extra step to the process.
Ally Bank and Bank of America do not offer money orders at all.
Citibank, Citizens Bank, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank offer money orders for $5, but premium checking customers can get them for free.
Pay Processing Fee
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Some money orders require you to pay a processing fee as well.
Not all fees are created equal, and it's essential to know what you're getting into before making a purchase.
A processing fee can be a flat rate or a percentage of the money order amount.
In some cases, you may be able to avoid paying a processing fee altogether.
It's crucial to read the fine print and understand what's included in the fee.
Tracking and Managing a MoneyGram Money Order
Tracking a MoneyGram money order is a relatively simple process if you have your receipt handy. You can track it online with the serial number and purchase amount found on your receipt.
To do this, you'll need to visit the MoneyGram website and enter the required information. The process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
If you've lost your receipt, you'll need to file a research request, which can be expensive and time-consuming. At MoneyGram, this costs $40 and can take up to 60 days to process.
Make sure to track your money order with the actual provider, which may be MoneyGram even if you purchased it at a convenience store. The money order should clearly show or state who the provider is.
Tips and Precautions
To ensure your Moneygram money order is processed smoothly, it's essential to follow some simple tips and precautions.
Use a ballpoint pen with blue or black ink when filling out your money order, as this can prevent the information from becoming faded or smeared.
If you need to include an account number or other reference, write it above your street address or next to your signature to avoid any confusion.
Fill out a Moneygram claim card as soon as possible if you experience a problem with your money order, such as it being lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you need a replacement or photocopy.
Money orders are widely accepted and more secure than cash because they're prepaid and issued to a specific recipient who must present identification to cash them.
To ensure the payment is credited correctly, always include an account number or invoice number if paying a bill.
Refunds for canceled money orders can take up to 30 days or more.
You'll need valid identification to purchase or cash a money order.
Money orders can be purchased at many places, such as the post office, most banks, and Western Union outlets at CVS, Walmart, and 7-Eleven stores.
Here are some key things to remember when using a Moneygram money order:
The Bottom Line
Money Gram money orders have a long history that dates back to the Civil War. They were initially used as a safe way to transfer money, and that's still a good reason to consider them today.
Money Gram money orders are now a convenient tool for people without a bank account or who need certified funds. They're fast and convenient, making them a staple for many.
To get the best prices, you may need to shop around. Keep in mind that money orders are considered the same as cash, so it's essential to keep them safe.
You should cash out money orders as quickly as is feasible, or keep them secure to avoid any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart use MoneyGram money orders?
Walmart accepts MoneyGram money orders for cashing. You can cash MoneyGram money orders at your local Walmart store.
How much is a MoneyGram money order at CVS?
A MoneyGram money order at CVS costs $1.25, plus the cash payment. This fee is in addition to the cash you'll need to pay for the money order itself.
Where is the easiest place to get a money order?
To get a money order easily, visit any Post Office location. You can pay with cash, debit card, or traveler's check at the counter.
Are money grams and money orders the same?
No, MoneyGram and money orders are not the same, with MoneyGram being a money transfer service that offers different features and benefits. Learn more about the key differences between MoneyGram and money orders.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/money-orders
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order-step-by-step-4589636
- https://www.investopedia.com/money-orders-can-be-a-simple-safe-and-cheap-way-to-transfer-money-here-s-how-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-4589635
- https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-Out-a-Moneygram-Money-Order
- https://stilt.com/immigrants/how-to-fill-out-a-moneygram/
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