For many shoppers, the simplest question is also the most practical: does cvs do money orders? If you need a secure, prepaid payment method that doesn’t require a bank account, money orders are a reliable choice—and CVS is on nearly every corner. In this guide, you’ll learn how CVS handles money orders, typical fees and limits, what to bring, how to fill one out correctly, and alternatives if your neighborhood CVS doesn’t provide the service you expect. We’ll also compare CVS to other retailers, outline common mistakes, and answer the internet’s most-asked questions so you can finish your errand in one trip.
Because policies can vary by location and change over time, treat this article as your smart checklist for the counter: know what ID you need, how to pay, and the best way to keep your receipt safe. Whether you’re paying a landlord, mailing a government fee, or sending funds to a family member, you’ll find a step-by-step path that minimizes risk and saves time. And yes—we’ll address the big one up front: does cvs do money orders in your area, and how do you confirm before you go?
Does cvs do money orders?
In many locations, yes—CVS sells money orders at the register (typically issued by a major provider). Bring a valid photo ID, know the recipient’s name, and be ready to pay the face amount plus a small fee. Payment is usually cash or debit; policies can vary by store. Call ahead to confirm availability, fee, per-order limit, and whether your local CVS can process the amount you need.
CVS Money Orders, Fees, Limits, and How They Work
If you’ve ever stood in line wondering whether you can finish multiple errands in one stop, the natural question is does cvs do money orders where you shop. In many communities, CVS stores do offer money orders at the regular checkout. The cashier processes the purchase, adds a modest service fee, and hands you a negotiable instrument you can mail or deliver. Availability, cost, and per-order caps can vary by state and store, so it’s wise to verify by phone.
Why choose CVS for a money order? Convenience and hours. Pharmacies are open earlier and later than many banks, and CVS is widespread in both cities and suburbs. If you’re paying rent, a deposit, or any biller who won’t accept personal checks, a money order gives you a documented, prepaid method with a paper trail. Keep the detachable stub or receipt; it’s your proof of purchase if delivery or deposit is ever disputed.
Typical fees are low—often just a dollar or two—making money orders cheaper than cashier’s checks and competitive with big-box retailers. There’s usually a per-order limit (commonly in the hundreds to around a thousand dollars). If you need to send more than that, purchase multiple money orders, each with its own fee, or ask if your location has higher limits. Some stores cap the total dollar amount per day, so bring a backup plan for large payments.
How to Buy a Money Order at CVS
Buying a money order at CVS is simple when you prep first—call ahead to confirm availability, fees, and limits, then bring cash or debit plus a photo ID. At checkout, fill in the payee and amount, pay the face value plus the fee, and keep the receipt separate for tracking or replacement.
Find a participating store
Search for a CVS near you and call to confirm money order availability, hours for the service, the fee, and the per-order limit. Some locations or jurisdictions have restrictions, and confirming avoids wasted trips. If needed, ask directly: does cvs do money orders at this store, and what’s the maximum amount?
Bring the right payment and ID
Most stores accept cash or debit (not credit) for money orders, and many require a government-issued photo ID. Match your ID to the sender name you’ll write on the instrument.
Know the payee and amount
Have the recipient’s full legal name and exact dollar figure. Fill the “Pay to the Order of” line with no abbreviations unless required. Add your address and sign where indicated; leave no blank lines.
Pay, receive, and safeguard the receipt
You’ll pay the face value plus the service fee. The cashier returns a receipt or stub—store it separately from the money order. If something goes wrong, the stub is your lifeline for tracking or replacement.
Fill it out immediately.
“Pay to the Order of”: recipient’s full legal name (no nicknames).
“From”/“Purchaser”: your name and address.
Memo (if present): briefly note the purpose (e.g., “April rent” or an account number). Use clear, specific wording—good phrasing matters as much as choosing precise words in writing (see Adjectives To Describe).
Sign where indicated. Write legibly and avoid cross-outs; many issuers consider heavy corrections invalid.
Requirements, ID, and Payment Options
Most CVS locations that sell money orders accept cash or debit; credit cards are usually refused and EBT doesn’t apply. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, especially for larger amounts or cumulative daily totals. Expect per-order caps, commonly $500–$1,000, and sometimes a daily maximum. For bigger payments, buy multiple instruments or consider a bank cashier’s check.
Fees are typically low—about a dollar or two—added to the face value, and sales tax usually doesn’t apply, though local rules may differ. Carefully fill in the payee’s exact legal name, your address, and your signature; write clearly and avoid cross-outs. Keep the receipt or stub separate for tracking or replacement if it’s lost or stolen.
Comparing CVS Money Orders to Alternatives (Pros, Cons, and When to Choose Another Option)
CVS is convenient, but it isn’t your only option. Here’s how it stacks up—and when to pivot.
- Big-box retailers (e.g., Walmart)
Often comparable or lower fees and high limits. Pros: long hours, one-stop shopping. Cons: busy lines; some services vary by location. - Grocery or convenience chains
Widely available with competitive fees. Pros: near home; quick in/out. Cons: smaller service windows; inconsistent availability. - Banks and credit unions
Offer cashier’s checks or money orders. Pros: higher limits, direct account links, strong verification. Cons: limited hours; higher fees for non-customers. - Post office (USPS)
Reliable, trackable money orders with broad acceptance for government payments. Pros: standardized process; replacement support. Cons: shorter hours; lines at peak times. - Digital alternatives (P2P apps, bill-pay)
Fast and paperless if the recipient accepts them. Pros: immediate delivery; clear confirmations. Cons: not always accepted for rent, deposits, or government fees.
Pro tip: If your store confirms the service but you’re paying a large sum, ask about per-order caps before you head over. This is where the earlier question—does cvs do money orders at the amount you need—matters most.
CVS Money Orders, Fees, Limits, and Hours
Before you head out, call your CVS to confirm money order availability, service hours, current fees, and per-order or daily caps. Ask about accepted payment methods (cash/debit) and ID requirements so you arrive ready and avoid repeat trips.
Confirm availability today
Call your specific location; some stores modify services seasonally or due to staffing. Ask if the system is up and whether limits changed recently.
Ask about fees and caps
Confirm the exact fee per money order and the per-order/daily maximum. If you need multiple money orders, calculate the total fee so there are no surprises.
Payment method rules
Clarify whether your location accepts only cash and debit or also other forms. If you planned to use a credit card, adjust now to save a second trip.
ID and name formatting
Ask what ID is required and double-check how the payee’s name should appear—especially for landlords, courts, or agencies with strict formatting.
(Yes, the short answer remains: does cvs do money orders at many stores—just confirm your local details.)
Conclusion
If you came here asking whether CVS sells money orders, you now have a full playbook: how to confirm service, what to bring, how to fill the instrument, and when to consider alternatives. The bottom line is that CVS’s money order service is designed for speed and convenience, but fees, limits, and payment methods can differ by location. Check once, write carefully, and keep your receipt. With these steps, the answer behind the headline—CVS money order services—turns into a quick, secure errand you can trust.
FAQ’s
Can I buy a CVS money order with a credit card?
Usually no. Most locations accept cash or debit for money orders. Call ahead to confirm your store’s rules before you go.
What’s the typical fee at CVS?
Fees are generally low—often around a dollar or two per instrument—but they vary by location and issuer. Confirm the exact amount with your store.
What is the maximum amount per money order?
Expect a per-order cap (commonly in the hundreds to around a thousand dollars) and sometimes a daily total limit. If you need more, buy multiples or use a cashier’s check.
What ID do I need?
Bring a government-issued photo ID. Larger amounts or multiple purchases in one day may require ID even if smaller buys sometimes don’t.
Can I track or replace a lost money order?
Yes—contact the issuer with your receipt/stub to request tracing or a replacement. There is typically a processing fee and waiting period.
