Money Order Near Me
For sending cash across the country or to a friend, few things are as safe and secure as a money order. A money order is essentially a form of prepaid payment that is a much safer alternative to cash or checks. When you procure the money order, you specify who will receive the money. Both you and the person receiving the money order must sign it in order for it to be valid. This greatly reduces the risk of theft or interception.
Are you interested in a money order? You’ve come to the right place! Simply browse money order near me on the map below and find a list of locations offering money orders near your current location. Still looking for a bit more information on money orders? Read on for interesting facts, trivia, and history on money orders!
Money Order Near Me – Find it on the Map
Money Order Near Me – Money Order Trivia
Which country first established the money order?
Given how prominent monetary transactions are in the United States, you may be tempted to believe that America is behind the money order. Though the history can get a bit skewed, most historians agree that the money order system was first established in Great Britain in 1792. Unfortunately, the system was incredibly expensive and not at all successful. In 1836, the system was sold to another firm which lowered the fees on money order transactions. This increased the popularity and usage of the system. The Post Office quickly took notice to the success and profitability of the money order system and gained control in 1838. Fees at this time were reduced even further which lead to a greater degree of popularity amongst users. In doing so, the money order system was finally profitable. The only true drawback to the system at this time was the need to send an advance to the paying post office prior to the payment being tendered to the recipient at hand. This was the primary incentive for the postal order system of January 1, 1881. Consider the history of money orders as you search money order near me.
Western Union is always a great and secure way of obtaining a money order.
When should one procure a money order?
If you’re searching money order near me, then you’re obviously somewhat privy to the positive nature of using money orders. But do you know all of the instances in which a money order should be used in place of a cash or check payment? A money order should always be used if you don’t have a checking account and need to pay bills. Since money orders don’t require you to pay any money in advance, the money is not tied to an account and can easily be sent to other people. You will also have proof that you paid the bill. If you’re worried about bouncing a check, a money order could also be a great solution. Because money orders are prepaid, they can’t be rejected for insufficient funds and aren’t subject to any bounce checked fees. Another great time to utilize a money order is if you are planning on mailing money. This can be a highly risky endeavor, as many people have had the cash taken out of birthday cards and even bills. A money order ensures that only the recipient can have access to the money. Of course, if you’re sending money internationally, a money order is always your safest bet. While not all money orders will work abroad, the money orders provided by the US Postal Service can be sent to more than 28 countries. It’s a great alternative to having a wire transfer which is fast, but typically much more expensive.
Money Order Near Me – Money Order Facts
Procuring A Money Order
Anyone searching money order near me is obviously in need of a money order, but just where can you safely buy a money order? As your search will tell you, many stores offer money orders. Walmart is one of the few big box stores that offers cheap money orders: typically only cost 70 cents for up to $1,000. Banks and credit unions are also great bets for money orders. These financial institutions typically sell money orders for around $5.00 each, with values that typically go up to around $1,000. They also will often waive fees for customers who hold accounts. You can always buy money orders from money transfer agents such as Western Union and MoneyGram at drugstores, supermarkets, and most convenience stores. Generally speaking, these will cost you anywhere from .99 cents to $1.50, the actual charges will vary by location. The US Postal Service is also a great option for buying a money order. They typically cost between $1.20-$1.60 depending on the amount of the order. Military money orders, which are issued by postal military facilities are .40 cents each.
Things to Remember
While searching money order near me and buying a money order is perfectly safe, there are a few measures you should always take to protect yourself. First, always keep your receipt as it is your proof of payment. Second, always track your money order. Your receipt will include a tracking number that you can utilize to ensure that the money order has reached the intended recipient. If problems arise, contact the establishment from which you bought the order. If you find that your money order has been misplaced or stolen, or even if you accidentally filled in the wrong address, you can typically cancel the order and gain a refund. To do this you’ll need to bring a receipt and the money order itself to the place of purchase. It will likely cost a fee of around $15 to replace a lost or stolen money order. Protecting yourself is key to a successful money order transaction.
