If you need a secure way to send funds without using a personal check or cash, you might wonder whether your local pharmacy handles these transactions. Do CVS pharmacies do money orders? Yes, most CVS locations sell money orders through a partnership with MoneyGram. However, you can only purchase them in person; CVS does not allow you to cash money orders.
Understanding the exact rules, limits, and fees before heading to the register saves you an extra trip.
CVS Money Order Limits and Fees
Purchasing a money order at CVS comes with strict structural limits. Each individual money order is capped at a maximum face value of $500. If you need to send a larger sum—such as $1,200 for rent or a car payment—you can't buy a single slip. Instead, you must purchase multiple money orders to reach your total amount.
The standard fee sits at $1.25 per money order. Keep in mind that this fee applies to every individual slip you buy. If you split a $1,000 payment into two $500 money orders, you'll pay the $1.25 fee twice, bringing your total fees to $2.50. To get more details on the matter, in-depth analysis can be read on NerdWallet.
- Maximum per single order: $500
- Cost per order: $1.25
- Daily purchase limit: No strict limit on the total number of slips you can buy, provided your payment method clears.
Accepted Payment Methods at CVS
You can't pay for financial instruments the same way you buy groceries. To prevent fraud and ensure funds are guaranteed, CVS restricts how you can pay for a money order.
You must bring cash or a valid debit card attached to a checking account. Credit cards are universally banned for money order purchases because issuers treat them as cash advances, which trigger high interest rates and fees. Some individual CVS branches or shift supervisors may prefer cash over debit cards due to internal terminal policies, so it's smart to bring physical cash just in case.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Money Order at CVS
Buying a money order takes just a few minutes if you come prepared. Follow these steps to complete your transaction smoothly:
- Verify store participation: Not every single CVS pharmacy counter supports MoneyGram services. Use the MoneyGram Store Locator online before leaving your house.
- Bring your ID: Carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, because cashiers require verification.
- Bring cash or a debit card: Make sure you have enough to cover both the face value of the money order and the $1.25 fee.
- Speak with the cashier: Go to the front checkout register or customer service desk and tell the employee you want to purchase a MoneyGram money order.
- Provide recipient details: Give the cashier the exact legal name of the person or company receiving the funds.
- Complete the paperwork: Fill out the "Pay to" field, your address, and sign the front of the money order immediately.
- Keep your receipt: Detach and keep the receipt stub. It contains your tracking serial number.
Can You Cash a Money Order at CVS?
No. CVS locations only sell money orders; they do not cash them. If someone sent you a money order and you need physical cash, you must take it elsewhere.
Valid alternatives for cashing a money order include:
- Your personal bank or credit union (usually free if you hold an account)
- The issuer of the money order (such as a post office for USPS money orders)
- Local grocery store customer service desks or check-cashing storefronts (fees apply)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often run into trouble because they treat money orders casually. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Leaving fields blank: Never walk away from the counter with a blank money order. If you lose an unassigned money order, anyone can cash it like raw cash.
- Misspelling the recipient: If you misspell the payee's name, correcting it later requires a tedious replacement request process through MoneyGram.
- Throwing away the receipt: Without the receipt stub, tracking a lost or stolen money order is nearly impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CVS money orders expire?
No, money orders purchased through MoneyGram at CVS do not expire. However, issuers may start deducting maintenance or service fees if the slip sits uncashed for an extended period, usually after one to three years.
What should I do if my CVS money order is lost or stolen?
You must file a tracer or a replacement request directly through the MoneyGram Customer Service Portal. You'll need the original purchase receipt and will have to pay a processing fee.
Are CVS money orders accepted by the IRS or government agencies?
Yes. Government agencies, utility companies, and landlords accept money orders because the funds are prepaid. Always double-check specific agency rules, as some prefer cashier's checks for very large tax balances.
Can I track a CVS money order online?
Yes. You can track the status of your payment by visiting the official MoneyGram tracking tool online and inputting your unique serial number and last name.
