A money order works similarly to a check. The sender provides payment by sending this official document, allowing the recipient to trade it in for cash. You may need a money order for a specific transaction, such as a deposit on a rental property or to pay a private seller overseas. Money orders are a secure way to send money when a debit or credit card isn’t a valid form of payment.
You may request a money order at most CVS pharmacy locations. Most of these store locations are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily while some may be open 24 hours. MoneyGram processes money order transactions in CVS locations. The maximum money order transaction amount through CVS is $500.
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How to Send a CVS Money Order
To complete a money order transaction, visit a local CVS pharmacy during regular business hours. Make sure the location offers money orders before you go. You’ll need the money order total and fees in cash, as well as acceptable identification. You may use any type of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, when purchasing a money order.
Bring your identification to a cashier to request your money order amount, up to a maximum of $500. After you provide your cash payments, you’re provided with the money order and a receipt.
After you’ve completed all fields on the money order, deliver or mail the money order to your recipient. Keep the receipt so you can check the status of the money order.
Filling Out a CVS Money Order
It’s important to fill out your money order promptly and correctly. The amount of the money order is filled out when you receive it, but you must complete other fields, including the:
- Recipient: In the recipient field, write the name of the individual or business that should be receiving the money order.
- Sender: Since you’re the one sending the money order, write your name in this field. You may also need to provide your address or phone number.
- Signature: If the amount and recipient are correct on the money order, sign it. Your recipient can’t cash a money order without your signature.
Use a blue or black ink pen to complete the fields on your money order and write clearly.
Cashing in a CVS Money Order
While CVS allows you to request money orders, you cannot cash them at these pharmacy locations. You can cash your money order at a bank or any other money order cashing agent or office.
If you’re the recipient of a money order, bring the money order and acceptable identification to a participating location. You must provide government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, before you can cash your money order. When you provide the money order and proper identification, you’ll receive cash and a receipt for your transaction.
CVS Money Order Fees
When you request a money order at CVS, you must pay a $1.25 fee in addition to the money order amount. You cannot pay for the money order and fee with a debit or credit card and you must present cash as payment.
How to Avoid Money Order Scams
Scammers use money orders to prey on unsuspecting victims. You can avoid potentially fraudulent transactions by:
- Never sending money orders to individuals or businesses you don’t know or trust.
- Not involving yourself in transactions that ask you to send money so you can receive it.
- Investigating retailers before sending money orders.
If you suspect you’ve been involved in a fraudulent money order scam, contact your local police department immediately. You should also report the incident to the National Consumers League’s Fraud Center and the Federal Trade Commission.
Replacement Money Orders
If you misplaced your money order and need to order a replacement, you can make a replacement request online. Provide the money order serial number and the amount of the order to make the request. You must pay an $18 replacement fee and your request is processed in seven to 10 business days.
With so many CVS pharmacy locations across the country, it’s convenient to visit a store and request a money order. Be prepared to complete the transaction by offering cash for the money order total and fees and by providing a government-issued ID.
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