The Cheapest Way to Buy Money Orders and Cashier's Checks

At some point in your life, you'll need to make a large, important payment. You might be paying your rent, buying a used car from a private seller, or putting a security deposit on a new apartment.

In these moments, you'll run into a problem:

• Carrying a thousand dollars in cash is unsafe and impractical.
• The seller won't accept a personal check because they're worried it will bounce.
• The seller won't accept Venmo or Cash App because the amount is too large and they fear scams.

This is where the financial system has two old-school, reliable solutions: money orders and cashier's checks.

These are both "guaranteed" forms of payment. But they are not the same thing. Knowing the difference, which one to use, and—most importantly—where to get the cheapest one can save you a surprising amount of time and money.

Money Order vs. Cashier's Check — What's the Difference?

Before we find the cheapest price, you need to know which one to get. The main difference is the dollar limit and where you get it.

• A Money Order is... a pre-paid check for a small amount.
  • Analogy: It's like a gift certificate or a pre-paid debit card. You pay for the full amount (plus a small fee) upfront with cash or a debit card.
  • The Limit: This is the key. Money orders typically have a maximum limit of $1,000. If you need to pay $2,500, you would have to buy three separate money orders (and pay three separate fees).
  • Where to Get It: Very easy. You can get them at convenience stores, grocery stores, and the post office.
• A Cashier's Check is... a bank-issued check for a large amount.
  • Analogy: This is a check drawn on the bank's own funds, not your personal account. The bank guarantees it.
  • The Limit: Very high, or no limit at all. This is the standard tool for "large" transactions ($1,000+).
  • Where to Get It: Only at a bank or credit union where you have an account.

Here is the simple breakdown:

Simple Verdict: If you are paying less than $1,000, you almost always want a money order. If you are paying more than $1,000, you need a cashier's check.

The Cheapest Way to Get a Money Order

For money orders, the "cheapest" place is the one with the lowest flat fee. The good news is that the winner is clear and consistent.

Here is a comparison of the most common places to buy a money order.

The Clear Winner: Walmart

Walmart is, by a wide margin, the cheapest and most reliable place to get a money order. Their fee is capped at a maximum of $1.00 (and is often less, depending on the location). They are powered by MoneyGram, a reputable service.

The Runner-Up: Grocery Stores

Your local Kroger, Safeway, or Publix is also a great choice. They are convenient (you're already there) and fees are low, usually around $1.25.

The "Avoid" Option: 7-Eleven & Convenience Stores

Be very careful with convenience stores. While some have a low flat fee, many charge a percentage of the money order's value (e.g., 1-3%). A 3% fee on a $500 money order would cost you **$15**, which is a complete rip-off.

The "Secure" Option: USPS

The U.S. Postal Service is a great option. It's more expensive, but a USPS-issued money order is seen as one of the most secure and is accepted by everyone, including government agencies, without question.

The "Don't Use" Option: Your Bank

Do not use your big national bank for a money order. They will almost certainly overcharge you, often $5 or $10, for the same product you can get at Walmart for $1.

The Cheapest Way to Get a Cashier's Check

When you need a cashier's check (for a payment over $1,000), you have fewer options, but the "cheapest" path is very clear. You must be a customer of the bank you use.

The Clear Winner: Your Credit Union

If you belong to a credit union, check their policy. The vast majority of credit unions offer their members at least one or two free cashier's checks per month (or per year). This is one of the best perks of using a credit union over a national bank. Even if they do charge, the fee is usually low, around $5.

The "Premium" Option: Your Big Bank (If You're a "Preferred" Customer)

If you use a major bank like Bank of America or Chase, the standard fee for a cashier's check is high, usually $10 to $15.

However, this fee is almost always waived if you are in one of their "preferred" or "premium" checking programs (e.g., you keep a high minimum balance). If you have a high-tier account, your cashier's checks are likely free.

The Standard Option: Your Big Bank (Basic Account)

If you have a basic checking account at a major bank, you will have to pay the fee, which is typically $10 to $15. This is just a cost of doing business. When you go, you must bring your debit card and a photo ID. They will withdraw the funds directly from your account (plus the fee) and print the check for you.

The Most Important Step — How to Use Them Safely

A money order or cashier's check is not a personal check. It's more like cash. You must be careful.

When Buying One:

1. Fill It Out Immediately. Do not walk out of the store with a "blank" money order. If you lose it, whoever finds it can write their own name on it and cash it. At the counter, use a pen (not a pencil) and clearly write the payee's name (the person or company you are paying).
2. Keep Your Receipt. This is the single most important rule. The receipt is your only proof of purchase. It contains the tracking and serial number. If the money order gets lost in the mail, the receipt is the only way you can get a refund or track if it was cashed.
3. Hold On to the "Stub." A money order often has a "stub" you tear off. Keep this with your main receipt.

When Accepting One (Sellers):

1. Be Wary of Money Order Fraud. If someone overpays you with a money order and asks you to "wire them the difference," it is a 100% scam. The money order is fake.
2. Verify Cashier's Checks. The most common scam for big-ticket items (like a used car) is a fake cashier's check.
   • Do not trust the phone number printed on the check. Scammers print their own number.
   • Do call the bank's official phone number (which you find on Google) and ask them to verify the check number, amount, and issuer.
   • Do meet the buyer at their bank and watch the teller issue the check.

Final Verdict: Your "Cheapest" Checklist

• Need to pay less than $1,000?
  • You need a money order.
  • The cheapest place is Walmart (max $1.00 fee).
• Need to pay more than $1,000?
  • You need a cashier's check.
  • The cheapest place is your local credit union (often free) or a premium bank account (often free).