Does Meijer Do Money Orders In 2024? The Lowdown on Buying and Cashing Them
Money orders remain a useful payment method for many people who don‘t have bank accounts or who need to pay bills with guaranteed funds. They allow you to pay a recipient from cash without the hassle of mailing cash. As a major superstore chain in the Midwest, Meijer makes it convenient to purchase money orders locally. But is it the best option for your needs? Let‘s dive into the details on Meijer money orders.
Purchasing Meijer Money Orders – What to Know
Meijer enables customers to purchase money orders up to $500 at over 250 store locations across six states, as of January 2023. Here‘s what you need to know about buying them:
Verification required – Be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID when purchasing a money order from Meijer.
Cash or debit payment – Meijer accepts cash or debit cards for money orders, but not credit cards or checks. Cash is preferred by most locations. Make sure you have the payment ready before getting in line.
Flat $0.65 fee – No matter if your money order is for $5 or $500, Meijer charges the same $0.65 convenience fee per money order.
Daily purchase limit – There is a daily limit of $3,000 for money order purchases from Meijer. If you need more, you‘ll have to visit over multiple days.
No checks cashed – An important caveat is that while you can buy money orders with cash/debit, Meijer does not cash personal checks.
Buying money orders at Meijer is quick and straightforward. But it‘s important to know the policies and have the right form of payment to avoid hiccups at the checkout.
How Do Meijer Money Orders Compare to Other Options?
Money orders from Meijer offer convenience for customers who frequent Meijer stores and want to handle financial transactions onsite. But how do they stack up against other choices?
Meijer Money Orders:
- Available at over 250 Midwest locations
- Capped at $500 per money order
- $0.65 fee per money order, regardless of amount
- Must cash out externally
US Postal Service Money Orders:
- Can be purchased at over 30,000 post office locations
- Up to $1,000 per money order
- $1.75 fee for money orders up to $500
- Can be cashed at any post office
Retail Store Money Orders:
- Offered at locations like Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens
- Fee and amount limits vary by retailer ($0.70 – $1.50 fees common)
- Usually must cash out at a bank or financial institution
Prepaid Debit Cards:
- Purchase at stores, online, or load with cash
- Variable fees for purchases, reloads, withdrawals
- More flexible spending compared to money orders
The best option depends on your priorities – convenience, cost, cash access, etc. Meijer money orders are easy to get on your weekly shopping trip but have lower limits. Postal money orders allow higher amounts but may require a special trip. Prepaid cards offer flexibility but have fees that add up. Choose the service that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
Cashing Out Your Meijer Money Order
While buying money orders at Meijer is straightforward, cashing them out requires an extra step. Meijer does not cash money orders in their stores, even ones purchased there. Here are some options for cashing Meijer money orders:
Banks – Most major banks like Chase, Citibank, and Bank of America cash money orders for customers and non-customers. Fees are usually $5-$10 for non-customers.
Credit unions – Many credit unions provide money order cashing services for members and non-members. Fees vary, around $5-15 per check.
Check cashing stores – Check cashing outlets like Check ‘N Go, ACE Cash Express, and Check Into Cash cash money orders for a service fee (1-5% of the check amount).
Walmart – You can cash a money order up to $1000 at Walmart for a $3 fee with a purchase of $1+ or an $8 fee with no purchase.
U.S. Post Offices – Post offices cash postal money orders for free. Meijer/Western Union money orders generally cost $1.50 per $1,000.
Call locations ahead to confirm cashing policies and fees. And consider opening a free checking account to access cheaper check cashing.
Tips for Hassle-Free Meijer Money Orders
Follow these tips when buying and cashing money orders from Meijer:
Save your purchase receipt as proof of buying the money order.
Fill out the money order fully before leaving the store. Don‘t leave payee line blank.
For security, cash your money order as soon as possible after purchasing.
Know casher‘s fees and limits before visiting. Check policies for non-customers.
If lost, file a claim with receipt for $15 fee refund. It‘s $30 without receipt.
Purchase multiple smaller money orders to avoid exceeding any cashing limits.
The Verdict? Convenient But Limited
In summary, Meijer money orders offer a handy way to pay bills and transfer funds for customers doing regular shopping trips. The fixed $0.65 is affordable, and purchasing is quick with some ID. But the low $500 limit per money order and inability to cash them makes Meijer less suitable for large financial transactions or unbanked individuals. Compare against post office, Walmart, and prepaid debit costs for your usage. And consider getting a checking account for cheaper cash access.
For convenience on a budget, Meijer money orders fit the bill. But evaluate your options if you need higher amounts or cash redemption.
