Does Target Do Money Orders In 2024? (Do This Instead)

With over 1,900 Target stores nationwide, the retail giant is a one-stop shop for everything from groceries to home goods. But when you need to securely send funds to someone, you may be wondering: does Target provide money order services?

The short answer is no: Target does not currently sell or cash money orders in its retail locations or online.

Keep reading to learn what money orders are, why you might need them, where you can get them since Target does not offer them, and how much they cost.

What Are Money Orders and Why Use Them?

A money order is a paper form you purchase from a vendor that allows the recipient to receive a fixed amount of funds. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, over 150 million money orders are purchased in the U.S. every year.

Money orders are commonly used to:

• Pay bills – Landlords, utilities, and other businesses may accept money orders as a form of payment.

• Send funds – Money orders allow you to securely send money to friends, family, or others.

• Pay online – Some online purchases accept money orders for payment if you don‘t have a bank account.

• Avoid check fraud – Money orders offer more security than personal checks.

The main advantage of money orders is convenience – they can be purchased quickly and allow anyone to pay funds even without a bank account.

Target Does Not Sell or Cash Money Orders

Target focuses on general retail merchandise rather than financial services. You cannot purchase or cash money orders at any Target store locations.

The only financial services Target offers are:

• Target REDcard credit cards and debit cards
• Target gift cards – purchased in-store and online
• Limited bill pay – only for Target credit cards

So if you need a money order quickly, Target is not an option. Instead, you‘ll have to visit other retailers, financial institutions, or money transfer services.

Where You Can Purchase Money Orders

Here are some of the most common places to buy money orders if you need one right away:

• Banks and credit unions – Expect to pay average fees of $5-10 per money order, depending on the bank.
• US Post Offices – The USPS offers money orders up to $1,000 for $1.95 per order.
• Walmart – Head to any Walmart customer service desk to get a money order for $0.70 to $0.90 based on the amount.
• Western Union – Prices start around $21 per order through Western Union.
• Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, CVS, Rite Aid and other convenience stores sell money orders for around $1-5 per order.
• Supermarkets – Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. offer money orders for under $5.

Banks and credit unions generally have the highest fees but offer money orders up to $1,000 – $3,000. USPS, Western Union, and supermarkets cap orders around $1,000.

Average Cost of Money Orders

Here are the typical fees to expect when purchasing a money order:

Banks charge the most, while convenience stores and USPS offer the lowest rates. Shop around to find the best deals if you need money orders regularly.

Paying for Money Orders

Since money orders are prepaid, you must pay the full amount plus fees upfront with:

• Cash
• Debit card
• Credit card

Traveler‘s checks and personal checks are not accepted. Make sure to get a receipt in case you need to track the money order later.

Are Money Orders Safe?

Money orders offer more security than cash or personal checks since they cannot bounce. However, take these precautions:

• Only buy from reputable sources like banks, post offices, or national retailers.
• Fill out the money order completely in blue or black ink.
• Notify the issuer immediately if your money order is lost or stolen.
• Keep the receipt as proof of purchase and to help track the money order.

As long as the recipient can cash the money order, it is generally a very reliable method to send payments.

Alternatives to Money Orders

If you need to send funds but want to avoid money order fees, here are some options:

• Personal check – Cheaper but riskier if the recipient doesn‘t know you.
• Cashier‘s check – More secure since funds come from the bank. Costs around $10.
• ACH transfer – Electronically transfer funds between bank accounts. Fees under $5.
• Wire transfer – Instant bank transfers. Fees around $25 – $50.
• PayPal – Send money electronically. Fees under 5% of the transaction.
• Venmo – Fee-free transfers between Venmo account holders.

Evaluate the fees, security, convenience, and availability to choose the right option.

Conclusion

Target stores do not sell or cash money orders – only Target-branded credit and gift cards. To get a money order quickly, visit your local bank, post office, Walmart, or supermarket instead. Costs range from $1 to $10 per order. Consider alternatives like cashier‘s checks and bank transfers if you want to avoid money order fees.