You can get a money order from a savings account, but the process depends on which bank you use and how you access your money
A money order is a paper payment instrument you buy in advance, and the funds come from whatever account or cash you have on hand. If you have a savings account, you have three main routes: withdraw cash and buy the money order in person, use your debit card at a money order seller, or ask your bank whether they issue money orders directly. Not all banks offer this service, and not all money order sellers accept debit cards, so your actual options depend on what you have available locally and what your bank allows.
The key difference between a savings account and a checking account does not matter here—both are bank accounts, and both let you access your money to buy a money order. The friction comes from the money order seller's requirements, not from the account type itself.
Key Takeaways
- You can withdraw cash from your savings account at an ATM or teller and use that cash to buy a money order at a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service.
- Some money order sellers accept debit cards directly, which means you do not have to withdraw cash first—ask before you go.
- A few banks issue money orders themselves, so contact your bank to ask whether this service is available to you.
- Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and the seller, and that fee comes out of your savings account balance.
- You will need a valid ID to buy a money order at most locations, and some sellers have limits on how much you can spend per transaction.
Withdrawing cash and buying the money order in person
This is the most straightforward route for most people. Go to an ATM or your bank branch and withdraw cash from your savings account. Then take that cash to a money order seller—the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, a grocery store, a check-cashing service, or a Western Union location. Hand over the cash, tell them the amount you need the money order for, and they will issue it on the spot.
The U.S. Postal Service charges a flat fee based on the amount: up to $500 costs $1.45, and $500.01 to $1,000 costs $1.95. Walmart charges $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. Grocery stores and check-cashing services vary by location and company. The fee is separate from the money order amount—if you want a $200 money order and the fee is $1.45, you need $201.45 in cash.
You will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card) at most locations. Some sellers, particularly the post office, may ask for additional information if the amount is large. There is no waiting period—you walk out with the money order the same day.
Using your debit card directly at a money order seller
Some money order sellers accept debit cards, which means you can skip the ATM withdrawal step. Call ahead or check the website of the location you plan to visit—not all branches of the same company accept cards, and policies vary by region.
Walmart locations that sell money orders often accept debit cards, as do some check-cashing services and Western Union agents. The U.S. Postal Service does not accept debit cards for money order purchases; they require cash or a credit card at some locations, but policies vary by post office.
When you use a debit card, the transaction posts to your savings account just like any other debit card purchase. The fee and the money order amount both come out of your available balance. If your account does not have enough money, the transaction will be declined.
Asking your bank to issue a money order
Some banks and credit unions issue money orders directly to their customers. This is less common than it used to be, but it is worth asking. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask whether they offer money order services. If they do, you can usually order one without leaving your account—the bank deducts the amount and the fee from your savings account and gives you the money order.
Banks that offer this service typically charge $5 to $10 per money order, which is higher than a post office or Walmart, but the convenience may be worth it if you are already at the branch. Some banks require you to order in advance and pick it up later; others can issue one on the spot. Policies vary widely, so ask what your bank's specific process is.
If your bank does not offer money orders, they may be able to issue a cashier's check instead, which serves the same purpose—it is a may provide payment from the bank. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 and take a few minutes to issue.
What happens if your savings account does not have enough money
If you try to buy a money order and your account balance is lower than the money order amount plus the fee, the transaction will fail. At a cash-based seller, you simply will not have enough cash to complete the purchase. If you are using a debit card, it will be declined.
You have two options: withdraw a smaller amount and buy a money order for less, or wait until your account has more money. There is no overdraft protection for money order purchases at third-party sellers, and most banks do not allow overdrafts on debit card transactions anyway.
Limits on money order amounts and frequency
The U.S. Postal Service allows up to $1,000 per money order, and you can buy multiple money orders in one transaction if you need to send more than $1,000. Walmart has the same $1,000 limit per money order. Check-cashing services and Western Union may have different limits—some cap purchases at $500 or $2,500 depending on the location and their internal policies.
There is no federal limit on how many money orders you can buy per day or per week, but some sellers impose their own limits. A few check-cashing services limit customers to one or two money orders per day to prevent fraud. If you need to buy multiple money orders, ask the seller about their policy before you start.
Fees and what they cover
Money order fees are small but not free. The post office charges $1.45 to $1.95 depending on the amount. Walmart charges $0.88. Check-cashing services typically charge $1 to $3. Western Union charges $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Your bank, if they issue money orders, will charge $5 to $10.
The fee is the seller's charge for issuing the money order. It does not cover delivery, insurance, or anything else—it is simply the cost of the service. The fee is non-refundable if you change your mind and do not use the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement, but the process takes time and requires proof of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online and have it mailed to me?
No. Money orders must be purchased in person at a physical location. You cannot order one online and have it shipped. Some banks may mail a cashier's check, which serves the same purpose, but you will need to contact your bank directly to ask whether this is available.
What if I do not have a valid ID?
Most money order sellers require a valid photo ID. If you do not have one, you will not be able to buy a money order at that location. Your options are to get a state ID card (which you can obtain through your state's DMV) or find someone else to buy the money order on your behalf using their ID and their cash or card.
Is a money order safer than a check?
Yes. A money order is may provide by the issuer (the post office, Walmart, or your bank), so the recipient knows the funds are real. A personal check can bounce if your account does not have enough money. Money orders also cannot be altered or forged as easily as checks, though they are not completely fraud-proof.
Can I get my money back if I buy a money order and do not use it?
Yes, but it requires a refund request at the original seller. Bring the unused money order and your receipt. The seller will verify it has not been cashed and refund the money order amount, but they usually keep the fee. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the seller.
Does buying a money order affect my credit score?
No. A money order is a cash transaction, not a credit transaction. It does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. It only affects your savings account balance by the amount of the money order plus the fee.