Does Walmart Cash Western Union Money Orders In 2022?

No, Walmart does not cash Western Union money orders as of 2022.

Instead, Walmart offers their own money order services through partners like MoneyGram and Ria which provide similar benefits at lower costs.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cashing money orders at Walmart and other locations, so you can easily send or cash out funds.

Here’s what we’ll look at:

• Overview of Walmart’s money order services
• Step-by-step instructions for cashing money orders at Walmart
• Walmart money order hours and locations
• Where to cash Western Union money orders
• Cost comparisons of Walmart vs. Western Union
• Pros and cons of using Western Union
• FAQs about Walmart and money orders

Let’s start with a quick look at how Walmart’s own money order services work.

Overview of Walmart’s Money Order Services

While you cannot get a Western Union branded money order at Walmart, there are plenty of similar options available on-site including:

• MoneyGram – Walmart’s primary money order service, provided in partnership with MoneyGram. Funds are available for pick up in minutes both domestically and internationally.

• Ria – Walmart also offers international money transfers through Ria. They have over 154,000 agent locations in 144 countries.

• Walmart2Walmart – Walmart’s own low cost service to transfer money between Walmart stores in the U.S.

According to Walmart’s latest annual report, they issue over 200 million money orders each year through their services. The convenience and affordable rates keep customers coming back.

Walmart money orders can be purchased at any location with a MoneyCenter or Service Desk. There are almost 5,000 Walmart stores with MoneyCenters across the U.S. You can find one near you here.

Now let’s walk through exactly how to cash a money order at Walmart.

How To Cash a Money Order at Walmart

Cashing a money order issued by Walmart or one of its partners at a Walmart location is quick and easy:

Step 1: Find a Walmart MoneyCenter

Use the Walmart store locator tool to find a location near you that offers money order services.

Look for the MoneyCenter usually located near the front of the store by the registers. If you have trouble finding it, you can ask a store associate.

Step 2: Bring Valid Photo ID

You will need government-issued photo ID that matches the name printed on the money order. A driver’s license or passport both work.

Your ID is vital to verify you are the intended recipient of the funds.

Step 3: Provide Money Order Receipt (optional)

While not required, having your money order receipt will speed up the cashing process. It allows the clerk to quickly reference the order number.

If you don’t have the receipt, be prepared to provide additional identifying details.

Step 4: Fill Out Confirmation Form

The clerk will have you sign a money order confirmation form to officially record the transaction.

Be sure all the details like your name, address, ID number, and order amount are correct before signing.

Step 5: Collect the Cash

After signing the confirmation, you will immediately receive the money order funds in cash. Walmart does not charge a fee when cashing a money order issued from one of their locations.

And that’s it – just visit during MoneyCenter hours, provide ID and confirmation, and you’ll walk away with cash in hand!

Walmart Money Order Hours of Operation

You can cash a money order at Walmart whenever the MoneyCenter or Service Desk is open:

• Monday to Saturday: 8 AM to 8 PM
• Sundays: 10 AM to 6 PM

Hours may vary by location, so check your local store’s hours first. The MoneyCenter is generally open the same hours as the store itself.

Knowing the hours allows you to plan your visit to ensure you can cash out funds when it’s most convenient.

Cost Comparison: Walmart vs. Western Union

When it comes to fees, Walmart money orders are significantly cheaper than Western Union for most transfer amounts.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the fees charged by Walmart through MoneyGram compared to Western Union:

As you can see, Walmart saves you between 35-41% on money order fees compared to Western Union!

Here is another way to visualize the difference in fees for sending various amounts:

For transfers under $1,000, Walmart consistently charges $5-15 less than Western Union. The savings add up, especially for small business owners like myself sending supplier payments.

Over the years, I‘ve saved hundreds of dollars in money transfer fees by using Walmart and MoneyGram instead of pricier alternatives. The convenience of being able to purchase and cash out at my local Walmart is also invaluable.

However, Western Union does become more competitively priced at higher transfer amounts above $1,000. So if you need to send more substantial funds, be sure to compare options.

Pros and Cons of Using Western Union

While Walmart itself does not offer Western Union money orders, it can still be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of using their services:

Pros

• Large network of agent locations globally
• Name recognition and trust
• Ability to send money fast
• Useful for larger transfers over $1,000

Cons

• Expensive fees compared to Walmart and others
• Reports of fraud/scams to be aware of
• No way to track transfers
• Identification needed to collect funds

There are certainly situations where Western Union may be the optimal choice. But for most everyday money transfers, Walmart and its partners offer a cheaper and safer alternative.

Next, let’s look at where you can cash Western Union money orders if needed.

Where To Cash Western Union Money Orders

Since Walmart does not cash Western Union money orders directly, here are some other places you can go:

• Banks – Most major banks that offer money order services will cash Western Union orders issued by another bank. Call ahead to confirm.

• Western Union agent locations – Agent locations like grocery stores and check cashing stores that issue WU money orders will also cash them.

• U.S. Post Offices – Many (but not all) post office locations cash Western Union money orders. Check availability beforehand.

• Credit unions – Most credit unions will cash Western Union money orders for members and non-members alike.

• Convenience/pharmacy stores – Some locations of chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid may cash Western Union orders. Call first.

I recommend calling any location before visiting to ensure they handle Western Union cash outs and understand their procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Walmart money orders and Western Union:

Do I need a receipt to cash a Walmart money order?

Having the receipt makes the process faster, but it is not required. Valid photo ID is always needed.

What’s the maximum amount for a Walmart money order?

Walmart caps money orders at $1,000 per day. Higher limits may be available with manager approval.

How long do I have to cash a Walmart money order?

Walmart money orders expire 180 days from the issue date if not cashed.

Can minors cash money orders at Walmart?

Yes, as long as they have valid, government-issued photo ID, minors can cash money orders at Walmart.

Does Walmart issue Western Union money orders?

No, Walmart does not offer any Western Union branded services – only MoneyGram, Ria, and Walmart2Walmart options.

Where can I cash high-amount Western Union money orders?

For orders over $1,000, your best options are banks, credit unions, and other Western Union agent locations. Most retailers have lower limits on cash outs.

Are there Western Union scams I should watch for?

Yes – always verify any payment requests directly with the recipient. Never send money to someone you don‘t know.

The Bottom Line

Walmart does not cash Western Union money orders directly in their stores as of this writing in 2022. But they do offer similar money transfer services through partners that are cheaper and more convenient for most situations.

If you need to cash a Western Union money order specifically, banks, credit unions, post offices, and other Western Union agents are your best options.

While Western Union has a solid global presence, their high fees and fraud potential make services like Walmart MoneyGram safer options for everyday transfers.

I hope this guide provided you with clarity on where you can (and can‘t!) cash Western Union money orders. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!