Does 711 Do Money Orders? An In-Depth Look at Fees, Limits and More
If you‘ve ever needed to send a secure payment but didn‘t want to use cash, a personal check or a bank transfer, you may have considered using a money order. Money orders are a safe and convenient payment method for mailing funds or paying bills. The challenge is finding a location that sells money orders, especially if you need one outside of typical bank hours.
You may be wondering – does 711 sell money orders? Yes, most 711 convenience store locations do offer money order services! 711 is a popular choice thanks to the low fees, high availability and other financial services offered. However, there are a few important things to know before heading to your local 711 to purchase a money order.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting a money order at 711, including:
- The cost and fees for 711 money orders
- Maximum money order amounts at 711
- What payment methods 711 accepts for money orders
- Differences between MoneyGram and Western Union 711 money orders
- How to fill out a money order at 711
- Other places you can purchase money orders
- Additional financial services available at 711
- Pros and cons of 711 money orders
- When a money order makes sense vs. other payment options
711 Money Order Fees
Let‘s start with one of the most important factors when deciding where to buy a money order – the cost. Fees for money orders vary quite a bit depending on the provider and location. Some places like Walmart may have flat fees around $1 while USPS charges $1.45 to $2 based on the amount. Banks often have the highest money order fees at $5 or more.
So how much does a money order cost at 711? In most cases, the 711 money order fee is quite reasonable at around 1-3% of the money order amount. There is usually a small minimum fee, often $0.65 or so. However, this can vary by location so it‘s best to check with your local 711 to confirm their current money order pricing.
To give an example, if you purchase a $100 money order at 711, the fee would likely be $1 (1%) to $3 (3%), on top of the minimum $0.65 charge. So your total cost for a $100 money order would be $101.00 to $103.65. While not the absolute cheapest option out there, 711 money order fees are on the lower end, especially compared to banks.
One important thing to note – 711 money order fees and pricing can change over time. Always double check the current cost at your local store before purchasing to avoid any surprises. You don‘t want to show up expecting a $1 fee and find out it‘s gone up to $2 or $3.
711 Money Order Maximums and Payment Methods
In addition to affordable pricing, the other advantage of getting a money order at 711 is convenience. Most 711 stores are open late or even 24 hours, making it easy to get a money order when you need it. However, there are a few restrictions to be aware of.
First, 711 has a maximum money order limit of $500. If you need to send more than $500, you‘ll either need to purchase multiple money orders or go to a different provider like Walmart that allows higher amounts (up to $1,000).
Second, 711 has specific payment methods it accepts for money orders. You can pay with cash or a debit card in most cases. However, 711 does NOT accept credit cards or checks for money order purchases. This is a common policy as credit cards and checks have a higher risk of fraud or nonpayment. Be prepared to pay with cash or debit at 711.
711 MoneyGram vs Western Union Money Orders
When you buy a money order at 711, you‘ll actually be purchasing it through one of two major money order providers – MoneyGram or Western Union. The exact provider depends on the specific 711 location as each store owner chooses which service to use. Most stores use MoneyGram but some do offer Western Union money orders.
What‘s the difference between MoneyGram and Western Union money orders at 711? In most cases, there is no major difference in cost or features between the two. The 111 sets their pricing and maximum amounts. However, the two services do have slightly different processes for tracking and refunds.
With a MoneyGram money order from 711, you can track the status online at MoneyGram.com or contact customer service. For refunds on unused money orders, you‘ll need to complete a form and mail it in along with the original money order receipt. Refunds take 30-65 days to process.
For a Western Union money order from 711, you can check the status online at WesternUnion.com or by calling their automated phone line. For refunds, you can either mail in your request or take the money order to a physical Western Union location. Refunds are processed in 10-30 days typically.
So while the two are largely the same at 711, if you anticipate possibly needing a refund, Western Union may be slightly faster and easier. However, both MoneyGram and Western Union are reliable, secure choices for 711 money orders. The provider ultimately just depends on the specific store.
Comparing 711 to Other Popular Money Order Locations
Now that you know the key details of purchasing a money order at 711, let‘s see how it stacks up against some other popular money order locations. Here‘s a quick comparison chart:
| Location | Money Order Fee | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 711 | 1-3% + $0.65 min fee | $500 |
| Walmart | $1 flat fee | $1,000 |
| USPS | $1.45 for $0-$500, $2 for $500-$1,000 | $1,000 |
| Grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, etc) | $1-$2.50 | Varies, usually $500-$1,000 |
| CVS | $1.25 | $500 |
| Banks | $5+ | Varies |
As you can see, 711 is one of the cheaper options, especially for smaller money order amounts under $200 or so. The percentage-based fee at 711 scales better than flat fees up to around $0.65/1%. Above that amount, places like Walmart and USPS become more cost effective, along with having higher maximum limits.
However, one big advantage of 711 is the extended hours compared to USPS or banks. Grocery stores and pharmacies like CVS also have decent hours and Walmart is open late too. If you need a money order ASAP, 711 is hard to beat for accessibility.
Ultimately, where to get a money order comes down to your specific needs – the amount, what payment methods you have, and when you need it. 711 is arguably the most convenient overall with its low fees and ubiquitous locations. But for larger amounts over $500, you‘ll need to go to Walmart, the postal service, or a grocery store.
When To Use a Money Order vs Other Payment Options
This brings us to the question – when does it make sense to use a money order in the first place? Money orders are a secure way to send guaranteed funds but they do have downsides. Let‘s look at the pros and cons:
Money Order Pros:
- Safer than mailing cash
- No bank account needed
- Funds are guaranteed for the recipient
- Can be purchased with cash unlike checks
- Less susceptible to fraud than personal checks
- Cheaper and faster than many bank transfers/wires
Money Order Cons:
- Fees for every money order
- Maximum limits per money order
- Less convenient than online payment options
- Need to physically fill out and mail the money order
- No chargebacks for fraud protection like credit cards
- Limited payment options (usually just cash and debit)
A money order from 711 or another provider makes the most sense when you need to make a one-time, secure payment under $1,000 but don‘t want to use a personal check or electronic bank transfer. Common situations include:
- Paying rent if a landlord requires guaranteed funds
- Sending funds as a gift
- Making a purchase that requires cash or cash equivalent
- Paying a bill that doesn‘t accept cards or checks
Money orders are a little old school compared to modern online payment tools like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. However, they are still useful for certain transactions. If you find yourself in need of a money order, 711 is a great choice for amounts up to $500 thanks to the low fees and extended hours.
Other Financial Services Available at 711
While 711 is incredibly convenient for money orders, they actually offer an impressive variety of other financial services too. Here are a few of the most useful 711 money services to know about:
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Prepaid debit cards – 711 offers reloadable Visa and Mastercard prepaid debit cards that you can use to pay bills, make purchases, and withdraw cash at ATMs. Some cards even allow early direct deposit so you can access your paycheck up to 2 days earlier.
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Gift cards – You can purchase a wide selection of third-party gift cards at 711, including for popular retailers, restaurants, gaming, and more. They also have variable load 711 gift cards you can buy in custom amounts.
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Bill pay – Select 711 locations offer bill payment services that let you pay utility bills, cable, phone service and more in-store with cash.
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Business fleet cards – 711 has a fleet card program for businesses to manage fuel expenses and earn rewards on purchases.
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ATMs – Most 711 stores have ATMs where you can withdraw cash or check your balance, often with lower fees than standalone ATM providers.
711 may not be able to replace your bank but their suite of money services can be super helpful, especially if you are unbanked or just need quick access to alternative financial tools. Next time you head to 711 for a money order, check out what other money services they provide – you might be surprised!
Conclusion
711 offers a robust money order service that is affordable, convenient, and easy to use. With most locations charging just 1-3% and a small flat fee, 711 is one of the best value money order providers around.
While there is a $500 maximum per money order and they only accept cash or debit card, the extended hours and widespread availability make 711 incredibly handy when you‘re in a pinch and need to send guaranteed funds. Whether you go with MoneyGram or Western Union, you can feel confident about the security and reliability of a 711 money order.
711 also offers a ton of other useful money services like prepaid cards, bill pay, and business fleet cards. They really are a one-stop-shop for so many financial needs.
Hopefully this in-depth guide has told you everything you need to know about getting a money order at 711. The next time you need to send secure funds, consider heading to your local 711 – chances are there is one right around the corner, ready to help!
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