If you‘re looking for a convenient and affordable way to make payments without using cash, checks, or credit cards, a money order from your local Meijer superstore may be the perfect solution. With over 250 locations across the Midwest, Meijer makes it easy to purchase money orders for all your bill payment and gifting needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about buying money orders at Meijer, including limits, fees, accepted payment methods, and more. Plus, we‘ll share some insider tips to help you save time and money on your next money order purchase. Let‘s get started!
Does Meijer Sell Money Orders?
Yes, Meijer does sell Western Union money orders at most of its locations as of 2023. You can purchase a money order from the customer service desk during normal store hours, which are typically 6am-midnight, 7 days a week. However, it‘s always a good idea to call ahead to your specific Meijer location to confirm availability and hours for money order services.
While you can buy a money order from Meijer, it‘s important to note that Meijer does NOT cash money orders. If you receive a money order as payment, you‘ll need to take it to a bank, credit union, check cashing store, or issuing location (like Western Union) to have it cashed. More on cashing options later in this post.
What Are the Money Order Limits at Meijer?
At most Meijer locations, you can purchase money orders up to $500 each. There is usually a daily limit of $3,000 worth of money orders per customer. So for example, you could buy six $500 money orders in one day for a total of $3,000.
These limits are fairly standard across many popular money order sellers like grocery stores, drugstores, convenience stores, etc. Larger amounts typically must be processed at a bank, credit union, or dedicated financial center like Western Union.
If you need a money order over $500, you may want to consider getting a cashier‘s check from your bank instead. Cashier‘s checks are available for larger amounts and offer similar security to money orders. However, they do require you to have a checking account with the issuing bank.
How Much Does a Money Order Cost at Meijer?
Meijer charges a flat fee of $0.70 per money order, regardless of the amount. So whether you‘re getting a money order for $10 or $500, you‘ll pay the same $0.70 service charge. This is a very reasonable and competitive rate compared to other money order providers.
For example, the U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500, while Western Union fees can vary by location but are usually around $1. Some banks and credit unions offer money orders for free to their members.
To put the cost in perspective, if you purchase a $500 money order from Meijer, the $0.70 fee is equivalent to just 0.14% of the total. That‘s much cheaper than most wire transfer or credit card payment processing fees. Of course, if you‘re buying multiple smaller money orders, those $0.70 charges can add up quickly.
One way to minimize money order fees is to purchase the largest money order you need, up to the $500 limit, rather than several smaller ones. For instance, getting a single $400 money order will cost you just $0.70, while breaking that up into four $100 money orders will cost you $2.80 in fees.
What Forms of Payment Does Meijer Accept for Money Orders?
You have two options when it comes to paying for your money order at Meijer:
- Cash
- Debit card/ATM card
Meijer does not allow money order purchases with credit cards, personal checks, or any other form of payment. This policy is in place to prevent fraud and money laundering. It ensures there is an actual transfer of guaranteed funds taking place.
If using a debit card, be aware that your bank may charge you a small fee for the transaction, similar to using an out-of-network ATM. And some banks place daily spending limits on debit cards that could be an issue if you‘re trying to buy a high-value money order.
For these reasons, most people prefer to use cash when buying money orders. It‘s a good idea to have the exact amount on hand, including the $0.70 fee, to avoid receiving lots of coins as change.
When Can I Buy a Money Order at Meijer?
Meijer sells money orders at the customer service desk during all normal store operating hours. Most locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but some do close overnight. Typical hours are 6am to midnight.
For the most accurate information, it‘s best to contact your local Meijer store directly. You can find the phone number and hours of operation on the Meijer website or app using the Store Locator feature.
If you need a money order outside of Meijer‘s business hours, you may want to try 24-hour retailers like Walmart, CVS, 7-Eleven, or truck stops, which often sell money orders around the clock. You can also get USPS money orders at select post office locations with extended retail counter service hours.
Where Can I Cash a Meijer Money Order?
As mentioned earlier, Meijer stores CANNOT cash money orders, even if it was originally purchased at Meijer. However, you have several other options for turning your money order into cold, hard cash:
- Banks or credit unions where you have an account
- Check cashing stores like Amscot or ACE Cash Express
- Grocery stores with check cashing services, like Kroger or Publix
- Retail stores like Walmart (at the Money Center or customer service desk)
- Western Union locations (since Meijer money orders are issued by Western Union)
- The post office (if it‘s a USPS money order)
Many of these places charge a fee to cash a money order, either a flat rate or percentage of the amount. Fees vary widely but are typically lower at banks/credit unions compared to standalone check cashing stores.
Your best bet is to cash the money order at your own bank or credit union. Most will do it for free with a few exceptions (looking at you, Bank of America with your $8 fee). If you don‘t have a bank account, you may be stuck paying fees in the range of $3-$10 or 1-3% of the total amount.
What Should I Do If I Lose a Meijer Money Order?
If your money order from Meijer gets lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may be able to get a replacement or refund by contacting Western Union. Here‘s what to do:
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Gather information like the money order serial number, amount, date of purchase, and your receipt. You‘ll find the serial number and other details at the top of your money order stub.
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Call the Western Union Money Order Claim Department at 1-800-999-9660. Be prepared to provide the money order details and answer some questions to confirm your identity as the purchaser.
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If approved, Western Union will mail you paperwork to fill out and return. This may include an indemnity bond, affidavit, and copy of your ID.
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Once the completed documentation is received and processed, Western Union will either issue you a replacement money order or refund the amount (less a processing fee in some cases).
The whole claim process can take 30+ days, so it‘s important to keep your money order stub and treat printed money orders like cash. Only buy them when you‘re ready to use them, fill them out fully and correctly, and deliver/mail them promptly and securely.
Some key things to note on your money order to protect yourself:
- Pay to the order of: write the name of the recipient (person or business you‘re paying)
- Purchaser‘s address: your name and address as the buyer
- Memo: what the payment is for (account number, order number, service/product description, etc.)
- Signature: leave blank until you‘re ready to cash/deposit the money order
- Amount: clearly write the dollar amount in numbers and words so it can‘t be altered
What Are the Benefits of Using Money Orders?
Now that you know all about buying money orders at Meijer, let‘s recap some of the main benefits compared to other payment methods:
- More secure than cash. Money orders can be canceled and replaced if lost or stolen. Cash is gone for good.
- Cheaper than most checking accounts. Money orders have predictable, low fees vs monthly maintenance fees and high overdraft fees with many checking accounts.
- No check holding period. Money orders are prepaid and considered guaranteed funds, so they are often available in the recipient‘s account more quickly than personal checks.
- Sender and recipient privacy. Money orders don‘t contain any personal account details that could enable identity theft like account and routing numbers on checks.
- Wider acceptance than checks. Some businesses don‘t accept personal checks but do take money orders.
While money orders aren‘t right for every situation, they can be a cost-effective way to send guaranteed payments without a lot of extra fees or hassle. And with convenient retailers like Meijer offering them, they‘re easy to access for most consumers.
A Bit of Background on Meijer
What started as a small grocery store in Greenville, Michigan in 1934 has grown into a major regional supercenter chain with over 250 locations across six states: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Meijer is credited with pioneering the "one-stop shopping" concept that‘s so popular today.
In addition to full-service grocery, Meijer stores sell everything from clothes and housewares to electronics and sporting goods. Most locations also have a pharmacy, deli, bakery, and fresh produce section. And of course, there‘s the customer service desk handling Western Union services like money transfers and money order sales.
Founder Hendrik Meijer was known for his innovative retail concepts and commitment to customer service. Under the leadership of his son Frederik and grandsons Hank and Doug, the company has continued to thrive and expand while maintaining its Midwestern roots and family-owned status.
One fun fact: Meijer was the first retailer to use electronic scanners at the checkout lane way back in 1976. The company has a long history of being an early adopter of technology to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Today, you can shop Meijer online for grocery delivery or pickup, use the Meijer mobile app to clip digital coupons and track your purchases, and even refill your prescriptions by text message. But even with all the high-tech advances, you can still walk into any Meijer store and get friendly, old-fashioned customer service – including buying a money order.
Tips for Saving Money on Meijer Money Orders
To wrap things up, here are a few final tips to get the most bang for your buck when purchasing money orders at Meijer:
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Buy the largest money order you need. As we covered earlier, you‘ll pay the same $0.70 fee whether your money order is for $10 or $500. So always opt for the biggest money order possible to minimize fees.
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Use cash if you can. Paying with a debit card may incur extra charges from your bank. Cold, hard cash is king when it comes to buying money orders.
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Join Meijer mPerks. This free loyalty program lets you earn rewards on your Meijer purchases, including money orders. You can redeem the rewards as cash off future purchases. Sign up online or in the app.
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Watch for fee-free promotions. Occasionally, Meijer may run specials where they waive the money order fee as a promotion. We‘ve seen this happen around holidays and special events. Follow Meijer‘s weekly ad and social media to stay in the loop.
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Consider alternatives for repeat payments. If you‘re regularly using money orders to pay the same billers each month, it may be more economical to open a low-fee checking account or prepaid debit card instead. You can set up automatic online bill pay and save yourself time and money order fees.
We hope this in-depth guide has answered all your questions about purchasing money orders at Meijer. While it may not be the most exciting transaction, getting a money order can be an affordable, secure, and convenient way to pay when cash, checks, or cards aren‘t the best choice.
Whether you‘re paying rent, sending money to family, or making a purchase from a private seller, you can trust Meijer to handle your money order needs. Just remember to bring a valid photo ID and acceptable form of payment, and you‘ll be on your way in no time.
Happy shopping (and money order buying) at Meijer!
