If you‘re looking to purchase a money order, your local Publix supermarket is a convenient place to do so. Money orders provide a secure alternative payment method to cash, checks or credit/debit cards. They are especially useful for sending guaranteed funds through the mail or when you need proof of payment.
While not every store sells money orders, most Publix locations do offer this service to customers. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting a money order at Publix—including costs, limits, payment methods, how to fill one out, and much more. Let‘s dive in!
Does Publix Sell Money Orders?
Yes, Publix supermarkets do sell money orders at the vast majority of their store locations. Publix uses Western Union, one of the most trusted brands, for its money order services.
You can purchase a money order at the customer service desk of most Publix stores during normal business hours, which are typically 7AM-10PM, though this may vary by location. The process is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to complete your transaction at the service counter.
It‘s important to note that while Publix does sell money orders, it does not cash them. So if you receive a money order, you‘ll need to cash it at a different location, such as your bank or credit union, a check cashing store, the post office, or wherever the issuer specifies it can be cashed.
What Are the Money Order Limits at Publix?
Most Publix stores have a maximum money order amount of $500. So if you need a money order for a larger amount, like $1,000, you would need to purchase multiple $500 money orders to cover the total.
While a $500 maximum is the general policy, some store managers may make exceptions and allow you to purchase a money order exceeding that amount. However, this is not standard practice. If you are permitted to buy a money order over $500, you will likely be required to show a valid government-issued photo ID for the transaction.
There are no restrictions on the number of money orders you can buy at Publix, as long as each one remains at or under the $500 limit. For example, if you needed $2,500 total, you could get five separate $500 money orders in one visit.
How Much Does a Money Order Cost at Publix?
Publix charges a nominal fee for each money order purchased, ranging from $0.89 to $0.99. This price may fluctuate slightly depending on your specific store location.
Compared to some other money order vendors, Publix‘s fees are quite reasonable and affordable. For example, the U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500, and banks often charge around $5. Some companies, like Western Union or MoneyGram, may charge percentage-based fees.
What Payment Methods Does Publix Accept for Money Orders?
To buy a money order at Publix, you can pay with:
- Cash
- Debit card (with PIN)
- Reloadable prepaid debit card
Publix does not accept credit cards or personal checks as payment for money orders. This policy helps prevent fraud and money laundering by ensuring the funds are guaranteed.
When paying with a debit card, be aware that many banks charge an additional fee for PIN transactions run as "cash advances." Check with your bank about potential fees before using your debit card to purchase a money order. Paying in cash can help you avoid extra charges.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a Publix Money Order
Once you‘ve purchased your money order from the Publix customer service desk, you‘ll need to fill it out correctly before using it. Here‘s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Fill in the recipient‘s name on the "Pay to the Order Of" line. This is the person or business you are paying.
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Write your name in the "Purchaser" section. Some money orders may use the label "From," "Sender," or "Remitter" instead.
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If you‘re using the money order to pay a bill, fill in your account number in the "Payment For/Account Number" field. Not all money orders include this, so you can leave it blank if yours doesn‘t.
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Sign the front of the money order on the "Purchaser‘s Signature" line. Leave the back blank, as that‘s where the recipient will endorse it.
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Keep your receipt, which includes a tracking number, attached to your money order copy.
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Detach the money order carefully where perforated and deliver it to the payee. It‘s wise to make a copy of the completed money order for your records before mailing or giving it to the recipient.
If you have any questions or get stuck while filling out your money order, the Publix customer service staff should be happy to assist you. You can also find video tutorials online demonstrating the process.
Tracking Your Money Order from Publix
After you‘ve purchased a money order and delivered it to the recipient, you may want to check its status to ensure it gets cashed or deposited. Tracking your money order also enables you to cancel it if it gets lost or stolen before being cashed.
To track a money order from Publix, you‘ll need to contact Western Union, as Publix uses their services. There should be a Western Union phone number listed on your money order receipt and stub.
When you call, you‘ll be asked to provide the tracking number, which is the 11-digit money order number printed on your documents. The automated phone system should be able to tell you if the money order has been cashed yet or not.
If your money order has not been deposited or cashed, Western Union can assist you with canceling it and getting a refund. You will likely need to complete some paperwork and show ID to prove you were the purchaser. Be aware that Western Union charges a $15 processing fee for money order refunds.
Additional Money Order Tips
Here are a few more helpful tips to keep in mind when buying money orders at Publix or elsewhere:
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Always get a receipt when purchasing a money order and keep it in a safe place. You may need it to track or cancel the money order.
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If you make an error when filling out your money order, don‘t try to correct it. Instead, cancel that money order and do a new one to avoid the appearance of tampering.
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Double-check that you‘ve spelled the recipient‘s name correctly before submitting the money order.
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Avoid sending money orders for advance payments to people or companies you don‘t know well to reduce the chances of falling for a scam.
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When you deliver the money order, consider using certified mail so you have proof the recipient got it.
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To maximize security, fill out the money order at the time of purchase at Publix rather than carrying a blank one with you.
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Notify the recipient when you‘ve sent them a money order so they know to expect it.
Buying a money order at Publix is a simple, secure way to make a payment when other methods won‘t suffice. While other vendors also offer money order services, Publix is a popular choice thanks to their convenient store locations, reasonable fees, and reliable Western Union partnership.
By following the tips in this guide, you should be well-equipped to purchase and fill out a money order successfully at your neighborhood Publix. You can feel confident trusting Publix and Western Union for this essential financial service.
