Money Orders at Walgreens: Your Complete Guide

If you‘re looking to purchase a money order, you may be wondering if Walgreens is an option. As one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S. with over 9,000 locations, Walgreens would seem like a convenient place to get a money order.

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However, the short answer is no – Walgreens does not sell money orders at any of its locations. But don‘t worry, there is still a way to send guaranteed funds through Walgreens. The retailer has partnered with Western Union to provide money transfer services as an alternative.

In this guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about sending money via Western Union at Walgreens. We‘ll also explain the difference between money orders and money transfers, and help you decide which method is right for your needs. Finally, we‘ll provide a list of other places you can purchase a money order if you decide to go that route.

Let‘s dive in!

How to Send Money with Western Union at Walgreens

While you can‘t get a money order at Walgreens, you can send a money transfer via Western Union at select locations. Here‘s a step-by-step look at how it works:

  1. Find a Walgreens location that offers Western Union services. You can use the store locator on the Walgreens website and filter by "Western Union" to find a participating location near you.

  2. Visit the store and locate the Western Union counter or kiosk. If you can‘t find it, ask an employee for assistance.

  3. Fill out the necessary paperwork to initiate your money transfer. You‘ll need to provide your full name, address, phone number, and a valid government-issued photo ID. You‘ll also need the same information for the recipient.

  4. Choose the amount you want to send and your preferred delivery method. With Western Union, you can send up to $6,000 per online or in-store transaction. For amounts over $1,000, you‘ll need to provide additional identification.

  5. Make your payment. At Walgreens, you can pay for your money transfer with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Keep in mind that using a credit card will result in a cash advance fee from your credit card company.

  6. Keep your receipt, which will include a 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Give this number to your recipient, as they will need it to pick up the money on their end.

Depending on the delivery method you choose, your recipient should have access to the funds within a matter of minutes.

What Are the Western Union Fees at Walgreens?

The cost to send a Western Union money transfer at Walgreens depends on a few factors, including:

  • The amount you are sending
  • Where you are sending the money to
  • The delivery method you choose (in minutes or in 3 business days)

In general, you can expect to pay a base fee of $11 for a money transfer within the U.S. For international transfers, the fees start at around $14 but can be significantly higher depending on the country and amount.

There are a few ways you may be able to reduce your fees:

  • If you are not in a rush, choosing the "3 Day" delivery option instead of "In Minutes" can lower the cost.
  • Becoming a Western Union My WU member allows you to earn points on transactions that you can redeem for fee reductions.
  • Promotions are sometimes available for discounts on transfer fees to certain countries or regions.

Keep in mind that if you pay with a credit card rather than cash or debit, you‘ll face an additional cash advance fee from your credit card company. To avoid this extra charge, pay with cash if possible.

Receiving Money via Western Union at Walgreens

You can also pick up money from a Western Union transfer at participating Walgreens locations. All you need to provide is:

  • A valid, government-issued photo ID
  • The 10-digit MTCN provided by the sender
  • The expected amount to be received

After showing your ID and providing the MTCN at the Western Union counter, you‘ll be asked to fill out a short form. Once that‘s complete, you‘ll be given the money in cash. It‘s important that you know the expected dollar amount, as you won‘t be able to pick up the transfer otherwise.

Currently, Walgreens caps the amount you can receive per money transfer at $300. If you are expecting more than that, you‘ll need to go to a different Western Union location that can accommodate a higher payout.

Money Orders vs. Money Transfers: What‘s the Difference?

While money orders and money transfers are both secure ways to send money, they have a few key differences. Here‘s a quick breakdown:

Money Orders:

  • A money order is essentially a prepaid check. You pay the amount upfront, and the recipient can cash it like they would a regular check.
  • Money orders can typically be purchased for up to $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you‘ll need to purchase multiple money orders.
  • They can only be deposited or cashed within the country they are issued in. International money orders are available but may be more difficult to find.
  • Once a money order has been cashed, you can‘t cancel it or get a refund.

Money Transfers:

  • Money transfers allow you to send funds electronically from one party to another. The recipient can pick up the money in cash or have it deposited directly into their bank account.
  • You can send up to $6,000 per transfer at Walgreens, with the option for higher limits at other Western Union locations.
  • Money transfers can be sent internationally to over 200 countries and territories. In some cases, funds can be available in a matter of minutes.
  • If needed, you can cancel a money transfer before it has been picked up by the recipient and get a refund.

The right option for you ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you just need to send a smaller amount within the same country, a money order may be sufficient. But if you need to send a larger sum or transfer money internationally, a money transfer is likely the better choice.

Other Places to Get Money Orders

If you decide a traditional money order is the best fit for your needs, there are plenty of places you can purchase them beyond Walgreens. Some popular options include:

  • The Post Office (USPS)
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Walmart
  • Kroger and other grocery stores
  • CVS
  • 7-Eleven
  • Check cashing and payday loan stores

Many of these retailers have a maximum money order limit of $500 to $1,000 per money order. So if you need to send a larger amount, you‘ll likely need to purchase multiple.

Fees also vary depending on the provider, but you can generally expect to pay between $0.50 and $5 per money order. To get the best price, it‘s worth checking a few different locations to compare.

Expert Tips for Sending Money Safely

Whether you opt for a money order or money transfer, here are a few best practices to ensure your funds arrive safely and securely:

  • Only send money to people you know and trust. If a stranger asks you to send them money, it‘s likely a scam.
  • When filling out a money order, keep your receipt and make a note of the money order number. This will be important if the money order gets lost or stolen.
  • If sending a money transfer, be sure you have the recipient‘s correct name and location. With services like Western Union, the recipient will need a government-issued ID that matches the name on the transfer.
  • Avoid sending money transfers for online purchases, as this can be a common scam tactic. Stick to trusted payment methods like credit cards or PayPal for online transactions.
  • If you suspect you may have been scammed, contact the money transfer service or money order issuer immediately to see if they can cancel the transaction.

By following these tips and using common sense, you can avoid falling victim to fraud and ensure your money gets where it needs to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about money orders and money transfers at Walgreens? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

Q: How much does a Western Union money transfer cost at Walgreens?
A: Fees start at $11 for domestic transfers and $14 for international transfers, but the total cost depends on the amount, destination, and delivery speed.

Q: Is there a limit to how much money I can send via Western Union at Walgreens?
A: Yes, the maximum amount you can send per transfer at Walgreens is $6,000. For transfers over $1,000, you‘ll need to provide additional identification.

Q: How quickly will my recipient be able to pick up money from a Western Union transfer?
A: If you choose the "In Minutes" option, your recipient can pick up the cash within a matter of minutes. If you choose the less expensive "3 Day" option, it will take up to 3 business days.

Q: Can I send a money transfer internationally through Western Union at Walgreens?
A: Yes, you can send a Western Union money transfer to over 200 countries and territories through Walgreens.

Q: What do I need to receive money from a Western Union transfer at Walgreens?
A: You‘ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID, the 10-digit MTCN provided by the sender, and the expected dollar amount of the transfer. Walgreens can only pay out amounts up to $300 per transfer.

Q: What forms of payment does Walgreens accept for Western Union transfers?
A: You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. However, paying with a credit card will result in extra cash advance fees.

Q: What hours can I send a Western Union transfer at Walgreens?
A: Most Walgreens locations are open 24/7, so you can send a money transfer at any time. However, some locations may have limited hours for Western Union services.

Q: Is it safe to send money through Western Union?
A: As long as you are sending money to someone you know and trust, Western Union is a safe way to transfer funds. Be wary of strangers asking you to send money, as this is often a scam.

The Bottom Line

While you can‘t purchase a traditional money order at Walgreens, you can complete a Western Union money transfer at select locations nationwide. Western Union is a secure and convenient option for sending money domestically or internationally, with funds available for your recipient to pick up in as little as a few minutes.

Of course, money transfers aren‘t right for every situation. If you need to send a smaller amount within the same country, a money order from a place like the Post Office or Walmart may be a simpler solution.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow best practices for sending money safely and securely. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your funds arrive in the right hands every time.