Does UPS Give Money Orders? A Complete Guide

Does UPS Give Money Orders: Money orders are a secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services, especially when you don’t have a bank account or you don’t want to use a personal check. Money orders are prepaid and guaranteed by the issuer, so they can’t bounce or be canceled. They also provide a receipt and a paper trail for your transactions.

But where can you get a money order? Can you get one from UPS, the package delivery and supply chain management company? The answer is no. UPS does not give money orders, nor does it cash or mail them. This article will explain why UPS does not offer money order services, what are the alternatives, and how to buy and use money orders safely and conveniently.

What Is A Money Order?

A money order serves as a payment method facilitating the transfer of funds between different locations without the need for cash or checks. Comparable to a check, it boasts several advantages:

  • Prepayment eliminates the necessity for a bank account or credit card when purchasing.
  • Enhanced security features include the inclusion of both your and the recipient’s names, and it can be traced if misplaced or stolen.
  • Widespread acceptance allows cashing at various locations, including banks, post offices, or money transfer agents providing money order services.

Money orders are commonly utilized for:

  • Sending funds to individuals without a bank account or those preferring cash transactions.
  • Fulfilling bills or rent payments that necessitate a money order as the designated payment method.
  • Completing transactions for goods or services from individuals who do not accept checks or credit cards. • Safeguarding additional spending cash securely while traveling.

Does UPS Give Money Orders?

Does UPS Give Money Orders? No, Many people think that UPS, the package delivery and supply chain management giant, also provides money order services. However, this is not true. UPS does not issue, cash, or mail money orders. Instead, UPS concentrates on its core competencies of shipping and logistics. This does not mean that UPS lacks other services that cater to its customers’ needs.

Does UPS Give Money Orders? A Complete Guide
Does UPS Give Money Orders? A Complete Guide

Does Ups Sell Money Orders?

No, UPS does not offer money order services as of 2023, and it has never provided such a service. UPS primarily focuses on logistics and shipping-related services for individuals and businesses, including package delivery, freight shipping, mailbox rental, printing, copying, notary public, passport photos, and packing supplies.

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Money orders are not within the scope of UPS’s offerings. The company lacks the necessary authorization from a bank or financial institution to issue money orders and does not possess the infrastructure or security measures required for handling them.

Why UPS Does Not Give Money Orders

Does UPS Give Money Orders? No, UPS is a global leader in shipping and logistics, with over 220 countries and territories served and more than 15 million packages delivered every day. UPS’s core business is to provide reliable and efficient delivery solutions for customers around the world. UPS also offers various related services, such as freight forwarding, supply chain management, international shipping, and shipping insurance.

Does UPS Give Money Orders?

However, UPS does not give money orders, and there are several reasons for that: The reasons why UPS does not cash money orders in 2024 align with the rationale for not selling them, and include:

· Focus on core services

UPS concentrates on its primary services, which involve shipping and logistics. Offering financial services like money orders may divert resources and focus away from its core competencies.

· Regulations and licensing

Providing money orders involves compliance with various financial regulations and licensing requirements, which may not align with UPS’s existing business structure and capabilities.

· Market competition

The money order market is already well-established, with numerous banks and other financial institutions offering these services. Thus, entering a competitive market may not be a strategic move for UPS.

· Specialization

UPS specializes in package delivery and related services, and branching into financial services like money orders might require expertise outside their domain.

· Lack of Profitability

Cashing money orders involves paying out cash to customers, affecting UPS’s cash flow and liquidity. Additionally, fees to the bank or financial institution that issued the money order would reduce UPS’s profit margin. Given the limited income generated from cashing money orders, it may not be a financially viable service for UPS.

· Increased Risks

Cashing money orders comes with inherent risks, such as verifying the authenticity and validity of each money order. This requires specialized equipment and trained staff. UPS would need to navigate the potential dangers of encountering counterfeit, forged, or altered money orders, which could result in financial losses or legal complications. Handling customer complaints and disputes related to money orders could also pose risks to UPS’s reputation and customer satisfaction.

Alternatives to UPS for Money Orders

Since UPS does not give money orders, you may wonder where else you can get one. Fortunately, there are many other places that issue money orders, such as:

1. Banks and credit unions

These are the most common and reliable sources of money orders. You can buy a money order from your bank or credit union, or from another bank or credit union if you have an account with them. The fees may vary depending on the institution and the amount of the money order. Some banks and credit unions may offer money orders for free or at a discounted rate for their customers.

2. Grocery stores

Many grocery stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Publix, sell money orders at their customer service desks or money centers. You can buy a money order with cash or debit card. The fees and limits may vary depending on the store and the provider. For example, Walmart charges $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000, and the provider is MoneyGram. Kroger charges $0.89 for money orders up to $500, and the provider is Western Union.

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3. Post offices

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at any of its locations. You can buy a money order with cash, debit card, or traveler’s check. The fee is $1.25 for money orders up to $500, and $1.75 for money orders between $500.01 and $1,000. The maximum amount per money order is $1,000. You can also cash a money order at a post office, as long as it was issued by the USPS.

4. Convenience stores

Some convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Speedway, also sell money orders. You can buy a money order with cash or debit card. The fees and limits may vary depending on the store and the provider. For example, 7-Eleven charges 1-3% of the total amount, with a $0.65 minimum fee, and the provider is MoneyGram. Circle K charges $1.25 for money orders up to $500, and the provider is Western Union.

5. Check-cashing locations

These are places that offer various financial services, such as cashing checks, paying bills, and selling money orders. You can buy a money order with cash or debit card. The fees and limits may vary depending on the location and the provider. For example, ACE Cash Express charges $1.89 for money orders up to $1,000, and the provider is MoneyGram. Check Into Cash charges $0.99 for money orders up to $1,000, and the provider is Western Union.

How to Buy and Use Money Orders Safely and Conveniently

Money orders are a safe and convenient way to pay for goods and services, but there are some tips and precautions you should follow to avoid scams, fraud, and errors. Here are some of them:

Does UPS Give Money Orders? A Complete Guide
Does UPS Give Money Orders? A Complete Guide

1. Compare fees and limits

Before buying a money order, compare the fees and limits of different places that sell them. Choose the one that offers the best value and convenience for your needs. You can also use online tools, such as this one, to find the nearest and cheapest place to buy a money order.

2. Bring payment and identification

To buy a money order, you’ll need to bring enough cash or a debit card to cover the amount of the money order plus the fee. You’ll also need to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. Some places may require additional information, such as your address, phone number, or social security number, so be prepared to provide that as well.

3. Fill out the recipient information

Once you have the money order, fill out the recipient’s name (the person or entity you are paying) and your name (the sender) on the money order form. Do not leave any blank spaces or write anything else on the money order, as this may make it invalid or susceptible to alteration. If the money order has a memo or note section, you can write the purpose of the payment, such as “rent” or “car payment”.

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4. Keep the receipt and track the money order

After buying the money order, you’ll receive a receipt with a tracking or reference number. Keep this receipt in a safe place, as you’ll need it to track the status of the money order, verify that it was received and cashed by the recipient, or request a refund or replacement if the money order is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can track the money order online or by phone, depending on the provider. For example, you can track a MoneyGram money order here, or a Western Union money order here.

5. Send the money order securely and promptly

To send the money order, you can either mail it or deliver it in person to the recipient. If you mail it, use a secure and traceable service, such as certified mail, registered mail, or priority mail. Do not send cash or personal checks along with the money order, as they may get lost or stolen. Also, send the money order as soon as possible, as some money orders have expiration dates or fees for late cashing.

How Much Do Money Orders Cost In 2024?

As of 2024, the cost of buying or cashing a money order can vary based on several factors:

  1. Amount of the Money Order: Generally, the fee for a money order increases with the higher amount.
  • Provider of the Money Order: Different providers may charge different fees for their money order services.
  • Location of the Provider: Fees can vary depending on the specific location of the provider.
  • Type of the Money Order: Domestic money orders are usually cheaper than international ones.

Here are some examples of money order costs in 2024 from common providers:

USPS

  • $1.75 for domestic money orders up to $1,000
  • $10.25 for international money orders up to $700
  • $1.25 for domestic money orders up to $500

Western Union

  • Fees for international money orders may vary based on the destination and exchange rate.
  • $1.50 for domestic money orders up to $1,000

FAQs: Does UPS Give Money Orders?

Here are some frequently asked questions about does ups give money orders:

Q: Can I get a money order from UPS?

A: No, UPS does not give money orders, nor does it cash or mail them. UPS is a package delivery and supply chain management company, not a financial institution.

Q: Where can I get a money order near me?

A: You can get a money order from various places, such as banks, post offices, grocery stores, convenience stores, and check-cashing locations. You can use online tools, such as this one, to find the nearest and cheapest place to buy a money order.

Q: How much does a money order cost?

A: The cost of a money order depends on the amount of the money order and the place where you buy it. Generally, the fee ranges from $0.65 to $5.00 per money order. Some places may charge a percentage of the total amount, while others may charge a flat fee.

Q: How can I pay for a money order?

A: You can pay for a money order with cash or debit card. Some places may also accept traveler’s checks. You cannot pay for a money order with a credit card, a personal check, or a gift card.

Q: How can I cash a money order?

A: You can cash a money order at the same place where you bought it, or at another place that accepts the same provider. For example, if you bought a MoneyGram money order at Walmart, you can cash it at another Walmart or at any other place that accepts MoneyGram money orders. You’ll need to bring the money order and a valid photo ID to cash it. You may also need to pay a fee to cash the money order, depending on the place and the amount.

Does UPS Give Money Orders: Conclusion

Does UPS Give Money Orders? Money orders are a secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services, especially when you don’t have a bank account or you don’t want to use a personal check. However, UPS does not give money orders, nor does it cash or mail them. UPS is a package delivery and supply chain management company, not a financial institution.

If you need a money order, you can get one from various places, such as banks, post offices, grocery stores, convenience stores, and check-cashing locations. You’ll need to bring enough cash or a debit card to cover the amount of the money order plus the fee, and a valid photo ID.