Money Orders

[amastewa93]

I am writing a money order for the first time (the place doesn't take cash and I don't use checks). First - Where do you get them? Is it a Western Union thing? Should I fill it out before giving it to them or just wait so I know all the info is correct?

[disneysteve]

You can get them at the post office or many convenience stores like 7-11 or Wawa. They often sell them at the customer service desk in supermarkets, too.

If you aren't sure who to write it to, you can wait until you get there. Just keep it safe because if you lose it before it's filled out, anyone can write in their own name and cash it.

Of course, the other option is to just pay with cash. If you have to go and buy a money order, you're going to give them the cash. Why not just skip the middleman (and the fee for the money order) and give the cash to the business directly?

I'm curious what kind of place only accepts cash and money orders today. It must be tough to be in business without credit and debit cards since that's how most people pay for everything. Based on threads we've had here, a lot of people don't even carry cash anymore.

[phantom]

I'm curious what kind of place only accepts cash and money orders today. It must be tough to be in business without credit and debit cards since that's how most people pay for everything. Based on threads we've had here, a lot of people don't even carry cash anymore.

When I got married 6 years ago, the only form of payment we could use to pay for the marriage license was a money order. They wouldn't even take cash. It's easy to demand a certain payment form when you're the government and have a monopoly.

[kork13]

I am writing a money order for the first time (the place doesn't take cash and I don't use checks). First - Where do you get them? Is it a Western Union thing? Should I fill it out before giving it to them or just wait so I know all the info is correct?

The few times that I've needed a money order (not since...2009?), I've just gotten them from the Post Office. USPS only charged a $0.45 fee for it, so it wasn't bad. I would say just get the money order, take it to whoever is demanding that as payment, and ask them how they need it filled out. A money order is really no different from a check, just a matter of filling out who it's from and who it's for. Pretty simple transaction, albeit a bit laborious.

[Butterscotch]

You can get them from the post office, but I would stay away from there this month as they have lines out the door. Try a grocery store.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

On the money order versus cash question. A money order also gives you proof of payment, as there is a copy made--- a pressure sensitive chemical paper last time I bought one at the post office.

[disneysteve]

On the money order versus cash question. A money order also gives you proof of payment, as there is a copy made

So does a receipt from a cash payment.

[amastewa93]

The License Center here in Pa. does not take cash. Odd, right? I could have written a personal check, but I do not I have checks (I would never use them - except for this).
I found that when I was in Philadelphia this weekend that many places only take cash, so I am wondering if it is an area-to-area thing?

[snafu]

Have you checked with your bank? They likely still offer a small number of non personalized cheques with your account number printed, free of charge. You can add a label top left with name and address.

[bjl584]

The customer service desk of most major retailers and grocery chains offer money orders. Expect to pay about $1.50 for one.

[amastewa93]

I have not checked with my bank about checks, but I may do so! We live in a smaller town, so there are a few places that do not take certain forms of payment. I moved to a small town from Charlotte, N.C. (where everyone took debit and credit), so it is a bit of an adjustment.

[disneysteve]

I would be annoyed about a place that only accepts money orders since there is a fee and an added hassle in obtaining one. At least take cash or personal checks if you aren't going to accept any electronic payment (debit, credit).

[amastewa93]

It was kind of annoying, and I figured if they are a government office (a license center), they would take at least a debit card (it's as good as cash). I only carry cash at flea markets and fairs!

[MattNY]

Not on craigslist right??

The Money Order isn't for a Craigslist transaction is it?? That's a major scam technique bad people on Craigslist use because there's no way to track where you sent money. Such as if they never deliver the good they promised you, etc

[amastewa93]

No, the money order is for a government business. I very seldom buy things on Craigslist.