What are CVS Money Orders?

Today, where most transactions occur online, it is still considered a worthwhile way to use traditional methods to send money. A money order is one such method, which many people and businesses still trust.

If we talk about money orders, CVC (although it is a pharmaceutical company) is considered a great company as it provides a money order service with competitive rates and fast service. Their stores are all over the states.

In this comprehensive post, we will walk through how to avail of their money order service, their fees, and whether it is worth using their money order service.

So let’s get right to it, as this post will have all your answers related to CVS money orders curated, whether you have used a money order service or are a first-time user.

What is a Money Order?

A CVC Money Order is like a typical one where you just send the money by the go. However, the advantage is that they are more convenient. To do this, you will need the name, address, and details of the payee of the person.

It’s also a good idea to ensure the person you are sending has at least a valid ID. It is very safe to send money using money orders. These are similar to cheques. But in a way, they are better than cheques.

In cheques, a standard fee is deducted from both the sender and receiver’s end, whereas if you send money through a money order service like CVS, you only have to pay for the fee and not the receiver.

All CVS locations across the country offer CVS money orders. Several places are open 24 hours a day.

How Do CVS Money Orders Work?

The company sells money orders through MoneyGram, a money transfer service provider. The MoneyGram money transfer service is as secure and convenient as any other money transfer service.

CVS offers a money order service at its retail locations, making it convenient for customers to purchase or cash orders.

How do you purchase your first money order from CVS?

The first time you purchase a money order can be quite an experience. It is exactly like you buy other commodities.

So, you can assume almost any payment method since CVS is flexible in accepting payments online and in cash. The typical process goes like this:

1.     Visit a CVS’s Checkout:

CVS has a special checkout area for money orders where you can get money orders. Tell the staff you want to purchase a money order and how much you need. Money orders need to be accompanied by a fee, so make sure you have enough money to cover those costs.

However, charges can vary slightly depending on whether you will cross their threshold amount and where you intend to send it. The fee is typically $1.25, with a maximum amount per money order of $500.

The cost is slightly lower than that charged by the United States Postal Service, which charges $2 for orders up to $500 and $2.90 for orders over $1,000. You will receive the money order once you have paid.

2.     Ask for the Money Order and Fill Out:

Please fill out the money order once you have it. Also, ensure all needed information is written clearly, including the recipient’s name.

Before completing the transaction, double-check everything. Getting it right is essential so the money order reaches the right person without error.

3.     Paying Process:

If you wish to pay for the money order using cash, a debit card, or another accepted method, you can use any option.

CVS may charge a small fee for this service, depending on where you live and how much the money order is.

4.     Receipt of Payment:

Upon purchasing your money order, you’ll receive a receipt. Ensure you keep it safe in case you need it to check your payment or prove your purchase later.

The CVS Money Order Process: How Do I Fill It Out?

Obtaining a CVS money order requires filling it out correctly to ensure smooth processing. You can do this by following these steps:

1.     Name of payee:

A money order has the date and exact amount preprinted, so you don’t have to worry about it. Write the full name of the person or business you’re paying on the “Pay to the Order of” line. Ensure the details are correct before cashing the money order to prevent issues. Once it’s processed, you can’t change anything.

2.     Your Information:

You’ll need to fill out your details in the purchaser’s section. Fill out the fields that say “Purchaser,” “Sender,” “Remitter,” or “From” with your legal names and current addresses.

3.     Your signature:

Rather than signing the back of the money order, you should sign the front. There should be no signature on the back since that is where the recipient will sign it.

Append your signature to the line “Purchasers/Singer for Drawer” on the check. Include the purpose of the payment if there is a space for a memo or note.

4.     Fill only the captions required for mailing:

In the same way as a check, money orders are typically endorsed by the recipient on the backside. Leave this area blank.

5.     Keep the receipt for future reference.

You can track and confirm whether the money order has been deposited by using the receipt as proof of purchase. Keep the receipt until you can verify that the payee has received the payment.

You’ll need that receipt for a full refund if something goes wrong or you change your mind. You must show your original sales receipt to get a refund at CVS.

Refunds are available if the money order is unaltered and undamaged. You can only get your money back if you have the receipt.

Benefits of CVS Money Orders

CVS stores make it very easy to purchase money orders. To buy a money order, one must find a CVS store that offers them, and everything else can be done within 10 minutes.

Convenience

CVS stores are easy to access, making cash or cash orders simple. Here’s why it’s handy:

• Lots of Stores: CVS shops are everywhere, so you can find one nearby no matter where you live. It means you don’t have to travel far to get a money order, saving time.
• Many CVS stores stay open late or even 24 hours a day, so you can pick up money orders whenever needed. You can reach CVS anytime, whether early in the morning or late at night.
• CVS has no long wait time because staff are trained to help you quickly with money orders. It will take them a few minutes to resolve your issue so you can get back to your normal routine.
• CVS has everything you need in one place – not just a pharmacy. It’s also a great place to get prescriptions, groceries, and other stuff when you’re getting a money order.
• In CVS stores, customers can pay in two different ways. It is up to the customer to accept the physical money order and deliver the payment by hand to the recipient or complete it online. The customer can send a direct money transfer to the recipient on a MoneyGram account by sending a link through the website.

Security

Money orders are a safe way to pay or send money because they work like prepaid checks. Here’s why they’re safe:

1. Giving any personal information is unnecessary when you get a money order. Having your private information separate from your payment means your identity is less likely to be stolen.
2. Money orders are easy to track, so you can see where your payment is at any time. It lets you know when the person you sent money to gets it so you can be sure it’s safe.
3. They are difficult to copy because of their special markings and numbers. This way, scammers are less likely to make fake ones and steal money.
4. Money orders are a safe way to send money, unlike cash, which can be lost or stolen. Your money is safe when you mail them or give them in person.

·       Widely Accepted

In every state, CVS money orders are accepted by banks, businesses, and individuals. Paying bills, sending money, or making payments to different people, no matter where they are, is possible with them.

When managing your finances, CVS money orders are a convenient and trusted option for covering rent, paying bills, and sending money to family and friends. Since they are widely accepted, they are a reliable choice for managing your money for a variety of purposes.

·       Easily trackable

You can track the progress of your payments with CVC money orders. Your money order can be tracked from when it is sent until it is cashed or deposited by the recipient. Alternatively, you can contact customer service to find out the status.

By tracking your money order, you can be assured that it has been received and processed. Also, it helps you spot any problems or delays so they can be resolved. The tracking feature of money orders makes them reliable for sending and receiving funds.

What are the fees and limitations?

Awareness of any fees and limitations associated with CVS money orders is important. In a nutshell:

·       Charges

You may have to pay extra when you purchase or cash orders at CVS. It depends on where you live and how much the money order is worth. Ask about this extra charge before doing anything with your money orders at CVS.

·       There is a maximum amount of

CVS has a maximum amount you can handle when purchasing or cashing a money order. In other words, you can only deal with a certain amount of money at a time. You should know this limit to avoid any problems or surprises at CVS.

CVS sells money orders with a $500 limit. To obtain more money, such as $1500, you will need to purchase three money orders. So, let’s again assume that it will become tough if you have to send a somewhat larger amount, around $25k.

·       Timeframe

Money orders have an expiration date, meaning they are only valid for a limited time. If you want to avoid problems, use or cash the money order before it expires.

How to Purchase or Cash CVS Money Orders

Follow these steps if you need to purchase or cash a CVS money order:

·       Find a CVS store near you:

The CVS store locator makes it easy to find one near you. If you need help finding a CVS store that offers money orders, use the store locator tool on their website or ask an employee.

·       Visit the Store

You can get a money order from the customer service desk or in-store money order counter.

·       Complete the transaction by

Tell the cashier or staff you want to buy or cash a money order. You will need to give them the money and any necessary identification. In this way, they can complete the transaction quickly and correctly.

·       A confirmation will be sent to you.

You will receive a money order or cash after completing the transaction. A receipt will also be provided for your records. To keep track of your transaction, you need this receipt.

Are there any disadvantages to using CVS Money Orders?

CVS might charge a little more for buying or cashing money orders. It varies depending on the CVS store and the amount you’re dealing with. When handling money orders at CVS, knowing these fees is essential.

·       Amount Limits

In a single transaction, CVS may limit the value of money orders that can be purchased or cashed. As a result, larger transactions might be restricted.

·       Time Limit

Most money orders expire after a certain period. After this date, they may no longer be valid. Later on, you might have trouble cashing or depositing them.

·       Limited Use

Although most businesses and individuals accept money orders as payment, there may be a few exceptions. Depending on the situation, this can limit their usefulness.

·       A non-refundable transaction

It is usually impossible to get your money back after purchasing a money order. With the proper documentation and steps, recovering the funds may be easier if lost or stolen.

Does CVS Cash Money Orders?

CVS does not accept cash orders. It does, however, sell money orders through MoneyGram. CVS locations accept money orders, but they cannot be cashed.

If you need to cash a money order, take it to your bank or a check-cashing store. Some retail stores may also accept cash orders, but policy varies widely depending on the location.

Cashing a money order requires a government-issued identification. You might also have to pay a small fee for this service. Before cashing your money order, confirm the fee.

Can I pay for CVS money orders with a debit card?

Paying for a CVS money order with a debit card is possible. You can purchase money orders at CVS using your Reliacard, a PIN-based debit card, or cash.

Besides the amount that you want to purchase, you will also need the CVS money order fee of $1.25 to pay for it. Make sure there is enough money on your debit card to cover the entire transaction if you choose to pay with it.

You can then purchase a money order with your cash or debit card and a photo ID at the cashier.

Tracking CVS money orders: how to do it?

Follow these steps to track your CVS money order:

1.     Make sure you keep your receipt:

CVS will give you a receipt for your money order purchase. You should keep this receipt safe, as it contains important tracking information.

2.     Visit MoneyGram’s tracking page (not CVS’s):

CVS money orders are issued by MoneyGram, so tracking is handled at MoneyGram’s website — not CVS’s own site. Go to moneygram.com and navigate to the money order tracking tool. Your first tracking check is free; additional status requests may cost $1.50 each.

3.     Go to Money Order Tracking:

Find the money order tracking section. You can find it under the “Services” or “Money Services” tab on the website.

4.     Fill out the form:

Money order numbers, purchase dates, and money order amounts will be required from your receipt.

5.     Submit Details:

Fill out the form on the website and submit it once you have entered the required information.

6.     Check the status of your money order:

Your CVS money order status should be available once you submit the details. Typically, this will indicate whether it has been cashed or is still pending.

7.     You can reach Customer Service by calling:

CVS customer service can assist you if you encounter any issues or have questions about tracking your money order. You can get further guidance and support from them.

Follow these steps to track your CVS money order and stay up-to-date.

CVS Money Order Hidden Fees You Should Know About in 2026

The standard $1.25 purchase fee at CVS is just the starting point. There are a few additional costs that most guides skip over:

• MoneyGram tracking fees: Your first status check on a CVS money order (which goes through MoneyGram) is free. Any additional tracking request after that typically carries a $1.50 fee per inquiry. If you’re checking in regularly on a high-value payment, those requests can add up.
• Monthly maintenance fees: Money orders purchased through MoneyGram — including those bought at CVS — can accumulate a monthly maintenance fee of around $3 per order if they remain uncashed after 12 months. This isn’t widely publicized, and it quietly erodes the value of old, forgotten money orders. Cash any CVS money order within a year of purchase to avoid this charge.
• Replacement and refund fees: If your CVS money order is lost, damaged, or needs to be refunded, MoneyGram applies a processing fee based on the face value. For money orders between $6 and $49.99, the fee is 50% of the face value. For orders of $50 and above, the flat fee is $25. The original purchase fee is also non-refundable. This means losing a $40 money order without cashing it would cost you an additional $20 to recover — so the stakes of keeping your receipt are real.

CVS vs. Walmart vs. USPS: Which Money Order Should You Use?

Choosing the right money order provider depends on your amount, location, and how quickly you need to act. Here’s how the three most common options compare as of 2026:

CVS has by far the widest retail footprint of the three — nearly 10,000 locations means there’s almost always one nearby. But the $500 per-order cap and inability to cash money orders in-store are genuine limitations. Walmart offers a higher limit and in-store cashing at a lower fee, making it the better choice if you need the full $1,000 range. USPS is the most expensive but widely considered the most trusted for legal and government payments, and its network of post offices is the largest of all. For more detail on how Walmart’s service works in comparison, see our full guide on the Walmart money order limit and our breakdown of Walmart money order secrets and cashing fees.

Can You Use a CVS Money Order Internationally?

CVS money orders issued through MoneyGram are generally not the recommended tool for international payments. While MoneyGram does operate internationally as a money transfer service, the physical money order form sold at CVS is designed for domestic use within the United States. If you need to send money abroad, MoneyGram’s online or in-store wire transfer service — available separately from money orders — is the more practical option. International transfers come with their own fee structure, and MoneyGram also applies a currency exchange markup on top of the transfer fee when converting to a foreign currency, so it’s worth calculating the full cost before proceeding.

Who Should Use CVS Money Orders?

CVS money orders make the most sense in a few specific situations:

• You need a money order quickly and a CVS is closer than a Walmart or post office. With nearly 10,000 locations, often with extended or 24-hour pharmacy hours, CVS is frequently the most convenient option at odd hours.
• You’re paying amounts of $500 or less. The per-order cap isn’t a problem if your payment fits within it, and the $1.25 fee is competitive.
• You don’t have a bank account and need a prepaid paper payment — money orders remain one of the few instruments that work without banking infrastructure on either side of the transaction.
• You’re already in a CVS for another reason — picking up prescriptions, buying household items — and can add the money order transaction without an extra trip.

Where CVS isn’t the best fit: if you need more than $500, need to cash a money order in the same location you bought it, or are sending money internationally as a physical instrument rather than a wire transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

Does CVS sell money orders in 2026?
Yes. Most CVS pharmacy locations sell MoneyGram money orders, with a maximum of $500 per order and a $1.25 fee per order. Some locations may vary slightly on availability — call ahead if you’re not sure your nearest CVS carries them.

Does CVS cash money orders?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions to understand: CVS sells money orders but does not cash them. If you need to turn a money order into cash, take it to your bank, a check-cashing store, or a Walmart (which cashes Walmart-purchased money orders for a small fee).

Can I use a credit card to buy a CVS money order?
No. CVS accepts cash and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express PIN-based debit) for money order purchases. Credit cards are not accepted, because money order issuers treat a credit card payment as a cash advance, which triggers additional fees from the card issuer and is not a standard payment method for this service.

How do I track a CVS money order?
CVS money orders are issued through MoneyGram. Track your order at MoneyGram’s website using the serial number, amount, and purchase date from your receipt. Your first status check is free; additional inquiries may carry a $1.50 fee each.

What happens if my CVS money order is never cashed?
After 12 months of remaining uncashed, MoneyGram begins charging a monthly maintenance fee of approximately $3 per order, which gradually reduces the value. Eventually, unclaimed funds may be turned over to state unclaimed property programs. Cash or deposit any money order within 12 months of purchase to avoid these charges.

How many CVS money orders can I buy at once?
There is no published limit on the number of individual money orders you can buy at CVS in a single visit, as long as each order stays at or below $500. However, purchasing several large-denomination money orders in quick succession can attract additional scrutiny from the MoneyGram system, since anti-money-laundering rules apply to all money order issuers.

What ID do I need to buy a CVS money order?
A government-issued photo ID is required. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all qualify. CVS requires the ID to match the purchaser information you fill in on the money order itself.

Conclusion

CVS money orders are a convenient, widely available option for payments of $500 or less — particularly useful if you’re already at a CVS for another reason or need a money order during off-hours when post offices and bank branches are closed. The $1.25 fee is competitive, and the MoneyGram partnership provides solid tracking and replacement infrastructure if something goes wrong. The two things to plan around: the $500 per-order cap means multiple purchases and fees for larger payments, and CVS cannot cash money orders in-store, so you’ll need a bank or another retailer for that step. For payments up to $1,000 with in-store cashing, see our guide to Walmart money orders as the most direct alternative.