You can’t directly “cash” a check with a money order — but you can use one to complete or exchange payments after the check clears. Think of a money order as a secure form of payment, not a replacement for cash or a check-cashing service. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use a money order in place of a check, where to cash both, and how to combine the two safely when paying bills or sending funds.
Can You Exchange a Check for a Money Order?
Not directly — but you can **cash or deposit your check first**, then use that money to purchase a money order. Most stores that cash checks also sell money orders at the same counter, making it a simple two-step process.
- Step 1: Cash your check at a grocery store or check-cashing location.
- Step 2: Use the cash to buy a money order at the same store.
- Step 3: Fill out the payee and keep your receipt for tracking.
This is common when you need to mail rent, utilities, or car payments securely.
Where to Cash a Check and Buy a Money Order Together
- Kroger – Offers Western Union money orders and check cashing in one location.
- Walmart – Sells MoneyGram money orders and cashes most check types up to $5,000.
- Meijer – Accepts payroll and government checks and sells money orders.
- CVS – Does not cash checks but sells MoneyGram money orders.
- ACE Cash Express – Cashes checks and issues money orders in a single transaction.
Can You Deposit a Money Order Like a Check?
Yes — money orders are treated almost the same as checks when you deposit them into a bank account. Just endorse the back and deposit via ATM or mobile app. Funds may take 1–2 business days to clear, depending on your bank’s policy. See our
ATM Deposit Guide for timing and limits.
Can You Use a Money Order to Pay a Check?
No — you can’t directly pay or “cover” a check with a money order. However, if you’re short on funds in your bank account, you can use cash or a prepaid card to buy a money order instead of writing a check that might bounce. That’s why many people use money orders for rent or loan payments — they can’t bounce and don’t require a bank account.
Money Orders vs. Checks: Key Differences
| Feature | Money Order | Check |
|---|
| Requires a Bank Account? | No | Yes |
| Maximum Amount | $1,000 (typical) | Varies |
| Can Bounce? | No | Yes |
| Refund Option? | Yes, with fee | No (stop-payment only) |
| Accepted at Stores? | Yes | Some |
Can You Cash a Money Order Without a Bank Account?
Yes — you can cash a money order at grocery stores, check-cashing shops, or retailers that partner with Western Union or MoneyGram.
See our
Tops Check-Cashing Guide for examples of store policies.
Best Way to Handle Both Safely
- Always fill out your money order immediately after purchase.
- Keep both receipts until funds clear.
- Never endorse blank money orders or checks.
- Use in-store counters if you’re exchanging one for the other to avoid theft or fraud.
Final Thoughts
You can’t directly cash a check with a money order, but you can use them together to complete a secure payment. Cash your check first, then buy a money order to mail or deposit. For more helpful tips, visit our
Money Order Expiration Guide or explore our
Check-Cashing Resources for in-store and mobile options.