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Money orders remain a popular payment method for those who want a secure alternative to cash and checks. With major players like Western Union, USPS, and grocery stores providing money order services, some may wonder if shipping giants like UPS have joined the mix.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about UPS and money orders in 2024. We’ll explain what money orders are, look at whether UPS sells or cashes them, discuss the reasons behind UPS’s policies, and suggest some alternate places to get money orders next year.
What are Money Orders?
A money order works similarly to a check, serving as a guaranteed payment form when cash or checks aren’t practical. Here’s a quick rundown of how they work:
- Prepaid – You pay for the full amount upfront when purchasing it.
- Named Payee – The recipient’s name is written on the money order, ensuring only that person can cash it.
- Guaranteed Funds – Once purchased, the funds are guaranteed as long as the money order is valid and authentic.
- Trackable – Money orders can be tracked and replaced if lost or stolen.
- Widely Accepted – Can be cashed in thousands of locations including banks, post offices, check cashing stores, and more.
Money orders provide a secure way to:
- Pay bills and rent
- Send funds as gifts
- Make online purchases
- Support those without bank accounts
With the basics covered, let’s look at UPS’s policies for buying and cashing money orders.
Does UPS Sell Money Orders in 2024?
The short answer is no, UPS does not currently sell money orders and will not offer them in 2024.
UPS is primarily a package delivery company. While they offer some retail services like mailboxes and notary public, money orders fall outside their current offerings.
UPS has no announced plans to expand into the money order business next year. Customers should not expect to see this payment method available for purchase at UPS Stores or drop-off locations.
Why Doesn’t UPS Sell Money Orders?
There are a few core reasons why UPS passes when it comes to issuing money orders:
Not Part of Core Business
As a global shipping and logistics provider, UPS focuses its retail services on offerings that align with package delivery. This includes mailboxes, packing supplies, and document printing/shredding.
Selling money orders doesn’t fit into UPS’s brand identity or advance their core business.
Low-Profit Margins
Money orders come with thin profit margins. Fees for purchasing a money order are typically under $2.
With overhead costs, UPS would not generate significant revenue from selling money orders. The hassle and risks outweigh the potential profits.
Security Concerns
Issuing money orders requires handling large cash amounts. UPS would need to implement extra security protocols to mitigate the risks of theft and fraud.
As primarily a logistics company, UPS may not want to take on the risks associated with becoming a financial services provider.
Do UPS Cash Money Orders in 2024?
Similar to selling, UPS does not offer money order cashing services. This policy will remain in place for 2024.
UPS is not authorized to verify and cash orders. Lacking the proper financial agreements, equipment, and security, they steer clear of additional liability.
Why Doesn’t UPS Cash Money Orders?
Some reasons UPS avoids cashing money orders include:
No Financial Authorization
UPS has no partnerships with banks or other financial institutions to verify and cash orders. This function falls outside their authority.
Increased Costs, Decreased Profits
Cashing money orders requires fronting cash. UPS would have to retrieve funds through the issuing institution while waiting for reimbursement. This could strain cash flow.
Security and Fraud Risks
Cashing money orders opens UPS up to potential fraud through counterfeit or altered documents. Additional security measures would be needed to mitigate these risks.
Outside Core Business
As UPS continues focusing on logistics and delivery, cashing money orders falls outside this scope and could spread resources too thin.
Alternatives for Buying Money Orders
While UPS won’t sell cash orders in 2024, many other convenient options exist:
United States Postal Service (USPS)
With post office locations everywhere, USPS offers a trusted and accessible option for money orders. Expect to pay from $1.25 to $10 for a US domestic order.
Banks and Credit Unions
Most banks and credit unions provide money order services. Fees are usually under $5. An account may be required to purchase them.
Supermarkets and Pharmacies
Many grocery store chains and pharmacies sell money orders as a customer convenience. Walmart, Kroger, and CVS are good options.
Money Transfer Services
Western Union, MoneyGram, and other money transfer companies specialize in various payment instruments like money orders. Fees start around $1.50.
Check Cashing Stores
Check-cashing stores aimed at underbanked customers often provide money-order services. Fees vary but tend to be on the higher side.
With so many choices, compare all fees and requirements before selecting the best money order provider for your needs.
Cost of Money Orders in 2024
Money order prices can fluctuate in 2024 due to inflation and provider fees. Here are some average costs to expect:
- USPS – $1.25 to $10 for domestic, $10.25 for international
- Western Union – $1.50 for domestic, variable for international
- MoneyGram – $1.25 to $1.65 for domestic, variable for international
- Banks/Credit Unions – Under $5 for domestic
- Retailers – $0.65 to $0.88 for domestic
International money orders will have added costs. Government-backed USPS remains among the cheaper options, though retail providers like grocery stores sometimes run promotions.
Certain providers may limit purchase amounts. Research options to find the right fit based on your budget and needs.
Key Takeaways: UPS and Money Orders in 2024
- UPS does not currently sell or cash orders, nor will they offer these services in 2024.
- Reasons UPS avoids the money order business include security risks, low profits, and deviation from core shipping services.
- Alternatives for buying money orders include USPS, banks, credit unions, retailers, money transfer services and check cashing stores.
- Money order prices in 2024 will likely be $1.25 to $10 for domestic and higher for international. Shop around for the best rates.
While UPS won’t meet your money order needs, many affordable and convenient options exist. With prepaid guarantees and wide acceptance, money orders remain a useful payment method in 2024 when cash or checks don’t work.
