If you’ve received a check from Western Union (such as a refund check), you might be wondering what to do with it. The places where you can cash a check from Western Union depend on location and the type of check or money order you received. Learn more about your options below.
Key takeaways
- Your cashing options may vary depending on whether you’re trying to cash a Western Union refund check or a money order.
- Some places where you can cash a check or money order include participating Western Union locations, retail stores, check-cashing stores, and the post office.
- Before you go, make sure you have photo ID, the unsigned check or money order, and funds to pay the check-cashing fee.
What type of “check” are you trying to cash?
If you want to know where you can cash a Western Union money order check, first make sure you know which type of check you’re holding. There’s a difference between a traditional bank check and a Western Union money order.
A bank check is a slip of paper that pulls funds from a specific bank account. A money order, on the other hand, is a prepaid certificate worth a certain amount. (Visit our guide to money orders for more details.)
Where to cash a Western Union check or money order
There are many places where you can cash a Western Union check, including your bank if you have one. The cost of cashing a Western Union check or money order is usually just a few dollars, depending on where you go.
Your bank or credit union
You may be able to cash the check or money order at a bank or credit union. Depending on the institution, there may be some restrictions. You might need to be an account holder, present photo ID, pay a fee, and sign the money order in front of the teller, for example. Ask about the institution’s procedures to know for sure.
At a participating Western Union
You can cash a money order at participating Western Union locations, and you don’t need to have a bank account to do it. Agent locations also offer ways to send money, transfer money, pay bills, and pick up cash.
Check whether your local Western Union location offers money order cashing services.
Check-cashing services
The next time you’re at the grocery store, check with their customer service department to see what money services they offer. You’ll often find grocery stores and retail outlets offer check-cashing services for a fee (usually between $1 and $4).
There are also check-cashing stores that specialize in offering this service, and they typically charge around $5 or a percentage of the money order amount.
Post offices
You can cash USPS money orders at the post office. You’ll typically need to provide ID and sign the money order in front of the postal clerk. Post offices don’t charge a fee to cash postal money orders. Check with your post office to see if they’ll cash Western Union money orders.
What to bring when you cash a check or money order
Ready to cash your Western Union check or money order? Once you’ve decided where you’d like to cash it, make sure you bring:
- Photo ID
- The unsigned money order
- Your bank account info (if going to your bank or credit union)
Cashing a money order requires you to prove your identity, usually with a driver’s license, government-issued ID, or passport. This helps combat fraud and shows that you are who you claim to be.
Don’t sign the money order yet. Wait until you speak with the teller, agent, or retail associate first. You typically need to endorse, or sign, the money order in person at the counter.
If you’ll be cashing the money order at your bank or credit union, bring along your account number. The financial institution might only cash checks or money orders for existing customers, or it might waive check-cashing fees if you’re a customer. If you’ll be cashing the money order at a Western Union location or post office, you don’t need your bank account information.
Tips for safely cashing checks
Keep yourself safe when dealing with checks and money orders. Some scammers try to rip people off with fake money orders or by sending a money order that’s too big. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself while deciding where to cash a Western Union check.
- Verify the money order is real. Look for watermarks and check the amount. You can check the status of a Western Union money order by tracking the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) in the app or by calling (800) 999-9660.
- Avoid sending money to people you don’t know. If a stranger wants to send money to you, or asks you to send money to them, be wary. That’s especially true if they claim it’s an emergency. Only use Western Union to send money to your friends or family.
- Use official Western Union channels. It’s best to use the official Western Union app, website, or in-person locations.
Other ways to send and receive money
Money orders are convenient and relatively secure compared to carrying cash, but they’re not always the best choice for your needs. Fortunately, Western Union offers many different ways to send money. In addition to money orders, you can also arrange for a cash pickup or send money straight to someone’s bank account or mobile wallet.
Use the website or mobile to send money now. You can also stop by one of the many Western Union locations worldwide.
FAQs
Yes, you may be able to cash a Western Union check at a bank. Before you go, check to see what the bank’s requirements are and how much it will cost. Bring your photo ID and account information, since some banks waive the fees for their customers.
Yes. Plenty of grocery stores and retail centers cash money orders and some checks. You’ll want to bring your photo ID and money to pay the check-cashing fee, which is usually $5 or less.
Typically, you’ll need government-issued photo ID if you want to cash a Western Union check. That includes your driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
Yes, most places charge a small fee for cashing checks, but it’s usually low. Expect to pay $1 to $5 to cash a check, depending on where you go.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate content, details may change over time. For specific concerns, it’s best to consult a legal or professional advisor.
