William Lipovsky
You can purchase MoneyGram money orders at most Circle K locations for a fee of about $1 to $2 per $500 spent.[1][2]
Below, I detail Circle K’s money order policy, including limits, fees, acceptable payment methods, and requirements. I also explain how to purchase a money order at Circle K.
Circle K Money Order Policy
Most, but not all, Circle K locations sell MoneyGram money orders. None of its locations cash money orders.[1][2]
You may want to contact your nearest Circle K to make sure it sells money orders before visiting the store.
I contacted Circle K stations in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Idaho, and Texas to gather more information on the money order policy.
Limits and Fees
Maximum amounts and fees for money orders at Circle K vary by location.[2]
You can typically spend up to $2,500 on money orders per day at participating Circle K stations. The maximum amount for a single money order at most locations is $500.[2]
This means that if you need $1,000 in money orders, Circle K will usually sell you two $500 money orders rather than one worth $1,000.[2]
Circle K charges a fee of around $1 to $2 for each $500 you spend on money orders.[2] So, using the $1,000 example again, you’d pay two fees (one for each $500 money order) — a total fee of about $2 to $4.
Payment Methods
Circle K only accepts cash for money order sales. You can’t purchase a money order with a check, debit card, or credit card.[2]
Tip: Most locations have an ATM on-site if you need to withdraw cash to pay for your money order. The exact fees and limits vary by location and your bank’s guidelines, but you can usually withdraw up to about $500 for a fee of around $3.[2]
If you only need a small money order, some Circle K stations also offer up to $40 in cash back at the register. See more about Circle K’s cash back policy.
Hours
While many Circle K stations are open 24/7, you can only purchase money orders during certain hours.[2]
Availability varies by location but is generally from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.[2]
How to Purchase a Money Order
Once you know that the Circle K you plan to visit sells money orders, the purchasing process is fairly straightforward.
Simply follow the steps below:[2]
- Head to the regular check-out line. Let the attendant know you’d like to purchase a money order, and for what amount.
- Pay cash for the money order amount, plus Circle K’s money order fees. (The attendant will let you know the exact fee amount.)
- Fill out the money order completely, including payee and purchaser information.
- Deliver the money order in person or by mail.
You don’t have to show any identification to purchase a money order from Circle K.[2]
Note that it’s a good idea to fill out the money order right away so if you happen to misplace it, someone can’t fill it out to themselves and cash it.
Alternatives
If you’d like to be sure you’re paying the lowest fee, or if Circle K’s money order policy doesn’t meet your needs, you can compare your purchase options by reviewing the list of gas stations that do money orders.
FAQ
No, you won’t earn rewards, nor can you redeem rewards toward money order purchases.[2]
You can get a refund through MoneyGram by filling out and mailing in a Money Order Claim Card. You must attach a copy of the money order receipt or pay stub and pay an $18 fee (or MoneyGram will deduct $18 from the refund). Note that this fee is non-refundable and MoneyGram doesn’t guarantee a refund; however, it will issue a refund if no one has cashed the money order.[3][2]
No, Circle K doesn’t cash checks.[2]
In Summary
You can purchase a MoneyGram money order at most Circle K stations for a fee of around $1 or $2 per $500.[2]
Fees and limits vary by location, but most locations will limit you to purchasing $2,500 in money orders per day.[1][2]
Note that you can only purchase money orders with cash during certain hours. Money order hours vary by location but are usually between 6 a.m. and 10 or 11 p.m.[2]
If you have any questions about Circle K’s money order policy, be sure to share them below. You can also share your experiences or answer others’ questions.
I recently visited Circle K to purchase money order. The clerk said it was to late and I could come back at 6am. I inquired why do you not sell after 10 pm. He informed me that it was federal law. I questioned that explanation. I told him I believe it’s store policy and not federal law because other places do sell after 10 p.m. He was very rude and defensive and said they can go to prison for doing that. I believe he was informed. Am I right?
Hi, Mary! There’s no federal restriction on money order hours — several businesses offer 24/7 money order services. However, it’s possible that he misspoke and was thinking of a state law regulating money order sales, or that he misunderstood the company’s policy. Regardless, I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience and hope you were able to get your money order eventually!
Hi I was trying to rip my receipts off and accidentally ripped my money order. More than 3/4 is intact including the watermark. When and if I send this money order off will it be valid if it’s taped together and all filled out? Can the gas station reprint a money order if I have the transaction receipt and money order receipt??
Hi Anne,
Its more likely than not that you’re money order won’t be accepted, so I wouldn’t send it anywhere. Try taking it to your bank and cashing it out (even if you’ve filled it out, you can write “not used for intended purpose” on the back and endorse it). If they’ll cash it, use the money to buy a new one, and then send it to where it needs to go. Its also more likely than not that Circle K does not replace damaged money orders. Most retail establishments that sell money orders of other brands won’t, but if you have proof of purchase and everything on the money order is legible, its worth asking. If you can’t cash it out and Circle K can’t help you, you’ll have to request a refund or replacement from MoneyGram. We have a whole article on that to help: How to Refund a Money Order: USPS, MoneyGram, Western Union
Lost my money order and want a new one or my money back don’t have the check or stubborn but got the receipt
Hi Kway,
We published an article about how to refund a money order that might be helpful to you. For a MoneyGram money order, you’ll need to request or print a Claim Card form, fill it out, and submit it along with the receipt and an $18 processing fee to MoneyGram. If the money order has not been cashed, MoneyGram may issue a new money order. I hope this helps!