why does a money order cost appx. five times more at a bank than a convenience store or the post office?
961764
Most banks sell Cashiers Checks instead of money orders - basically the same thing but easier to cancel, trace or replace.  Your also paying for the banks time which they consider more valuable.
468178
a money order is a piece of paper. Western Union is an electronic money transfer.
976122
The banks are ripping people off with excessive charges, it happens everyday, one of my friends has worked at three top uk banks and always says that the bank never does anything to benefit the customer, its all just to benefit the bank. \nMy parents have had terrible experiences with their bank, they've taken direct debits out of their account earlier than the agreed dates so that they are charged for being overdrawn, then when they are overdrawn they have to pay extra charges because the bank sends out three letters (charged at £10 each) one to my mother, one to my father and one addressed to them both to tell them that they are overdrawn, even though they live at the same address, its ridiculous.  They've done worse to them too but i know that its happening to nearly everyone from working class families. Its just a way of gettig the rich richer and the poor poorer.
77609
It is a marketing trick. Psychologically people will feel that something that is 29.99 is way cheaper than 30.00.
14616
No it is not like a money order. They are cheques issued by credit card and charge card companies and banks etc which enable the holder to obtain cash or pay for goods and services when visiting a foreign country. \n\nThe cheques are signed by the traveller on their receipt and again when payment is being made. They are covered against loss provided the issuing company is notified within a specified period.\n\nTravellers Cheques are one of the easiest and safest ways to carry money/currency overseas. The most popular TC currency would be the US dollar. TC's are very safe as a thief would have to forge you signature AND provide a document verifying that signature. They are very common and easy to get from any bank or ask your local travel agent. The most populat TC's are Visa and Mastercard as they are the most widely used and recognised.
694632
look on the bill. it should have a phone # to track it. but yeah i would cancel the money order epsecially if it was made out for a lotta money and if you gave it to someone you dont trust.  but for organizations and stores and stuff, they're pretty honest ppl.
1047171
If you dont have a bank account and you need to send someone a check/ cheque then get a money order. Walmart and local US postal services sell them. You pay a little extra on top of what amount you need it in. Just go there and say you need to buy one and tell them how much you want it for. It is guaranteed money better than a personal check because it can't bounce/ not be valid.
564135
This is a trick by the card companies to get them to spend more on their cards so they can be fleeced out of more and more interest.  I would rather keep my money safe than have cheap trinkets and meaningless offers; stuff credit cards- its just profiteering from those who can't afford it, like the Lottery.
558836
To receive money, there's a charge for business and premier accounts (for US users).  There's also a 2.5% fee when different currencies are involved, for example changing euros to dollars (or vice versa).
58321
It really all depends on where you live, because although there are several banks which span the country they may not have a branch and/or ATM close by.\nThere are certain banks which offer everything you mentioned. You may want to visit bankrate.com to compare charges.
699591
I have never heard of this.  Often the drinks are the most expensive part of the bill... and they require the wait staff to run back and forth from the table to the bar.  So I would always include the drinks when I am figuring out the tip.
1181962
If the cashier's check was made to you why would you be charged with obtaining funds under false pretenses?\n\nYou had a good, sold it for a price.  The new owner received his pup i assume.  The person who fed-exed you the check will likely be charged as well.  There ARE records of this you know....
257791
yes of course. A money order is the same as cash! There are no holds put on it like a check. SO there is no waiting periond for it. All you need to do is depsit it as you would cash! It will be in your account w the same speed as if you were dpositing cash ans it is actually safer then depositing cash if you are doing it in a night drop. This way you actually have a reciept of this cash so there are no descrepencies if the bank tries to claim it was never recieved!
964027
I hate the 99.cents or what ever , why cant it be 1.00$ make it even. and yes I see your point . believe it or not there are people who really think they are getting a real deal.. it is all just frustrating....or what about , 4for 1$ , instead of 25cents each..
1100018
You really are supposed to ask questions here.  I hope you follow the rules set forth at your job better than you do here.  If not, that might be the reason your customers are "out of sorts".  That and the long wait to get to a teller.
676062
There are several reasons.  One reason - local interest rates.  If you can earn 10% on US dollars at a US bank, but only 5% in Germany, it may make sense to convert DM to USD and earn the higher rate, then convert back.  There are transaction costs to think of.  Large banks also consider political stability, and economic oppportunities.
18631
The bank does not sit and watch your individual account so they don't know if you have enough money or not until the transaction goes through.  If the transaction goes through and you don't have enough money then it is red flagged and you are charged for insufficient funds fee.