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If you’ve ever visited a Post Exchange (PX) on a military base, you might have asked, “Does the PX do money orders?” The simple answer is no. The PX, operated by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), stopped offering money order services as of May 31, 2009.
In this article, we’ll explore why the PX no longer offers money orders, what services are still available at PXs, and alternatives for handling money orders while on military installations.
Does the PX Do Money Orders?
Post Exchanges (PXs) are familiar spots on military bases, providing a range of services and products to authorized personnel. For many years, PXs offered money order services, which were handy for military families, service members, and others who lived on or near military bases.
However, in 2009, the PX stopped offering money orders. While the change might seem significant, it was part of a broader shift in services available at PXs. While they no longer provide money orders, PXs continue to offer other services, such as check cashing and cash back on debit transactions.
In this blog post, we will break down the reasons behind this change and discuss the current services PXs offer, including alternative ways to handle money orders.
Why Did the PX Stop Offering Money Orders?
AAFES, the organization that manages PXs, made the decision to halt money order services on May 31, 2009. This move was part of an effort to streamline services and better meet the needs of military personnel. While the exact reasoning behind the decision was not fully explained, several factors likely influenced this change:
- Availability of Other Services: Money orders are still available at other locations on military bases, such as post offices and other service providers. This made it easier for the AAFES to focus on other key services that were more aligned with their goals.
- Cost and Efficiency: Managing money orders requires resources for processing, handling, and tracking transactions. By discontinuing money order services, AAFES could redirect its efforts into more efficient services that fit the current demands of PX shoppers.
- Digital Payments: The increasing use of digital payments, mobile banking apps, and online transfers made traditional money orders less necessary. As digital transactions became more popular, the need for physical money orders on military bases declined.
What Services Are Still Available at PXs?
Even though PXs no longer offer money orders, they still provide many essential services. Some of the key services available at PXs include:
Check Cashing Services
One of the primary services still offered at PXs is check cashing. Authorized shoppers, including active-duty service members and their families, can cash checks at no charge. This includes U.S. money orders as well.
If you have a check or money order that you need to cash, the PX can be a convenient option, especially if you live on a military base.
Debit Card Cash Back
Another valuable service at PXs is the ability to get cash back on debit card transactions. If you’re shopping at the PX and need some extra cash, you can easily get cash back when you use your debit card. This provides another easy way to access cash without needing to visit a bank or ATM.
Other Payment Options
PXs also accept various other payment methods. Whether you’re using a credit card, debit card, or electronic payment app, you can make purchases at PXs with ease. They cater to both traditional and modern payment methods to ensure customers have a seamless shopping experience.
Financial Services
In addition to the basic payment options, PXs may also offer other financial services like bill payment options or prepaid debit cards, depending on the location. While money orders are no longer available, PXs remain a valuable resource for service members and their families who need to access various financial services on base.
Alternatives for Handling Money Orders
While PXs no longer provide money order services, you still have other options for obtaining or sending money orders while on a military base. Below are some of the alternatives you can explore:
Military Post Offices
One of the best alternatives for getting a money order is the military post office on the base. Military post offices offer money order services to authorized personnel.
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders are commonly available, and you can buy them in various denominations. If you’re looking for a reliable way to send or receive money orders, the post office is a great option.
Other Locations on Base
Besides the post office, other locations on the base may offer money order services. Some financial institutions or retail locations on military bases may have partnerships that allow them to sell money orders. Be sure to check with the base services or directories to find out where you can obtain money orders.
Use of Online Money Order Services
If you need to send money or purchase a money order, consider using online services. Several online platforms allow you to purchase or send money orders digitally, which can then be printed or mailed to the recipient.
Services like MoneyGram, Western Union, or even certain bank platforms may allow you to handle money order transactions from the comfort of your home or computer.
How to Handle Payments Without Money Orders
For those who are accustomed to using money orders, transitioning to other forms of payment may feel unfamiliar at first. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that can be just as effective and secure as money orders. Some options include:
Bank Transfers
For larger payments or when sending funds to another party, consider using a bank transfer. Many banks offer domestic and international transfers through electronic means, providing a safe and efficient way to send money.
Digital Payment Apps
Digital payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle allow you to send money quickly and securely, often without fees. These apps are widely accepted and can be used for everything from paying bills to transferring money to friends or family members.
Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid debit cards are another viable alternative to money orders. You can load a prepaid card with funds and use it for payments or send it to someone who needs it. This method offers the same benefits as a money order but with added flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Why did the PX stop offering money orders?
The PX stopped offering money orders on May 31, 2009, as part of a shift to streamline services. AAFES, which manages PXs, determined that money order services were available at other locations on military installations, such as post offices, making it more efficient to focus on other essential services.
Can I still cash a check at the PX?
Yes, the PX still offers check cashing services. Authorized shoppers, including active-duty service members and their families, can cash checks, including U.S. money orders, at no charge.
Does the PX accept debit and credit cards?
Yes, the PX accepts both debit and credit cards as payment methods. They also offer cash back on debit card transactions, providing a convenient way to access cash.
Where can I get a money order on a military base now?
Money orders are still available at military post offices and may also be offered at other service providers on base. The post office remains the primary location for obtaining money orders.
What alternatives to money orders are available at the PX?
Besides check cashing, the PX offers services like cash back on debit card transactions, bill payment options, and accepting various payment methods, including credit and debit cards.
Can I send a money order through digital platforms?
Yes, you can send money orders through digital platforms like MoneyGram, Western Union, or other online financial services. These platforms allow you to buy or send money orders from the convenience of your home.
How can I send money without using a money order?
You can send money using alternative methods like bank transfers, digital payment apps (such as PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle), or prepaid debit cards, which offer flexibility and convenience without the need for money orders.
Is there a fee to cash checks at the PX?
No, there is no charge to cash checks at the PX, including U.S. money orders, as long as the person cashing the check is an authorized shopper, such as a military service member or their family members.
Can I buy money orders at the military post office?
Yes, the military post office on a base offers money orders, including U.S. Postal Service money orders, for authorized personnel. They are still a reliable option for obtaining money orders on base.
The Bottom Line
So, does the PX do money orders? The answer is no. Since May 31, 2009, PXs, managed by AAFES, no longer offer money order services. However, this change has not diminished the usefulness of the PX. Shoppers can still take advantage of services like check cashing, debit card cash back, and various payment options.
Additionally, for those who still need money order services, military post offices and other base locations offer alternatives, and digital platforms like PayPal or bank transfers provide modern solutions.
The discontinuation of money orders at PXs reflects broader changes in how we handle money and payments. As technology and digital transactions continue to evolve, many of the traditional services like money orders are being replaced by more efficient and accessible alternatives.
While it may take some adjustment for those used to getting money orders at the PX, there are plenty of options available to meet your needs. Whether you’re using check cashing services, digital payment apps, or visiting the military post office, you have access to various convenient solutions on base.