Feb 26, 2023, 11:17 am
Last edit by: lowkeyflyer
Carried forward from 2019-2022 thread
As of Nov 11, 2020, Meta gebits are getting declined when used for MO/BP purchases at MC/SD. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. READ the posts in the 2019-2022 thread and add a data point with details. USB and GD gift cards do not seem to be affected.
Prior threads can be found here:
2019-2022: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...19-2022-a.html
Prior to 2019: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...rt-2018-a.html
New to MO: Read this entire Wiki (Click to open) and all posts for some tips before asking common questions. It is best to know what you are doing before you try.
Note: The policy for allowing gift cards as payment for money orders can be more restrictive with certain stores or certain clerks. Just because an employee says there's a new restrictive policy "for all Walmarts" means nothing. There are plenty of cases where the employee is incorrect and the new policy is only regional or store specific.
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Tested Gebit (gift debit) cards:
1. DO NOT WORK - Any Vanilla product affiliated with InComm or ITC Financial Services will not work for swipes over $49.99.
2. See above on Visas issued by MetaBank. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. Follow the posts below for the latest information.
3. MC issued by US bank OR Metabank MC (Giftcards.com) can work, but you need to change payment type to debit before they enter the amount in the register. See below for details.
4. Gdot/sun work but take about an hour to activate.(VGC issued by Sunrise also limited to $99/swipe, same as Metabank issued cards, and Sunrise was available immediately).
5. USB work
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
NEW Limits as of 11/18 - 8K with ID every 24 hours. ID required for MO over 1K.
Some tips for starting out:
All WM registers allow 4 debit swipes per transaction, but YMMV per store and cashier. Refer to cards as Debit cards.
Start slow and buy one MO with one Gebit to see how it works. Refer to cards as Debit, only this community calls them Gebits. Your store or cashier may have rules that other stores do not have, only allowing one swipe per trans or up to 4 swipes per trans. Read all the tips below and all the posts below before trying more advanced transactions. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card. Fee: 1K MO or less is usually 88 cents each, but ask or check the wall. Subtract the fee from the total or pay in cash. If a store says "no", thank them and try again another day with a different clerk.
Helpful details and tips for advanced transactions:
1. Cost: 1K MO fee is usually $1 each(Some states limit MO total to 750 or 950 and may have a different fee). Subtract fee from your total or pay in cash. Can buy two 1K MO in one transaction with 4 swipes for $1 x 2 in most states. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card.
2. Split payment transactions: You cannot successfully swipe more than 4 cards in a single transaction. If the cashier screws up and enters $50.00 instead of $500.00 (thus making it impossible for 4 swipes to complete the transaction), the transaction will need to be canceled. The funds should return to your cards right away but may take 24 hours, so note the time and person helping you. When a transaction is canceled during the trans, the money returns to the cards. If canceled after, the cash reg drawer opens and they pay you back in cash.
3. Split payment: The amount of each swipe needs to be entered by the cashier. Ask to "split the payment by $$$". The Gebit must have current balance of that amount or more otherwise slip with Error 51 will print out. Warning: (YMMV) It appears (my experience on 3 occasions during prepaid card load and buying MO in 2 different WMs) that after the debit card was charged no cash could be credited back to the card. Cashier should issue cash back. Keep the slip and contact manager if in doubt. Remember date, time and register if no slip.
4. Bad Printer: IF, by chance, you've swiped your GCs successfully, a receipt prints but the MO doesn't, make sure to ask to see the receipt and check near the bottom IF it says CHANGE/REFUND with a negative sign before the amount of GCs you swiped, that means the cashier must give you cash refund. Cashier may have to call for the cash dept manager to verify the refund. Some stores may outright give your cash refund immediately while there are others that will ask you to come back. Think twice before you buy MOs while on vacation or when you're in unknown to you territories for issues like this.
5. Kiosk: Very few Kate's can sell money orders anymore.>>>>Sometime 2016, a lot of WM supercenters have done away with Kate (kiosks that allows loading of prepaids/sell $500 MOs). As of today, MOST, if not ALL WMs, have replaced this with the regular slim ATM to check balance/withdraw money. Kates are a distant and pleasant memory now.
6. MCGC liquidation- The cashier should not enter the amount first. Technically they just can't hit enter after entering the amount. Let the CSR know you need to swipe first and switch the payment type to debit, then swipe and hit "Cancel" or "Change Payment" to select "Debit" on the screen, enter the pin and have them enter the amount.
7. SSN/ID entry - Any MO purchases in one transaction at or over $3K requires you to input your SSN. Any MO at or over $1K requires ID input (and ID requirement can also be forced by cashier at any amount).
Debit codes PDF
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/attac...0&d=1461170080
As of Nov 11, 2020, Meta gebits are getting declined when used for MO/BP purchases at MC/SD. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. READ the posts in the 2019-2022 thread and add a data point with details. USB and GD gift cards do not seem to be affected.Prior threads can be found here:
2019-2022: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...19-2022-a.html
Prior to 2019: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...rt-2018-a.html
New to MO: Read this entire Wiki (Click to open) and all posts for some tips before asking common questions. It is best to know what you are doing before you try.
Note: The policy for allowing gift cards as payment for money orders can be more restrictive with certain stores or certain clerks. Just because an employee says there's a new restrictive policy "for all Walmarts" means nothing. There are plenty of cases where the employee is incorrect and the new policy is only regional or store specific.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tested Gebit (gift debit) cards:
1. DO NOT WORK - Any Vanilla product affiliated with InComm or ITC Financial Services will not work for swipes over $49.99.
2. See above on Visas issued by MetaBank. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. Follow the posts below for the latest information.
3. MC issued by US bank OR Metabank MC (Giftcards.com) can work, but you need to change payment type to debit before they enter the amount in the register. See below for details.
4. Gdot/sun work but take about an hour to activate.(VGC issued by Sunrise also limited to $99/swipe, same as Metabank issued cards, and Sunrise was available immediately).
5. USB work
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
NEW Limits as of 11/18 - 8K with ID every 24 hours. ID required for MO over 1K.
Some tips for starting out:
All WM registers allow 4 debit swipes per transaction, but YMMV per store and cashier. Refer to cards as Debit cards.
Start slow and buy one MO with one Gebit to see how it works. Refer to cards as Debit, only this community calls them Gebits. Your store or cashier may have rules that other stores do not have, only allowing one swipe per trans or up to 4 swipes per trans. Read all the tips below and all the posts below before trying more advanced transactions. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card. Fee: 1K MO or less is usually 88 cents each, but ask or check the wall. Subtract the fee from the total or pay in cash. If a store says "no", thank them and try again another day with a different clerk.
Helpful details and tips for advanced transactions:
1. Cost: 1K MO fee is usually $1 each(Some states limit MO total to 750 or 950 and may have a different fee). Subtract fee from your total or pay in cash. Can buy two 1K MO in one transaction with 4 swipes for $1 x 2 in most states. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card.
2. Split payment transactions: You cannot successfully swipe more than 4 cards in a single transaction. If the cashier screws up and enters $50.00 instead of $500.00 (thus making it impossible for 4 swipes to complete the transaction), the transaction will need to be canceled. The funds should return to your cards right away but may take 24 hours, so note the time and person helping you. When a transaction is canceled during the trans, the money returns to the cards. If canceled after, the cash reg drawer opens and they pay you back in cash.
3. Split payment: The amount of each swipe needs to be entered by the cashier. Ask to "split the payment by $$$". The Gebit must have current balance of that amount or more otherwise slip with Error 51 will print out. Warning: (YMMV) It appears (my experience on 3 occasions during prepaid card load and buying MO in 2 different WMs) that after the debit card was charged no cash could be credited back to the card. Cashier should issue cash back. Keep the slip and contact manager if in doubt. Remember date, time and register if no slip.
4. Bad Printer: IF, by chance, you've swiped your GCs successfully, a receipt prints but the MO doesn't, make sure to ask to see the receipt and check near the bottom IF it says CHANGE/REFUND with a negative sign before the amount of GCs you swiped, that means the cashier must give you cash refund. Cashier may have to call for the cash dept manager to verify the refund. Some stores may outright give your cash refund immediately while there are others that will ask you to come back. Think twice before you buy MOs while on vacation or when you're in unknown to you territories for issues like this.
6. MCGC liquidation- The cashier should not enter the amount first. Technically they just can't hit enter after entering the amount. Let the CSR know you need to swipe first and switch the payment type to debit, then swipe and hit "Cancel" or "Change Payment" to select "Debit" on the screen, enter the pin and have them enter the amount.
7. SSN/ID entry - Any MO purchases in one transaction at or over $3K requires you to input your SSN. Any MO at or over $1K requires ID input (and ID requirement can also be forced by cashier at any amount).
Debit codes PDF
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/attac...0&d=1461170080
Buying Money Orders at Walmart (2022-24)
Jan 14, 2022, 3:49 pm
#46
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
Was wondering if anyone ran into something similar. I know there isn’t much recourse if you’re using gift cards, but I’m using a rewards debit to purchase MO, so a real bank debit, no split tender.
I recently started doing 8k in one transaction. However, after a few weeks of doing this once/week, I got told by a 20 yr tenured MC clerk to stop (it’s a federal crime bla bla bla). They said the max mo allowed in a visit by the system is 3k. Took the 3k and doing the rest at other stores for now…she has to retire someday.
I recently started doing 8k in one transaction. However, after a few weeks of doing this once/week, I got told by a 20 yr tenured MC clerk to stop (it’s a federal crime bla bla bla). They said the max mo allowed in a visit by the system is 3k. Took the 3k and doing the rest at other stores for now…she has to retire someday.
The $3k limit for cash transactions under the Act doesn’t require any special reporting to FinCen but over $3k does require store to get ID info from purchaser and keep on record…. using a debit card is considered a cash transaction whether a bank or Visa debit card. So with your $8k purchase in one transaction it requires the store to fill out a FinCen form…which it obviously never did. Now that is definitely illegal by store. Keep under the radar by spreading the $8k among different stores.
Jan 14, 2022, 4:20 pm
#47
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,440
Yes $3k is usually the daily limit for WU MOs. I had grocery clerks in past tell me I can’t do $2k in MO in one transaction due to it being “illegal” under the Bank Secrecy Act. 😂😂
The $3k limit for cash transactions under the Act doesn’t require any special reporting to FinCen but over $3k does require store to get ID info from purchaser and keep on record…. using a debit card is considered a cash transaction whether a bank or Visa debit card. So with your $8k purchase in one transaction it requires the store to fill out a FinCen form…which it obviously never did. Now that is definitely illegal by store. Keep under the radar by spreading the $8k among different stores.
The $3k limit for cash transactions under the Act doesn’t require any special reporting to FinCen but over $3k does require store to get ID info from purchaser and keep on record…. using a debit card is considered a cash transaction whether a bank or Visa debit card. So with your $8k purchase in one transaction it requires the store to fill out a FinCen form…which it obviously never did. Now that is definitely illegal by store. Keep under the radar by spreading the $8k among different stores.
What you are suggesting in the bolded area is also illegal. It is considered "structuring"
What is considered structuring?
“Structuring” is defined as conducting one or more transactions in currency, in any amount, at one or more financial institutions, on one or more days, in any manner, for the purpose of evading reporting requirements.
Jan 14, 2022, 5:20 pm
#48
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
My bolding
What you are suggesting in the bolded area is also illegal. It is considered "structuring"
What is considered structuring?
“Structuring” is defined as conducting one or more transactions in currency, in any amount, at one or more financial institutions, on one or more days, in any manner, for the purpose of evading reporting requirements.
What you are suggesting in the bolded area is also illegal. It is considered "structuring"
What is considered structuring?
“Structuring” is defined as conducting one or more transactions in currency, in any amount, at one or more financial institutions, on one or more days, in any manner, for the purpose of evading reporting requirements.
Jan 14, 2022, 5:40 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,440
Yes…that definition is the reasoning behind stores not letting u buy large sums MO…..but the real money launderers are who the law is aimed at …they buy large sums of MOs to “clean” the $$$ n then just deposit into a bank account. Usually tho structuring is prosecuted as knowingly depositing less than $10k specifically to avoid the $10k reporting…like at several different banks or accounts on different days. That’s what the launderers do cause they are huge sums they are laundering…drug $$$ mostly. FinCen is mostly interested in illegally obtained $$$ being laundered but there are stories of small businesses having bank acct taken with deposits of less than $10k daily or weekly.
So stores that only allow cash to be used for MO purchases are not doing it to altruistically prevent ML, but rather to protect themselves from being left holding the proverbial bag when someone uses an fraudulent debit card to purchase a MO.
Jan 14, 2022, 5:45 pm
#50
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 60
Yes $3k is usually the daily limit for WU MOs. I had grocery clerks in past tell me I can’t do $2k in MO in one transaction due to it being “illegal” under the Bank Secrecy Act. 😂😂
The $3k limit for cash transactions under the Act doesn’t require any special reporting to FinCen but over $3k does require store to get ID info from purchaser and keep on record…. using a debit card is considered a cash transaction whether a bank or Visa debit card. So with your $8k purchase in one transaction it requires the store to fill out a FinCen form…which it obviously never did. Now that is definitely illegal by store. Keep under the radar by spreading the $8k among different stores.
The $3k limit for cash transactions under the Act doesn’t require any special reporting to FinCen but over $3k does require store to get ID info from purchaser and keep on record…. using a debit card is considered a cash transaction whether a bank or Visa debit card. So with your $8k purchase in one transaction it requires the store to fill out a FinCen form…which it obviously never did. Now that is definitely illegal by store. Keep under the radar by spreading the $8k among different stores.
I know people would do 4x Simon often, back when it worked, so they were fine doing 4K in those instances.
Jan 14, 2022, 7:19 pm
#51
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
yes, but this was moneygram at WM, so DL scan, my ssn in the pin pad, ask for my occupation, all gladly provided. Don’t believe any other documentation is needed right?
I know people would do 4x Simon often, back when it worked, so they were fine doing 4K in those instances.
I know people would do 4x Simon often, back when it worked, so they were fine doing 4K in those instances.
Jan 14, 2022, 7:42 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
And what is crazier is that drug money is always cash to MOs, not GCs to MOs.
So stores that only allow cash to be used for MO purchases are not doing it to altruistically prevent ML, but rather to protect themselves from being left holding the proverbial bag when someone uses an fraudulent debit card to purchase a MO.
So stores that only allow cash to be used for MO purchases are not doing it to altruistically prevent ML, but rather to protect themselves from being left holding the proverbial bag when someone uses an fraudulent debit card to purchase a MO.
When u say fraudulent debit card that means an actual bank debit card linked to a bank account. With fraud on real DC the bank reimburses the account holder and stops payment to the store…..With Visa GC fraudulent use by a scammer who reproduced a Visa gc the real actual cardholder is reimbursed by the issuing bank with new card but idk if $$$ is clawed back from store where fraud occurred. I have been victim of GC fraud several times and the fraudulent card was used in actual bm store so It’s an interesting question. In most stores I visit people pay cash even for large MO cause they are usually the unbanked without a real DC….most of time the MO is for paying rent as landlords have probably been burned with bounced checks…especially in low income areas.
Jan 14, 2022, 9:11 pm
#53
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 60
That’s the info FinCen requires store to keep on file. Yes that is all the info required. The $3k daily limit is with both WU n Moneygram MO. They c.an do any amount they choose but anything over $3k requires asking for ID info per Secrecy Act. Instead of filling out a form stores hold info electronically. WM used to have a book where they kept this data but no longer.
Jan 14, 2022, 9:58 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,477
I had my first experience today getting a WU MO from a Walmart. The quality is much better, and I prefer getting a 1-piece receipt. One bank ATM that always gave me a hard time with MG product accepted it without a hitch. The clerk said that other stores in the area will be switching as well due to a positive customer response.
Jan 15, 2022, 12:49 am
#55
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 126
But be careful with these Vanilla's. I bought 4 yesterday and one was hacked and drained 1:50 after purchase, (first 4 4118).
The other 3 were recycled plastic-to-paper M.O. @ wally within 1 hour or purchase.
Last edited by Chris58; Jan 15, 2022 at 1:15 am
Jan 15, 2022, 8:25 am
#56
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: DL, WoH
Posts: 1,253
It's the first 4 numbers on the VISA GC, (not limited to $99/per swipe). Don't know anything about MC GC's which would ALWAYS start with the number 5).
But be careful with these Vanilla's. I bought 4 yesterday and one was hacked and drained 1:50 after purchase, (first 4 4118).
The other 3 were recycled plastic-to-paper M.O. @ wally within 1 hour or purchase.
But be careful with these Vanilla's. I bought 4 yesterday and one was hacked and drained 1:50 after purchase, (first 4 4118).
The other 3 were recycled plastic-to-paper M.O. @ wally within 1 hour or purchase.
Jan 15, 2022, 11:47 am
#58
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
not debating the 3k reporting limit, I’m happy to provide bsa info where needed. Think there might be some confusion. The issue is that my Walmart store is refusing to sell me money orders >3k in a visit, regardless of my cooperation in providing bsa info. Wondered if others had experience with limits on volume set, esp when all this 3k limit in particular does is set me up to structure.
Jan 15, 2022, 12:29 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 60
Unfortunately WM does not have or does not enforce a corporate policy regarding MO purchases. Go to 5 WM on any given day and all will have different rules for MO. Store managers are allowed to make own rules and those rules can change at any given time. If your WM won’t go over $3k it’s probably related to Secrecy Act reporting requirements that they don’t want to deal with. Can’t think of any other logical reason….but then again WMs aren’t always logical with their rules so it becomes a crap shoot daily sometimes. That’s why I just gave up with MO purchases at WM….way tooooo much hassle.