Money order and payment counter

Newcomers, people without a bank account, renters paying landlords, people paying for immigration or government services, and anyone sending a guaranteed payment to someone else.

A flat fee per money order, often with a small extra fee for larger amounts. You may also earn a commission on related services you offer as an agent. Income depends on foot traffic and on the terms set by the provider you work with.

• Careful with money and records
• Customer service
• Comfortable following compliance procedures
• Basic computer skills

• Money services businesses generally must register with FINTRAC and meet anti-money-laundering rules, so check whether you or your provider hold the registration
• Record keeping, identity checks and reporting obligations can be strict, so check what applies to your setup
• Quebec and some other provinces may have their own licensing rules, so check with your provincial regulator
• Risk of fraud and robbery when handling cash, so check insurance, a safe and security procedures
• Check your municipality's business licence and zoning rules for the premises
• Fees are small per transaction, so you need steady volume or other income from the same location

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $12,000, depending on your premises or counter space, equipment, security, insurance and any provider fees. Adding the service to an existing shop with regular foot traffic may cost less.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on transaction volume and the fees you earn on each one. Fees are small per transaction, so you need steady volume or other income from the same location.

Check whether you or your provider hold FINTRAC registration, as money services businesses generally must meet anti-money-laundering rules. Check record keeping, identity checks and reporting duties, Quebec or other provincial licensing, municipal licence and zoning rules, and insurance and security.