Money order and bill pay storefront
Run a small counter that sells money orders and payment services for people who don't use checks or cards.
- $6k-30k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,711 US businesses with employees in this field, -6.4% in a year
NAICS 522320 “Financial transactions processing, reserve, and clearinghouse activities”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small storefront or counter where you act as an authorized agent of a money order issuer. You sell money orders and often add bill payment, prepaid cards and similar services. The issuer supplies the product and systems; you handle customers and compliance.
Your first three steps
- Research issuers that sign up independent agents and compare their fees, commissions, deposit rules and requirements
- Ask each issuer what it handles and what you must do yourself, such as anti-money laundering training, record keeping and any registration
- Check your state's rules and your city or county's business license requirements
Who pays
Renters paying landlords, people without bank accounts, and anyone paying a business or agency that won't take cash or personal checks.
How it makes money
A small fee per money order, often shared with the issuer, plus fees or commissions on add-on services like bill pay. Income depends on steady foot traffic, so location matters a lot.
Skills that help
- Careful with cash and record keeping
- Customer service
- Following compliance procedures consistently
Watch out for
- Federal anti-money laundering rules: agents are generally still covered, so check the FinCEN requirements for a written compliance program, staff training, record keeping and reporting
- FinCEN registration is usually the issuer's responsibility, and businesses acting only as an agent are generally exempt from registering, but check with FinCEN or the issuer, as offering services on your own account (such as check cashing or your own money transmission) may mean you must register
- State rules vary: check with your state's financial regulator whether agents need their own license or approval, and whether extra services need separate licensing
- Issuers often require deposits, credit checks and settlement of sales on a set schedule, so read the agreement closely
- Cash on hand makes you a robbery and fraud target, so check insurance, a safe and security basics
- Fees per order are small, so make sure the location and any extra services cover your rent and costs
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a money order agent business?
Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, fit-out and security. Issuers often require deposits, credit checks and set settlement schedules, so read the agreement closely before committing.
How much can a money order and bill pay counter make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your location and any extra services. Fees per order are small, so check that the location and services cover your rent and costs. Plan for at least 30 hours a week.
What rules and licenses should I check before becoming a money order agent?
Check FinCEN requirements for a written compliance program, staff training, record keeping and reporting. Check with your state's financial regulator whether agents need their own license, and whether extra services need separate licensing or FinCEN registration.
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