Converting a check to a money order

You cannot turn a check directly into a money order. A money order is a separate payment instrument that you buy with cash, a debit card, or sometimes a credit card. If you have a check, you first need to cash it or deposit it into a bank account, then use that money to purchase a money order.

The process takes at least two separate trips — one to cash or deposit the check, and another to buy the money order. Some banks and check-cashing services let you do both at the same location, which saves time. If you need a money order urgently, knowing where to buy one matters more than the conversion process itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A check must be cashed or deposited first; you cannot exchange it directly for a money order at any single counter.
  • Banks, credit unions, post offices, and grocery stores all sell money orders, but fees and limits vary by location.
  • Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them, and that cost comes out of your pocket.
  • If you have a checking account, depositing the check and writing a regular check or using a debit card is often faster and cheaper than buying a money order.

Where to cash a check and buy a money order in one stop

Banks and credit unions that issue money orders often let you cash a check at the same teller window, then buy the money order with the cash. Call ahead to confirm they sell money orders and ask about their fee. Most banks charge $3 to $5 per money order.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores also cash checks and sell money orders on the spot. Their fees are usually higher than banks — often $5 to $10 for cashing a check plus $1 to $3 for the money order — but they do not require an account and have longer hours. Avoid these if you have a bank account, because the combined fees add up quickly.

Post offices cash checks and sell money orders, though not all locations do both. Call your local post office to confirm. The post office charges $1.45 for a money order up to $500 and $1.95 for $500.01 to $1,000, which is cheaper than most banks.

Using a bank account to skip the money order altogether

If you have a checking account, depositing the check and paying with a check or debit card is almost always faster and cheaper than converting to a money order. Deposits take one to three business days to clear, but you can write a check or use your debit card immediately in most cases.

Money orders are useful only when the recipient refuses checks or debit cards, or when you need to send cash without using your account number. If that is not your situation, the money order adds an unnecessary fee and delay. Ask the recipient whether they will take a check or electronic payment first.

Money order limits and what they mean for large amounts

Most money orders have a maximum value of $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you will need to buy multiple money orders. The post office allows up to $1,000 per order. Banks vary — some cap at $500, others at $1,000 or higher.

Buying five $1,000 money orders to send $5,000 costs $7.25 at the post office or $15 to $25 at a bank, depending on their fee. For large amounts, a cashier's check (which you may have arrived here from) is usually cheaper and simpler, since one cashier's check covers any amount up to your account balance.

Fees and timing to expect

The total cost to convert a check to a money order is the cashing fee plus the money order fee. At a bank, that is typically $3 to $5 for the money order alone if you already have an account. At a check-cashing service, add $5 to $10 for cashing the check on top of the money order fee.

Timing depends on where you go. A bank or post office can complete both steps in 15 to 30 minutes. Check-cashing services are usually faster. If the check is from an out-of-state bank or is large, the cashing service may hold it for verification, which can add one to three business days.

When a money order is actually the right choice

Use a money order when the recipient will not take a personal check, a debit card, or an electronic transfer. Landlords, utility companies, and some government agencies still require money orders or cashier's checks for security deposits or official payments.

Money orders are also useful if you do not have a bank account and need to send a specific amount without giving out your account information. They are safer than sending cash through the mail. If you are sending money to someone you do not fully trust, a money order is traceable and can be cancelled if it is lost or stolen — unlike cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a personal check?

No. You must pay for a money order with cash, a debit card, or sometimes a credit card. Some places accept credit cards for money orders, but fees may be higher. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location accepts.

How long does it take to cash a check and buy a money order?

At a bank or post office, the whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Check-cashing services are often faster. If the check requires verification, cashing can take one to three business days, but you can usually buy the money order with cash while you wait.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

You cannot cash a check made out to another person unless they sign it over to you and sign their name on the back. Even then, many banks and check-cashing services refuse third-party checks. If you need to send money on behalf of someone else, ask them to cash the check themselves or write you a new check in your name.

Is a money order safer than a personal check?

Yes. A money order is may provide by the issuer (the post office, bank, or retailer), so the recipient knows the funds are real. A personal check can bounce. Money orders are also traceable and can be cancelled if lost, while a personal check cannot be recalled once cashed.

Why would I use a money order instead of just writing a check?

Some recipients will not take personal checks because they are not may provide and can bounce. Landlords, government agencies, and businesses handling large transactions often require money orders or cashier's checks for that reason. If your recipient accepts checks, skip the money order and save the fee.