Where you can deposit a money order
You can deposit a money order at your bank, credit union, or check-cashing service. Most banks treat a money order like a check — you hand it to a teller, they verify it, and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days. Credit unions often process them the same way. Check-cashing services will give you cash on the spot, though they charge a fee (usually $1 to $5 depending on the amount).
Some banks let you deposit a money order through their mobile app by taking a photo, the same way you would photograph a check. Not all banks offer this yet, so call ahead or check your app to see if it's available. If your bank doesn't have mobile deposit for money orders, you'll need to visit a branch or ATM in person.
Key Takeaways
- Money orders deposit like checks — bring them to a teller, and funds typically arrive in one to three business days.
- You need to endorse the back of the money order (sign it) before depositing, just as you would a check.
- Some banks accept money order photos through their mobile app, but not all — verify with your bank first.
- Check-cashing services deposit money orders instantly for a fee, which makes sense only if you need cash right away.
- If the money order is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and some banks may refuse to process it.
How to endorse a money order
Turn the money order over to the back. Look for a blank area marked "Endorse here" or similar language — it's usually at the bottom. Sign your name on that line, exactly as it appears on the front of the money order. Do not sign it before you're ready to deposit it, because once it's signed, anyone who has it can cash it.
If the money order is made out to multiple people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both people typically need to sign it. If it's made out to a business, the person depositing it on behalf of that business should sign their name and write their title underneath. Some banks will ask for ID to verify that the person signing matches the name on the money order.
Depositing through a bank teller
Bring your money order and a valid ID to your bank branch during business hours. Hand the money order to the teller along with your account number or debit card. The teller will check that the money order is filled out correctly, verify the amount, and confirm that it's been endorsed. They'll then process it into your account.
The funds won't be available immediately. Most banks place a hold on money orders for one to three business days, the same as checks. Some banks hold them longer if the amount is large or if you're a new customer. Ask the teller how long the hold will be so you know when you can use the money. If you need the cash right away, a check-cashing service is faster, but you'll pay a fee.
Depositing through an ATM or mobile app
If your bank offers mobile deposit, open your banking app and look for the deposit option. Select "money order" as the deposit type (not "check," if the app distinguishes between them). Take a clear photo of the front and back of the money order — make sure all text is readable and the entire money order fits in the frame. The app will show you a preview; review it before you submit.
Some ATMs accept money order deposits the same way they accept checks — insert the money order into the slot and follow the on-screen prompts. Not all ATMs have this feature, so check your bank's website or call to find out which machines near you accept money orders. Like teller deposits, ATM and mobile deposits typically take one to three business days to clear.
What to do if the money order is made out to someone else
If a money order is made out to another person and they want you to deposit it into your account, that person must endorse it to you. They sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" underneath their signature. You then sign below that. This is called a third-party endorsement.
Many banks no longer accept third-party endorsed checks or money orders because of fraud risk. Before you ask someone to endorse a money order to you, call your bank and ask whether they accept third-party money orders. If they don't, the person who the money order is made out to will need to deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you, or cash it and give you the cash.
Fees and holds on money order deposits
Depositing a money order at your bank or credit union is free. You don't pay to deposit it, and the institution doesn't charge you for processing it. The only time you pay a fee is if you use a check-cashing service, which typically charges $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the service.
Banks place holds on money order deposits to protect themselves against fraud. A hold means the money is in your account, but you can't withdraw it yet. Holds usually last one to three business days. If you're depositing a large money order or you're a new customer, the hold may be longer — up to seven business days in some cases. Ask the teller or check your app to see how long your specific deposit will be held.
What happens if a money order bounces or is fraudulent
Money orders are safer than personal checks because they're prepaid — the issuer has already collected the money. However, fraudulent money orders do exist. If a money order turns out to be fake or invalid, your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account, even if you've already spent the money. You could end up with a negative balance.
This is rare with money orders from legitimate issuers like banks, Western Union, or MoneyGram, but it can happen. If someone gives you a money order that seems unusual — the paper feels thin, the printing looks blurry, or the amount is suspiciously round — ask the issuer to verify it before you deposit it. If you've already deposited it and your bank reverses it, contact the person who gave it to you immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a money order at an ATM?
Some ATMs accept money order deposits, but not all. Check your bank's website or call to find out which ATMs near you have this feature. If your ATM doesn't accept money orders, you'll need to visit a teller or use mobile deposit if your bank offers it.
How long does it take for a money order to clear?
Most banks clear money order deposits in one to three business days. Holds may be longer for large amounts or new customers. Ask your teller or check your app to see the specific hold time for your deposit.
What if I lost the money order before I deposited it?
Contact the issuer (the place where you bought it) right away. You'll need the receipt or the money order number. The issuer can put a stop on it and issue a replacement, though there may be a small fee. Without the receipt or number, it's much harder to recover.
Do I need to write anything else on the money order before I deposit it?
No. Sign the back to endorse it, and that's all you need. Don't write your account number or any other information on the money order itself — just your signature on the endorsement line.
Can I deposit a money order made out to my business?
Yes, if you have a business account. Endorse it with your name and your title (for example, "Jane Smith, Owner"). Bring it to your bank with your business account number or debit card. Some banks may ask for additional documentation showing you're authorized to deposit on behalf of the business.