Converting a check to a money order

You cannot turn a check directly into a money order. A check and a money order are separate payment methods — one is a promise to pay from your bank account, the other is prepaid cash. If you have a check and need a money order instead, you must first deposit or cash the check, then use that money to buy a money order.

The process takes two separate trips or transactions. First, you cash or deposit the check at your bank, credit union, or a check-cashing service. Once you have the cash or funds available, you then purchase a money order from a bank, post office, grocery store, or other vendor. The whole process typically takes one to three business days if you deposit the check, or minutes if you cash it immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • You must cash or deposit a check before you can buy a money order — the two cannot be combined into a single transaction.
  • Cashing a check at the issuing bank takes minutes; cashing at other locations or depositing may take longer or cost a fee.
  • Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them.
  • If the check is made out to you personally, you will need to sign the back before cashing or depositing it.
  • Some banks and credit unions offer money orders; others do not, so call ahead if you have a specific vendor in mind.

Where to cash a check quickly

The fastest way to convert a check to cash is to cash it at the bank that issued it. If the check is drawn on Bank of America, for example, go to any Bank of America branch with your ID and the signed check. Most banks cash their own checks for free and immediately, even if you are not a customer. Bring a government-issued photo ID.

If you do not have access to the issuing bank, you can cash a check at your own bank or credit union, though they may charge a fee ($5 to $15 is common) if the check is drawn on a different bank. Grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers also cash checks for a fee, typically $3 to $8 depending on the check amount. Check-cashing services exist specifically for this purpose but often charge the highest fees — sometimes 5 to 10 percent of the check amount.

Depositing a check into your account is free but takes time. Most banks post checks within one to three business days, though some hold checks longer if the amount is large or the account is new. Once the check clears, the money is yours and you can withdraw it or use it to buy a money order.

Buying a money order after you have cash

Once you have the cash from your check, you can buy a money order at several places. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at any post office for up to $1,000 per order, with fees ranging from $1.45 to $2.70 depending on the amount. Banks and credit unions often sell money orders to customers for $1 to $5. Walmart, grocery stores, and other retailers typically charge $2 to $4.

To buy a money order, you need the exact amount you want to send, the name of the person or business receiving it (the payee), and cash or a debit card. You fill out a form with the payee's name, your name and address, and the amount. The vendor issues the money order on the spot. Keep your receipt — it is your proof of purchase and contains the tracking number if the money order is lost or stolen.

Money orders have limits. The USPS caps them at $1,000 each, so if you need to send more, you must buy multiple money orders. Banks and other vendors may have different limits, so ask before you buy.

Why someone might need to convert a check to a money order

A check works fine for most payments, but some situations call for a money order instead. Landlords, utility companies, or government agencies sometimes require a money order because it is may provide payment — they know the money is already set aside. A personal check can bounce if your account lacks funds, but a money order cannot.

Money orders are also useful when you do not have a bank account or do not want to give someone your checking account number. If you are paying a stranger or an unfamiliar business, a money order is safer than a personal check because it does not expose your bank details. Some people also use money orders to send cash through the mail because they are traceable and can be replaced if lost.

Fees and costs to expect

Converting a check to a money order involves two sets of fees. Cashing the check may cost $0 to $15 depending on where you do it — free at the issuing bank, potentially free at your own bank if you are a customer, or $3 to $10 at a retailer or check-cashing service. Buying the money order will cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount and vendor.

If you deposit the check instead of cashing it, there is no fee, but you wait one to three business days for it to clear. This is the cheapest route if you are not in a hurry. If you need the money order today, expect to pay $5 to $15 total in fees — more if you use a check-cashing service.

What to do if the check is not in your name

If a check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it or deposit it into your account. The person whose name is on the check must sign the back and either cash it themselves or sign it over to you. A third-party check (one signed over to you by someone else) can be difficult to cash — many banks and retailers refuse them because of fraud risk.

The safest approach is to ask the original payee to cash the check themselves, then give you the cash or buy the money order for you. If that is not possible, call your bank and ask whether they accept third-party checks. Some do; many do not. Avoid check-cashing services for third-party checks because they charge high fees and may refuse anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check and buy a money order with the same transaction?

No. You must complete the deposit or cash-out first, then use that money to buy a money order at a separate location or time. Some banks and post offices are in the same building, which can save a trip, but they are still two separate transactions.

How long does it take to cash a check at the issuing bank?

Usually five to ten minutes. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the signed check. If the bank is busy, it may take longer, but there is no processing delay — the money is available immediately.

What if I lose the money order receipt?

Contact the vendor where you bought it with your receipt number or the money order number. They can look up the transaction and issue a replacement or refund, though the process takes time. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Do I have to buy a money order at the same place I cashed the check?

No. You can cash a check at one location and buy a money order anywhere else. Choose whichever vendor is most convenient or has the lowest fee for the money order.

Can a bank refuse to cash a check drawn on that same bank?

Rarely, but yes. If the check is damaged, unsigned, or post-dated (dated in the future), the bank may refuse. If the account it is drawn on is closed or frozen, the bank will refuse. Call the bank first if you suspect a problem.