Where you can cash a money order

You can cash a money order at a bank, credit union, grocery store, pharmacy, check-cashing service, or the U.S. Postal Service. The fastest option depends on where you have an account and what's convenient to you. Banks and credit unions usually cash them for free if you're a member, while grocery stores and pharmacies often charge a small fee — typically $1 to $5 — even if you don't have an account there.

The Post Office will cash money orders it issued, but not ones from other issuers. If you have a bank account, your bank is usually the easiest choice because you can deposit it directly without paying a fee. Check-cashing services will cash any money order but typically charge the highest fees, so use them only if other options aren't available.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the money order itself, a valid photo ID, and your signature on the back to cash it anywhere.
  • Banks and credit unions cash money orders free for account holders, while stores and pharmacies typically charge $1 to $5.
  • You can deposit a money order into your bank account instead of cashing it, which avoids fees and gives you a record of the transaction.
  • If the money order is made out to someone else, that person must sign it and be present with their ID, or they must sign the back and you'll need a power of attorney document.
  • A lost or stolen money order can be replaced if you have the receipt and the issuer's information.

What you need to bring to cash a money order

Bring the money order itself and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The money order must be signed on the back by the person it's made out to. If you're the payee and you haven't signed it yet, sign it in front of the cashier or teller. Never sign a blank money order or one made out to someone else.

Some places, especially check-cashing services, may ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. If the money order is damaged, torn, or has writing that's hard to read, bring it anyway — the cashier will tell you whether it can still be processed. If you're depositing it into a bank account instead of cashing it, you typically only need the money order and your ID; you don't need to sign the back if you're endorsing it for deposit.

The step-by-step process at different locations

At a bank or credit union: Go to the teller window during business hours. Hand over the money order and your ID. The teller will verify the amount, check that it's signed, and ask how you want the cash — in what denominations. They'll count it out and give it to you. The whole process takes about five minutes. If you have an account there, ask whether you can deposit it instead; that's often faster and leaves a paper trail.

At a grocery store or pharmacy: Go to the customer service desk or checkout. Hand the money order and your ID to the cashier. They'll scan or key in the amount, verify your ID, and process the transaction. You'll pay the fee at that time. They'll give you the cash and a receipt. Some stores have limits on how much they'll cash in a single transaction, so ask first if it's a large amount.

At the Post Office: Go to the counter with the money order and your ID. Tell the clerk you want to cash it. They'll verify it's a USPS money order, check your ID, and process the cash-out. If it's not a USPS money order, they'll tell you they can't cash it. You can also deposit it into a bank account by mail if you don't want to go in person.

Cashing a money order made out to someone else

If the money order is made out to another person, that person must sign the back and be present with their ID. The person whose name is on the front cannot simply hand it to you and leave — most places require the payee to be there in person. If the payee signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, you can then cash it with your ID, but this is less common and some places won't accept it.

If the payee is unavailable and has given you written permission, you may be able to cash it with a power of attorney document, but this varies by location and issuer. Call ahead to ask whether the place you plan to go accepts this. The safest option is to have the payee deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you, or to have them cash it themselves and give you the cash.

Fees and what to expect

Banks and credit unions charge no fee if you're a member. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart typically charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount. Check-cashing services charge 1% to 3% of the money order's value, which can be $10 or more on a large amount. The Post Office charges a small fee to cash money orders it didn't issue, usually around $1.50.

If you're cashing a large money order, compare your options. Depositing it into a bank account is free and gives you a record, so that's worth doing if you have an account. If you need cash immediately and don't have a bank account, a grocery store is usually cheaper than a check-cashing service.

What to do if the money order is lost or damaged

If your money order is lost or stolen, contact the issuer right away. You'll need the receipt or the money order number. The issuer will put a stop on it so no one else can cash it, and they'll issue a replacement. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days, though some issuers are faster. Keep your receipt in a safe place until you've cashed the money order.

If the money order is damaged but still readable, most places will still cash it. If it's torn, water-damaged, or the amount is unclear, the issuer may refuse it. In that case, contact the issuer with your receipt and ask for a replacement. Don't try to tape it back together or write over damaged areas — that can make it look fraudulent and get it rejected.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have a bank account, depositing a money order is often easier than cashing it. You can deposit it at an ATM, at a teller window, or through mobile deposit on your phone. There's no fee, and you get a receipt and a record of the transaction. The money typically appears in your account within one to three business days.

Mobile deposit is the fastest option if your bank offers it — you photograph the front and back of the money order and submit it through the app. You won't need to go anywhere or wait in line. If you need the cash immediately, cashing it is your only option, but if you can wait a few days, depositing it is simpler and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order without a signature on the back?

No. The money order must be signed by the payee on the back before it can be cashed. If it's not signed, the cashier will ask you to sign it in front of them. If the payee's name is on the front but they haven't signed the back, you cannot cash it on their behalf.

What if I lost the receipt for my money order?

You can still cash it if you have the money order itself and a valid ID. The receipt is mainly useful if the money order is lost or stolen and you need to stop payment. If you don't have the receipt, contact the issuer with the money order number (printed on the front) to report it lost.

How long does it take to cash a money order?

At a bank or store, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. At the Post Office, it may take longer if there's a line. If you deposit it instead of cashing it, the money appears in your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

Can I cash a money order at any bank, or only my own bank?

You can cash it at any bank, but you'll likely pay a fee if you're not a member. Your own bank will cash it free if you're an account holder. Some banks charge a small fee even for members, so ask first.

What if the money order amount is wrong or doesn't match what I was told?

The amount printed on the money order is what you'll receive. If someone told you it was for a different amount, contact them to clarify. If the money order itself is damaged and the amount is unclear, the issuer may need to verify it before cashing it.