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 post office. The place that issued the money order will always cash it, but you do not have to go back there — most retailers and financial institutions will cash one from any issuer. Banks and credit unions typically cash them for free if you have an account there; other places may charge a small fee, usually between $1 and $5.
The fastest option is often a grocery store or pharmacy near your home, since they are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account. Post offices cash money orders they issued, and some will cash others. Check-cashing services will cash any money order but charge the highest fees.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid photo ID to cash a money order at any location.
- The person whose name is on the "pay to" line must be present to cash it, or they must sign the back and authorize someone else in writing.
- Most retailers and banks cash money orders on the spot, but some may hold the funds for a few business days while they verify it.
- If a money order is lost or damaged, the issuer can issue a replacement, but you will need your receipt and proof of purchase.
What you need to bring
Bring the money order itself and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must match the name on the "pay to" line of the money order. If the money order is made out to someone else, that person must be with you, or they must sign the back of the money order and write a note authorizing you to cash it on their behalf.
Some locations will also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number. If you are cashing a money order at a bank or credit union where you have an account, bring your account number or debit card to speed up the process.
How to cash it in person
Walk in with your money order and ID. Tell the cashier or teller you want to cash it. They will look at the front of the money order to confirm it is made out to you and check that it has not been altered or damaged. They will then ask you to sign the back of the money order on the line marked "Endorsement" or "Payee Signature."
After you sign, they will run it through a scanner or enter the information into their system to verify the money order is real and has not already been cashed. This usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, they will count out the cash or ask how you want the funds — some places will deposit it into your bank account if you provide account details. You will receive your money and a receipt.
When the money order might be held
Some banks and check-cashing services hold money orders for one to five business days before releasing the funds, even though the cash is in front of you. They do this to protect themselves against counterfeit money orders, which are rare but do happen. If you need the money right away, ask before you hand over the money order whether they will cash it immediately or place a hold.
Grocery stores and pharmacies almost never hold money orders. Banks are more likely to hold them if you do not have an account there or if the amount is very large. If a hold is placed, you will receive a receipt showing when the funds will be available.
If the money order is damaged or lost
If your money order is torn, water-damaged, or illegible, most places will still cash it as long as the amount and issuer information are clear. If it is too damaged to read, contact the issuer — the company name is printed on the front. You will need your receipt and proof of purchase to request a replacement.
If you lost the money order, the issuer can issue a replacement if you have the receipt. The receipt has a tracking number on it. Call the issuer's customer service line or visit their website to report it lost and request a duplicate. This process usually takes one to two weeks, and you may have to pay a small replacement fee.
Cashing a money order made out to multiple people
If a money order is made out to two or more people with "and" between the names, all of you must be present and sign the back, or one person must have written authorization from the others. If it says "or" between the names, any one of you can cash it alone.
If you are unsure how the names are connected, look at the exact wording on the "pay to" line. If it is unclear, contact the issuer or ask the cashier — they see this often and can tell you what the money order requires.
What happens if you try to cash a fake or stopped money order
If you try to cash a money order that is counterfeit or has been reported lost or stopped, the verification will fail. The cashier will tell you it cannot be cashed and will return it to you. They may ask questions about where you got it. If you knowingly try to cash a fraudulent money order, that is a crime, but if you received it in good faith and it turns out to be fake, you have done nothing wrong — just contact the person who gave it to you.
If a money order you received bounces after you have already cashed it and deposited it, your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee. This is rare with money orders from major issuers, but it can happen with orders from smaller or less reliable companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else cash my money order if I sign the back?
Yes. Sign the back on the payee line and write a note on the back saying you authorize that person to cash it. They will need their own photo ID. Some places may refuse to accept this, so call ahead to confirm the location will take a signed-over money order.
Do I need a bank account to cash a money order?
No. You can cash a money order at a grocery store, pharmacy, post office, or check-cashing service without an account. Banks and credit unions will cash them for account holders for free, but non-members can usually cash them there too, sometimes for a small fee.
How long does it take to cash a money order?
At a grocery store or pharmacy, usually five to ten minutes. At a bank or credit union, ten to fifteen minutes. If they place a hold on the funds, you will get the cash or deposit right away, but the bank will not release it from your account for one to five business days.
What if the money order is made out to a business instead of me?
You cannot cash it. Only the business named on the money order can cash it. If the business is closed or no longer exists, contact the issuer to see what options are available — you may be able to request a refund or have it reissued.
Can I cash a money order online?
No. Money orders must be cashed in person at a physical location. You cannot cash them through a bank's mobile app or website, even if you have an account there.