Post Office Money Order Costs

A money order at the United States Postal Service costs between $1.45 and $2.00, depending on the amount. Orders up to $500 cost $1.45. Orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00. The USPS does not issue money orders larger than $1,000.

These prices are set by the USPS and do not vary by location or branch. You pay the fee when you purchase the money order at the counter — it is added to the amount you want to send. If you want to send $100, you will pay $101.45 total.

Money order fees are lower than wire transfer fees at banks, which often run $15 to $30, but higher than a personal check, which costs nothing to write. The trade-off is that a money order is safer than a check because the funds are may provide by the USPS, and safer than cash because it can be replaced if lost or stolen.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS money orders cost $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000.
  • The fee is paid at the time of purchase and is separate from the amount you are sending.
  • You cannot purchase a single USPS money order for more than $1,000, though you can buy multiple orders.
  • Money order fees are fixed nationwide and do not change based on which post office you visit.
  • If you need to send more than $1,000, you can purchase multiple money orders or use a bank wire transfer instead.

When You Might Buy Multiple Money Orders

If you need to send more than $1,000, the USPS limit means you will need to buy more than one money order. For example, to send $2,500, you would purchase two $1,000 money orders and one $500 money order. The total cost would be $2.00 + $2.00 + $1.45 = $5.45 in fees.

Some people buy multiple money orders even for smaller amounts if they want to split a payment between different recipients or if they want to keep a record of separate transactions. Each money order gets its own receipt and tracking number, so you can monitor each one independently.

How to Purchase a Money Order at the Post Office

Go to any USPS location during business hours with cash or a debit card. Tell the clerk you want to purchase a money order and provide the amount. You will need to tell them the name of the person or business receiving the money (the payee) and your own name (the purchaser).

The clerk will fill out the money order form with this information and print it. You will receive the money order itself, a receipt, and a stub for your records. Keep the receipt until the money order is cashed — it contains the serial number you need if you have to report the money order lost or stolen.

The entire process takes about five minutes. You do not need an account with the USPS or any prior paperwork. Payment is due immediately, in cash or by debit card. Some locations accept credit cards, but this varies by branch.

Money Orders Versus Other Payment Methods

A money order is safer than sending cash because it cannot be used if it is lost or stolen — only the named payee can cash it. It is also safer than a personal check because the funds are may provide. The recipient does not have to worry about the check bouncing.

A wire transfer through a bank is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but costs $15 to $30 and requires both you and the recipient to have bank accounts. A money order takes three to five business days to arrive by mail but costs only $1.45 to $2.00 and works for anyone with a way to cash it.

A personal check is free but slower and less secure. The recipient has to wait for it to clear, and if you do not have funds in your account, the check will bounce. A money order avoids both problems.

What Happens If a Money Order Is Lost or Stolen

If your money order is lost or stolen before it reaches the recipient, you can file a claim with the USPS. You will need the receipt with the serial number. The USPS will investigate whether the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they will issue you a replacement.

The replacement process takes time — usually several weeks — so this is not a fast solution. This is why keeping your receipt is important. If the money order has already been cashed by someone else, the USPS cannot recover the funds, though they may be able to tell you who cashed it.

To avoid this problem, send money orders by mail with tracking or hand-deliver them when possible. If you must mail it, consider using Priority Mail Express, which includes tracking and insurance.

Where to Buy a Money Order Besides the Post Office

You can also buy money orders at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses. Walmart, CVS, and Kroger all sell them. The fees at these locations are often lower than the USPS — sometimes $0.50 to $1.00 — but the maximum amount is usually lower too, often $500 or $1,000.

Banks also sell money orders, usually for $5 to $10 per order, but only to customers with accounts. If you have a bank account, this is often the cheapest option. Call your bank to ask whether they offer money orders and what they charge.

The advantage of the post office is that you do not need an account or membership, and the fees are consistent and low. The disadvantage is that post offices have limited hours and may have longer lines than a grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for a money order with a credit card?

Most USPS locations do not accept credit cards for money order purchases — only cash and debit cards. Some branches may accept credit cards, so call ahead to ask. Grocery stores and pharmacies that sell money orders often accept credit cards, so that may be an option if you do not have cash or a debit card available.

Do I need an ID to buy a money order?

The USPS does not require an ID to purchase a money order under $3,000. For amounts $3,000 or more, you will need to provide a government-issued ID. This is a federal requirement to prevent money laundering.

How long does it take for a money order to arrive in the mail?

A money order sent by regular mail takes three to five business days. If you use Priority Mail Express, it arrives the next business day but costs extra. Hand-delivery is instant if you can do it in person.

What if the money order is damaged or torn?

If your money order is damaged before you send it, return to the post office with your receipt and the damaged money order. The USPS will issue a replacement at no charge. If it is damaged after the recipient receives it, they should contact their bank or the USPS directly.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Return to the post office with your receipt and the money order itself. The USPS will refund your money minus a $1.00 cancellation fee. If the money order has already been cashed, it cannot be cancelled.