Post Office money order fees vary by the amount you send, from $1.45 for orders up to $500 to $2.00 for orders between $500.01 and $1,000

The United States Postal Service charges a flat fee based on which tier your money order falls into. If you're sending $500 or less, you pay $1.45. If you're sending more than $500 but no more than $1,000, you pay $2.00. The Post Office does not offer money orders above $1,000, so if you need to send more than that amount, you would need to purchase multiple money orders or use a different payment method.

These fees have remained stable for several years, but the Postal Service can change them without notice. If you're planning to send a money order, ask the clerk at your local Post Office to confirm the current fee before you pay, since rates can shift.

Key Takeaways

  • A Post Office money order costs $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000.
  • You cannot purchase a single Post Office money order for more than $1,000; you would need to buy multiple orders instead.
  • The fee is the same whether you're sending the money order locally or across the country.
  • You pay the fee at the time of purchase, in addition to the face value of the money order itself.

How the fee structure works

The Post Office uses a simple two-tier system. You determine which tier applies based on the dollar amount you want the money order to be worth. The amount you're sending is separate from the fee you pay — if you want to send $300, you give the clerk $300 plus $1.45 in fees, for a total of $301.45 out of your pocket.

This structure means that sending $1 costs the same as sending $500 ($1.45), and sending $500.01 costs the same as sending $1,000 ($2.00). If you're sending just slightly more than $500, you cross into the higher fee tier. Some people in that situation choose to send two smaller money orders instead to keep both fees at $1.45 each, though that requires two separate transactions.

Comparing Post Office fees to other money order sources

Walmart and Western Union also sell money orders, and their fees differ from the Post Office. Walmart typically charges around $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000, making it cheaper than the Post Office for most transactions. Western Union's fees are higher and vary more widely depending on where you purchase the order and how much you're sending.

Banks and credit unions sometimes offer money orders to their members, often at lower fees or even free. If you have a bank account, it's worth calling your bank to ask whether they issue money orders and what they charge. The savings can add up if you send money orders regularly.

What you need to bring to buy a Post Office money order

You need cash or a debit card to purchase a Post Office money order. The Post Office does not accept credit cards for money order purchases. Bring a form of identification — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — because the clerk will ask to see it before issuing the order.

You should also know the name of the person or business the money order is being sent to (the payee), though you can leave the payee line blank and fill it in later if you're not certain yet. The clerk will ask you for the payee's name and your name as the sender, and they'll fill in those details on the money order itself.

Limits on how many money orders you can buy

The Post Office does not set a daily limit on how many money orders you can purchase in a single transaction. However, if you're buying a large number of money orders at once, the clerk may ask questions about the purpose, as this is part of federal anti-money-laundering procedures. Answering honestly — for example, "I'm paying multiple contractors for a renovation" — is straightforward and normal.

If you need to send more than $1,000 total, you can buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you could purchase two $1,000 money orders and one $500 money order. The total fees would be $2.00 + $2.00 + $1.45 = $5.45.

When a Post Office money order makes sense

A money order is useful when you need to send money to someone you don't know well or who doesn't have a bank account. Unlike a personal check, a money order cannot bounce. Unlike cash, it can be traced and replaced if it's lost or stolen. The recipient can cash it at a bank, credit union, or check-cashing service.

Money orders are also common for paying rent, security deposits, or utility bills when the landlord or company requires a may provide form of payment. Some people use them to pay contractors or service providers before work is complete, as a middle ground between cash and a check.

How to fill out and send a Post Office money order

The clerk will print most of the information on the money order for you: your name as the sender, the date, and a tracking number. You fill in the payee's name (the person or business receiving the money) in the space marked "Pay to the Order of." Sign the money order in the space marked "Sender's Signature" — this is required, and the money order won't be valid without it.

Once it's filled out, you can mail it, hand-deliver it, or send it however you normally would send important documents. If you're mailing it, consider using First-Class Mail with tracking so you have proof of delivery. Keep your receipt, which shows the money order number and amount. If the money order is lost or never cashed, you can use that receipt to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about a money order?

Yes. If you haven't sent the money order yet, you can return it to the Post Office with your receipt and request a refund. The Post Office will refund the face value but may keep the fee you paid. Policies can vary slightly by location, so ask the clerk what their refund policy is before you leave the counter.

What happens if a money order gets lost in the mail?

If you kept your receipt, you can file a claim with the Post Office using the money order number. The process takes time — typically several weeks — and you'll need to provide proof that the money order was never cashed. Once the claim is approved, the Post Office will issue a replacement money order for the same amount at no additional charge.

Is there a limit to how much I can send in one money order?

Yes. The Post Office's maximum for a single money order is $1,000. If you need to send more, you must purchase multiple money orders. There's no limit on how many you can buy in one visit, but you'll pay the applicable fee for each one.

Do I need to tell the Post Office what the money order is for?

No, not usually. The clerk will process your order without asking. If you're buying a very large number of money orders at once, they may ask out of routine compliance procedures, but you're not required to explain the purpose in detail — a simple answer is fine.

Can I buy a money order online from the Post Office?

No. The Post Office does not sell money orders online or by phone. You must go to a Post Office location in person, bring cash or a debit card, and complete the transaction at the counter. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.