The basic steps to deposit a money order
To deposit a money order, you need to endorse the back (sign it), take it to your bank or credit union with your account number or debit card, and hand it to a teller or deposit it through an ATM or mobile app. Most banks process money order deposits the same way they process check deposits — it goes into your account, usually within one to three business days. Some banks hold the funds for a few days longer if the amount is large or if you're a new customer.
The exact steps depend on how you're depositing. In-person deposits at a teller are fastest and give you a receipt immediately. ATM deposits work at many banks but not all — you'll need to check whether your bank's ATMs accept money orders. Mobile deposits (photographing the front and back) are available through most major banks' apps, though some banks don't yet support money order deposits this way.
Key Takeaways
- You must sign the back of the money order before depositing it, in the space marked "Endorse here" or similar.
- Deposits at a teller counter are processed fastest and give you a receipt on the spot.
- ATM and mobile app deposits work at many banks but not all — call your bank first if you're unsure whether your branch supports them for money orders.
- Most money order deposits clear within one to three business days, though banks may hold the funds longer for large amounts or new accounts.
Endorsing the money order correctly
The back of the money order has a line or box labeled "Endorse here" or "Authorized signature." You must sign in that space — this is your legal statement that you are the person may have access to to deposit it. Sign your name the same way it appears on the front of the money order. Do not write anything else in the endorsement area unless your bank specifically asks you to write your account number there.
If the money order is made out to someone else and they want you to deposit it for them, they must sign first, then you sign below their signature. This is called a third-party deposit, and many banks no longer accept them — call ahead to ask whether yours does. If your bank won't take it, the original payee will need to deposit it themselves or sign it over to you in a different way.
Depositing at a bank teller
Walk into your bank during business hours with the endorsed money order and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to deposit a money order. Hand them the money order and let them know which account it should go into if you have more than one. The teller will scan or process it, and you'll receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and the date.
Bring your ID if you're depositing at a branch where you're not a regular customer, or if the teller asks for it. Some banks require ID for all deposits; others only ask if something looks unusual. The teller can also tell you when the funds will be available — usually one to three business days, but sometimes longer depending on the amount and your account history.
Using an ATM to deposit a money order
Not all ATMs accept money order deposits. Check your bank's website or call the branch to confirm that your bank's ATMs support money orders before you try. If they do, insert your debit card, select "Deposit," and follow the prompts. The ATM will ask you to insert the endorsed money order into the slot. It will scan the front and back, show you the amount on the screen, and ask you to confirm.
Keep your receipt from the ATM. If the machine rejects the money order or something goes wrong, you'll need that receipt to prove you attempted the deposit. Money orders deposited at an ATM usually take the same amount of time to clear as those deposited with a teller, though some banks process ATM deposits slightly slower.
Mobile app deposits for money orders
Many banks now let you photograph the front and back of a money order using their mobile app, the same way you deposit checks. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check deposit option, and follow the prompts to take clear photos of both sides of the endorsed money order. The app will show you the amount it read from the image — verify this is correct before you submit.
Not every bank supports mobile money order deposits yet, even if they support mobile check deposits. If your app doesn't have the option, call your bank or visit their website to see whether it's available. If it's not, use an ATM or visit a teller instead. After you submit a mobile deposit, destroy the money order or keep it in a safe place for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it.
How long money orders take to clear
A money order deposit typically clears within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank, the amount, and whether you deposited it in person, at an ATM, or through a mobile app. In-person deposits at a teller are usually fastest. Mobile deposits sometimes take slightly longer because the bank has to verify the image quality.
Your bank may place a hold on the funds if the deposit is large (often $5,000 or more, though this varies by bank), if you're a new customer, or if you've had problems with deposits in the past. A hold means the money is in your account but you can't withdraw it yet. The bank will tell you when the hold lifts — usually within five to ten business days. Ask the teller or check your app to see whether a hold is in place.
What to do if the deposit is rejected
If an ATM rejects your money order, the machine will return it to you. Check that you endorsed it correctly and that the money order itself isn't damaged or faded. Try depositing it at a teller counter instead — they can often process money orders that machines reject. If the teller also refuses it, ask why. Common reasons include a missing or illegible signature, damage to the document, or a money order that's too old (though most money orders don't expire).
If your bank won't accept the money order for any reason, contact the issuer — usually the post office, a bank, or a check-cashing service. They can tell you whether the money order is still valid and may be able to issue a replacement if it's damaged or lost. Keep your receipt and any documentation from your bank showing the deposit was rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to write my account number on the back of the money order?
Only if your bank asks you to. Most banks don't require it — they process money orders the same way they process checks, using the teller's entry or the ATM's scan. If you're mailing the money order to your bank, writing your account number on the back can help them route it correctly, but call first to ask what your bank prefers.
Can I deposit a money order made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs it first and your bank accepts third-party deposits. Many banks have stopped accepting them because of fraud risk. Call your bank before you try — if they won't take it, the original payee will need to deposit it themselves or handle it another way.
What if I lost the money order after I deposited it?
Once your bank confirms the deposit went through, the money order is no longer your responsibility — the bank has it. If you need proof of the deposit, your bank statement and receipt are your records. Don't worry about the physical money order after that.
Can I deposit a money order to someone else's account?
No. A money order is like a check — it's made out to a specific person, and only that person can deposit it. If you want to give someone money, you'll need to deposit it to your own account first, then transfer or send them the funds separately.
Why is my money order deposit on hold?
Banks place holds on deposits to protect against fraud and to make sure the money order is genuine. Holds are common for large amounts, new accounts, or if you've had deposit problems before. Your bank will tell you when the hold lifts — usually within five to ten business days. You can ask the teller whether the hold can be shortened.