Where you can buy a money order
You can buy a money order at most banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The easiest option depends on where you already do business and what's closest to you. Banks and credit unions usually charge the least — often $1 to $3 per money order — while convenience stores and grocery stores may charge $2 to $5. The post office typically charges $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount.
Not every location sells money orders, so call ahead if you're going somewhere unfamiliar. Some banks limit money orders to customers only, and some small convenience stores don't carry them at all. If you bank online and rarely visit a branch, the post office is usually your most reliable option since there's one in nearly every town.
Key Takeaways
- You can buy money orders at banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and many convenience stores without needing a bank account.
- Bring a valid photo ID and enough cash or a debit card to cover the money order amount plus the fee.
- The fee varies by location — typically $1 to $5 — and is added to the total cost.
- Fill in the payee name, your name as sender, and the amount before you leave the counter.
- Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to cancel or trace it.
What to bring when you buy a money order
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some places accept other forms of ID, but a photo ID is the standard. You'll also need cash or a debit card to pay for the money order. Most places won't accept credit cards for money orders, though some banks may make exceptions for their own customers.
The amount you need to bring is the money order amount plus the fee. If you're buying a $500 money order and the fee is $2.50, bring $502.50. You don't need a bank account to buy a money order, and you don't need to be a customer of that business.
How to fill out a money order
The cashier will hand you a blank money order form. You'll fill in four key pieces of information: the amount, the payee name (who the money is going to), your name as the sender, and your address. Write clearly in pen, not pencil. The payee name must match exactly how the recipient wants it — if you're paying a company, use the full legal name, not a shortened version.
Some money orders have a memo line where you can write what the payment is for — rent, invoice number, account number, or whatever the recipient needs to match the payment to their records. Fill this in if the form has it. Don't sign the money order yet; many places require you to sign it in front of the cashier so they can verify your ID matches the signature.
Money order limits and fees
Most money orders have a maximum amount of $500 to $1,000, depending on where you buy them. If you need to send more than that, you'll need to buy multiple money orders. The post office caps money orders at $1,000. Banks and credit unions may allow higher amounts, so ask if you're sending a large sum.
Fees range from about $1 at the post office to $5 at some convenience stores. Grocery stores and pharmacies with money order services typically charge $2 to $3. The fee is non-refundable once you've bought the money order, so if you change your mind, you'll lose the fee when you cancel it.
Getting a receipt and tracking your money order
The cashier will give you a receipt that shows the amount, the fee, and a tracking number. Keep this receipt until the money order is cashed. The tracking number lets you check whether the money order has been deposited and allows you to cancel it if something goes wrong. You can usually check the status online through the issuer's website — the post office, bank, or store that sold it to you.
If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can use the tracking number to file a claim and get a replacement. This process typically takes a few weeks. If the recipient says they never received it, the tracking number proves whether it was cashed and by whom.
Paying for a money order with cash versus card
Most places accept both cash and debit cards for money orders. Paying with cash is straightforward — hand over the exact amount or get change. Paying with a debit card works the same way as any other purchase, though some smaller stores may have a minimum transaction amount or may not accept cards at all.
Credit cards are rarely accepted for money orders because they're considered a cash advance in many cases, which triggers fees and interest. If you don't have cash or a debit card, ask the cashier whether they accept credit cards before you get in line. Some banks make exceptions for their own customers, but this is not standard.
What to do if you need to cancel a money order
If you bought a money order and no longer need it, you can cancel it and get a refund. Contact the place where you bought it — bring your receipt and the tracking number. The issuer will check whether the money order has been cashed. If it hasn't, they'll refund your money, though they may keep the fee you paid.
The refund process takes time, usually several weeks. Some places require you to wait a certain period — often 30 days — before they'll process a cancellation, to make sure the recipient doesn't deposit it after you've already asked for a refund. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot cancel it or get your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order without a photo ID?
No. A valid photo ID is required at nearly all locations. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If you don't have a photo ID, you'll need to get one before you can buy a money order.
What's the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?
A money order is smaller (usually capped at $500–$1,000), costs less, and can be bought at many retail locations. A cashier's check is issued by a bank, has no amount limit, costs more, and is typically used for larger transactions. Both are may provide funds, meaning the money is already set aside.
Can I buy a money order online?
Some banks and payment services offer online money order purchases, but you still have to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you. You cannot send a money order entirely online. The post office and most retailers require you to buy money orders in person.
What happens if I lose my money order receipt?
You can still cancel or trace the money order if you remember the amount and approximate date of purchase, but it's much harder without the receipt and tracking number. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed. If it's lost, contact the issuer as soon as possible with whatever information you have.
Can I buy a money order for someone else?
Yes. You can buy a money order and put someone else's name as the payee. You'll still need to provide your own name as the sender and your photo ID. The recipient will need to sign the back of the money order when they cash it.