Where to buy a money order
You can buy a money order at most banks, credit unions, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Not every location sells them, so call ahead or check their website if you have a specific place in mind. Banks and credit unions typically charge $1 to $10 per money order, while grocery stores and convenience stores often charge less — sometimes 50 cents to $2. Post offices charge a flat fee that varies by the amount: roughly $1.45 for orders up to $500 and $1.95 for orders from $500 to $1,000.
You do not need a bank account to buy a money order. Bring cash or a debit card, and have your ID ready — most sellers will ask for it. If you are buying a money order for someone else, you can still do this; you do not need to be the recipient.
Money orders have a maximum amount, usually $500 to $1,000 depending on where you buy. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders.
Key Takeaways
- You can buy money orders at banks, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores without a bank account, using cash or a debit card.
- Fill in the payee name (who receives it), your name as the sender, and the amount in both numbers and words before you pay.
- Keep your receipt and the money order number until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it.
- Money orders cost $1 to $10 depending on where you buy and the amount, with post offices charging a standard fee based on order size.
- If a money order is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by showing your receipt and the original money order number.
What information you need before you go
Gather three pieces of information before you arrive to buy the money order: the exact name of the person or business receiving it, the amount you want to send, and your own name and address.
The payee name must be exact and spelled correctly. If you are sending to "John Smith" but write "Jon Smith," the recipient may have trouble cashing it. Ask the person receiving it to confirm the spelling if you are unsure. For businesses, use the legal business name — "ABC Plumbing LLC" rather than "ABC Plumbing" if that is how they are registered.
Know the exact amount before you go. You cannot change the amount after you buy the money order, so if you write $150 and later realize you need $200, you will have to buy a second one or start over.
How to fill out a money order
A money order has several blank lines. The most important ones are the payee line (who gets the money), the amount, and your name as the sender. Here is the order:
- Payee line: Write the name of the person or business receiving the money. This is the only name that matters for cashing it.
- Amount: Write the dollar amount twice — once in numbers (like $150.00) and once in words (like "One hundred fifty dollars"). They must match exactly.
- Your name and address: Fill in your name and address as the sender. This is required by most sellers and helps if the money order is lost.
- Memo line (optional): Some money orders have a memo or "for" line. You can write what the payment is for — "rent," "invoice #123," or "tuition" — but this is optional and does not affect whether it can be cashed.
Do not sign the money order yet. Some sellers will ask you to sign it in front of them; others will have you sign it after you pay. Follow their instructions. If you sign it before the payee line is filled in, someone else could cash it.
Use a pen, not a pencil. Write clearly and stay inside the lines. If you make a mistake, ask the seller for a new one — most will not charge you again if the error was their fault or if you caught it before paying.
How to send a money order safely
Keep your receipt and write down the money order number before you send it. The receipt shows the amount, the date, and the tracking number. If the money order is lost in the mail, you will need this information to request a replacement.
Do not send a money order in a regular envelope through the mail without protection. Use a padded envelope or a small box, and consider sending it through the post office with tracking or delivery confirmation. This costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof of when it arrived and whether it was delivered.
If you are handing it to someone in person, ask them to sign a receipt or send you a text confirming they received it. This protects you if they later claim they never got it.
What to do if a money order is lost or not cashed
If the money order does not arrive or the recipient says they never received it, contact the seller where you bought it with your receipt and the money order number. They can check whether it has been cashed. If it has not been cashed after 30 to 90 days (depending on the issuer), you can request a replacement.
The seller will ask you to sign an affidavit stating that the money order was lost or not received. There may be a small fee — usually $15 to $30 — to issue a replacement. Once they verify the original has not been cashed, they will issue a new one with the same amount.
If the money order was cashed but you did not authorize it, report it to the seller immediately. They can investigate, but once a money order is cashed, it is difficult to reverse. This is why keeping your receipt and tracking information is important.
Money orders versus other payment methods
Money orders are safer than cash because they are traceable and cannot be spent unless someone knows the payee name. They are also more widely accepted than personal checks, especially for rent, utility deposits, or court fees. However, they cost money and take time to arrive if mailed.
If you need to send money instantly, a bank wire transfer or digital payment app may be faster, though these usually require a bank account. If you are paying someone you know and trust, a personal check or direct transfer is often simpler. Money orders are best when you need a paper record, the recipient does not have a bank account, or you are paying an organization that does not take cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card?
Most sellers do not accept credit cards for money orders because they consider it a cash advance. You can usually pay with cash, a debit card, or sometimes a prepaid card. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods the seller accepts.
What happens if I write the wrong amount?
If you catch the mistake before paying, ask the seller for a new money order. If you have already paid and left, you cannot change it. You would need to buy a second money order for the correct amount or contact the seller about a replacement.
Can someone else cash a money order I bought?
Only if you have not filled in the payee name yet. Once you write a specific name on the payee line, only that person can cash it. If you sign it before filling in the payee name, someone else could potentially cash it, which is why you should always fill in the payee name first.
How long does a money order take to arrive in the mail?
A money order sent through regular mail typically arrives in 3 to 7 business days, depending on distance. If you use tracking or priority mail, it may arrive faster. The money order itself is not what takes time — it is the mail delivery. Once it arrives, the recipient can cash it immediately at most banks and check-cashing services.
Do I need to report a money order to the IRS?
No. Money orders are not reported to the IRS unless you are a business sending multiple large payments. Personal money orders for rent, bills, or other everyday expenses do not require any tax reporting.