You can buy money orders online through a few specific services, but the process and what you receive differs from buying one in person at a store or bank
Online money order services do not work the way you might expect. When you order a money order online, you are not receiving a physical money order slip in the mail that you can then mail to someone else. Instead, most services either mail you a pre-filled money order, or they process a payment directly to a recipient on your behalf — which functions more like a bill payment than a traditional money order.
The main online options are MoneyGram, Western Union, and your own bank if it offers the service. Each has different mechanics, costs, and delivery timelines. Understanding which one fits your situation depends on whether you need a physical money order in hand, whether you know the recipient's address, and how quickly the money needs to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Most online money order services mail you a pre-filled money order or send payment directly to a recipient, rather than letting you print and mail one yourself.
- MoneyGram and Western Union both offer online ordering, but require you to know the recipient's name and address in advance.
- Your bank may offer online money order services at a lower cost than third-party providers, so check with them first.
- Delivery times range from same-day to 5 to 7 business days depending on the service and payment method you choose.
- Online money orders typically cost more than in-person purchases at a store, and fees vary by recipient location and payment method.
MoneyGram and Western Union online ordering
Both MoneyGram and Western Union let you start a money order online through their websites or apps. You enter the recipient's name, address, and the amount. You pay online using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The service then mails a physical money order to the recipient's address, or in some cases mails it to you first.
The recipient does not need to do anything — the money order arrives in their mailbox. However, you must know their mailing address before you order, and you cannot change it once the order is placed. Delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days. Fees depend on the amount and destination, and both services charge more for online orders than for in-person purchases at their retail locations.
Western Union also offers a "money order to card" option in some states, where the recipient can pick up funds at a Western Union location instead of receiving a mailed slip. MoneyGram's online service is more limited in some regions, so availability depends on your state and the recipient's location.
Ordering through your bank
Many banks and credit unions offer online money order services through their websites or mobile apps. You log into your account, request a money order, enter the recipient information, and the bank either mails it directly to the recipient or mails it to you. Some banks charge a flat fee per money order — often $5 to $10 — while others charge a percentage of the amount.
Bank-issued money orders are usually cheaper than third-party services and arrive faster because they are processed through the bank's own mail system. However, not all banks offer this service, and those that do may limit the amount or the frequency of orders. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal to see if the option is available to you.
If your bank does offer it, this is usually the lowest-cost and most straightforward route, especially if you already have an account there and trust their security.
Costs and fees for online money orders
Online money order fees are higher than in-person fees at retail locations. A money order that costs $1.50 to $3 at a grocery store or post office may cost $5 to $15 when ordered online, depending on the amount and the service. MoneyGram and Western Union charge based on the money order amount and the recipient's location — sending to an address in-state is cheaper than sending out of state.
Your bank's fee structure depends on the institution. Some charge a flat rate per order; others charge a small percentage of the amount. A few banks include money orders free with certain account types. Credit unions sometimes offer lower fees than banks.
If you are sending a small amount, the fee can represent a significant percentage of what you are sending. For example, a $50 money order with a $10 fee means you are paying 20 percent just to send it. In those cases, consider whether a check, bank transfer, or in-person money order would be cheaper or more practical.
Delivery times and when to order
Standard delivery for MoneyGram and Western Union online money orders is 5 to 7 business days. Both services offer expedited options in some cases — same-day or next-day delivery — but these cost significantly more and are not available to all addresses. Your payment method also affects timing: paying with a debit card is faster than paying with a bank account transfer, which may take an extra day or two to clear.
Bank-issued money orders typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days, though some banks offer faster delivery for an additional fee. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, order at least one week in advance and confirm the delivery window with the service before you pay.
Keep in mind that weekends and holidays do not count as business days. If you order on a Friday, the clock does not start until Monday. If a holiday falls during the delivery window, add an extra day or two.
Security and tracking for online money orders
When you order a money order online, you receive a confirmation number and tracking information via email. You can use this to check the status of your order on the service's website. However, once the money order is mailed, tracking becomes limited — you can see that it was sent, but you cannot track it the way you would track a package.
If the money order does not arrive after the stated delivery window, contact the service immediately. MoneyGram and Western Union can issue a replacement or refund, but you will need to provide proof that it was not received — usually a signed statement from the recipient or a return receipt from the postal service. This process can take weeks.
For security, use a strong password on the service's website or app, and do not share your confirmation number with anyone except the intended recipient. If someone else has your confirmation number, they may be able to intercept the money order or claim it was lost and request a refund.
When an online money order does not make sense
Online money orders are slower and more expensive than alternatives in many situations. If you need the money to arrive within 2 or 3 days, a bank transfer or wire transfer is faster. If you are sending a large amount, the percentage fee may be steep enough that a cashier's check from your bank is cheaper. If the recipient is local, buying a money order in person at a store and hand-delivering it costs less and arrives immediately.
Online money orders also require you to know the recipient's address in advance. If you do not have it or it might change, you cannot use this method. In those cases, consider asking the recipient for their address, using a different payment method, or buying a money order in person and mailing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print a money order at home after ordering online?
No. Online money order services mail you a pre-filled money order or send payment directly to the recipient. You cannot print a money order yourself at home — that would not be a legitimate money order. If you need a physical money order you can print, you will need to buy one in person at a store or bank.
What if the recipient's address is wrong?
Once you submit an online money order order, you usually cannot change the address. If you realize the address is incorrect before the order ships, contact the service immediately — some will cancel and refund you. If it has already shipped, you will need to contact the service to report the error and request a replacement sent to the correct address, which can take additional time.
Can I send an online money order to a P.O. box?
Yes, most services accept P.O. boxes as delivery addresses. However, confirm this with the service before you order, because some have restrictions on certain types of addresses or locations. Enter the P.O. box number in the address field exactly as the recipient provides it.
Is it safe to order a money order with a credit card online?
Yes, but be aware that some credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances, which means they charge a higher interest rate and a cash advance fee immediately. Check with your credit card issuer before ordering. Using a debit card or bank account transfer avoids this problem.
What happens if the money order gets lost in the mail?
Contact the service with your confirmation number and the delivery address. They will investigate and can issue a replacement or refund, but this process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You may need to provide a signed statement from the recipient confirming they did not receive it. Until this is resolved, the funds are essentially frozen.