USPS money orders are sold at every post office and cost between $1.45 and $2.00 depending on the amount
A USPS money order is a prepaid payment instrument you buy at a post office window. You pay the face amount of the money order plus a small fee, and the post office issues you a receipt and a money order slip. The person or business you send it to deposits or cashes it like a check. USPS money orders work nationwide and are accepted by banks, check-cashing services, and most businesses that take checks.
The fee depends on the amount. Money orders up to $500 cost $1.45; money orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00. You cannot buy a single USPS money order for more than $1,000, but you can buy multiple money orders in one transaction if you need to send more than that amount.
USPS money orders are useful when you need to send cash through the mail safely, when a recipient won't take a personal check, or when you don't have a bank account. They are also useful for paying bills by mail when you want a paper trail and don't want to give out your checking account number.
Key Takeaways
- You buy a USPS money order at a post office window by paying the amount you want to send plus a $1.45 or $2.00 fee, and you receive a receipt and a money order slip to send to the recipient.
- USPS money orders are limited to $1,000 per slip, so sending more than $1,000 requires buying multiple money orders.
- The recipient can cash or deposit a USPS money order at any bank, credit union, or check-cashing service without needing an account.
- You can track a money order using the receipt number if it goes missing in the mail, and USPS can issue a replacement if you have proof of purchase.
- Money orders are safer than sending cash through the mail because they are traceable and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
What you need to bring to the post office
To buy a USPS money order, bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card. The post office clerk will ask you for the amount you want to send and the name of the person or business receiving it. You do not need to provide your own name, but the post office will ask for it and record it on the receipt for their records.
Have the recipient's name spelled correctly before you hand over money. Once the money order is issued, you cannot change the payee name. If you make a mistake, you will need to buy a new money order and request a refund of the first one, which can take time.
If you are sending the money order to a business, use the exact legal name of the business. If you are sending it to a person, use their full name as they would write it on a check. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions.
How to fill out a USPS money order
The post office clerk fills in most of the money order for you at the window. The slip will show the amount, the payee name, the date, and a serial number. You receive a receipt that matches the serial number on the money order itself.
Before you leave the post office, check that the payee name and amount are correct. If something is wrong, ask the clerk to issue a new one. Once you leave, you are responsible for the money order.
If you are mailing the money order, write your name and address on the back in the space marked "From" or "Sender." This helps the recipient know who sent it if there is a question. Do not sign the money order itself — the recipient will sign it when they cash or deposit it.
Sending a money order through the mail
Do not send a money order in a regular envelope through standard mail. Use Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express so you have tracking and can see when it arrives. The cost of shipping is separate from the money order fee.
Put the money order in an envelope with a letter explaining what it is for. Include your contact information so the recipient can reach you if there is a problem. Seal the envelope and take it to the post office to be weighed and labeled.
Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they received the money order. If the money order does not arrive or goes missing, you will need the receipt number to file a claim and request a replacement.
Tracking and replacing a lost money order
Every USPS money order has a serial number printed on both the money order slip and your receipt. If the money order does not arrive or you suspect it was stolen, go back to the post office with your receipt and ask to file a claim for a replacement.
The post office will check whether the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they can issue you a replacement money order for the same amount. If it has already been cashed, you cannot get your money back — the recipient or whoever cashed it has the funds.
The replacement process can take several weeks. USPS recommends waiting 30 days after mailing before filing a claim, to allow time for mail delivery. If you are sending money to someone in a hurry, consider using a faster method like a wire transfer or a payment app.
USPS money orders versus other payment methods
Money orders are safer than cash in the mail because they are traceable and can be replaced. They cost less than a wire transfer, which typically runs $15 to $30 at a bank. They are also more formal than a personal check and are accepted by people and businesses that do not know you.
Money orders take longer to arrive than digital payment methods like Venmo or bank transfers, which are nearly instant. If the recipient needs the money urgently, a money order is not the best choice. Money orders also require a trip to the post office, whereas digital payments can be sent from your phone or computer.
If you are paying a bill, check whether the company accepts online payment or automatic bank draft. Those methods are faster and do not require you to buy a money order. If you are sending money to someone who does not have a bank account or does not trust digital payment, a money order is a solid option.
Where to buy a USPS money order
USPS money orders are sold only at post office windows during business hours. You cannot buy them online or through the mail. Find your nearest post office on the USPS website by entering your ZIP code.
Some post offices have limited hours, so call ahead or check the website before you go. If you need a money order outside of post office hours, some grocery stores, check-cashing services, and convenience stores sell money orders from other providers like Western Union or MoneyGram, but those charge higher fees and work differently.
If you are buying multiple money orders, the clerk can issue them all at once. Bring enough cash or a card to cover the total amount plus all the fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a USPS money order online?
No. USPS money orders are sold only at post office windows. You must go in person, pay the amount plus the fee, and receive the money order slip and receipt on the spot. You cannot order them through the USPS website or by phone.
What happens if I lose my receipt?
If you lose your receipt but still have the money order slip, you can use the serial number on the slip to track it. If you lose both, contact the post office where you bought it with the date and amount, and they may be able to look up the transaction. Without proof of purchase, replacing a lost money order is much harder.
Can the recipient cash a USPS money order without a bank account?
Yes. A USPS money order can be cashed at any bank, credit union, or check-cashing service. The recipient does not need to have an account. They will need to show a photo ID and sign the back of the money order.
How long does it take for a money order to arrive in the mail?
Delivery time depends on the mail service you choose. Priority Mail typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Priority Mail Express takes 1 business day. Standard mail can take 1 to 2 weeks and does not include tracking, so it is not recommended for money orders.
What if someone cashes a money order that was sent to them but they were not supposed to?
Once a money order is cashed, the funds belong to whoever cashed it. USPS cannot reverse the transaction or recover the money. This is why it is important to send money orders only to people you trust and to use tracked mail service so you know when it arrives.