The Post Office sells money orders at any branch, and they work like a check you pay for upfront

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office location. You walk in, tell the clerk the amount you want, pay that amount plus a fee, and receive a money order — a paper document the recipient can cash or deposit like a check. The fee varies by the amount: as of 2024, USPS charges roughly $1.45 for orders up to $500 and $1.95 for orders from $500.01 to $1,000. Fees change periodically, so ask at your local branch for the current rate.

A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it can only be cashed by the person whose name you write on it. If it's lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by providing your receipt and the money order number. The Post Office keeps records, so the transaction is traceable — useful if there's a dispute about whether payment arrived.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS money orders cost between $1.45 and $1.95 depending on the amount, with a maximum of $1,000 per order.
  • You must pay the full amount plus the fee upfront in cash, debit card, or credit card at the time of purchase.
  • Write the recipient's name in the "Pay to the Order of" field, and keep your receipt so you can track or replace the money order if needed.
  • Money orders can be cashed at banks, credit unions, check-cashing services, and many retail stores, not just the Post Office.
  • Processing takes one to three business days if mailed, so plan ahead for time-sensitive payments.

What you need to bring and how to fill one out

Bring a form of payment — cash, debit card, or credit card — to cover both the money order amount and the fee. You do not need an ID to buy a money order at USPS, though some locations may ask for one. The clerk will hand you the money order form and help you fill it out on the spot.

The form has four key fields. Write the recipient's name in the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the only person who can cash it. Write your name and address in the "From" section so the recipient knows who sent it. Leave the "Memo" line blank unless you want to note what the payment is for (like "rent" or "invoice #12345"). Sign the money order in the designated box. The Post Office clerk will stamp it with the date and amount.

Keep your receipt. It shows the money order number, the amount, the fee you paid, and the date. If the money order never arrives or gets lost, you'll need this receipt to file a claim for a replacement.

Mailing a money order safely

Money orders are designed to be mailed, but they're still paper and can be lost or delayed. Put the money order inside an envelope with a letter explaining what it's for. Do not write the amount on the outside of the envelope. Address it clearly to the recipient.

You have two mailing options. First-Class Mail takes three to five business days and costs the standard postage rate (currently 68 cents for a letter). Priority Mail Express takes one to two business days and costs more — check USPS.com for current rates. If the money order is for a large amount or time-sensitive, Priority Mail Express is worth the extra cost.

For high-value orders, consider Priority Mail Express with signature confirmation. The recipient must sign for the package, so you'll have proof it was delivered. This costs extra but removes the risk of someone else claiming the money order.

Tracking and replacing a lost money order

USPS does not track individual money orders the way it tracks packages. However, if a money order never arrives or you suspect it was stolen, you can file a claim using your receipt. Go to any Post Office with your receipt and the money order number, and ask to file a claim for a lost or stolen money order.

The Post Office will investigate whether the money order has been cashed. If it hasn't been cashed, they can issue you a replacement. If it has been cashed, they'll provide documentation of who cashed it — useful if you need to dispute the transaction. The investigation typically takes 30 days, though it can be faster if the money order was never presented for payment.

This is why keeping your receipt is critical. Without it, you have no proof of purchase and no way to track the money order number.

Where the recipient can cash a Post Office money order

The recipient doesn't have to go to the Post Office to cash it. Money orders from USPS are accepted at banks, credit unions, check-cashing services, and many retail stores like Walmart and grocery stores. Most places cash them for free, though some check-cashing services charge a small fee.

The recipient will need to endorse the money order by signing the back, just like a check. If the money order is made out to a business, the recipient may need to show ID and provide a tax ID or business license. Most banks and credit unions will deposit it directly into an account without requiring the recipient to visit in person — they can deposit it through mobile banking or at an ATM.

When a Post Office money order makes sense versus other options

A money order is useful when you need to send money to someone you don't fully trust with a check or bank account information, or when the recipient doesn't have a bank account. It's also common for rental payments, utility deposits, and court-ordered payments because many organizations require a money order or certified check as proof of payment.

However, money orders have limits. USPS caps them at $1,000 per order, so if you're sending more than that, you'll need to buy multiple money orders or use a different method. They also cost more than a check or bank transfer — the fee adds up if you're sending money regularly. For recurring payments, a bank transfer or automatic bill pay is cheaper and faster.

If you need to send money internationally, USPS money orders work only within the United States. For international transfers, you'd need a wire transfer, international money order, or a service like Western Union.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is not keeping the receipt. Without it, you have no proof of purchase and cannot replace the money order if it's lost. Write down the money order number from your receipt and keep it separate from the receipt itself.

Another mistake is writing the wrong name in the "Pay to the Order of" field. Once you've signed the money order, it cannot be changed. If you make an error, ask the clerk for a replacement and they'll void the original one.

Do not mail a money order without an envelope or protective covering. Postal workers handle thousands of pieces daily, and an unprotected money order can get damaged, lost, or separated from its letter. Also avoid writing the amount on the outside of the envelope — this advertises to mail handlers that something valuable is inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Yes, most Post Offices accept credit cards and debit cards for money order purchases. Some locations may have a minimum purchase amount or may charge a processing fee for credit card transactions, so ask the clerk before you buy. Cash is always accepted.

What if the recipient's name is spelled wrong on the money order?

If you notice the error before you leave the Post Office, tell the clerk immediately and they'll void it and issue a new one. If you've already mailed it, the recipient can still cash it in most cases — banks and check-cashing services are usually flexible with minor spelling errors as long as the person cashing it can show ID matching the name on the money order.

How long does it take for a mailed money order to arrive?

First-Class Mail takes three to five business days. Priority Mail Express takes one to two business days. The recipient should receive it within that window, though delays can happen during holidays or bad weather. If it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, file a claim with your receipt and money order number.

Can I cancel a money order after I've bought it?

Yes, but only if you haven't mailed it yet. Return to the Post Office with your receipt and ask to cancel the money order. They'll refund your money minus a small cancellation fee, usually around $1. Once the money order is mailed and cashed, it cannot be cancelled.

Is a money order the same as a cashier's check?

They're similar but not identical. Both are prepaid and safer than personal checks. A cashier's check is issued by a bank and typically has no upper limit, while a USPS money order maxes out at $1,000. Cashier's checks are often preferred for large transactions like home purchases, while money orders work for smaller, routine payments.