Post Office Money Order Costs
A money order at the U.S. Postal Service costs between $1.45 and $2.00, depending on the amount. Orders up to $500 cost $1.45. Orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00. The Post Office does not issue money orders for amounts over $1,000.
These prices are set by USPS and apply at every Post Office location nationwide. The fee is the same whether you buy one money order or ten. You pay the fee at the time of purchase, in addition to the face value of the money order itself.
Money orders expire after a set period if not cashed. The Post Office will replace an expired money order if you have your receipt, but you may need to wait several weeks for a refund or replacement. Keep your receipt in a safe place.
Key Takeaways
- Money orders under $500 cost $1.45; those from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00.
- You pay the fee plus the face value at the time of purchase — there is no separate mailing or processing charge.
- The Post Office will not issue a money order for more than $1,000, but you can buy multiple orders if you need to send a larger amount.
- Your receipt is proof of purchase and required if you need to replace an expired or lost money order.
How to Buy a Money Order at the Post Office
Walk into any Post Office location with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Tell the clerk you want a money order and provide the amount. The clerk will fill out the form or hand you one to complete, depending on the location.
You will need to write the name of the person or business receiving the money order (the payee) and your own name and address (the purchaser). The clerk will then collect the fee and the face value, issue the money order, and give you a receipt. The entire process takes about five minutes.
Some Post Offices accept payment by card, but not all. Call ahead or bring cash if you want to be certain. You do not need an account or ID to buy a money order, though the clerk may ask for identification as a routine security measure.
When a Money Order Costs Less Than Other Options
A money order is cheaper than a wire transfer at most banks, which can cost $15 to $30. It is also cheaper than a cashier's check, which typically costs $5 to $15 depending on your bank. If you need to send a small amount securely and the recipient does not have a bank account, a money order is usually the lowest-cost choice.
However, a money order is more expensive than a personal check if you already have a checkbook. Checks are free once you own them. A money order also costs more than a bank transfer or payment app like Venmo or PayPal if both parties have accounts and the transfer is domestic.
The trade-off is security and acceptance. Money orders are accepted almost everywhere and do not require the recipient to have a bank account. They are also harder to reverse than a personal check, which makes them safer for the person receiving the payment.
Money Orders Versus Cashier's Checks
A cashier's check is issued by a bank and may provide by that bank's funds. A money order is issued by the Post Office and may provide by USPS. Both are secure payment methods that cannot bounce. The main differences are cost, where you buy them, and how long they take.
A cashier's check costs more ($5 to $15) but can be written for any amount. A money order costs less ($1.45 to $2.00) but maxes out at $1,000. A cashier's check requires a bank account and takes a few minutes to issue. A money order does not require an account and is issued on the spot at any Post Office.
If you need to send more than $1,000 in a single secure payment, a cashier's check is your only option between these two. If you do not have a bank account or need the payment method immediately, a money order is faster and cheaper.
What Happens If Your Money Order Is Lost or Stolen
If a money order is lost before it reaches the recipient, you can file a claim with the Post Office using your receipt. You will need to wait for the original money order to expire (which takes time) or provide proof that it was not cashed. The Post Office will then issue a replacement or refund.
This process can take several weeks to several months. During that time, your money is tied up. To speed things up, ask the recipient to sign a statement saying they never received the original money order. Bring that signed statement to the Post Office along with your receipt.
If a money order is stolen after it is cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, you generally cannot recover the funds. This is why money orders are safer than cash but not as protected as a bank transfer, which can sometimes be reversed.
Buying Multiple Money Orders to Send a Large Amount
If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders. Each one costs $1.45 or $2.00 depending on its amount. For example, to send $2,000, you could buy four $500 money orders for a total fee of $5.80, or two $1,000 money orders for a total fee of $4.00.
The recipient will receive multiple money orders instead of one. They can cash or deposit each one separately. Some banks and check-cashing services will deposit multiple money orders at once, but call ahead to confirm. There is no limit to how many money orders you can buy in a single visit.
Sending multiple money orders is more work than a single wire transfer or cashier's check, but it is cheaper if you do not have a bank account or need the security of the Post Office may provide.
Where to Find Current Money Order Prices
The Post Office publishes money order fees on its official website at usps.com. Prices are updated periodically and may change. The rates listed above are current as of this writing, but you can verify the exact fee before you go to the Post Office by checking the USPS website or calling your local branch.
All Post Office locations charge the same fee. You will not find a cheaper money order by going to a different branch. Some grocery stores, check-cashing services, and convenience stores also sell money orders, often at lower prices ($0.50 to $1.50), but these are not issued by the Post Office and may not be accepted everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online and pick it up at the Post Office?
No. The Post Office does not sell money orders online or allow you to pre-order them. You must go to a Post Office location in person to purchase one. You can call ahead to confirm the branch is open and has money order forms in stock.
Do I need ID to buy a money order?
No, but the clerk may ask for it as a routine security measure. You do not need an account, membership, or special status. Bring cash or a card and the name of the person receiving the money order, and you can buy one.
What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?
Tell the clerk immediately. They can void the money order and issue a new one. You will not be charged twice. If you discover the mistake after you leave, return to the Post Office with your receipt and the incorrect money order, and they will issue a replacement.
How long does a money order stay valid?
A Post Office money order is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, it expires and cannot be cashed. You can still file a claim for a replacement or refund using your receipt, but the process takes time. Do not delay cashing or depositing a money order.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, if you have not yet sent it. Return to the Post Office with your receipt and the money order itself, and the clerk will refund your money. If you have already sent it and the recipient has not cashed it, you can file a claim to stop payment, but this requires proof and takes time.