UPS money orders are sold at UPS Store locations, not at UPS shipping centers

A UPS money order is a prepaid payment instrument you can buy at a UPS Store (the retail franchise, not a UPS package drop-off). You pay the amount you want to send plus a fee, and UPS issues a paper certificate with a serial number. The recipient cashes it at a bank, credit union, or check-cashing service. UPS does not mail the money order for you — you handle delivery yourself, either by hand or through the postal service.

The main difference between UPS money orders and other types is the location where you buy them. Western Union and MoneyGram are available at thousands of retail locations nationwide. UPS money orders are only at UPS Store franchises, which limits your options depending on where you live. If you have a UPS Store nearby, the process is straightforward; if you do not, another money order type may be faster.

Key Takeaways

  • UPS money orders are sold only at UPS Store locations, not at UPS shipping centers or package drop-off points.
  • You pay the face amount of the money order plus a fee that varies by location and the amount you are sending.
  • UPS does not deliver the money order — you must deliver it yourself by mail or in person.
  • The recipient can cash a UPS money order at most banks, credit unions, and check-cashing services without needing an account.
  • Money orders are safer than cash for sending payment through the mail because they can be replaced if lost or stolen.

Where to find a UPS Store and what to bring

UPS Stores are franchises run by independent owners, not corporate UPS locations. To find one, use the UPS Store locator on the UPS website or search "UPS Store near me" in Google Maps. Not every town has one, especially in rural areas. If the nearest location is far away, a bank, grocery store, or Walmart may sell Western Union or MoneyGram money orders instead, which serve the same purpose.

When you go to a UPS Store to buy a money order, bring cash or a debit card (policies vary by location). You will need to know the exact amount you want to send. Have the recipient's name ready, though you do not have to fill in their name at the time of purchase — you can do it yourself later. Some locations may ask for your ID, depending on the amount.

Cost and fees for UPS money orders

UPS Store fees for money orders vary by location and the amount you are sending. There is no single nationwide fee. A money order for $500 might cost $2 to $5 in one location and $3 to $6 in another. The only way to know the exact fee is to call the UPS Store or visit in person and ask.

Compare this to Western Union and MoneyGram, which also charge location-based fees but are available at far more places. If you are sending a small amount, the fee might be $1 to $2 at any of these services. For larger amounts, fees can be higher. The fee is separate from the face value — if you want to send $100, you pay $100 plus the fee.

How to fill out and deliver a UPS money order

A UPS money order is a paper certificate with blank lines for the recipient's name, your name, and sometimes a memo line. The UPS Store clerk may fill in some of this information when you purchase it, or you may fill it in yourself. Write clearly in pen. Do not leave the recipient's name blank if you are mailing it — a blank money order can be cashed by anyone who finds it.

Once completed, you are responsible for getting it to the recipient. You can mail it in an envelope (the postal service recommends sending it certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery), hand it to the person, or arrange for someone to pick it up. UPS does not track or deliver money orders as part of their shipping service. If you lose it in the mail, you will need to contact the UPS Store where you bought it and provide the serial number to request a replacement or refund.

When the recipient cashes the money order

The recipient takes the money order to a bank, credit union, or check-cashing service and exchanges it for cash or a deposit to their account. Most banks will cash a UPS money order even if the person does not have an account there, though some may charge a small fee or require an account. Credit unions typically cash money orders for members only. Check-cashing services almost always accept them.

The recipient should bring the money order and a photo ID. Processing is usually immediate — they walk out with cash or see the deposit in their account the same day. There is no waiting period. If the money order is damaged, lost, or stolen before it is cashed, the recipient cannot get the money. That is why mailing it certified mail is worth the extra cost if you are sending a large amount.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to other payment methods

Money orders are safer than cash because they have a serial number and can be replaced if lost. They do not require a bank account from either the sender or the recipient. They are faster than a personal check because they do not need to clear. They work well for paying rent, utilities, or other bills when you do not have a checking account or do not want to share your bank details.

The downsides are the fee, the need to visit a physical location, and the fact that you have to handle delivery yourself. If you have a checking account, writing a check is free and can be mailed. If you have a bank account and the recipient does too, a bank transfer is instant and free. If you need to send money quickly to someone far away, a wire transfer through your bank is faster, though it costs more. A UPS money order makes sense when you need a paper payment method, do not have a checking account, and have a UPS Store nearby.

What to do if your money order is lost or stolen

If you lose a UPS money order before the recipient cashes it, contact the UPS Store where you bought it as soon as possible. Bring your receipt and the serial number if you have it. The store can file a claim for a replacement or refund, but this process takes time — sometimes weeks. That is why keeping your receipt is important.

If you mailed the money order and it never arrived, the recipient should let you know. If the recipient says they received it but it was damaged or partially destroyed, they can still take it to a bank or check-cashing service — most will accept it if enough of the certificate and serial number are visible. If the money order was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, that is fraud, and you should report it to the UPS Store and consider filing a police report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a UPS money order online?

No. UPS money orders are sold only in person at UPS Store locations. You cannot order one online or over the phone. You must visit a store, pay the fee, and receive the paper certificate.

What is the maximum amount I can send with a UPS money order?

UPS Store policies vary by location. Most allow money orders up to $1,000, but some may have different limits. Call the store before you go to confirm the maximum amount they will issue.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after buying a UPS money order?

Yes, most UPS Stores will refund or replace an unused money order if you return it with your receipt shortly after purchase. Policies vary by location, so ask at the time of purchase what their return window is.

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

No. A cashier's check is issued by a bank and drawn on the bank's account. A money order is a prepaid certificate. Money orders are accepted in more places and do not require a bank account, but cashier's checks are larger and more formal for big transactions.

What if the UPS Store is closed when I need a money order?

Look for Western Union or MoneyGram at a nearby grocery store, Walmart, or bank. These services are open longer hours and at more locations than UPS Stores. They work the same way and the recipient can cash them at the same places.