What a USPS money order is and when to use one

A US Postal Service money order is a prepaid payment instrument you buy at any post office and give to someone else to cash or deposit. You pay the post office the amount you want to send plus a small fee, and they issue a receipt and a money order slip. The recipient takes it to any post office, bank, or check-cashing location to convert it to cash or deposit it.

USPS money orders work best when you need to send money to someone you don't know well, can't use a bank transfer, or want a paper record of payment. They're commonly used for rent payments to landlords, security deposits, small business transactions, or sending money through the mail when a personal check isn't trusted. Unlike a check, a money order can't bounce — the funds are already collected when you buy it.

They're also useful if you don't have a bank account or prefer not to share banking details. The recipient doesn't need a bank account either; they can cash it anywhere that accepts money orders.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS money orders cost between $1.45 and $2.00 depending on the amount, with a maximum of $1,000 per money order.
  • You buy them at any post office window with cash, debit card, or credit card, and receive a receipt and the money order slip to send or deliver.
  • The recipient can cash or deposit a USPS money order at any post office, bank, or check-cashing business without needing a bank account.
  • Money orders don't expire, but USPS recommends cashing or depositing them within two years to avoid complications with replacement claims.
  • If a money order is lost, stolen, or not received, you can file a claim with USPS using your receipt, but the process takes time and requires proof of non-payment.

How much USPS money orders cost

The fee for a USPS money order depends on the amount you're sending. For amounts up to $500, the fee is $1.45. For amounts from $500.01 to $1,000, the fee is $2.00. These prices apply at all post offices nationwide and have remained stable, though USPS can adjust fees periodically.

You cannot buy a single USPS money order for more than $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you'll have to buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you would buy two $1,000 money orders and one $500 money order, paying $1.45 + $2.00 + $2.00 in fees.

The fee is separate from the amount you're sending. If you want to send someone $500, you pay $500 plus $1.45 to the post office, for a total of $501.45 out of your pocket.

Where to buy a USPS money order and what you need

You buy USPS money orders only at post office windows, not online or through the mail. Walk into any post office, go to the counter, and tell the clerk you want to buy a money order. You'll need to tell them the amount (up to $1,000) and provide the name of the person or business who will receive it.

You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. The post office will issue you two things: a receipt (which you keep) and the money order slip itself (which you send or give to the recipient). Write down the money order number from your receipt and keep it in a safe place. You'll need it if you ever have to file a claim.

You don't need a bank account, ID, or any special paperwork to buy a USPS money order. The transaction is quick — usually under five minutes at the counter.

How the recipient cashes or deposits a USPS money order

The person receiving the money order can take it to a post office, bank, or check-cashing business to convert it to cash or deposit it into an account. At a post office, they go to the window and hand over the money order. The clerk verifies it and pays them in cash or processes a deposit if they have a postal banking account (though this is rare).

At a bank, the recipient can deposit it into their checking or savings account the same way they would deposit a check. Most banks accept USPS money orders without issue. At a check-cashing business, they can exchange it for cash, though there may be a small fee.

The recipient does not need to know who sent the money order or have any special account. They just need the money order slip itself. There's no expiration date, though USPS recommends cashing or depositing within two years to avoid complications if a replacement is needed later.

How to track a money order and what to do if it's lost

USPS money orders don't have real-time tracking like packages do. However, you can check whether a specific money order has been cashed by calling the USPS Money Order Inquiry Line at 1-866-459-7822 or visiting a post office with your receipt. You'll need the money order number from your receipt. The post office can tell you whether it's been cashed and by whom, though they won't release the recipient's details.

If a money order you sent hasn't been cashed after a reasonable time, contact the recipient to confirm they received it. If it was lost in the mail or never arrived, you can file a claim with USPS. Bring your receipt to any post office and ask to file a money order claim. USPS will investigate whether the money order was cashed. If it wasn't, they'll issue a replacement or refund, but the process typically takes 30 to 60 days.

To protect yourself, always keep your receipt and note the money order number. If you're mailing a money order, consider sending it via Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you have proof of delivery. This costs extra but gives you documentation that the recipient signed for it.

USPS money orders versus other payment methods

Money orders are safer than cash for sending through the mail because they can't be spent by anyone who finds them — the recipient has to go to a business to cash them. They're also more trusted than personal checks because the funds are already collected; there's no risk of the check bouncing.

Compared to bank transfers or apps like Venmo or PayPal, money orders are slower and require a trip to the post office. But they work for people without bank accounts, and they leave a paper trail that some landlords or businesses prefer. They're also useful when you don't want to share your banking information with someone you don't know well.

Western Union and MoneyGram offer similar services but typically charge higher fees and are better for sending money to someone in another country. For domestic payments, USPS money orders are usually the cheapest option.

Common problems and how to avoid them

The most common issue is the recipient not receiving the money order. If you're mailing it, the envelope can be lost or delayed. Always keep your receipt and the money order number. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the recipient and file a claim with USPS.

Another problem is writing the recipient's name incorrectly on the money order. Once issued, the name cannot be changed. If you make a mistake, you'll have to return to the post office and buy a new one. The post office may refund the fee for the incorrect one, but ask first.

Some recipients are unfamiliar with money orders and don't know how to cash them. Explain to them that they can take it to any post office, bank, or check-cashing business. Write the money order number on a separate note in case they need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online or have one mailed to me?

No. USPS money orders are only sold at post office windows in person. You cannot order them online or by phone. You must visit a post office to buy one.

What happens if I lose my receipt?

Keep your receipt. If you lose it, you can still file a claim with USPS if the money order hasn't been cashed, but you'll need the money order number. Without the receipt, you may have difficulty proving you bought it. Always photograph or write down the money order number before sending it.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if it hasn't been cashed. Return to the post office with your receipt and ask to cancel it. USPS will refund the amount minus the fee. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot cancel it.

Do USPS money orders work internationally?

USPS money orders are for domestic use only within the United States. To send money internationally, you'll need to use Western Union, MoneyGram, or an international wire transfer through a bank.

How long does it take for a money order to be cashed?

There's no set timeline. The recipient can cash it immediately or wait weeks. Once cashed, the funds appear in their account or are paid in cash on the spot. If you're waiting for confirmation that someone received payment, ask them to cash it within a specific timeframe and confirm with you.