What a USPS money order is and when to use one

A U.S. Post Office money order is a paper payment instrument you buy at any Post Office location and send to someone else, who cashes it like a check. You pay the Post Office the amount you want to send plus a small fee, and they print a money order with a tracking number. The recipient takes it to a bank, credit union, or Post Office to cash it.

USPS money orders work when you need to send money to someone but don't want to mail cash or give out your bank account number. They're also useful if you don't have a checking account or if the person receiving the money doesn't have one either. Many landlords still accept them for rent, and some utility companies or government agencies require them for payments.

The main limitation is the amount: USPS caps each money order at $1,000. If you need to send more, you buy multiple money orders. They also take longer to arrive than electronic transfers and cost more per transaction than a bank wire or ACH payment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can buy a USPS money order for up to $1,000 at any Post Office location by paying the amount plus a fee that ranges from about $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount.
  • The money order has a tracking number, so you can look up whether it was cashed and by whom, which cash cannot do.
  • The recipient can cash it at a bank, credit union, or Post Office without needing an account.
  • USPS money orders are safer than mailing cash but slower and more expensive than bank transfers or online payment apps.

How much it costs and what the fees cover

The fee for a USPS money order depends on the amount you're sending. For money orders up to $500, the fee is around $1.45. For amounts from $500.01 to $1,000, the fee is around $2.00. These fees can vary slightly by location, so ask at your Post Office counter for the exact price before you buy.

The fee is separate from the amount you're sending. If you want to send $300, you pay $300 plus the $1.45 fee — $301.45 total. The recipient receives the full $300; the fee does not come out of what they get.

The fee covers the paper money order itself, the tracking number, and the Post Office's processing. It does not include delivery — you still need to mail it yourself or have someone else deliver it. If you want the Post Office to mail it for you, that costs extra postage.

Where to buy a USPS money order and what to bring

You buy USPS money orders at any Post Office location during business hours. You do not need an account or membership. Walk in with cash or a debit card, tell the clerk how much you want to send, and they print it on the spot.

Bring a form of identification — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The Post Office does not always check it for small amounts, but they may ask. You also need to know the name of the person or business receiving the money. Write it down if you're not sure of the exact spelling.

The whole process takes about five minutes. The clerk fills in the recipient's name, you sign the back, and you get a receipt with the tracking number. Keep the receipt until the money order is cashed.

How to fill out a USPS money order correctly

The money order has several blank lines. The clerk at the Post Office fills in most of it, but you need to sign it. On the line marked "Purchaser" or "From," write your name and address. On the line marked "Payee" or "Pay to the order of," the clerk writes the recipient's name — make sure it matches exactly how they want it.

On the memo line, you can write what the payment is for: "Rent," "Utility bill," "Loan payment," or whatever applies. This is optional but helpful for record-keeping. Do not leave the payee line blank; a blank money order can be cashed by anyone who has it.

Sign the back of the money order in the space marked "Purchaser Signature." The recipient will sign it when they cash it. Do not sign the front. If you make a mistake, ask the clerk for a new one — you cannot cross out errors on a money order.

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

Every USPS money order has a tracking number printed on it. Write this number down or photograph it. You can look up the status of your money order on the USPS website or by calling 1-866-459-7822. The tracking tells you whether it has been cashed and by whom.

If the money order never arrives or gets lost in the mail, you can file a claim with the Post Office. Bring your receipt (which has the tracking number) to any Post Office location. The Post Office will investigate whether the money order was cashed. If it was not, they issue a replacement or refund. This process can take several weeks.

If someone else cashed your money order fraudulently, the Post Office can see who cashed it and where. Bring this information to your local police department to file a report. Keep your receipt safe until you confirm the money order reached the intended recipient.

Alternatives to USPS money orders for sending money

If you have a bank account, a cashier's check from your bank is similar to a money order but usually costs less for larger amounts and has higher limits. A wire transfer is faster but requires both you and the recipient to have bank accounts. ACH transfers (also called electronic checks) are free or very cheap but take one to three business days.

If you're sending money to someone without a bank account, a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram lets them pick it up in cash at a physical location. These services charge more than USPS money orders but work faster. Some utility companies and government agencies also accept online bill pay directly from your bank, which is free.

For rent or bills, ask the landlord or company first whether they accept USPS money orders. Many do, but some prefer checks, bank transfers, or online payment portals. Knowing their preference before you buy saves you time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most Post Offices do not accept credit cards for money orders — they want cash or debit card only. Some locations may have exceptions, so call ahead if you only have a credit card. You could also withdraw cash from an ATM first and then buy the money order.

What happens if I write the wrong name on the money order?

If the clerk has not yet printed it, ask for a correction. If it's already printed and signed, you cannot change it. The money order can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it. You would need to buy a new one with the correct name.

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

A USPS money order travels at the same speed as regular mail — typically three to five business days within the U.S., longer to other countries. If you need the money to arrive faster, a wire transfer or money transfer service is quicker. Hand-delivery is fastest if the recipient is nearby.

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

Yes, if you have not mailed it yet. Take the money order and receipt back to the Post Office where you bought it. They will refund the full amount minus the fee. Once it's mailed or cashed, refunds are not possible.

Is a USPS money order safer than mailing cash?

Yes. Cash cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. A money order has a tracking number, so you can prove you sent it and see if it was cashed. If it goes missing, you can file a claim and get a replacement. This makes it much safer for sending money through the mail.