US Post Office money order fees depend on the amount you're sending
The US Postal Service charges between $1.45 and $6.50 per money order, depending on how much money you're sending. A money order for $1 to $500 costs $1.45. A money order for $500.01 to $1,000 costs $6.50. These are the only two price tiers — there is no in-between cost.
The fee is separate from the amount you send. If you buy a $100 money order, you pay $100 plus $1.45 at the counter. You hand over $101.45 total. The recipient gets $100.
Prices have remained stable for several years, but the Postal Service can change them without notice. If you need the current price before you go to the post office, call ahead or check USPS.com.
Key Takeaways
- A money order under $500 costs $1.45; a money order from $500.01 to $1,000 costs $6.50.
- The fee is added to the amount you send, so a $100 money order costs you $101.45 out of pocket.
- You can buy a money order at any post office counter during business hours; no advance notice is needed.
- Money orders have a maximum value of $1,000, so sending more than that requires buying multiple money orders.
How to buy a money order at the post office
Walk into any post office with cash or a debit card and tell the clerk you want to buy a money order. You'll need to know the exact amount and have the recipient's name ready. The clerk fills out the money order, you pay the amount plus the fee, and you walk out with the money order in hand.
The whole process takes about five minutes. You don't need an account, ID, or any paperwork beyond what the clerk provides. Bring the money order to the recipient or mail it yourself — the post office doesn't send it for you.
When a money order costs less than other options
A money order is cheaper than a wire transfer at most banks, which typically cost $15 to $30. It's also cheaper than a cashier's check, which usually costs $5 to $15 depending on your bank. A money order is more expensive than a personal check, which costs nothing, but money orders are safer because they can't bounce.
If you're sending money to someone you don't know well or to a business that requires proof of payment, a money order creates a paper trail. The recipient can verify it was issued by the Postal Service. That security is worth the $1.45 to $6.50 fee in many situations.
What happens if you lose a money order
If you lose a money order before you send it, contact the post office where you bought it. Bring your receipt. The Postal Service can issue a replacement, but there's a $1.25 fee for the replacement and you have to wait while they search their records — usually a few days to a few weeks.
If someone else cashes a money order you've already sent, you can file a claim with the post office, but you'll need the money order number and the receipt. This is why keeping your receipt matters. The claim process takes time and isn't always successful if the money order was already cashed.
Money order limits and when you need multiple
The US Postal Service caps money orders at $1,000 each. If you need to send $2,500, you buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. That costs you $1.45 + $6.50 + $6.50 = $14.45 in fees total.
For large amounts, a wire transfer or cashier's check might be cheaper even though the per-transaction fee is higher. Calculate the total cost before you decide. If you're sending $5,000, five money orders cost $14.45 in fees; a wire transfer might cost $25 but takes one trip to the bank instead of one to the post office.
Money order fees compared to other payment methods
| Payment Method | Cost | Speed | Proof of Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Post Office Money Order (under $500) | $1.45 | Same day | Yes, receipt provided |
| US Post Office Money Order ($500–$1,000) | $6.50 | Same day | Yes, receipt provided |
| Bank wire transfer | $15–$30 | 1–2 business days | Yes, confirmation number |
| Cashier's check | $5–$15 | Same day | Yes, check number |
| Personal check | $0 | 3–5 business days | Yes, check number |
Where to find the post office nearest you
Use the USPS location finder at USPS.com or call 1-800-275-8777 to find a post office open during hours that work for you. Most post offices are open Monday through Friday and have limited Saturday hours. Some locations inside grocery stores or pharmacies have shorter hours than standalone post offices.
Call ahead if you're buying a large number of money orders or if you want to confirm they have enough cash on hand. Most post offices stock money orders regularly, but a very large purchase might require advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online and pick it up at the post office?
No. The US Postal Service does not sell money orders online. You must go to a post office counter in person, bring cash or a debit card, and buy the money order there. Some third-party services sell money orders online, but they charge higher fees than the post office.
Do I need ID to buy a money order?
No. The post office does not require identification to buy a money order under $3,000. For amounts $3,000 and above, you'll need to provide ID and the clerk will record your information for federal reporting purposes.
What if the post office is closed when I need a money order?
You can buy money orders at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses during extended hours. Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens all sell money orders, though their fees are often higher than the post office — sometimes $2 to $5 per money order. Call ahead to confirm they have them in stock.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about a money order?
Yes. If you haven't sent the money order yet, take it back to the post office with your receipt and they'll refund the full amount including the fee. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot get a refund.
How long does a money order take to clear?
A money order clears the same day it's deposited at a bank or cashed at a business. Unlike personal checks, money orders don't have a hold period. The recipient can use the funds immediately.