USPS money order fees depend on the amount you're sending
The United States Postal Service charges a flat fee for each money order, and that fee changes based on how much money the order is for. As of 2024, USPS charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500, and $1.95 for money orders between $500.01 and $1,000. These are the only two tiers — there is no charge for amounts under $1, and you cannot send more than $1,000 in a single USPS money order.
You pay the fee when you buy the money order at the post office, not when the recipient cashes it. The fee is separate from the amount you're sending — if you want to send $100, you pay $100 plus the applicable fee. You cannot use a money order to pay the fee itself.
USPS fees can change, and they have risen several times in the past decade. Check with your local post office or the USPS website before you go in, especially if you are sending a large amount and the fee difference matters to your budget.
Key Takeaways
- USPS charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500 and $1.95 for money orders from $500.01 to $1,000.
- You pay the fee at the time of purchase, in cash or by debit card, separate from the amount you are sending.
- Money orders cannot exceed $1,000, so sending more than that amount requires multiple money orders and multiple fees.
- USPS fees change periodically, so confirm the current rate before visiting the post office if the cost is a concern.
How the fee compares to other money transfer methods
A USPS money order fee of $1.45 to $1.95 is competitive for small amounts, but the cost adds up if you are sending money regularly or in large quantities. A wire transfer through a bank typically costs $15 to $30 per transaction. A cashier's check from a bank usually costs $5 to $15. Online money transfer services like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash often charge nothing for peer-to-peer transfers between individuals, though they may charge a percentage fee if you are sending to a business or using a credit card.
The trade-off is that USPS money orders do not require a bank account, do not expose your personal financial information to the recipient, and work in places that do not accept digital payments. If you are unbanked or sending money to someone who cannot receive electronic transfers, the USPS fee is often the cheapest option available.
What happens if you need to send more than $1,000
USPS will not issue a single money order for more than $1,000. If you need to send $2,500, you must buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. This means you pay three separate fees — $1.95 + $1.95 + $1.45 = $5.35 in fees alone.
For large amounts, this fee structure makes USPS money orders less practical. A wire transfer or cashier's check becomes cheaper once you cross into multiple money orders. Ask yourself whether the recipient needs the money order format specifically, or whether they would accept a different method. If you have a bank account, a cashier's check is often simpler and costs less for amounts over $2,000.
Where to buy a USPS money order and what to bring
You can buy a USPS money order at any post office during business hours. You do not need an account or membership. Bring cash or a debit card — most post offices accept both, though some may only take cash. Bring your ID; the postal clerk will ask for it.
You will fill out the money order form at the counter. You need to know the recipient's name (the "payee") and your own name (the "purchaser"). You do not need the recipient's address, but including it is a good idea if you know it. The postal clerk will print the amount, assign a serial number, and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt until the recipient confirms they have cashed the money order.
Fees for replacing a lost or damaged money order
If a money order is lost, stolen, or damaged before the recipient cashes it, you can request a replacement. USPS will issue a replacement money order at no additional charge — you do not pay the fee twice. However, you must provide the original receipt and the serial number, and you may have to wait while USPS verifies that the original money order has not been cashed.
This verification process can take several weeks. If the money order was already cashed by someone else (fraud or theft), USPS will not replace it. This is why keeping your receipt is critical — it is your proof of purchase and your only way to track the money order if something goes wrong.
Why USPS money orders cost less than some alternatives
USPS money orders are cheaper than wire transfers and cashier's checks because they are lower-risk for the postal service. A money order is a simple paper document with a serial number; the postal service does not hold the money or verify the recipient's identity. The fee covers the cost of printing, the clerk's time, and the small risk that the money order will be lost or disputed.
Banks charge more for cashier's checks and wire transfers because they are handling the actual money, verifying both parties, and taking on liability if something goes wrong. Online payment services often charge nothing for basic transfers because they make money from interest on the float (the time your money sits in their system) or from other services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the USPS money order fee with a credit card?
Most post offices accept debit cards and cash, but not credit cards. Call your local post office to confirm what payment methods they take. Some locations may have different policies.
Do I have to pay the fee if the money order is never cashed?
Yes. You pay the fee when you buy the money order, regardless of whether the recipient ever cashes it. If the money order is lost or uncashed after a long time, you can request a refund of the original amount (minus the fee), but the fee itself is not refundable.
Is the USPS money order fee the same at every post office?
Yes. USPS sets the fee nationally, so you will pay the same amount at any post office in the country. However, some post offices may have different hours or services, so call ahead if you are unsure.
What if I want to send money internationally?
USPS money orders are for domestic use only (within the United States). For international transfers, you will need a wire transfer, an international money transfer service, or a cashier's check sent by mail. These options have different fees and delivery times.