Can I Buy a Money Order at the Post Office?

Money orders offer a secure and convenient method for sending money, serving as a reliable alternative to cash or personal checks. These prepaid financial instruments ensure that funds are guaranteed. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a primary issuer of money orders, allowing individuals to purchase them at any Post Office location across the country.

Information Needed to Purchase

Before visiting a Post Office to acquire a money order, purchasers must present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a state driver’s license or a U.S. passport. This identification confirms the buyer’s identity for the transaction.

Payment for money orders at the Post Office is limited to cash or debit cards. You must also know the precise amount of money to be sent and the full name and address of the intended recipient, as these details are essential for completing the money order.

Steps to Buy Your Money Order

At the Post Office, purchasing a money order involves a few steps at the counter. Approach a retail associate and state the desired amount for the money order. The associate will guide the transaction, requesting identification and payment.

After payment, the postal clerk will issue the money order. Immediately fill out the “Pay to” field with the recipient’s name to prevent unauthorized cashing if lost. Complete the “From” section with your name and address, and you may use the memo line for a brief description, such as an account number.

Sign the front of the money order to validate it. Detach and keep the customer receipt, as it contains a serial number for tracking the money order or initiating an inquiry if lost or stolen.

Understanding Money Order Limits and Fees

The U.S. Postal Service sets limits on the value of individual money orders and charges a fee for their issuance. A single domestic money order cannot exceed $1,000. For amounts greater than this limit, multiple money orders must be purchased, each incurring a separate fee.

Fees for domestic money orders vary based on the amount being sent. For example, a money order for amounts up to $500 costs around $1.45, while those for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000 cost approximately $1.95. If the total value of money orders purchased by a customer in a single day reaches $3,000 or more, the customer is required to complete PS Form 8105-A, a Funds Transaction Report, and provide acceptable identification.