Do They Sell Money Orders at the Post Office?
Your guide to the full process of obtaining and managing money orders through the US Postal Service.
Money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS) are a secure and reliable way to send or receive funds. A money order is a prepaid financial document, purchased for a specific amount and guaranteed by the issuer. This method offers a safe alternative to sending cash through the mail or using personal checks, especially for individuals who may not have a traditional bank account or prefer not to use one for certain transactions. They are widely accepted and do not expire.
Preparing for Your Purchase
Before visiting a Post Office, gather specific details and prepare your payment. You will need the full name of the recipient, and for certain transactions, their address might also be necessary. Accepted payment methods include cash or a debit card. Credit cards and personal checks are generally not accepted.
Identification is required. A valid photo ID may be requested, especially for debit card payments or higher amounts. If your total daily purchase of money orders reaches $3,000 or more, you must complete PS Form 8105-A, a Funds Transaction Report, and present acceptable identification.
The maximum amount for a single domestic USPS money order is $1,000. While multiple money orders can be purchased in one visit, the $3,000 daily reporting threshold still applies. The USPS stopped selling international money orders on September 30, 2024.
Fees for purchasing money orders are tiered, meaning the cost varies based on the amount of the money order. For domestic money orders, the fee is typically lower for amounts up to $500 and slightly higher for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000.
Completing Your Transaction
Approach the retail counter to purchase a money order. The associate will provide the money order form. Write the recipient’s full name in the “Pay to” section and your address in the “Purchaser” section. A memo field is available for payment details or notes.
After filling out the form, present your cash or debit card to the postal clerk to cover the money order’s value and fee. The clerk will process the transaction and issue the money order. Upon receiving your money order, retain the customer receipt or stub. This receipt contains crucial information, including the money order’s serial number, the Post Office number where it was issued, and the exact amount. This receipt is important for tracking the money order or initiating an inquiry if it is lost or stolen.
Cashing a Money Order
Several options exist for cashing a USPS money order. You can cash a USPS money order at any United States Post Office location. Many banks will also cash USPS money orders, particularly if you are an account holder with that institution. Some retail locations may also offer money order cashing services, though policies and fees can vary.
When cashing a money order, you will be required to present a valid photo identification. If you are cashing the money order at a Post Office, it is important to sign the money order in front of the USPS employee. The Post Office can cash domestic money orders up to $5,000, though this is subject to the availability of funds at that specific location.
If a money order you purchased is lost or stolen, you can file an inquiry with the USPS by submitting PS Form 6401, Money Order Inquiry. There is a fee associated with filing this inquiry, and a replacement money order will not be issued until approximately 30 to 60 days after the purchase date, provided the original has not been cashed. The USPS does not charge a fee to cash a USPS money order. However, some banks or other check-cashing services may impose their own fees, especially for non-account holders. The USPS will stop cashing international money orders after September 30, 2025.