How Much Does a Postal Money Order Cost?
Understand the fees for USPS money orders, plus essential steps for buying and managing them securely.
A postal money order is a secure payment method issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS). These financial instruments function similarly to a prepaid check, offering a tangible, paper-based alternative for individuals without bank accounts or who prefer not to use electronic systems. Postal money orders are widely accepted for various transactions.
Understanding Postal Money Order Costs
The cost of a postal money order varies by amount and whether it is for domestic or international use. Domestic money orders have a tiered fee structure. An order from $0.01 to $500.00 costs $2.35.
For domestic money orders exceeding $500.00, up to the $1,000.00 maximum, the fee is $3.40. International postal money orders, with a maximum of $700.00, cost $12.25. The USPS ceased selling international money orders on September 30, 2024, and will no longer cash them after September 30, 2025.
Additional costs apply for inquiries regarding lost or stolen money orders. A processing fee of $21.00 applies to initiate an inquiry.
Purchasing Postal Money Orders
To purchase a postal money order, visit any USPS Post Office location. Before visiting, have the exact amount desired and the recipient’s full name ready. Providing the recipient’s name ensures only the intended individual can cash the money order.
At the Post Office counter, inform the retail associate that you wish to purchase a money order. You will then need to provide the necessary recipient details for the money order form. Acceptable forms of payment for purchasing money orders include cash or a debit card; credit cards are not accepted.
After providing the information and payment, the postal clerk will issue the completed money order along with a customer receipt. This receipt contains the money order’s serial number and should be retained for your records.
Key Considerations for Postal Money Orders
A single domestic postal money order has a maximum value of $1,000.00, though larger amounts can be sent by purchasing multiple money orders. If the total value of money orders purchased in a single day reaches $3,000.00 or more, the purchaser will need to complete PS Form 8105-A, a Funds Transaction Report, and present identification.
When filling out a newly purchased money order, write the payee’s name in the “Pay to” field first, using ink, to prevent unauthorized cashing if misplaced. The sender’s information should be entered in the “From” or “Purchaser” section. A memo line is available for brief details like an account number if paying a bill. Sign the front where indicated, but the back should remain unsigned until the recipient is ready to cash it.
The customer receipt contains the money order’s serial number. This number is necessary for tracking the money order’s status online or for initiating an inquiry if it is lost or stolen. To formally inquire about a lost or stolen money order, a PS Form 6401 must be completed at a Post Office.
Postal money orders can be cashed at any Post Office location, and are also accepted at most banks and some retail stores. Proper identification is required when cashing, and the money order must be signed in front of the cashing agent. Postal money orders incorporate security features, including watermarks, a security thread that displays “USPS” when held to light, and a QR code that directs users to the USPS website for verification.