Yes, you can get a money order at most U.S. Post Office locations

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at nearly all of its post offices. You walk in, tell the clerk you want a money order, provide the amount, and pay a fee on top of that amount. The clerk fills out the form with you, takes your payment, and gives you the money order to send or deliver to whoever you're paying.

Not every single post office location carries money orders — a very small number of rural or contract stations do not — but the vast majority do. If you're unsure whether your local branch has them, you can call ahead or check the USPS website to confirm before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS money orders are sold at most post office locations during regular business hours, with no advance notice required.
  • You pay the face amount of the money order plus a separate fee, which varies based on the amount you're sending.
  • The clerk will ask for the recipient's name and your name and address, then hand you the completed money order to mail or deliver yourself.
  • Money orders from USPS are accepted by most businesses, landlords, and government agencies as a find payment method.
  • If you lose a money order before it's cashed, you can file a claim with USPS, but the process takes time and requires your receipt.

What you need to bring to the post office

You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order at USPS. Most post offices accept both, though some smaller locations may only take cash. Bring your ID if you're buying a money order for more than $3,000 — USPS requires identification for larger amounts as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules.

You should also know the recipient's name and mailing address before you arrive, though the clerk can help you fill in the form if you need guidance. If you're paying a business or utility company, have their name spelled correctly and any account number they've asked you to include.

How much it costs and what the limits are

USPS money order fees depend on the amount you're sending. As of 2024, the fee is typically between $1.45 and $2.00 for money orders up to $500, and between $2.00 and $2.65 for amounts between $500 and $1,000. Fees change periodically, so ask the clerk for the exact fee when you arrive.

The maximum amount for a single USPS money order is $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders. There is no limit to how many you can purchase in one visit, though buying several large ones may trigger additional identification requirements.

The money order form and what information goes on it

The USPS money order form is a single page with spaces for the recipient's name and address, your name and address, and the amount. The clerk will fill most of this in while you watch, or you can fill it out yourself before you hand it to them. The form includes a stub that you keep as your receipt — do not throw this away.

Your receipt stub shows the money order number, the amount, the date, and the fee you paid. If the money order is lost or never cashed, you'll need this receipt to file a claim. Keep it in a safe place until the recipient confirms they've received and cashed the money order.

How to send the money order once you have it

After the clerk hands you the completed money order, you decide how to get it to the recipient. You can mail it in an envelope through USPS, deliver it in person, or give it to someone else to deliver. Unlike a check, a money order does not have your bank account information on it, so it's safer to mail than a personal check.

If you're mailing it, consider using Certified Mail or Priority Mail with tracking so you know when it arrives. This costs extra but gives you proof of delivery if there's ever a dispute about whether the recipient got it. For large amounts or important payments, tracking is worth the added cost.

What happens if you lose the money order or it goes missing

If a money order is lost before the recipient cashes it, you can file a claim with USPS to get your money back. You'll need your receipt stub, which has the money order number on it. Without the receipt, USPS cannot process a claim.

The claim process takes time — typically several weeks to several months. USPS will investigate whether the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed after a certain period, they will refund your money. If it has already been cashed by someone else, you may not recover the funds. This is why keeping your receipt and using tracking for important payments matters.

Alternatives to USPS money orders

Banks and credit unions also sell money orders, often at lower fees than USPS. Some banks charge $3 to $10 per money order, but others offer them free to account holders. Check with your bank before going to the post office if you have an account there.

Grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers sell money orders through MoneyGram or Western Union. These typically cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. The main trade-off is that retail money orders may not be accepted everywhere that USPS money orders are — some landlords and government agencies specifically require USPS or bank money orders. Ask the recipient which type they prefer before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online from USPS?

No, USPS does not sell money orders online. You must go to a post office location in person. Some banks and money order services offer online ordering with in-person pickup or delivery, but USPS requires you to visit a branch.

Do I need an account at a bank to get a money order at the post office?

No, you do not need a bank account. You only need cash or a debit card to pay for the money order and the fee. USPS does not require you to have any account or membership.

What if the post office is closed when I need a money order?

Most post offices are open Monday through Friday and have limited Saturday hours. If you need a money order outside those times, grocery stores and Walmart sell them 24 hours a day through MoneyGram or Western Union, though fees and acceptance may differ from USPS.

Can someone else pick up a money order for me?

Yes, someone else can go to the post office and buy a money order on your behalf. They'll need to provide your name and address for the form, along with cash or a debit card to pay. They do not need your ID or permission in writing.

How long does it take to get a money order at the post office?

The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how busy the post office is. During peak times, you may wait longer. There is no advance notice or processing time — you walk in, buy it, and leave with it the same day.