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

The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at nearly all post offices, and it is one of the most common places people go to get them. You walk in, tell the clerk you want a money order, provide the amount and the recipient's name, pay a fee, and walk out with a document that works like a may provide payment. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Post offices are convenient because they are widespread — there are over 31,000 locations across the country — and most are open on weekdays and Saturdays. You do not need an account with the Postal Service or any bank. You just need cash or a debit card, and you need to know who the money order is going to.

Key Takeaways

  • Post offices charge a flat fee per money order, which varies slightly by location but is typically between $1.45 and $2.00 for amounts up to $500.
  • You can buy a money order for any amount up to $1,000 at the post office, and you can purchase multiple money orders in one visit if you need to send larger sums.
  • You will need to provide the recipient's name and the exact amount, and you should fill in your own name as the sender before leaving the post office.
  • Money orders from the post office are accepted by most landlords, utility companies, government agencies, and other organizations that require a may provide form of payment.

What information you need to bring

You do not need to bring much. Have the recipient's name ready — this is the person or business the money order is being sent to. You also need to know the exact amount you want to send. That is really all the post office clerk needs from you.

You do not need to show an ID to buy a money order at the post office, though the clerk may ask for one. You do need a way to pay — cash, debit card, or credit card. Some post offices accept checks, but cash or card is more reliable.

How much it costs

The post office charges a fee for each money order. The fee depends on the amount you are sending. For money orders up to $500, the fee is typically $1.45 to $2.00. For money orders between $500.01 and $1,000, the fee is usually around $2.00 to $2.65. Fees can vary slightly by location, so ask the clerk for the exact fee before you pay.

This fee is separate from the amount you are sending. If you want to send $200, you pay $200 plus the fee. The recipient gets $200 — the fee does not come out of what they receive.

The maximum amount per money order

The post office will not sell you a single money order for more than $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you could buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. Each one has its own fee.

This limit exists as a security measure. Money orders are meant for everyday payments like rent, utility bills, and small business transactions. If you are sending a very large sum, a bank wire or cashier's check may be a better option.

How to fill out a money order at the post office

The post office clerk will hand you a blank money order form. You will see fields for the recipient's name, the amount, and your name as the sender. The clerk will usually fill in the amount and the fee, but you should fill in the recipient's name and your own name before you leave the counter.

Write clearly in pen. Use the full legal name of the recipient if you know it — for a business, use the business name as it appears on official documents. Do not leave the recipient field blank and plan to fill it in later. A blank money order can be cashed by anyone, so fill it out completely before you leave the post office.

Keep your receipt. The post office gives you a receipt that shows the amount, the fee, the date, and a tracking number. If the money order is lost or stolen, you will need this receipt to file a claim and get your money back.

When the post office is closed or inconvenient

If you cannot get to a post office, you have other options. Banks and credit unions often sell money orders, sometimes for a lower fee than the post office. Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing businesses also sell them. The process is the same — you provide the recipient's name and amount, pay a fee, and receive a money order.

Some banks charge $3 to $5 per money order, which is more than the post office. Walmart and grocery stores typically charge $0.70 to $1.50, which is less. The trade-off is that banks and credit unions may require you to have an account with them, while the post office does not.

How to track or replace a lost money order

If your money order is lost or stolen before it reaches the recipient, you can file a claim with the post office. Bring your receipt — the one the clerk gave you when you bought the money order. The post office will search their records to see if the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they can issue you a replacement.

The search and replacement process can take several weeks. This is why it is important to keep your receipt and to ask the recipient to confirm they received the money order. If you are mailing the money order, consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at the post office?

Most post offices accept credit cards for money order purchases, but some locations may only accept cash or debit cards. Call ahead or ask the clerk when you arrive. If your post office does not take credit cards, you can use an ATM to withdraw cash first.

Do I need to show ID to buy a money order?

No, the post office does not require an ID to buy a money order. The clerk may ask for one, but you can decline. However, if you are buying a very large number of money orders at once, the clerk may ask questions as a fraud prevention measure.

What happens if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

If you make a mistake before you leave the post office, tell the clerk when ready. They can void that money order and issue you a new one. If you have already left, you cannot change it — money orders cannot be altered once they are issued. You would need to file a claim for a replacement.

How long does it take for a money order to reach someone?

That depends on how you send it. If you mail it, it takes as long as regular mail — typically three to five business days. If you hand-deliver it or use a courier, it arrives the same day. The money order itself is valid when ready once issued; the time is just how long it takes to physically reach the recipient.

Can I buy a money order for myself?

Yes. You can make the recipient your own name. This is sometimes done to create a find record of a cash payment or to hold money in a specific form. The money order works the same way — you can cash it or deposit it into a bank account.