Post Office Money Order Fees Vary by Amount
The United States Postal Service (USPS) charges a flat fee for each money order you buy, and that fee depends on how much money the order is for. As of 2024, a money order for up to $500 costs one price, and a money order for $500.01 to $1,000 costs a higher price. The exact dollar amounts vary slightly by post office location, so you should ask at your local branch or check the USPS website before you go.
You pay the fee at the time you purchase the money order — it is added to the total amount you hand over. If you want a $300 money order and the fee is $1.45, you give the postal clerk $301.45 in cash, check, or debit card. The money order itself shows only the $300 amount; the fee does not appear on the document.
USPS money orders can be sent anywhere in the United States and to many countries abroad. The fee covers the cost of the money order itself and the postal service's role in issuing it. Unlike a check, a money order cannot bounce because you pay the full amount upfront.
Key Takeaways
- USPS charges a single flat fee per money order based on whether the amount is under $500 or between $500.01 and $1,000.
- The fee is added to the amount you pay at the post office counter and does not appear on the money order document itself.
- You can pay for a money order with cash, check, or debit card at most post offices.
- Money order fees at USPS are typically lower than fees at banks, check-cashing services, or other retailers, though you should compare before you buy.
How to Find the Current Fee at Your Post Office
Post office fees can shift, and they may differ slightly between locations. The most reliable way to find out what you will pay is to call your local post office directly or visit the USPS website and enter your ZIP code. The USPS website has a postage rate lookup tool that includes money order fees.
If you are buying a money order in person, you can also ask the postal clerk before you hand over your money. They will tell you the exact fee for the amount you want. This takes only a few seconds and ensures you know the total cost before you commit.
Comparing Post Office Fees to Other Places
You can buy money orders at places other than the post office — banks, Walmart, grocery stores, check-cashing services, and some convenience stores all sell them. The fees at these places are often higher than USPS fees, but not always. A bank may charge $5 to $10 per money order, while Walmart typically charges less than $1. Check-cashing services often charge $2 to $5 or more.
If you buy money orders regularly or need several at once, the difference adds up. A $1 fee at the post office versus a $5 fee at a check-cashing service means you save $4 per order. For someone sending multiple payments, choosing the post office can save real money over time.
The trade-off is convenience. A post office may not be as close to you as a Walmart or grocery store, and post office hours are more limited. If speed and location matter more to you than saving a dollar or two, a nearby retailer might make sense despite the higher fee.
What Happens If You Lose or Don't Use a Money Order
If you buy a money order and then lose it or decide you do not need it, you can request a refund from USPS. You will need to go back to the post office where you bought it, bring your receipt if you have it, and ask for a refund. USPS will refund the full amount of the money order plus the fee you paid — but this process can take time, sometimes several weeks.
If someone else cashes the money order before you report it lost, you cannot get your money back. Money orders are treated like cash once they are issued. This is why it is important to keep your receipt and to send or deliver a money order promptly once you have bought it.
Money Order Limits and Why They Matter
USPS limits individual money orders to $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you have to buy multiple money orders. This means if you want to send $2,500, you would buy three money orders — two for $1,000 each and one for $500 — and pay three separate fees.
Some people and businesses have limits on how many money orders they will accept from one person at a time. Banks and check-cashing services may flag large purchases as suspicious activity. If you are buying several money orders at once, be prepared to explain why, and know that the business has the right to refuse the sale.
When to Use a Money Order Instead of Other Payment Methods
A money order makes sense when the person or business you are paying will not take a personal check, does not have a way to receive an electronic payment, or when you want a record of payment that is safer than cash. Landlords, utility companies, government agencies, and bail bondsmen often ask for money orders specifically.
Money orders are also useful when you do not have a bank account or do not want to give out your bank details. Unlike a check, a money order does not show your account number or routing number. Unlike cash, it can be tracked and replaced if lost before it is cashed.
If you have other options — a bank transfer, a credit card, or a check — compare the cost and the time it takes. A bank transfer is usually free and when ready. A check costs nothing but takes longer to clear. A money order costs a small fee but is safer than cash and faster than a check in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online from USPS and pick it up at the post office?
No. USPS does not sell money orders online. You must go to a post office in person to buy one. You can call ahead to confirm the fee and that the post office has money order forms in stock, but you cannot order or pay online.
Do I need an ID to buy a money order at the post office?
For most money orders under $3,000, you do not need an ID. However, if you are buying multiple money orders or a very large amount, the post office may ask for identification to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. Bring a driver's license or passport to be safe.
What if the post office is closed when I need a money order?
You can buy money orders at other retailers during their hours — Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services often stay open later or on Sundays. The fee will likely be higher than at the post office, but you will have the money order when you need it. Some banks also sell money orders to customers during business hours.
Is there a fee to cash a money order I receive?
No. If someone sends you a money order, you can cash it at a bank, post office, or check-cashing service for free. The person who bought the money order paid the fee when they purchased it. You do not pay anything to turn it into cash.
Can I get a refund if I paid the money order fee but changed my mind?
Yes, but you must return to the post office with your receipt and request a refund before anyone cashes the money order. USPS will refund both the money order amount and the fee. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot get a refund.