Where you can deposit a money order
You can deposit a money order at most banks, credit unions, and check-cashing services. Your own bank or credit union is usually the fastest and cheapest option — many do not charge a fee for members. Check-cashing stores will also take money orders, but they typically charge a fee of $1 to $5 depending on the amount.
Some retailers like Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies have check-cashing services at their customer service desk and will cash money orders for a small fee. A few will deposit them directly into your account if you have a debit card with them, though this is less common than cashing.
If you do not have a bank account, a check-cashing service is your main option, though the fee reduces what you receive. If you have a bank account, depositing through your bank avoids the fee entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions deposit money orders into your account for free if you are a member, and the funds usually clear within one to three business days.
- You must endorse the back of the money order with your signature and write your account number below your name before depositing.
- You can deposit a money order in person at a branch, through an ATM if your bank offers mobile deposit, or by mailing it with a deposit slip.
- Check-cashing services and retailers charge $1 to $5 to cash a money order but do not require a bank account.
- The person or business that issued the money order must have filled in the payee name correctly, or the deposit will be rejected.
What information you need before you deposit
Check that the money order is filled out correctly before you go to deposit it. The payee line — the "Pay to the Order of" field — must have your name exactly as it appears on your bank account or ID. If the name is wrong or blank, the bank will reject the deposit.
The issuer (the person or business who bought the money order) should have signed it. Some money orders require a signature from the issuer; others do not. Check the money order itself — it will say whether a signature is required. If it is required and missing, the bank may still deposit it, but the transaction could be reversed later if the issuer disputes it.
You will also need your account number and routing number if you are depositing by mail. Your bank statement or a check from your account will show both numbers.
How to endorse the money order
Turn the money order over to the back. On the line marked "Endorse here" or similar, sign your name exactly as it appears on your bank account. Do not print your name — use your signature.
Below your signature, write your account number. Some banks ask for your full account number; others ask for the last four digits. If you are unsure, write the full number — the bank can sort it out, but a partial number might cause a delay.
Do not write anything else on the back of the money order. Banks scan these documents, and extra writing can confuse the scanning software and slow down processing.
Depositing in person at a branch
Walk into your bank or credit union with the endorsed money order and your ID. Tell the teller you want to deposit the money order. Hand over the money order and your ID.
The teller will ask which account to deposit it into if you have more than one. They will scan or photograph the money order and give you a receipt showing the deposit amount and the expected date the funds will be available. Keep this receipt until the money appears in your account.
Most banks make money order deposits available within one to three business days. Some banks make the funds available the same day, especially if you deposit early in the morning. Ask the teller when you can expect to see the money.
Depositing through mobile deposit or ATM
Many banks offer mobile deposit, which lets you photograph the front and back of the money order using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. Open your bank's app, find the deposit option, take clear photos of both sides of the endorsed money order, and follow the prompts to submit.
The app will tell you when the deposit was received and when the funds should be available. Mobile deposits typically take the same time as in-person deposits — one to three business days — though some banks process them faster.
Some ATMs accept money order deposits, though this is less common than check deposits. If your bank's ATM accepts deposits, the machine will have a slot for envelopes. Place the endorsed money order in an envelope, insert it into the slot, and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will give you a receipt, and the deposit will be processed the next business day.
Depositing by mail
If you cannot visit a branch or use mobile deposit, you can mail the money order to your bank. Call your bank's customer service line and ask for the mailing address for deposits. Do not mail it to the main branch address unless they specifically tell you to.
Write a deposit slip — you can find one in your checkbook or read one from your bank's website. Fill in the amount of the money order, your account number, and your name. Tape the endorsed money order to the back of the deposit slip.
Place the deposit slip and money order in an envelope and mail it to the address your bank provided. Use first-class mail or a tracked service like certified mail so you have proof of mailing. The deposit will be processed when your bank receives it, usually within five to seven business days from the time you mail it.
What happens if the money order is rejected
A bank will reject a money order deposit if the payee name does not match your account name, if the money order is damaged or illegible, or if the issuer placed a stop payment on it. If this happens, the bank will return the money order to you, usually within five to ten business days.
If the payee name is wrong, you may be able to have the issuer issue a new money order with the correct name. If the money order is damaged, contact the issuer to see if they can cancel it and issue a replacement.
If the bank suspects fraud — for example, if the money order appears to be counterfeit — they will hold it and may contact you or the issuer. This is rare but can delay the process significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a deposited money order to clear?
Most banks make money order deposits available within one to three business days. Some banks offer same-day availability if you deposit early in the morning. Mobile deposits and mailed deposits may take slightly longer — up to five to seven business days for mail. Ask your bank when you deposit.
Can I deposit a money order that is made out to someone else?
No. The payee name on the money order must match the name on your bank account. If someone else's name is on it, that person must endorse it to you, and you would then need to deposit it into an account in your name. Many banks will not accept third-party endorsed money orders.
What if I lost the money order before I could deposit it?
Contact the issuer or the company that sold the money order when ready. You will need the receipt or confirmation number from when it was purchased. The issuer can place a stop payment and issue a replacement, though this process can take several weeks.
Do I need to report a large money order deposit to the bank?
Banks are required to report deposits of $10,000 or more to the federal government. This is routine and does not mean anything is wrong. If you are depositing a large money order, the bank will handle the reporting automatically.
Can I deposit a money order at an ATM if my bank does not have a branch nearby?
If your bank has ATMs in your area, some may accept money order deposits. Mobile deposit is usually faster and more reliable if your bank offers it. You can also mail the money order to your bank's processing center, which takes longer but works from anywhere.