The basic steps to get a money order

A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check, but you pay for it upfront at the time you buy it. You walk into a store or bank, tell the clerk how much you want the money order for, hand over that amount in cash (or sometimes a debit card), and they print it for you. Then you fill in who the money is going to, sign it, and send it or deliver it to that person. The recipient takes it to their bank or a check-cashing place and deposits or cashes it.

The whole process takes about five minutes. You do not need a bank account to buy or use a money order. The main reason people use them instead of checks or digital payments is that the money is already may provide — the issuer has already taken your cash, so there is no risk the payment will bounce.

Key Takeaways

  • Money orders are sold at post offices, grocery stores, Walmart, check-cashing shops, and some banks, and cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it.
  • You must fill in the payee name (who gets the money), your name and address as the sender, and sign the money order before sending it.
  • Money orders have a maximum amount, usually $500 to $1,000 per order depending on the issuer, so larger payments require multiple money orders.
  • Once you hand over cash to buy a money order, you cannot get that money back if you change your mind, so double-check the amount and payee name before you pay.
  • The recipient can cash or deposit a money order at any bank, credit union, or check-cashing store without needing an account.

Where to buy a money order

The most common places are the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Walmart, grocery store customer service desks, and check-cashing shops. Many banks also sell them, though not all. Some convenience stores and pharmacies sell them too, but availability varies by location.

USPS money orders are often the cheapest option and work nationwide. Walmart and grocery stores are usually open longer hours than banks. Check-cashing shops are fast and do not require you to have an account anywhere. Call ahead or check the store's website if you are unsure whether a specific location sells them.

What information you need to fill in

A money order has several blank lines. The most important ones are:

  • Pay to the Order of: Write the full name of the person or business that will receive the money. Use the exact name they give you — if they say "John Smith" and you write "J. Smith," it may cause problems when they try to cash it.
  • From or Purchaser: Write your full name and address. This tells the recipient and the bank who sent the money order.
  • Memo or For: This line is optional. You can write what the money is for — for example, "rent" or "invoice 12345" — but it is not required.
  • Signature: Sign the money order in the space marked for your signature. Do not sign it before you fill in the payee name, because an unsigned or blank money order can be cashed by anyone.

The clerk will fill in the amount and the date when they issue it. You do not fill those in yourself.

Money order limits and fees

Most money orders have a maximum amount. USPS money orders max out at $1,000. Walmart and many grocery stores cap them at $500 to $1,000 depending on the location. Check-cashing shops may have different limits — ask when you arrive.

If you need to send more than the limit, you buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you could buy five $500 money orders or three $1,000 money orders, depending on where you buy them.

Fees range from about $1 to $5 per money order. USPS charges less than $2 for amounts under $500. Walmart and grocery stores typically charge $0.70 to $1.50. Check-cashing shops may charge $2 to $5. The fee is added to the amount you pay — if you want to send $100 and the fee is $1.50, you hand over $101.50.

How to send a money order safely

Once you have filled it out and signed it, treat it like cash. If you mail it, use regular mail or certified mail with tracking — certified mail costs a bit more but gives you proof it arrived. Write the recipient's address clearly on the envelope.

Do not mail a blank or unsigned money order. Do not write the amount in words on the line that says "amount" — the clerk already printed the number. Do not cross out or erase anything; if you make a mistake, ask the clerk for a replacement.

If you are delivering it in person, hand it directly to the recipient or to someone you trust to give it to them. Do not leave it in a mailbox or on a desk where someone else could take it.

What to do if you lose a money order or make a mistake

If you lose a money order before you send it, contact the issuer (USPS, Walmart, or whoever sold it to you) right away. You will need the receipt and the money order number. They can cancel it and issue a replacement, though there may be a fee and it can take several weeks.

If you already sent it and the recipient says they never got it, ask them to check with their bank — it may have been deposited and they forgot. If it truly is lost in the mail, contact the issuer with your receipt and money order number. They can research whether it was cashed and by whom.

If you filled it out wrong before sending it — for example, you wrote the wrong payee name — you cannot change it. The recipient will not be able to cash it if their name does not match what you wrote. You will need to buy a new money order for the correct amount and payee, and the first one will be wasted (you lose the fee and the money).

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash because it can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it. It is faster than a check because it does not require a bank account and the funds are may provide. It costs more than a bank transfer or digital payment app, but it works for people without bank accounts or for situations where the recipient will not accept digital payments.

If you have a bank account, a check or online transfer is usually cheaper and faster. If you do not have a bank account or the recipient will not take a check, a money order is a solid option. If you need the payment to arrive the same day, you will have to deliver it in person — mailed money orders take three to seven business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card or debit card?

Most places accept cash only for money orders. Some Walmart locations and certain banks allow debit cards, but credit cards are almost never accepted. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location takes.

What happens if the recipient loses the money order I sent them?

If they lose it before cashing it, they should contact the issuer with your name and the amount. The issuer can research whether it was cashed and help them get a replacement if it was not. This process takes time, so tell the recipient to report it quickly.

Do I need to keep a copy of the money order?

Yes. Keep your receipt from when you bought it, and take a photo or photocopy of the money order before you send it. This gives you proof of the amount, date, and money order number if there is ever a dispute.

Can someone else cash a money order if my name is on it as the sender?

No. The money order can only be cashed by the person whose name is in the "Pay to the Order of" line. Your name as the sender does not give anyone else the right to cash it.

What if I want to send a money order to a business instead of a person?

Write the business name exactly as they tell you to — for example, "ABC Plumbing LLC" or "City Utilities Department." Ask them for the correct legal name and spelling before you buy the money order so you get it right the first time.