Post Office Money Order Costs

A money order at the United States Postal Service costs between $1.45 and $2.00, depending on the amount. Orders up to $500 cost $1.45. Orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00. The USPS does not issue money orders larger than $1,000.

These prices explore at every Post Office location nationwide. The fee is the same whether you buy one money order or ten. You pay the fee at the time you purchase, in addition to the face value of the money order itself — so a $100 money order actually costs you $101.45.

Prices have remained stable since 2018, though the USPS periodically reviews postal fees. If you need to send money regularly, the per-transaction cost adds up. A single $500 money order costs $1.45, but five of them cost $7.25 total.

Key Takeaways

  • Money orders under $500 cost $1.45; those from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $2.00.
  • You cannot buy a single money order for more than $1,000, but you can purchase multiple orders in one transaction.
  • The fee is paid upfront when you buy the money order, separate from the amount you are sending.
  • All Post Office locations charge the same fee — there is no regional variation.

How to Pay for a Money Order at the Post Office

When you arrive at the Post Office counter, you give the clerk the amount you want the money order to be for, plus the fee. If you want a $300 money order, you hand over $301.45 in cash, check, or debit card. The clerk fills out the money order with the recipient's name and your name as the sender, then gives you the original to send and keeps a receipt for the Post Office records.

You must provide the recipient's name before the money order is issued. You cannot leave it blank or fill it in later. If you make a mistake on the name or amount, you can request a replacement, though some locations may charge a small fee for a duplicate or correction.

Payment methods vary slightly by location. Most Post Offices accept cash, debit cards, and checks. Some locations may not accept credit cards for money order purchases, so bring cash or a debit card if you are unsure.

When a Money Order Costs More Than You Think

The $1.45 or $2.00 fee is straightforward, but the total cost of using a money order can be higher depending on your situation. If you need to send more than $1,000, you must buy multiple money orders. Sending $2,500 requires five money orders: four at $1,000 each (costing $8.00 in fees) plus one at $500 (costing $1.45), for a total of $9.45 in fees alone.

If you are sending money to pay a bill, some billers charge a processing fee when they receive a money order instead of a check or electronic payment. This is separate from the Post Office fee. Check with the recipient before you buy the money order.

Travel time and gas to reach a Post Office also factor into the real cost, especially if your nearest location is far away. For small amounts, a money order may not be the cheapest option compared to a bank transfer or bill payment through your bank's website.

Money Order Fees at Other Places

The Post Office is not the only place to buy a money order. Walmart, grocery stores with financial services counters, and some banks also sell them, often at different prices. Walmart typically charges $0.70 to $1.00 for money orders under $1,000. Check-cashing services and payday loan stores may charge $2.00 to $5.00 or more.

Lower fees do not always mean lower total cost. A store that charges $0.70 may be farther away than your Post Office, or may have longer wait times. Compare the fee, your travel time, and the store's hours before you decide where to buy.

Banks that offer money orders to customers sometimes charge no fee at all, though this varies by institution and account type. Call your bank to ask whether they issue money orders and what the cost is.

What Happens If You Lose or Don't Use a Money Order

If you buy a money order and then lose it before sending it, you can request a replacement from the Post Office. You will need your receipt and the money order number. The Post Office will issue a duplicate at no charge, but the process takes time — typically 30 to 60 days while they verify the original was not cashed.

If you buy a money order and decide you do not need it, you can cash it back at the Post Office for a refund of the full amount, including the fee. Bring your receipt and the original money order. Some locations may require you to wait a certain number of days before refunding, so ask when you purchase.

Money orders do not expire, so there is no rush to use one. However, holding onto an uncashed money order means your money is not in your account earning interest or available for other uses.

Why the Post Office Charges for Money Orders

The fee covers the cost of the physical money order form, the clerk's time to process it, and the Post Office's cost to track and verify the transaction. Money orders are a may provide form of payment — the Post Office backs them — so the fee reflects that may provide and the administrative work involved.

The $1.45 and $2.00 prices are set by the USPS as part of its overall pricing structure. These fees help fund Post Office operations, though they are lower than fees charged by many private financial services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order for exactly $1,000?

Yes. A money order for $1,000 falls into the $500.01 to $1,000 category, so it costs $2.00. If you need to send more than $1,000, you must purchase multiple money orders.

Do I need an ID to buy a money order at the Post Office?

Most Post Offices do not require ID for money orders under $3,000. For larger amounts or multiple orders in one transaction, the Post Office may ask for identification to comply with federal reporting rules. Bring a driver's license or passport to be safe.

Can I buy a money order online and pick it up at the Post Office?

No. The USPS does not sell money orders online. You must visit a Post Office location in person to purchase one.

What if the Post Office is closed when I need a money order?

Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services often have longer hours than Post Offices and may sell money orders 24 hours a day. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you go.

Is there a limit to how many money orders I can buy at once?

There is no stated limit on the number of money orders you can purchase in a single transaction. However, if you buy many at once, the Post Office may ask questions or request ID to verify the transaction is legitimate.