Post Office Money Order Fees and Limits
A money order from the United States Postal Service (USPS) costs between $1.45 and $6.45, depending on the amount. The fee is separate from the face value — if you want to send $500, you pay the $500 plus the fee. USPS charges different rates based on how much money the order is for, not based on where you're sending it or who you are.
The amount you can put on a single USPS money order maxes out at $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders in one transaction, but each one costs its own fee. Some post offices will sell you up to ten money orders at once, though this varies by location.
The exact fee structure depends on when you're reading this, as USPS adjusts rates periodically. Your local post office window clerk can tell you the current fee for the exact amount you want to send, or you can check the USPS website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- USPS money order fees range from $1.45 to $6.45 and are charged on top of the amount you're sending.
- You cannot put more than $1,000 on a single money order, but you can buy multiple orders in one visit.
- The fee you pay depends only on the dollar amount of the money order, not the destination or recipient.
- Fees change periodically, so ask at the counter or check USPS.com for the current rate before you go.
How the Fee Schedule Works
USPS breaks money order fees into bands based on the amount. A money order for $1 to $500 costs one rate. A money order for $500.01 to $1,000 costs a higher rate. The difference between these two tiers is usually a few dollars, but the exact amounts shift when USPS updates its pricing.
You pay the fee at the time you buy the money order. The post office clerk will tell you the total cost — the face value plus the fee — before you hand over your money. There are no hidden charges or fees added later.
If you're sending multiple money orders, each one is charged separately. Buying two $500 money orders costs twice the fee for a $500 order, not a bulk discount. Some people do this when they need to send more than $1,000 or when they want to split a payment between multiple recipients.
What You Need to Bring to Buy a Money Order
You need cash, a debit card, or a check to pay for a money order at the post office. You do not need a bank account or any special identification to buy one, though the clerk may ask for your ID. Bring the exact amount or slightly more if you're paying with cash, since some post offices have limited change.
You should know the recipient's name and address before you arrive, though you can fill in some details after you buy the money order if needed. The post office will not fill in the payee information for you — you write it yourself on the form. Bring a pen so you can complete the money order at the counter.
If you're buying multiple money orders, tell the clerk how many you need and the amounts. They will print out the forms and tell you the total fee for all of them combined.
Comparing Post Office Money Orders to Other Options
| Method | Cost Range | Maximum Amount | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Money Order | $1.45–$6.45 | $1,000 per order | Post office |
| Western Union Money Order | Varies by location | $1,000 per order | Grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops |
| Bank Cashier's Check | $0–$15 (varies by bank) | No limit | Your bank |
| Wire Transfer | $15–$50 (varies by bank) | No limit | Your bank |
Money orders are cheaper than wire transfers but may cost more than a cashier's check from your bank. If you have a bank account, ask your bank what they charge for a cashier's check — many banks offer them free or very cheap to account holders. A cashier's check also has no dollar limit, so it works for larger amounts.
Western Union money orders are sold at many retail locations and sometimes cost less than USPS, but not always. The fee varies by location and the amount, so compare before you decide. USPS is often the cheapest option if you're near a post office.
How to Pay for Your Money Order
The post office accepts cash, debit cards, and checks as payment for money orders. They do not accept credit cards. If you're paying with a check, the post office will hold it to clear before giving you the money order, which can take several business days.
Paying with cash or a debit card is faster — you get the money order when ready. If you're paying with cash and the total is $100 or more, the post office may ask you to fill out a form for record-keeping purposes. This is routine and does not delay the transaction.
Some post offices have ATMs in the lobby if you need to withdraw cash before buying your money order. Call ahead if you're unsure whether your location has one.
When the Post Office Is Open and How Long It Takes
Post office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings, but some have different schedules. Check the USPS location finder on USPS.com or call your local post office to confirm hours before you go.
Buying a money order usually takes five to ten minutes at the counter, including filling out the form and paying. During busy times — lunch hours or the first of the month — you may wait longer. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
Once you have the money order, you can mail it or hand-deliver it to the recipient. USPS recommends mailing money orders in an envelope rather than sending them loose, and some people pay for tracking or insurance on the envelope for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online and pick it up at the post office?
No. USPS does not sell money orders online. You must go to a post office location in person to buy one. You cannot order one ahead of time or have one mailed to you.
What if I lose a money order after I buy it?
Contact USPS when ready with your receipt. USPS can put a stop on the money order and issue a replacement, but you need the receipt number. This process takes time, so it is not when ready. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the recipient confirms they received the money order.
Do I have to fill out the money order myself, or does the post office do it?
You fill it out. The post office prints the form with a serial number and the amount, but you write in the recipient's name, your name, and your address. Bring a pen or ask the clerk for one.
Is there a limit to how many money orders I can buy at once?
Most post offices will sell you up to ten money orders in a single transaction, but policies vary by location. If you need more than that, ask the clerk or call ahead. You can always make a second trip if needed.
Why does the fee change based on the amount?
USPS charges higher fees for larger amounts because the risk to them is higher. A $1,000 money order represents more liability than a $100 one, so the fee reflects that difference. The fee structure is set by USPS and applies to all post offices.