Post Office Money Order Limits

A single USPS money order has a maximum value of $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can purchase multiple money orders in the same transaction — there is no limit on how many you can buy at once, only on what each individual order can be worth.

The $1,000 cap applies whether you are sending the money order domestically within the United States or internationally. Some other money order providers set different limits, but the Post Office enforces this ceiling across all its locations.

You pay a fee when you buy the money order, separate from the amount you are sending. That fee does not count toward the $1,000 limit — if you send $1,000, you pay the fee on top of it.

Key Takeaways

  • A single USPS money order cannot exceed $1,000, but you can buy multiple money orders in one purchase if you need to send more.
  • The $1,000 limit is the same for domestic and international money orders.
  • You pay a separate fee for each money order you purchase, and that fee is charged in addition to the amount on the order itself.
  • The fee varies by location and has changed over time, so ask at your Post Office counter for the current rate.

Why the $1,000 Limit Exists

The Post Office sets the $1,000 maximum as a risk management measure. Money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or personal checks for smaller transactions. Keeping the per-order limit low reduces the Post Office's exposure if a money order is lost, stolen, or fraudulently obtained.

This limit has been in place for many years and applies uniformly across all Post Office locations in the United States. It is not a temporary rule or one that changes by region.

Fees for USPS Money Orders

The fee you pay depends on the amount of the money order. The Post Office charges one rate for orders up to $500 and a higher rate for orders between $500.01 and $1,000. As of recent years, these fees have ranged from roughly $1.45 to $2.00, but the exact amount varies by location and changes periodically.

You must ask at your local Post Office counter for the current fee schedule, because rates are not standardized across all locations and the Post Office updates them without advance notice. The fee is non-refundable once you have purchased the money order, even if you do not use it.

Sending More Than $1,000

If you need to send $2,500, you can purchase three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. You pay the applicable fee for each order. The recipient receives all three money orders and can deposit or cash them separately or together, depending on their bank's policies.

Some banks and credit unions allow you to deposit multiple money orders in a single transaction, while others require you to process each one individually. The recipient should check with their financial institution about how they handle multiple money orders at once.

If you are sending money to pay a bill or debt, contact the recipient beforehand to let them know you are sending multiple money orders. This prevents confusion when the payments arrive on different days or need to be processed separately.

How Money Order Amounts Work in Practice

When you go to the Post Office counter, you tell the clerk the exact amount you want on the money order — anywhere from $0.01 up to $1,000. You do not have to round to the nearest dollar. If you want to send $347.82, the money order will show exactly that amount.

The money order itself is a printed document that shows the amount, the sender's name and address, the recipient's name, and a serial number. The recipient cashes or deposits it like a check. The amount printed on the money order is what the recipient receives — nothing more, nothing less.

Comparing Money Order Limits to Other Providers

Other money order providers sometimes set different limits. Western Union, for example, allows individual money orders up to $2,500 in some cases, though fees are typically higher. Banks and credit unions that issue their own money orders may have their own maximum amounts.

If you regularly need to send amounts larger than $1,000, comparing the total cost across providers — including fees — may be worth your time. A wire transfer through a bank is another option for larger amounts, though wire transfer fees are usually higher than money order fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can purchase a USPS money order for any amount from $0.01 to $1,000. You pay the same fee regardless of whether the order is for $10 or $1,000, so smaller amounts may not be cost-effective compared to other payment methods.

Do I pay the fee on top of the $1,000, or does it count toward it?

The fee is separate. If you send a $1,000 money order, you pay the $1,000 plus the fee out of your own pocket. The recipient receives the full $1,000.

What happens if I need to send $5,000?

You can purchase five $1,000 money orders in a single transaction. You pay the fee for each one. The recipient receives all five money orders and can deposit them together or separately depending on their bank's rules.

Can the Post Office refuse to sell me a money order because the amount is too high?

No, as long as the amount is $1,000 or less per order. The Post Office cannot refuse a single money order under $1,000 based on the amount alone, though they may ask questions if you are purchasing an unusually large number of orders in one visit.

Do international money orders have a different limit?

No. International USPS money orders have the same $1,000 maximum as domestic ones. However, some countries have their own restrictions on receiving money orders, so check with the recipient's country before sending.