Where to buy a money order

You can buy a money order at a bank, the post office, or certain retailers. The most common places are the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union locations (often inside grocery stores and pharmacies), MoneyGram locations, and most banks and credit unions. Walmart, Target, and some grocery store customer service desks also sell them. Call ahead or check the website of the place nearest you, because not every branch carries them.

Post offices and banks tend to be the most reliable — they almost always have them in stock. Retailers sometimes run out, especially on weekends. If you need one urgently, a bank or post office is your safest bet.

Key Takeaways

  • You can buy a money order at the post office, a bank, Western Union or MoneyGram locations, or certain retailers like Walmart and Target.
  • Bring cash or a debit card, the amount you want to send plus the fee (usually $1 to $3), and know the recipient's name and address.
  • Fill out the money order on the spot with the recipient's name, your name and address, and what the payment is for.
  • Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed the money order.

What you need to bring

Bring cash or a debit card to cover both the amount of the money order and the fee. Fees vary by location — the post office typically charges $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount, while Western Union and MoneyGram may charge $1 to $3. Banks and credit unions sometimes charge less or nothing if you have an account with them.

You will also need the recipient's full name and mailing address. Have this information ready before you get to the counter. Some places ask for your ID, though it is not always required — ask when you call ahead.

How to fill out a money order

The seller will give you a blank money order form. You fill it out right there, usually with a pen. The form has spaces for the amount, the recipient's name and address, your name and address, and sometimes a memo line for what the payment is for (like "rent" or "invoice #12345").

Write clearly and use the recipient's exact legal name — the name on their ID or bank account. If the name is wrong, they may not be able to cash it. Double-check the amount before you hand it over, because you cannot change it once the seller processes it.

The seller will take your cash or card, print the money order, and give you a receipt. Keep that receipt. If the money order gets lost in the mail or the recipient says they never got it, you will need the receipt number to file a claim.

How much a money order costs

The fee depends on where you buy it and how much money you are sending. The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram fees vary by location and amount, usually ranging from $1 to $3. Banks often charge less — some charge nothing for customers.

Most places have a maximum amount per money order. The post office caps them at $1,000. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders.

Sending the money order by mail

Put the money order in an envelope with any other documents the recipient needs. Write their address on the envelope clearly. You can send it regular mail or use certified mail with a tracking number — certified mail costs extra but gives you proof of delivery if something goes wrong.

Money orders typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days through regular mail. If you use certified mail, you will get a signature confirmation showing when it was delivered. Keep your receipt and any tracking information until the recipient tells you they received and cashed it.

What to do if the money order is lost or not cashed

If the recipient says they never got it, or if it gets lost in the mail, you can file a claim with the issuer. Bring your receipt to the place where you bought it, or contact the issuer directly (the post office, Western Union, or MoneyGram). You will need the receipt number, the amount, the date you bought it, and the recipient's name.

The issuer will search their records. If they confirm it was never cashed, they can issue you a replacement or refund. This process can take several weeks. That is why keeping your receipt is important — without it, you have no proof you bought the money order.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it is traceable and can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it. It is also more formal than a personal check, which some landlords or businesses prefer. However, it costs more than a check and takes longer than a bank transfer.

If the recipient has a bank account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer is faster and often cheaper. If you need to send cash and the recipient does not have a bank account, a money order is a standard choice. If you are paying a bill to a company, check whether they take online payments first — that is usually the fastest route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most places do not take credit cards for money orders — they want cash or a debit card. Some banks may allow it if you have an account with them. Call ahead to ask, because policies vary by location.

What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

If you catch the error before the seller processes it, ask them to void it and start over. Once it is processed and you leave, you cannot change it. If the recipient cannot cash it because of an error, you will need to buy a new one and ask for a refund of the first.

How long is a money order good for?

Money orders do not expire, but some issuers charge a fee if it is not cashed within a certain period — usually one to three years. The post office charges a $1 fee if a money order is not cashed within three years. Check the terms when you buy it.

Can someone else cash a money order made out to me?

No. A money order is made out to a specific person, and most places require ID matching that name before they will cash it. If you need someone else to cash it for you, you may be able to sign the back and have them sign below, but policies vary — ask the issuer first.

Is a money order safer than a check?

Yes, in some ways. A money order cannot bounce because the money is already paid. A check can be forged or the account can be empty. However, a money order can still be lost in the mail, which is why certified mail with tracking is a good idea for large amounts.