The basic steps to send a money order

To send a money order, you fill out a form at the place where you buy it, write in the recipient's name and address, pay the amount plus a fee, and then mail or hand-deliver the completed money order to the person who needs it. The recipient cashes or deposits it at their bank or a check-cashing location. You do not need a bank account to send one, and the recipient does not need one either — that is why money orders work for people without access to traditional banking.

The process takes about five minutes at the counter. The main variables are where you buy the money order (post office, grocery store, convenience store, or bank) and how you get it to the recipient (mail, in person, or through a delivery service). Each choice affects the cost and how long delivery takes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can buy a money order at the post office, grocery stores, convenience stores, Walmart, and some banks, each charging different fees that typically range from $1 to $5 depending on the amount.
  • Fill in the recipient's name, address, and the amount you are sending, then pay the seller in cash, debit card, or sometimes check — never with a credit card.
  • Keep your receipt and the money order number until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it, because you may need to file a claim if it is lost or stolen.
  • Mailing a money order takes three to seven business days depending on distance, while hand delivery is when ready but only works if you and the recipient are in the same location.
  • The recipient can cash a money order at their bank, a check-cashing store, or sometimes a grocery store, without needing a bank account.

Where to buy a money order

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office location. Fees are $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $1.95 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000. You can buy one in person during business hours or, at some locations, through self-service kiosks.

Grocery stores and convenience stores sell money orders through Western Union or MoneyGram, the two largest money order networks. Walmart, Target, and most supermarket chains offer them at the customer service desk. Fees at these retailers are usually $0.50 to $3 depending on the amount and the network. Some banks sell money orders to customers, though not all do — call ahead to ask.

Compare fees before you buy, because a $1,000 money order might cost $1.95 at the post office but $3 at a convenience store. If you are sending a small amount, the fee difference matters more. If you are sending $5,000 or more, some banks and credit unions may offer better rates or require you to use a cashier's check instead.

How to fill out a money order

A money order form has several blank lines. The payee line is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money — spell it exactly as they would write it themselves. The amount line shows both numbers (like 250.00) and words (like "Two Hundred Fifty Dollars"). Fill in both, because if they do not match, the money order may be rejected.

The sender line is where you write your name and address. This is required so the recipient knows who sent it and so you can be contacted if there is a problem. Some money orders also have a memo line where you can write what the money is for — "rent," "tuition," or an account number — but this is optional.

Do not sign the money order yourself. The recipient signs it when they cash or deposit it. If you sign it before sending it, the money order becomes harder for them to use and you lose some protection if it is lost in the mail.

Payment methods and fees

You can pay for a money order with cash, a debit card, or sometimes a check. You cannot pay with a credit card at any major retailer or the post office. If you pay with a check, the seller may hold the money order until your check clears, which takes three to five business days.

Fees vary by location and amount. The post office charges a flat rate based on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram, which operate through retail locations, charge fees that range from $0.50 for small amounts to $5 or more for amounts over $1,000. Ask the seller for the exact fee before you hand over payment — it should be posted at the counter or on a price list.

Some retailers offer discounts if you have a loyalty card or membership. Walmart sometimes charges lower fees for members of its MoneyGram service. Always ask if a discount is available before you pay.

Mailing versus hand delivery

If you mail a money order, use a regular mailbox or post office drop. Standard mail delivery takes three to seven business days depending on distance. For faster delivery, you can pay for Priority Mail Express, which guarantees delivery in one to two business days, but this adds $15 to $30 to your cost.

Hand delivery is when ready if you and the recipient are in the same place. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to deliver it in person. Never send a money order through an unregistered courier or with someone you do not trust, because once it leaves your hands, you have limited recourse if it is lost or stolen.

If you need the recipient to receive the money urgently, hand delivery or Priority Mail Express are your only options. Standard mail is cheaper but slower. Consider the recipient's location and your budget when you decide which method to use.

Keeping records and tracking your money order

When you buy a money order, the seller gives you a receipt with a reference number or serial number printed on it. Write down this number and keep the receipt in a safe place. This number is how you track the money order if it does not arrive or if the recipient says they never received it.

Ask the recipient to tell you when they have cashed or deposited the money order. Once they confirm, you can throw away the receipt. If they do not confirm within two weeks of when you sent it, contact the seller or the money order company (USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram) with your receipt and serial number. They can tell you whether the money order has been cashed and by whom.

If a money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can file a claim with the issuer. This process takes time — usually 30 to 60 days — and requires your receipt and serial number. This is why keeping your receipt is critical.

What the recipient needs to do

The recipient cashes or deposits a money order at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, or sometimes a grocery store. They do not need a bank account. At a bank or credit union, they sign the back of the money order and present it with a photo ID. At a check-cashing store, the process is the same but they may pay a small fee (usually $1 to $3) to cash it.

Some grocery stores and Walmart locations cash money orders for free or for a small fee if the recipient has a store account or membership. The recipient should call ahead to confirm the location accepts money orders and what ID they need to bring.

If the recipient wants to deposit the money order into a bank account instead of cashing it, they sign the back, write their account number on it, and give it to a bank teller or deposit it through an ATM if their bank allows mobile deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Contact the issuer (USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram) with your receipt and serial number. They will verify the money order has not been cashed and issue a refund minus a cancellation fee, usually $1 to $5. This process takes 30 to 60 days.

What happens if the money order is lost in the mail?

Contact the issuer with your receipt and serial number. They can check whether it has been cashed. If it has not, they will issue a replacement or refund after a waiting period, usually 30 to 60 days. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Can I send a money order to another country?

The USPS sells international money orders, but they work only in certain countries and have higher fees and limits. Western Union and MoneyGram offer international money transfers, but these are different products with different costs and delivery times. Check with the issuer about whether your destination country is supported.

Is a money order safer than cash?

Yes. If cash is lost or stolen, it is gone. A money order can be replaced if you have the receipt and serial number. The recipient also cannot cash it without signing it, so it is not useful to a thief who does not know the recipient's name.

Do I need a bank account to send a money order?

No. You can buy and send a money order with cash alone. You do not need to be a customer of any bank or have any account. The recipient also does not need a bank account to cash it.