Where to buy a money order

You can buy a money order at a bank, credit union, post office, grocery store, or convenience store. Not every location sells them, so call ahead or check their website if you have a specific place in mind. Banks and credit unions often charge less than retail stores — typically 50 cents to $1.50 per money order, while grocery stores and convenience chains may charge $1 to $3. The post office charges a flat rate that varies by the amount you're sending.

The easiest option depends on where you already do business. If you have a checking account at a bank, that bank can issue a money order on the spot. If you prefer not to go inside a building, some grocery stores and pharmacies have money order services at the customer service desk. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K sell them during their regular hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order — most sellers will not accept a personal check or credit card.
  • Bring the exact amount you want to send plus the fee, and have the recipient's name and address ready before you get in line.
  • The money order itself is the receipt; keep it until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it.
  • Money orders are safer than sending cash through the mail because they can only be cashed by the person whose name is on them.

What you need to bring

Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the money order and its fee. You will also need the recipient's full name and mailing address. Write this information down before you go, or have it on your phone — the cashier will ask you to spell the name and confirm the address.

You do not need an ID to buy a money order at most places, though some banks may ask for one. If you are sending the money order to someone, you do not need their account number or any banking information — just their name and address. If you are buying a money order to pay a bill, have the account number or invoice number ready so you can write it on the money order itself.

The step-by-step process

Go to the location where you want to buy the money order and tell the cashier you need one. They will give you a form to fill out or ask you the information verbally. You will provide the amount you want to send, the recipient's name, and your own name and address. Double-check all the information before you hand it back — mistakes on a money order are hard to fix.

Pay the cashier the amount of the money order plus the fee. They will print the money order and give it to you along with a receipt or stub. The money order itself has a serial number printed on it. Write down this number somewhere safe in case you need to trace the money order later. Do not lose the money order — it is like cash once it is printed.

How to send it safely

Put the money order in an envelope with a letter or bill payment stub if needed. Do not write the amount on the outside of the envelope. Mail it through the U.S. Postal Service using regular mail or, if you want tracking, use Certified Mail or Priority Mail with tracking. Certified Mail costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof of delivery.

Tell the person you are sending money to that you have mailed the money order and give them the serial number. Ask them to let you know when they receive it and when they cash it. If the money order does not arrive within two weeks, contact the seller where you bought it and report it missing — they can issue a replacement if you have the serial number.

Money order limits and restrictions

Most money orders have a maximum amount you can send in a single order. The U.S. Postal Service caps money orders at $1,000. Banks and stores may have lower limits, often $500 to $1,000. If you need to send more than the limit, you can buy multiple money orders.

Some places will not sell you a money order if you try to buy many at once without a business reason. This is a federal rule designed to prevent money laundering. If you legitimately need several money orders, explain what you are doing — paying multiple bills, for example — and most places will sell them to you.

What happens if something goes wrong

If you lose a money order before you mail it, treat it like cash — it is gone. Once you mail it, if the recipient says they never got it, contact the place where you bought it with the serial number. They can file a claim and issue a replacement, though this can take several weeks.

If you made a mistake on the money order — wrong name or wrong amount — do not try to fix it yourself. Go back to the place where you bought it and explain the error. Some sellers will cancel it and issue a new one for free. Others may charge a small fee. It is faster to buy a new one than to try to correct the old one.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than cash because it has the recipient's name on it and cannot be cashed by anyone else. It is also safer than a personal check because the money is already may provide — the seller has already taken your money. A wire transfer is faster if you need the money to arrive the same day, but it costs more and requires the recipient's bank account information. A cashier's check from your bank works the same way as a money order but is usually only available if you have an account there.

Use a money order when you need to send money by mail to someone you trust, when you do not have a checking account, or when the recipient will not take a personal check. Use a wire transfer if speed matters and you know the recipient's bank details. Use a cashier's check if you are paying someone in person or if you want your bank to issue the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

No. Most places that sell money orders only take cash or debit cards. A few banks may allow you to buy a money order from your credit card account if you are a customer, but this is rare. Call ahead if you only have a credit card available.

What if the recipient loses the money order after I send it?

If they lose it before cashing it, they should contact you so you can file a claim with the seller using the serial number. You will need to prove you bought it and that it was never cashed. The seller will issue a replacement, though it may take several weeks. This is why it is important to keep the receipt and give the recipient the serial number.

How long does a money order stay valid?

Money orders do not expire, but some sellers may stop honoring them after a very long time — typically several years. Cash or deposit a money order as soon as you receive it rather than holding it for months.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, if you have not mailed it yet. Take it back to the place where you bought it with your receipt and ask for a refund. They will charge a cancellation fee, usually $1 to $3. If you have already mailed it, you cannot cancel it, but you can file a claim if it never arrives.

Do I need to report money orders to the IRS?

If you are a business sending or receiving money orders regularly, yes — you may need to report large transactions. For personal use, no. If you are unsure, talk to a tax professional or accountant about your specific situation.