The basic steps to get a money order

A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check, but you pay for it upfront at the time you buy it. You go to a store or bank, give the cashier the amount of money you want to send plus a small fee, and they print out the money order with that amount on it. You then fill in who should receive the money and mail it or deliver it by hand.

The whole process takes about five minutes at the counter. You do not need a bank account to buy one. The fee is usually between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can buy a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and banks by paying the amount plus a small fee in cash or debit card.
  • Fill in the payee name (who gets the money), your name as the sender, and the amount before you leave the counter or when ready after.
  • Money orders are safer than cash or personal checks because the recipient knows the money is already paid for and cannot bounce.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it lost or trace where it went.

Where to buy a money order

You can buy a money order at a post office, bank, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing store. Post offices and banks are the most common choices. Grocery stores like Walmart and Target sell them at the customer service desk. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens sell them at the register or at the pharmacy counter.

Call ahead if you are buying a large amount — some places have daily limits on how much you can buy in a single money order, often $500 to $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders.

What you need to bring and pay

Bring cash or a debit card. Most places take both. You do not need an ID to buy a money order, though some locations may ask for one. You will pay the amount you want on the money order plus the fee. If you want to send $200, and the fee is $2, you pay $202 total.

The fee varies by location and the amount. A $500 money order might cost $2 at a post office but $3 at a grocery store. Ask the cashier what the fee is before you hand over your money.

How to fill in the money order at the counter

The cashier will hand you a blank money order form and ask you for information. You will need to tell them the payee name — that is the person or business who will receive the money. You will also give them the amount. The cashier fills in most of the blanks and prints the money order.

Before you leave the counter, check that the amount is correct and the payee name is spelled right. Then sign the back of the money order in the "Purchaser" or "Sender" section. Do not sign the front. Write your name and address on the back as well so the recipient knows who sent it.

Keep your receipt. It has a tracking number that matches the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, you can use the receipt to report it and request a replacement.

Sending the money order to the recipient

You can mail the money order or hand it to the recipient in person. If you mail it, use regular mail or certified mail with tracking — certified mail costs more but gives you proof of delivery. Do not send cash in the mail, but a money order is safer because it is only good if the payee name on it cashes it.

Tell the recipient what amount to expect and ask them to let you know when they receive it. They will take the money order to their bank or a check-cashing store and deposit or cash it like a check.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you lose the money order before sending it, contact the place where you bought it with your receipt and tracking number. They can cancel the original and issue a replacement, though this may take a few days or weeks.

If the recipient says they never got it and you mailed it, check your receipt for a tracking number. If you used certified mail, the post office can tell you whether it was delivered. If the money order was lost in the mail, you can request a replacement from the issuer using your receipt.

If you made a mistake on the money order — like spelling the payee name wrong — do not try to fix it yourself. Go back to where you bought it and explain the error. Some places will cancel it and issue a new one for free if the mistake was theirs.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash because the recipient cannot cash it unless their name is on it. It is also safer than a personal check because the money is already paid for — it cannot bounce. A money order works well when you do not have a bank account, when you do not want to share your bank information, or when you are paying someone you do not know well.

Wire transfers are faster if you need the money to arrive the same day, but they cost more and require a bank account. Personal checks are free if you have a checking account, but they take longer to clear and can bounce. A money order sits in the middle — it costs a little, takes a few days to arrive by mail, but is very safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most places do not take credit cards for money orders because they consider it a cash advance. Call ahead to check, but expect to pay with cash or a debit card.

What happens if I sign the front of the money order by mistake?

Go back to where you bought it and explain the error. They can usually cancel it and issue a replacement. Do not try to cross out your signature — the money order will not be accepted.

How long does it take for a money order to be cashed?

If you hand it to someone in person, they can cash it when ready at their bank or a check-cashing store. If you mail it, add three to five business days for delivery, plus one to two days for them to cash it.

Can someone else cash my money order if they have it?

Only if their name is on the payee line. If you wrote "John Smith" as the payee, only John Smith can cash it. That is why money orders are safer than cash.

What is the maximum amount I can put on one money order?

Most places limit a single money order to $500 or $1,000. If you need to send more, buy multiple money orders. Ask the cashier what their limit is.