Sending Money Orders
When sending money by mail, use money orders as a safe alternative to cash and personal checks. U.S. Postal Service® money orders are affordable, widely accepted, and never expire. Your money order receipt will help you track your payment and show proof of value in case the money order gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
You can buy or cash postal money orders at any Post Office™ location.
How to Send Domestic Money Orders
- Decide on the money order amount. You can send up to $1,000 in a single order anywhere in the United States.
- Go to any Post Office location.
- Take cash or a debit card. You cannot pay with a credit card.
- Fill out the money order at the counter with a retail associate.
- Pay the dollar value of the money order plus the issuing fee.
- Keep your receipt to track the money order.
Money Order Fees
Fees are based on the money order dollar amount.
| Dollar Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
|
$0.01 to $500.00 |
$2.35 |
|
$500.01 to $1,000.00 |
$3.40 |
|
Postal Military Money Orders (issued by military facilities) |
$0.79 |
Receiving Postal Money Orders – How to Spot a Fake
Before you accept a money order, make sure it's real. Real postal money orders have specific marks and designs to prevent fraud. There are currently 2 valid designs. Here are the key things to look for on each one when you examine the paper:
Legacy, Green Postal Money Order
Design Features & Watermarks
This version has:
- Green coloring at the top and bottom
- A U.S. Mail eagle logo in the center
If you look closely and hold the money order up to the light, you should see:
- Watermarks of Ben Franklin on the left side repeat top to bottom (circle 1 on image)
- On the right of the Franklin watermark, a vertical, multicolored security thread with the letters “USPS” weaves in and out of the paper (circle 2 on image)
- A faint image of a flag stretching from the multicolored security thread to the right side
New, Red & Blue Postal Money Order
Design Features & Watermarks
This version has red and blue coloring with:
- Subtle design features of an eagle head and an American flag
- A QR Code®1 in the center—scan this with your smartphone to go to the Check Money Order Status tool.
If you look closely and hold the money order up to the light, you should see:
- A watermark image of a Pony Express rider
- The words “United States Postal Service” in a rectangular box
- A security thread that runs from the top to the bottom of the money order, just to the right of the Pony Express rider watermark. In the light, the thread reveals the letters “USPS” alternating right side up and upside down throughout the thread.
Suspect a Fake?
- Check the dollar amount (circle 3 on image). Make sure that it’s imprinted twice (circle 4 on image) and that the amount isn’t too large. Domestic money orders can’t be more than $1,000.
- If you think you’ve been given a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822.
- If you suspect fraud, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
How to Cash Domestic Money Orders
Domestic money orders never expire and they do not accrue interest. Money orders are cashed for the exact amount on the order.
You can cash a USPS money order at a Post Office for free. You can also cash them at most banks and some stores. Rural carriers may cash money orders if they have enough money on hand.
Cashing a Money Order at the Post Office
- Do not sign the money order.
- Take a primary photo ID with the money order to any Post Office location.
- Sign the money order at the counter in front of a retail associate.
See additional requirements for money orders made out to organizations, more than one person, and minors.
Cashing Money Orders (DMM 509.3.3)
Check the Status of a Money Order
You can check the status of a money order you've purchased from the U.S. Postal Service at any time by visiting the Money Orders Application.
Make sure you have the following information for the postal money order you want to check:
- Serial number
- Post Office number
- Dollar amount
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Money Orders
Lost or Stolen Money Orders
You cannot stop payment on postal money orders, but a lost or stolen money order can be replaced.
- Money order loss or theft may take up to 30 days to confirm.
- Investigating a money order's lost or stolen status may take up to 60 days.
- There is a $20.15 processing fee to replace a lost or stolen money order.
Requesting a Refund
- Take your money order receipt to any Post Office location.
- Talk to a retail associate at the counter to start a Money Order Inquiry.
- After starting the inquiry, you will be able to check the status of your money order and inquiry progress by visiting the Money Orders Application.
- When your money order is confirmed lost or stolen, we’ll issue you a replacement money order.
Damaged Money Orders
We'll replace money orders that are defective or damaged. Take the damaged money order and your receipt to your local Post Office location to get a replacement.
