Learn About Cashing and Depositing Money Orders

What Money Orders Are and How They Work

A money order is a paper document that functions as a secure way to send money. Think of it as a controlled alternative to sending cash through the mail or paying with a personal check. When you purchase a money order, you pay the full amount upfront plus a small fee (typically between 50 cents and $5, depending on the issuer and amount). The issuer then prints a document that shows the amount of money and who it's being sent to.

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Money orders are issued by banks, credit unions, post offices, and retail stores like Walmart and grocery chains. The U.S. Postal Service is one of the largest money order providers in the country. Each money order comes with a unique serial number, making it traceable if lost or stolen. This traceability is one major reason people use them instead of cash.

The person or business receiving the money order (called the payee) can then cash it or deposit it into their bank account. Money orders work similarly to checks in that the payee must have the document in hand to access the funds. Unlike checks, however, money orders are considered safer because the funds are guaranteed—the issuer has already collected the money from you when you purchased it.

Money orders are commonly used for several situations: paying rent to a landlord who doesn't accept electronic transfers, sending money to someone you don't know well (like buying something online from a private seller), paying bills when you don't have a checking account, or sending money through the mail when you want a paper trail. Some people also use them when making large purchases and want a more secure payment method than cash.

Practical Takeaway: Understand that a money order is a prepaid document backed by the issuer's funds, not your personal account, which makes it more secure than checks or cash for transactions where you want a record and guarantee of payment.

Where to Purchase Money Orders

You have several options for purchasing money orders, and the best choice depends on where you bank and shop. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is widely available with locations in most towns and cities. Post offices issue money orders up to $1,000 per document, and fees typically range from $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can purchase multiple money orders.

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Banks and credit unions often issue money orders for their customers, and sometimes at lower fees than other providers. If you have a checking account, check with your bank first since they may offer competitive rates. Many banks charge between 50 cents and $2 per money order. Some banks only issue them during business hours at branch locations, so call ahead if you're considering this option.

Retail chains like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores (including Kroger, Safeway, and regional chains) sell money orders at customer service desks. Walmart's fees are typically quite low—around 88 cents for amounts under $1,000. Grocery stores may charge slightly more, usually between $1 and $2. These locations often have extended hours compared to banks, making them convenient for people with flexible schedules.

MoneyGram and Western Union are two other major money order providers, available at many convenience stores, check-cashing businesses, and grocery stores. Their fees tend to be higher than USPS or Walmart, often ranging from $2 to $5 depending on the amount. However, they may offer additional services like international money transfers if you need to send money outside the United States.

When choosing where to buy, compare fees at a few locations near you. For a $500 money order, the difference between a 50-cent fee and a $5 fee is significant. Also check the hours of operation, as some places have limited availability on weekends or evenings.

Practical Takeaway: Research the money order providers in your area and compare their fees before purchasing, as costs vary significantly between USPS, banks, retail stores, and commercial money order companies.

How to Purchase a Money Order

The process of buying a money order is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes. First, decide on the amount you need and locate a provider near you. Go to that location and ask for a money order (or go to the customer service desk if at a retail store). Have your payment method ready—you'll need to pay the full amount of the money order plus the fee in cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on what the provider accepts. Most places accept cash and debit cards; some accept credit cards but may charge an additional fee for doing so.

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You'll need to provide the name of the person or business receiving the money order. This is called the payee. Write down the correct spelling of the payee's name and have it ready when you purchase the money order. The provider will ask you to confirm this information, and it will be printed on the document. Make sure you get this right—if the name is misspelled or incorrect, the payee may have difficulty cashing it.

You'll also typically be asked for your identification. Bring a valid ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some providers may ask for additional information like your address or phone number. This is a standard security measure to prevent fraud and money laundering. Be prepared to provide this information.

Once the money order is printed, review it carefully before leaving. Check that the amount is correct, the payee's name is spelled correctly, and all the details match what you intended. The document will have a stub or receipt portion that you keep for your records. Write down the serial number of the money order and keep it in a safe place. If the money order is lost or stolen before it's cashed, you'll need this serial number to file a claim for a replacement.

Some providers have limits on the amount you can purchase in one day or one transaction. USPS, for example, limits individual money orders to $1,000. If you need to send more, you'll purchase multiple money orders. Check with your provider about any limits before you go.

Practical Takeaway: When purchasing a money order, bring valid ID and payment, have the payee's name spelled correctly ready, keep your receipt with the serial number, and verify all details before leaving the location.

Cashing a Money Order

If you receive a money order, you have two main options: cash it to receive paper money, or deposit it into a bank account. Cashing a money order means exchanging it for physical currency at the location where it was issued or at a location that accepts it.

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To cash a money order, sign the back of the document in the space designated for the payee's signature. This is crucial—without your signature, most places won't cash it. Check the money order for specific instructions about where to sign. You'll need to present the signed money order and a valid ID (such as a driver's license or state ID) to the person cashing it. They'll verify the signature matches your ID and verify that the money order is legitimate.

You can cash a money order at the issuing location. If it's a USPS money order, you can cash it at any post office. If it's from Walmart, you can cash it at Walmart customer service. Bank money orders can usually be cashed at the issuing bank. MoneyGram and Western Union money orders can be cashed at their locations. Many people prefer to cash at the original issuer because the process is typically fastest and there are no questions about whether they'll accept it.

You can also cash a money order at many banks, even if you don't have an account there, though some may charge a small fee (typically $2 to $5). Credit unions may have similar policies. Call ahead to confirm that the specific branch will cash it and ask about any fees.

Some check-cashing businesses will also cash money orders. However, check-cashing services typically charge higher fees than banks or issuing locations—often 1% to 3% of the money order's value. For a $500 money order, that could mean a $5 to $15 fee. These services can be useful if you don't have access to a bank or the issuing location, but the fees add up.

The person cashing the money order will give you paper currency in exchange. Count the cash before leaving to verify the amount is correct. If there's any problem with the money order (like a signature mismatch or a damaged document), the location may refuse to cash it or ask questions. Having