Money orders are quick and convenient ways to send a payment. Some places don’t accept checks or credit cards and that’s where a money order comes in.
But where can you get a money order? Does USPS do money orders? We looked into it and this is what we found…
Does USPS Do Money Orders?
The United States Postal Service issues money orders which you can buy (or cash) at any post office location. The USPS website features a handy USPS location finder you can use to find the closest post office to you.
This article takes a look at USPS money orders: what they are, where (and how) to get one, what the fees are, and where you can cash your USPS money order in.
What Is A Money Order?
A money order is a US currency document or a kind of “paper check” which cannot bounce because it has already been paid. It can be purchased in any amount and sent through the mail both nationally and internationally.
USPS money orders are available in amounts of up to $1000 per order. Each money order is charged a small fee and is issued with a receipt with tracking details of the transaction.
Money orders can be delivered by hand or sent through the mail.
How Do I Send A Domestic Money Order?
You can purchase and send both domestic and international money orders through the USPS. You first need to go to any post office location and decide on the dollar amount.
You can pay for your money order with cash, a debit card, or traveler’s checks only. USPS will not accept credit card payments or personal checks as payment for money orders.
A cashier will help you fill out the money order amount, and then ask for payment of the order amount plus the order fee. You’ll be issued with a receipt. Keep this in a secure and handy place; it contains important tracking information for your order.
International money orders attract an issuing fee and a processing fee and can only be made in values of up to $700.
USPS advise filling international money order out carefully. You need, for example, to fill out the “pay to” field immediately because if the order is stolen and cashed by the wrong person, you will not be eligible for a refund if you left that field blank.
How Much Is It To Get A Money Order?
Money order fees are based on the money order dollar amount. USPS money orders up to the value of $500 cost $1.45 per order. Amounts of $500 to $1000 are $1.95. Postal military money orders are $0.50 each.
USPS advise customers to keep receipts. 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.
Where Can I Cash A USPS Money Order?
You can cash a USPS money order at any Post Office location for free. Only the person the money order is made out to can cash it. You can also cash them at certain banks and stores. These include:
- Bank of America (if you’re an account holder)
- Capital One (if you’re an account holder)
- Fifth Third Bank
- Chase Bank
- PNC Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Albertsons Grocery stores
- Kroger’s
USPS advise that you don’t sign the money order until you are in the post office and in front of a cashier. You’ll also need a primary photo ID.
Are Money Orders Safe?
Money orders are a safe and affordable way to send money, and they are accepted just about everywhere, and they do not expire.
US postal money orders are claimed to be “among the most secure financial instruments in the world.” They have certain design features which maximize their security.
These are:
- A repeating watermark (of Benjamin Franklin)
- Multi-coloured thread woven into the paper
- The letters “USPS” repeat backward and forward throughout the thread
You can check for all of these security features
The USPS will replace money orders that are defective or damaged. All you need to do is take the damaged order to any Post Office.
Although you can’t stop payment on a postal money order, it is possible to replace a stolen or lost one. Loss or theft can take up to 30 days to confirm and an investigation could take up to $60 and will incur a $6.95 processing fee.
What Happens If My Money Order Is Lost Or Stolen?
You can check on the status of your money order at anytime provided you have kept the money order receipt. You’ll also need the post office number and the dollar amount.
This receipt is your guarantee for a refund of your money order if it is lost or stolen. If your order is lost or stolen, present this receipt and file a claim for a refund at your local Post Office.
Want to learn more about USPS? Check out our related post to learn if USPS accepts FedEx returns, does USPS deliver at night and does USPS ship internationally.
Conclusion..
USPS money orders are a secure, convenient, and straightforward way to send (or give) money to another person.
When you purchase a money order, fill out and keep the receipt – this will make any lost, stolen, or damaged money order claim that much easier to complete.