How Much Are Post Office Money Orders and What Are the Fees

Post Office money orders are a convenient and secure way to send money, but it's essential to know how much they cost and what fees are involved.

The cost of a Post Office money order varies depending on the amount you want to send, with a minimum purchase of $1 for amounts up to $100.

You can purchase Post Office money orders with cash, debit card, or electronic funds transfer, but be aware that some payment methods may incur additional fees.

Typically, there's a flat fee of $1.25 for money orders up to $1,000, and an additional fee of $1.20 for each amount above $1,000.

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To purchase a post office money order, you can use U.S. currency and coins. This is the most straightforward way to pay for a money order.

If you have traveler's checks, you can use them to buy a money order as long as the purchase is for at least 50% of the value of the checks. This can be a good option if you have some traveler's checks lying around that you don't need to use for travel.

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You can also use an ATM or debit card to buy a money order at locations that have a PIN pad. This is a convenient option if you don't have cash on hand.

Here are the acceptable forms of payment for buying a post office money order:

Money orders have limits, and fees can vary depending on the location and type of money order. You can purchase a money order from USPS, banks, credit unions, or money service providers like MoneyGram or Western Union.

The cost to buy a money order can range from $0 to $5, depending on your checking account or location. For example, at USPS, the fee is $2.10 for money orders under $500, $3 for money orders of $500.01 to $1,000, and $0.70 for postal military money orders.

Here's a comparison of fees at different locations:

The limits for money orders also vary, but most places cap them at $1,000. You can purchase multiple money orders to send more money, but if you need to send $3,000 or more, you'll need to complete a Funds Transaction Report and show an acceptable form of ID.

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Cashing a money order can come with some costs, unfortunately. Your bank might do it for free, but you might only be able to get the first $200.

You can also try to cash the money order with the issuer, but be prepared for a fee. For example, Western Union money orders can be cashed at a Western Union location, but it's unclear how much that will cost.

USPS money orders are free to cash at post offices, which is a big plus. However, they might not have all the cash you need.

Other issuers may charge a fee of $3 to $20 or so. Check cashing stores will often cash money orders for a modest fee, but it's hard to say exactly how much that will be.

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If you need to send money to a military address, you'll want to know about the fees involved.

The fee for a military money order is $0.79, regardless of the amount you're sending.

Money orders have various limits, and it's essential to understand these restrictions before sending or receiving money.

The USPS has a purchase limit of $1,000 per money order, but you can buy multiple money orders at once. If you need to send more than $3,000 in a single day, you'll need to fill out a Funds Transaction Report and show your ID.

The USPS offers two types of money orders: domestic and international. Domestic money orders have a limit of up to $1,000 USD, while international money orders have a limit of up to $700 USD, except for El Salvador and Guyana, which have a limit of $500 USD.

Most banks and credit unions cap money orders at $1,000 USD, which helps them comply with anti-money laundering laws. If you need to send more than $1,000 USD, banks might suggest sending a cashier's check instead.

Money service providers like MoneyGram, Western Union, and Ria also have limits, typically $1,000 USD for domestic money orders. However, international money order limits can vary based on the target country.

If you need to send more than $1,000 USD, you could consider getting a cashier's check, which doesn't have typical maximum amount limits.

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Money orders don't have an expiration date. However, the issuer might deduct a fee from the value if you fail to cash it within a few years, which is only allowed in some states.

If you need to track a money order, keep your receipt as it has the transaction or serial number. Contact the issuer with the information on your receipt to see if it has been deposited.

You can cash a money order at various locations, including Walmart, Walgreens, and the United States Postal Service.

Money orders don't have an expiration date, but the issuer might deduct a fee from the value if you fail to cash it within a few years. This is only allowed in some states.

If you're wondering how long you have to cash a money order, it's generally a good idea to check with the issuer. Some states allow issuers to deduct fees after a certain period, but it's not a hard and fast rule.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

It's worth noting that even if the issuer can deduct a fee, it's unlikely to happen. Money orders are generally considered a secure and reliable way to send money.

If you're concerned about the validity of a money order, it's always best to check with the issuer or the recipient to confirm its status.

Tracking a money order is crucial to ensure it reaches its destination safely. Keep your receipt handy, as it contains the transaction or serial number for your money order.

Always contact the issuer with the information on your receipt to track your money order and see if it has been deposited.

Money orders aren't as popular as they used to be, thanks to online payment alternatives. Online payment services like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and even Facebook Messenger let you send money to someone else using your phone or computer.

Personal checks are another option, but they don't offer much security for the buyer or guaranteed funds for the seller. They're usually free to use with the best checking accounts, though.

Cashier's checks are even more secure than money orders and can be purchased with higher limits, but they come with a higher cost and can only be obtained from a bank or credit union.

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Alternatives to money orders are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Online payment services like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and even Facebook Messenger offer a convenient way to send money to someone else using your phone or computer.

Personal checks are another option, but they don't offer the same level of security as money orders. They're usually free to use with the best checking accounts, but they don't guarantee funds for the seller.

A cashier's check is a more secure option, but it comes with a higher cost. You can usually only get them from a bank or credit union, and they have higher limits than personal checks.

Here are some key differences between online payment services and cashier's checks:

When you need to send or receive money, a money order can be a convenient option.

One thing to consider is the fee associated with buying a money order. The cost can vary depending on where you purchase it.

Walmart is a great option if you're looking for a low-cost money order. You can get one for a maximum fee of $1.

USPS, on the other hand, charges more. For money orders under $500, it's $2.10, while those between $500.01 and $1,000 cost $3.

Grocery stores also offer money orders, but the fee can range from $1 to $3.

If you have a checking account, you might be able to get a money order at a bank or credit union for a lower fee - between $0 to $5.

Postal orders offer a reliable form of payment, especially for online shopping, as they're drawn on the Post Office's accounts and can't bounce.

They also provide a way for those without a bank account, including minors, to make small financial transactions without needing cash.

In the UK, postal workers use voided or cancelled orders as part of their training.

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A money order is a financial instrument that allows you to move funds.

They're a more secure form of payment than standard checks because they're prepaid. You pay for the entire money order amount upfront.

Money orders can't bounce when the payee goes to cash it, making them a reliable option.

You can buy money orders with cash or a debit card, and they're like pre-paid checks.

They're guaranteed by the issuer, making them safer than cash and more accessible than personal checks.

Money orders are useful in situations where you need to send guaranteed funds, especially to someone who doesn't have a bank account.

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