Money orders are a highly accessible way of sending and receiving money, even if they may not be the most common tool. To cash a money order at no charge, you can go to your local post office branch, bank, credit union, or even some retail stores.
This article outlines where to cash postal money orders and what the process involves.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• You can cash money orders at various locations, including banks, credit unions, post offices, and retail stores.
• The benefits of a money order are that they don’t bounce and they never expire, for example.
• To cash a money order, all you need to do is sign it and provide identification.
• It’s important to keep the receipt or a copy of the money order in case it gets lost or stolen.
• You should carefully examine your money order before depositing it to ensure it’s authentic.
What Is a Postal Money Order?
A postal money order is a paper-based financial certificate that the United States Postal Service (USPS) issues. Similar to a paper check, the document is worth the amount of money that the purchasing person or company specifies. Although you can obtain a regular money order from almost any bank, only the USPS issues postal money orders.
Unlike a personal check, a postal money order can’t bounce because the sender must pay the full amount upfront. Additionally, money orders never expire. The purchaser receives a receipt that enables the refund or replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged money order. As a result, you can use a postal money order to send a payment through the mail securely.
Another advantage of money orders is that they’re difficult to counterfeit. You can make a payment of up to $1,000 with a single order.
To send a money order, you must pay for it ahead of time using cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check. Although it’s possible to buy a regular money order with a credit card, you can’t put postal money orders on a credit card.
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How to Cash a Postal Money Order Step by Step
If you receive a postal money order, you can redeem its face value by cashing it. There’s no benefit in keeping a postal money order long term because it doesn’t earn interest, and you can’t use it directly to make a purchase.
Here’s how to cash a money order at the post office free of charge:
1. Bring your money order and a photo ID to a post office service counter.
2. Sign the money order in front of the postal worker (and not ahead of time).
3. Receive the cash value of the money order immediately.
Where to Cash a Postal Money Order
You can also cash a postal money order at most banks, provided you have an account there, and at some grocery stores and retailers.
Most financial institutions don’t allow depositing money orders via mobile banking apps because they require in-person ID verification.
List of Places That Cash Money Orders
Here are some locations that may cash a postal money order:
• Most banks: Check with your local branch.
• Check-cashing retailers: Those who don’t have a bank account or a post office nearby may cash money orders here for a fee.
• International postal offices: The post office offers special international money orders that you can cash in at banks and post offices in some countries.
• Rural mail carriers: Mail carriers may cash money orders for rural customers if they have enough cash on hand.
• Some supermarkets and major retailers: Search online for “places to cash a money order near me.”
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How to Identify a Fake Postal Money Order
You should examine your money order before attempting to deposit it to ensure it’s authentic. Here are a few ways to spot a fraudulent postal money order.
• Look closely at the paper: Valid postal money orders have special markings and designs to prevent fraud. Visit USPS.com to view a sample money order.
• Review the amount: Faded or excessive dollar amounts are key indicators of fraud. All postal money orders must be under $1,000 and have the sum imprinted twice. International postal money orders can’t exceed $700, or $500 for El Salvador and Guyana.
If you think your postal money order is fake, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
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The Takeaway
Cashing a USPS money order is straightforward. Your local post office can cash it at no cost to you. You may also be able to cash a postal money order at a bank branch if you have an account there or at your local supermarket. If you receive a postal money order, before you deposit it, look closely at it and review the amount to ensure it’s authentic.
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FAQ
Can you mobile deposit a USPS money order?
Unfortunately, you can’t use mobile deposit for USPS money orders. You must deposit them in person with a valid ID.
Where can I cash a money order for free?
You can cash a postal money order for free at your local post office. You may also be able to cash it at your local bank branch.
Can you cash a money order online?
You need proof of ID to deposit postal money orders. Therefore, you can’t deposit them online.
How do I know if a money order is fake?
Valid postal money orders have special markings and designs, so you should look closely at the paper before attempting to deposit it. You can also check the amount on the money order, as it shouldn’t exceed $1,000.
Is it easy to cash in a money order at the post office?
Yes, cashing in a money order is a simple process. Just present your ID to the postal worker at the counter and sign the money order in front of them. You’ll receive the cash right away.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Delpixart
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