Does USPS Sell Money Orders in 2024? Your Full Guide
Getting a money order through the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a convenient and trusted payment method accepted by most payees. But what exactly are the benefits, and does USPS sell them in 2024?
Overview of USPS Money Orders
A USPS money order works similarly to a cashier‘s check – it‘s a payment guaranteed by USPS when made out to the intended recipient. Over $21 billion in USPS money orders are processed annually, according to USPS records.
Top benefits of USPS money orders:
- Wide acceptance: Over 400,000 US locations accept them as payment
- Security: Lost/stolen orders can be replaced if reported promptly
- Convenience: Available for purchase at all USPS Post Office locations
- Affordability: Fees start at $1.30, often lower than cashier‘s checks
Compared to other common payment methods:
| Payment Method | Security | Acceptance | Purchase Locations | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Money Order | High | High | Post offices | $1.30+ |
| Cashier‘s Check | High | High | Banks, credit unions | $5-$15 |
| Personal Check | Low | Medium | N/A | None |
| Cash | High* | Medium | N/A | None |
*Security risk of theft or loss
As you can see, money orders offer a uniquely secure and widely-accepted way to pay when you don‘t have or don‘t want to use your personal bank account.
Where You Can Buy USPS Money Orders
While not sold online, USPS money orders can be purchased at any Post Office location around the country – making them one of the most conveniently accessible payment methods.
- Over 31,322 Post office branches in the United States
- Available during retail hours; many are open evenings & weekends
- Over 40,000 locations also offer self-service kiosks to skip Post Office lines
Keep in mind that while domestic money orders are sold everywhere, only certain Post Offices provide international money orders required for recipients in foreign countries. You can check availability at your nearest location by entering your ZIP code on USPS‘s PO Locator page.
USPS Money Order Fees in 2024
The convenience and security of Postal Service money orders come at a small price:
Domestic fees
- $1.30 for amounts under $500
- $1.95 for $500.01-$1,000
International fees
- $10.50 per money order
- Plus additional country-specific fees ($3.75-$12.15)
These rates went into effect on July 10, 2022 for domestic, January 22, 2023 for international. While Post Office fees tend rise slightly year to year, they remain among the most budget-friendly.
Maximum Amounts for Money Orders
Need to pay a bill or invoice over $1,000? Multiple Post Office money orders can cover higher totals.
However:
- Each domestic order maxes out at $1,000
- Each international tops around $700 ($500 for some)
- Getting more than 3 orders requires extra ID verification
So for expensive department store purchases, tuition bills, or big ticket items – other methods like wire transfer or cashier‘s check may be better fits.
Do Postal Money Orders Expire?
Nope! Issued USPS money orders have no expiration dates and will be honored when presented.
If you happen to uncover a years-old unused order while filing, spring cleaning or moving, it retains full value. This reliability makes them a particularly helpful financial tool.
Cashing Money Orders at USPS Locations
In addition to purchasing money orders, United States Post Offices allow cashing most money orders – including those originally obtained elsewhere.
As long as it‘s a legitimate domestic order not already cashed, just bring a valid photo ID to any USPS location during retail hours. No need for a bank account or credit check.
It‘s a great option if paid by a money order without an existing way to deposit funds. Even many grocery stores and check cashing businesses don‘t offer money order cashing services.
So for all your money order needs, from purchasing to cash-in, the United States Postal Service remains a preferred source in 2024 and beyond. Reach out with any other USPS questions!
