When sending money by mail, use money orders as a safe alternative to cash and personal checks. U.S. Postal Service® money orders are affordable, widely accepted, and never expire. 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.
Is postal money order part of cash?
Cash equivalents include all undeposited negotiable instruments (such as checks), bank drafts, money orders and certain certificates of deposit.
What is the difference between a bank money order and a postal money order?
A postal order is purchased directly from a national postal system, such as the US Postal Service or the Post Office in the United Kingdom. By contrast, a money order is produced by an independent financial service provider and may be purchased at any number of retail outlets, including supermarkets or drugstores.
What do I write on a postal money order?
Steps to fill out a money order
- Fill in the name of the recipient. Write the name of the recipient of the money order in the “pay to” or “pay to the order of” field.
- Include your address in the purchaser section.
- Write the account or order number in the memo field.
- Sign your name in the “purchaser’s signature” section.
How long does a money order take?
If you are delivering the money order in person and the recipient is redeeming it for cash, the entire process can realistically be completed in under an hour or two. Mailing a money order can take about a week, and if you need a replacement or refund for the money order, this can take up to 60 days.
How to send a money order through the post office?
How to Send Domestic Money Orders 1 Decide on the money order amount. 2 Go to any Post Office location. 3 Take cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check. 4 Fill out the money order at the counter with a retail associate. 5 Pay the dollar value of the money order plus the issuing fee. 6 Keep your receipt to track the money order.
How can I check the status of a USPS money order?
You can check the status of a money order you’ve purchased from the U.S. Postal Service at any time by visiting the Money Orders Application. You cannot stop payment on postal money orders, but a lost or stolen money order can be replaced.
How does a money order work in a bank?
A money order is a safe alternative to cash or a personal check; it works like a check so you can cash it or deposit it into a bank account.
Can a money order be sent to another country?
A money order helps ensure that only the recipient can use it, unlike mailing cash. You’re sending money internationally. Not all money orders work abroad, but U.S. Postal Service money orders can be sent to about 30 countries. Another option: A wire transfer, if you need the money there faster and are willing to pay more.
