How to Make a Money Order
Money orders are a good way to send funds through the mail since they can be replaced if lost or stolen. In addition, the person receiving the money order can be sure it is valid since you must pay for it in full at the time you make a money order. You can make a money order through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Western Union, and most banks. International money orders are available through Western Union and the USPS (for some countries).
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Things You'll Need
- Cash, debit (ATM) card, or traveler's check
- Photo ID (for large amounts)
Instructions
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Choose where you want to make a money order. A money order from a bank may not have a fee if you have an account (otherwise they can be pricey). The least expensive are USPS money orders and you can get one at any post office. Western Union money orders can be sent to almost any country, so this may be the only option for some international money orders. The USPS does handle international money orders, but only to about 30 nations (mostly in Latin America).
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Make a money order in person. Western Union money orders are sold at check cashing stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. If you choose USPS money orders and want to send more than $1,000 in a single day, you will need a photo ID (driver's license, state ID or military ID).
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Pay for the money order and fee using cash, a debit/ATM card, or traveler's checks. If you use traveler's checks at the post office, the money order has to be for at least 50 percent the value of the check(s) used. Fill in your name and address and that of the payee on the money order and on the receipt.
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Use a self-addressed stamped envelope to mail your money order unless you are going to deliver it to the payee in person. Be sure you keep the receipt. In the event the money order is damaged, stolen or lost, the receipt will be needed to arrange a replacement.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are a member of the Armed Forces you can buy USPS money order at most military facilities for a fee of just 30 cents (as of 2009).
