USPS Money Order

If you are someone who depends on digital payment for their every need, then you probably don’t use money orders on a frequent basis. With the advancements made in technology, the use of money orders for completing a payment seems too basic. If you have not used the USPS money order until now, then this article is for you. As money orders are a rather secure form of payment, let’s take a look at the USPS money order services, where can you get it, what can you do with it, and much more…

USPS Money Order

USPS claims that money orders are secure, quick, and reliable forms of payment that are widely accepted by many organizations. Although a money order is similar to a check payment, a money order cannot bounce, unlike check payments. Due to insufficient amounts in the bank account, a check can bounce, whereas a money order is a safer option to consider as the money order is purchased with cash or any other form of guaranteed payment. The only problem with purchasing a money order is that it is slower than digital payments.

Learn about USPS certified mail tracking from here.

The concept of using money orders is quite simple. You purchase a money order from a financial institution. While purchasing the money order, the name of the recipient, i.e., the payee, must be mentioned. The money order will also have the name of the financial institution printed on it. As the money order only contain the name of the recipient and the financial institution, no one else has the authority to cash it except the recipient. This feature makes money orders a lot safer from potential threats than all other forms of digital payments.

Even if you end up losing your money order, it is highly likely that the imposter will cash it, as only the recipient has the authority to do so. Just note that you need to keep your receipt with you at all times to keep track of your money order and also request refunds.

A money order is specially used but those people who do not have access to a standard checking bank account. In such situations, a money order becomes a secure method of payment that is acceptable by both small and large-scale institutions. This payment method is used for clearing small debts, making payments to businesses or major organizations.

Does USPS Do Money Orders?

Yes, USPS does offer money orders which you can purchase from the USPS post office. However, there are a few restrictions to purchasing a United States Postal Service money order. At USPS, you cannot purchase a money order for more than $1000. If a person purchases more than $3000 money orders through USPS, they need to fill out an application form along with providing a government-issued photo ID for verification purposes.

Where Can I Get a Money Order?

Apart from purchasing a money order from USPS, you can look for other major financial institutions such as banks, pharmacies, retail stores, grocery stores, loan stores, etc. The customer is supposed to pay a nominal fee which varies according to the financial institution that is issuing the money order. In the case of USPS, a nominal fee of $1.25 is charged for a money order of $500. For money orders between $500 and $1000, the fee is 1.75. If you are purchasing a money order from a retail bank, then you might have to pay an amount of $5.

How Does a Money Order Work?

Money orders are a legitimate way to make payments, and it is still being used by many financial organizations. As mentioned already, you purchase a money order for a fee from a financial institution, and they hand it over to you with the financial institution’s details and the recipient’s details. Many landlords, vendors, and many financial organizations use this kind of payment system. The sender of the money order can also track the status of their money order to ensure that it was cashed by the right recipient. Additionally, you can also cancel a money order if needed. You can also use money orders for international payments, but the process might be slower.

Things to know before purchasing a money order service from USPS

• The money order can be purchased from any local post office.
• For sending an international money order, you can take a look at the USPS Post office locator.
• To purchase a military money order, you need to visit an APO/FPO/DPO facility.
• There is a certain fee for every money order that you purchase
• The maximum limit for purchasing a domestic money order is $1000 and the maximum limit for purchasing an international money order is $700.
• At USPS, you can purchase multiple money orders at the same time. Note that if you are purchasing more than $3000 money order, then you need to file an application and provide a valid ID.
• You can pay for USPS money order in US currency or coins, debit cards, traveler’s check. Payment via checks or credit cards is strictly forbidden.
• The domestic money orders can be cashed at any Post office and the international money orders can be cashed at any postal service that accepts money orders

USPS click and ship not working? Learn to fix it from here.

Sending Domestic/International Money Orders

• First and foremost, decide the amount that you need to pay to the recipient
• Visit any post office by searching through the post office location on the USPS website
• Keep the nominal fee ready with the acceptable payment methods, i.e., traveler’s check, debit, cash
• Fill the money order form you receive at the counter. For international money orders, the forms are printed with a dollar sign. The sender must only fill in the “Pay To” section.
• Pay the nominal fee along with the dollar value of the money order
• Keep the receipt with you to help track the money order

Information Needed to Fill the Form

You need the following information with you while you are filling the money order form:

• Name of the payee
• Payee’s address
• Amount to be paid
• The address and the name of the sender
• The recipients details and their billing information

Steps to Fill the Money Order

• Write the name of the recipient in the Pay To sections. This field can be addressed to the recipient’s name or the name of the business or the organization, etc. You should first fill out this field as this is the only authorized who can cash the money order. If you end up losing the money order before filling the name with the recipient, then anyone can fill up this field and cash your money order. In this instance, you cannot even apply for a refund. So, make sure you fill this section first
• If the form has a field dedicated to the Purchaser or the Sender, then you can mention your name
• The form might also have some space dedicated to the address of the recipient
• On the memo line, you can specify what the money order is used for. For example, it can be a specific fee which you need to pay to an organization or a specific debt that you need to pay off. This section is also titled “Payment For”
• Mention your signature in the Purchaser’s Signature section. This section is also titled Purchaser or From or Sender, etc
• Do not sign the back of the money order as this is only for the recipient
• Finally, keep the receipt with you. The receipt has a tracking number which you can use to check if the money order is in the right hands. You can also replace the money orders if it is stolen or lost, but replacement requires an extra fee. Additionally, you can also cancel the money order.

Cashing Money Orders

Cashing a domestic money order at the USPS local post office can be done for free. They can also be cashed at the local store or the banks. To cash a money order at the post office, you need to follow these steps:

• You do not have to sign the money order
• Visit any post office and carry a valid government photo ID along
• Sign the money order at the counter only in front of the retail associate

Checking the Status of the Money Order

The status of the money order can be checked on the official USPS website. You need to visit the Check Money Order Status page to view the status of your money order. On this page, enter the Serial Number of the money order, the Post Office Number, and the Dollar Amount. This information is printed on the receipt.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Money Order

If the money order is lost or stolen, then you can have it replaced. To do this, you need to place a refund or a replacement. To replace a lost/stolen domestic money order, the nominal fee is $6.95 and for international money orders, the nominal fee is $7.85. It might take 30-60 days to confirm if the money order is lost or stolen.

Requesting for a Refund

• Visit any local post office and take your receipt along
• Ask for a money order inquiry at the counter
• Once the inquiry is placed, you can check the status of the money order and the status of your inquiry on the USPS portal
• Once the money order is confirmed to be lost or stolen, you will receive a replacement

Damaged Money Orders

Any money order that is damaged or has a defective condition, can be replaced at the local post office for free. You just need to visit the postal services with your money order and hand it over at the counter. The postal service will have it replaced.

For more information on Domestic Money Orders and International Money Orders, you can check out the links given.

Common Problems Associated With USPS Money Orders

As authentic as money order might seem to be, there are many scammers out there that you need to beware of. A good deal of money order scams has been discovered every often which are literally undetectable. Even major financial institutions cannot detect these scams. According to surveys and reports, there have been cases of over 42,000 money order scams in recent years. You need to take preventive measures on your own, as the banks won’t do that for you.

The most common type of money order scam is that the victim will be handed a fake money order as payment for any kind of purchase. The victim then deposits this money order in their checking accounts. In this way, the victim is persuaded to take more and more actions unless and until the bank realizes that they were fraudsters. In many cases, the victim ends up giving away their goods or merchandise to a scammer in exchange for a money order payment. By the time you deposit the money in your bank, you realize that there aren’t any funds to deposit and your goods/merchandise is gone as well.

There are many kinds of money order scams out there that play innocent cards with the victim. This is exactly why you must pay attention to every detail of the purchaser while asking for a money order. Additionally, if you end up being scammed, remember that every bank has different policies, and you may or may not get the help needed. Most banks also let you have at least half a portion of the total money order. Banks take back all the funds from the victim once they discover a money order scam. If the victim has spent any of the amounts, then their credit scores might be in danger.

Pros and Cons of Using a USPS Money Order

Pros

A money order is a secure method of payment as it can be used by anyone. This kind of payment can be tracked and is a lot safer than cash payments. You don’t even need to have a bank account to be able to use the money order. This method of payment is great for people who do not have a checking account. Money orders can also be used globally and can be cashed at any postal office that accepts money orders. Another reason why you can go this form is payment is because it is widely accepted in many locations.

Cons

One of the major issues of using money orders for making payments is that banks and other financial institutions such as USPS offer only a limited amount for both domestic and international money orders. In addition to purchasing a money order, you also need to pay a certain amount of fee to the financial institution. Some financial institutions do it for free, whereas others charge a specific amount for it. Also, the money orders cannot be purchased online; you need to visit the financial institution on your own and purchase it. Another issue with using money orders is that you are prone to be scammed by the purchaser or the sender.

How Old Are USPS Money Order Payments?

USPS money orders were first introduced during the civil war in 1864. This payment mode was introduced for soldiers who wanted to send payment to their families over large distances. Ever since then, there had been a significant rise in the is kind of payment mechanism till the year 2015 in which over $21 billion was sold by post offices. In recent years, due to the advancements in technology that lead to the birth of digital payment, the use of money orders rapidly decreased to 60% during the 2000s.

Although the use of money order is not up to a certain level, it is still being used and is also counted as a valid form of payment by many organizations. For now, USPS did not come up with any strategies or ideas to improve the situation of money orders, as not many people depend on it for making payments. If USPS does not come up with any new policies or ideas, then not many will make use of the USPS money orders.

Conclusion

USPS money order is a secure form of making payments, and it is also an affordable solution for those who do not have a checking account. With USPS, you can make both domestic and international money orders and send them to your dear friends, family or simply repay your debts. Despite being a secure means of transaction, money orders are significantly associated with criminal scams. If you are using this medium of payment or if anyone is paying you through this medium, then you should be cautious as you clearly have no idea who you are dealing with most of the time. Always stay one step ahead of scams…

Check out our other article on USPS postage stamps for postcards from here.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)