
The Post Office Money brand has been around for over 30 years, offering a range of financial products and services to its customers.
With a wide range of products, including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, Post Office Money aims to make managing your finances easier and more accessible.
Post Office Money has over 11.5 million customers, making it one of the largest financial services providers in the UK.
You can manage your Post Office Money account online or in person at one of their 11,500 branches across the country.
Sending Packages
Sending packages through the post office is a straightforward process. You can send up to $1,000 in a single money order anywhere in the United States.
To start, head to any Post Office location. You can't pay with a credit card, so make sure to bring cash or a debit card. The retail associate at the counter will help you fill out the money order.

The dollar value of the money order plus the issuing fee is what you'll need to pay. Keep your receipt to track the money order, it's an important document.
Here's a quick breakdown of the money order process:
- Decide on the money order amount (up to $1,000)
- Go to any Post Office location
- Paying with cash or a debit card (no credit cards accepted)
- Filling out the money order at the counter
- Paying the dollar value of the money order plus the issuing fee
- Keeping your receipt to track the money order
Money Handling
Domestic money orders never expire and don't accrue interest, so you can hold onto them for as long as you need. This is a great feature of USPS money orders.
You can cash a USPS money order at a Post Office for free, and it's a good idea to do so since they don't charge any fees. You'll need to present your money order and a valid primary photo ID to the retail associate at the counter.
To cash a USPS money order, you'll need to sign it in front of the retail associate at the Post Office, but make sure not to sign it beforehand. This is a requirement for cashing a money order at a Post Office location.
Here are the options for cashing a USPS money order:
- Post Office: Cash money orders without incurring any fees.
- Banks: Most banks will cash USPS money orders, but some may charge a fee for non-account holders.
- Stores: Some stores may also cash USPS money orders, like grocery stores or check-cashing locations.
- Rural Carriers: Your local rural mail carrier may be able to cash money orders if they have sufficient funds available.
Remember to always have a valid primary photo ID when cashing a USPS money order for verification purposes.
Fees
Fees for money orders are based on the dollar amount being sent, and it's essential to know what you're getting into before you buy one.
The fee for a money order is $2.35 for amounts up to $500.00. This is a straightforward process, and you can't go wrong with this amount.
For larger amounts, the fee increases to $3.40 for money orders between $500.01 and $1,000.00. This is a significant increase, so be sure to factor it into your budget.
Postal Military Money Orders, issued by military facilities, have a unique fee structure. These money orders cost $0.79, which is a relatively low fee compared to other money orders.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for different money order amounts:
Cashing
Cashing a money order is a straightforward process. You can cash a USPS money order at any Post Office location for free, as long as you have a valid primary photo ID.
To cash a money order, you'll need to sign it in front of a retail associate at the Post Office counter. This is a requirement for cashing a money order at the Post Office.
You can also cash a money order at most banks, but be aware that some banks may charge a fee for non-account holders. It's a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to see if they'll cash a money order and what the fee might be.
Some stores may also cash USPS money orders, such as grocery stores or check-cashing locations. However, it's best to call ahead and confirm that they'll cash a money order before heading over.
If you live in a rural area, your local rural mail carrier may be able to cash a money order if they have enough funds available.
Here are the options for cashing a USPS money order:
- Post Office: Cash a money order for free with a valid primary photo ID.
- Banks: Most banks will cash a USPS money order, but some may charge a fee for non-account holders.
- Stores: Some stores may cash a USPS money order, but it's best to call ahead and confirm.
- Rural Carriers: Your local rural mail carrier may be able to cash a money order if they have enough funds available.
Spotting Fake Money
Spotting fake money is crucial to avoid financial losses.
Real postal money orders have specific marks and designs to prevent fraud.
There are currently 2 valid designs to look out for.
To examine the paper, look for the specific marks and designs on each one.
Lost or Stolen

If you've lost or stolen a money order, there's a process to follow. You can't stop payment on postal money orders, but you can replace the lost or stolen one.
Investigating a money order's lost or stolen status can take up to 60 days. This process can be lengthy, so be patient.
There's a $20.15 processing fee to replace a lost or stolen money order. This fee is non-negotiable and must be paid to complete the replacement process.
Here are the key details to keep in mind:
- Money order loss or theft may take up to 30 days to confirm.
- There is a $20.15 processing fee to replace a lost or stolen money order.
U.S. Offices at Risk of Closure
Many U.S. offices are at risk of closure due to cash handling issues, with a staggering 75% of small businesses experiencing cash flow problems.
The average cost of cash handling errors for a small business is $10,000 per year.
Inefficient cash handling processes can lead to lost revenue and damaged customer relationships.
A single cash handling mistake can cost a small business up to $100,000 in lost revenue.
Businesses that implement effective cash handling procedures can reduce errors by up to 50%.
Security and Safety
Post Office Money takes security and safety very seriously, with robust measures in place to protect your personal and financial information.
The website and mobile app use industry-standard encryption to safeguard your data, ensuring it remains confidential and secure.
You can also rest assured that your account is protected by a unique username and password, which you can change at any time.
If you're concerned about online safety, you can opt for two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your account.
Replacing Damaged
Replacing Damaged Money Orders is a breeze, thanks to the USPS. Simply take the damaged money order and the receipt to a nearby Post Office location.
They will guide you through the replacement process, exchanging the damaged money order for a new one. This ensures your payment reaches its intended recipient without any issues.
To stay updated on the progress of your USPS money order, always keep the receipt handy.
Warnings

Money orders are a secure way to send money, but it's essential to be aware of some potential risks. Be prepared to go through the money-order replacement process if necessary, which can take at least 30 days.
Fraudulent money orders can be a problem, so it's crucial to verify their legitimacy. American money orders have watermarks of Benjamin Franklin on the paper, which is a good indication that they are genuine.
If a money order shows signs of tampering, such as eraser marks, smudging, or discoloration, it's best to be cautious and not accept it. These are clear indicators that the money order has been compromised.
Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Eraser marks
- Smudging
- Discoloration
These signs can indicate that a money order has been tampered with, so it's essential to be vigilant and inspect the money order carefully before accepting it.
Postal Orders
Postal Orders were a convenient way to send money in the past. They allowed people to send a payment to someone without needing a bank account.
In the UK, Postal Orders were introduced in 1881 and remained popular for many years. They were especially useful for people who didn't have access to a bank.
You could purchase a Postal Order at a Post Office, and it would be sent to the recipient in the form of a voucher. The voucher could then be cashed in for the value of the order.
The Post Office stopped issuing new Postal Orders in 2013, but existing orders remained valid.
USPS Services
The USPS offers a secure and reliable method for sending money through the mail with their money orders.
You can purchase or cash a USPS money order at any Post Office location, making it convenient for both senders and recipients.
The fees for USPS money orders vary depending on the amount, with a $2.10 fee for amounts up to $500 and a $3.00 fee for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000.

USPS money orders do not expire, giving the recipient flexibility to cash it at their convenience.
You can pay for a USPS money order using cash, debit card, or a traveler’s check, and it's essential to retain the receipt for tracking purposes.
USPS money orders have specific security features to prevent fraud and counterfeit, including watermarks and a multicolored thread with the letters “USPS.”
International Services
If you need to send money to someone abroad, USPS has got you covered with international money orders.
The maximum amount you can send internationally with a USPS money order is $700, unless you're sending to El Salvador or Guyana, in which case the limit is $500.
To send a money order internationally, you'll follow the same process as domestic money orders - fill it out at the Post Office counter with a retail associate's help, and pay the dollar value plus the issuing fee.
Make sure to keep your receipt for tracking purposes, as this will help you stay on top of your international money order.

USPS international money orders have the same security features as domestic money orders, so you can rest assured your money is safe and secure.
Here are the key details to keep in mind when sending international money orders with USPS:
- Maximum amount: $700 (except for El Salvador or Guyana, where it's $500)
- Follow the same process as domestic money orders
- Keep your receipt for tracking purposes
Tips and Warnings
Communication is key when it comes to post office money orders. Make sure to be in touch with the recipient to know if the money order has been cashed or if it's been delayed.
If you've lost a money order, don't panic. Take all the relevant information, including the recipient's full name and address, to the post office.
Don't be afraid to ask questions at the post office. The postal clerk is there to help, so if you're unsure about anything, just ask.
Here are some essential steps to follow if you've lost a money order:
- Take the full name and address of the recipient to the post office.
- Report the lost money order to the post office.
- Ask the postal clerk for guidance on the next steps to take.
Postal Service
The postal service has a rich history, dating back to 1639 when the first postal system was established in England.

The first postal system was introduced by King Charles I, who wanted to improve communication between his government and the public.
In the UK, the postal service is regulated by the Postal Services Act 2000, which gave Royal Mail a monopoly on postal services until 2011.
The Act also introduced competition to the postal market, allowing private companies to provide postal services.
The first postal service in the US was established in 1775, with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General.
The postal service has played a crucial role in the development of the US economy and society, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions.
In the UK, the postal service is still a vital part of everyday life, with over 150 million items delivered every week.
The rise of online shopping has led to a significant increase in parcel delivery, with Royal Mail handling over 1.5 billion parcels in 2020.
The postal service has had to adapt to changing consumer habits and technological advancements, investing in new infrastructure and services to meet the demands of the modern market.
Despite these challenges, the postal service remains a trusted and essential service, providing a vital link between people and communities across the country.
You might like: Post Office Packet Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to post office money?
Post office money went missing due to customer fraud, staff theft, or system errors, resulting in significant losses. Investigate further to learn more about the causes and consequences of these incidents.
Sources
- https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- https://parcelpath.com/can-you-mail-money-with-usps/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Send-a-Money-Order-Through-the-Post-Office
- https://laist.com/news/npr-news/thousands-of-u-s-post-offices-lose-money-should-some-be-closed
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2025/0122-postal-service-to-sell-newly-redesigned-money-orders.htm
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