Where can I get a money order near me?

USPS money orders are sold at any Post Office for $2.65 (up to $500) or $3.75 ($500.01 to $1,000). Retailers, money-transfer companies and some banks also sell them and set their own fees and limits.

What is the cheapest place to get a money order?

USPS charges $2.65 for amounts up to $500 and $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000 (usps.com, checked October 2026). Other sellers set their own fees, so compare before you buy.

Can I get a money order 24 hours a day?

24-hour options are limited. Some retail locations that sell money orders may have long hours, so call ahead. Post Office hours vary by location; check the hours on the USPS locator.

Do you need a bank account to get a money order?

No. Money orders are purchased with cash or a debit card — no bank account required. This is one of the main reasons money orders are used by unbanked consumers who need a guaranteed payment method.

What is the maximum amount for a money order?

USPS caps a domestic money order at $1,000. Other sellers set their own limits. For larger amounts, you can buy several money orders (fees apply to each) or ask about a cashier's check.

Where to Get a Money Order 2026 — Locations and Fees

You can get a money order at any Post Office, and also from retailers, money-transfer companies and some banks. No bank account is needed for a USPS money order; bring cash or a debit card. USPS charges $2.65 for amounts up to $500 and $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000; other sellers set their own fees, so compare before you buy.

Money Order Locations and Fees

Seller	Fee	Max amount
USPS (any Post Office)	$2.65 (up to $500) / $3.75 ($500.01 to $1,000)	$1,000 domestic

Retailers, money-transfer companies and some banks also sell money orders. Each sets its own fee and limit, and some banks sell them only to account holders, so check the seller’s current terms before you go. Pay with cash or a debit card at USPS; credit cards are not accepted there.

USPS (Post Office)

USPS says its money orders are affordable, widely accepted and never expire. You can buy or cash them at any Post Office.

Fee: $2.65 (up to $500) | $3.75 ($500.01 to $1,000)
Payment: cash or debit card; not a credit card
Maximum: $1,000 for a domestic money order

If a USPS money order is lost, your receipt is what lets you track it. See what to do if you lose a money order.

When You Need More Than $1,000

Money orders are capped at $1,000 per instrument. For larger amounts, you have two options:

Buy multiple money orders — e.g., three $1,000 money orders for a $3,000 payment (three fees apply)
Ask about a cashier’s check — one check for a larger amount; the fee is set by your bank

For a detailed comparison, see money order vs. cashier’s check.

Worked Example

You need to pay $850 in rent to a landlord who doesn’t accept personal checks. A USPS money order for $850 falls in the $500.01 to $1,000 tier, so the fee is $3.75 and the total is $853.75. You would pay with cash or a debit card at a Post Office counter and keep the receipt.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy