Quick answer: USPS money orders cost $2.35 for amounts up to $500 and $3.40 for amounts up to $1,000 in 2026. They can be purchased at post offices nationwide and cashed for free at USPS locations with a valid photo ID. USPS international money orders were discontinued in late 2024.
USPS money orders remain one of the most trusted paper payment methods in the United States. They are widely accepted by landlords, businesses, banks, retailers, and individuals because the funds are prepaid and backed by the federal government through the United States Postal Service.
They are especially useful for people who do not have a bank account, need guaranteed funds, or want a safer alternative to mailing cash. Since 2024, USPS has raised money order fees, discontinued international money orders entirely, and rolled out a redesigned domestic money order with new security features — all changes worth knowing before your next visit.
This guide explains current USPS money order fees, purchase limits, where to cash them, how long they take to clear, fraud warning signs, and what to do if your money order is lost or stolen.
What Is a USPS Money Order?
A USPS money order is a prepaid paper payment instrument sold by the United States Postal Service. Unlike a personal check, the money is paid upfront when the money order is purchased. That means the recipient does not need to worry about the payment bouncing because of insufficient funds.
USPS money orders are commonly used for rent payments, bill payments, purchases between private individuals, and mailed payments where guaranteed funds are important.
Because USPS money orders are federally backed, they are considered one of the safest money order options available in the United States.
Another major advantage is that domestic USPS money orders never expire.
Why People Still Use USPS Money Orders
Even with apps like Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal, USPS money orders are still widely used because many real-world situations still require secure paper payments.
- Paying rent to landlords who do not accept online payments
- Sending guaranteed funds through the mail
- Buying items from private sellers
- Paying bills without a bank account
- Avoiding bounced personal checks
- Sending safer payment than cash through the mail
- Making payments when digital transfers are unavailable
Many people also trust USPS money orders because post offices are available nationwide and the fees are generally predictable.
USPS Money Order Fees (2026)
These are the current USPS domestic money order fees in 2026:
- $0.01 to $500: $2.35 fee
- $500.01 to $1,000: $3.40 fee
- Postal Military Money Orders: $0.79 fee at qualifying military facilities
- Lost or stolen replacement request: $20.15 processing fee
The fee is added on top of the money order amount itself. For example, buying a $500 USPS money order costs $502.35 total.
Compared to alternatives, USPS money orders remain fairly affordable. Bank money orders and cashier’s checks often cost significantly more, while Walmart money orders are cheaper but are not federally backed.
USPS Money Order Limits
- Domestic limit: $1,000 maximum per money order
- International money orders: Discontinued by USPS in 2024
- Multiple money orders allowed: Yes
- ID verification: Larger purchases may require additional identification under federal anti-money-laundering rules
If you need to send more than $1,000, USPS allows customers to purchase multiple money orders during the same visit.
For larger guaranteed payments, a cashier’s check may be more practical. See our cashier’s check without a bank account guide for more information.