Sending A Money Order Online

Quick answer

• You can send a money order online through third-party services or by using your bank’s online bill pay.
• Traditional money orders are purchased in person at post offices, retail stores, or banks.
• Online options often involve fees, so compare costs before choosing a service.
• Ensure the recipient can cash or deposit the money order easily.
• Keep a record of the money order number and transaction details for your security.
• For larger amounts or urgent transfers, consider other payment methods like wire transfers or peer-to-peer payment apps.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to send a payment to someone who doesn’t accept electronic payments.
• People looking for a secure and trackable way to send money without using a personal check.
• Those who prefer to initiate payments from their computer or mobile device.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

What is the purpose of this payment? Is it a one-time bill, a gift, or a recurring expense? Knowing this helps determine the best method and urgency. For example, a rent payment might have a strict deadline, while a birthday gift can be more flexible.

Current cash flow

Do you have enough available funds to cover the money order amount plus any associated fees? Review your checking account balance or available credit to ensure the transaction won’t cause financial strain.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

While not directly related to sending a money order, having an emergency fund is crucial. If an unexpected expense arises, a solid emergency fund prevents you from needing to dip into funds set aside for other important payments.

Debt and interest rates

If you’re considering using a credit card to fund the money order purchase, be aware of potential interest charges. High-interest debt can quickly negate the value of the payment. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt before incurring more.

Credit impact

Sending a money order itself generally doesn’t impact your credit score. However, how you fund the purchase (e.g., using a credit card) can have an effect. Late payments on the funding source will negatively impact your credit.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Determine the payment amount.

• What to do: Decide the exact amount you need to send, including any necessary fees.
• What “good” looks like: You have a precise figure for the total cost of the money order.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Underestimating fees. Always add a buffer for service charges.

2. Identify the recipient’s details.

• What to do: Gather the recipient’s full name and address.
• What “good” looks like: You have accurate information to fill out the money order.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Misspelling the recipient’s name. Double-check spelling to ensure they can cash it.

3. Choose your sending method.

• What to do: Decide whether to use a third-party online service, your bank’s bill pay, or purchase a traditional money order in person.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve selected a method that suits your needs for convenience, cost, and security.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not comparing options. Different services have different fees and limits.

4. If using an online service: Navigate to the provider’s website.

• What to do: Go to the official website of the chosen online money order provider.
• What “good” looks like: You are on a secure and legitimate website.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using unofficial or phishing sites. Always verify the website’s URL.

5. If using online bill pay: Log in to your bank’s online portal.

• What to do: Access your bank’s secure website or mobile app.
• What “good” looks like: You are logged in to your legitimate bank account.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Sharing your bank login credentials. Never give your password to anyone.

6. Enter payment details.

• What to do: Input the recipient’s name and address, the payment amount, and your payment information (bank account, credit card, etc.).
• What “good” looks like: All fields are accurately completed.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Entering incorrect banking or credit card information. This will cause the transaction to fail.

7. Review and confirm the transaction.

• What to do: Carefully check all entered information for accuracy before submitting.
• What “good” looks like: You are confident that all details are correct.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing the review. A single typo can cause significant problems.

8. Pay any associated fees.

• What to do: Authorize the payment, which will include the money order amount and the service fee.
• What “good” looks like: The transaction is processed, and you have paid the total cost.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not budgeting for fees. Factor these into your total payment cost.

9. Save your confirmation and tracking number.

• What to do: Record the transaction confirmation number or money order number.
• What “good” looks like: You have a reference number for your records.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Losing the tracking number. This is your proof of purchase and essential for resolving any issues.

10. Inform the recipient.

• What to do: Let the recipient know you’ve sent the money order and provide them with any tracking details if necessary.
• What “good” looks like: The recipient is aware and can anticipate receiving the payment.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming the recipient will know. Communication prevents confusion.

11. Track the delivery (if applicable).

• What to do: Some online services offer tracking. Use the confirmation number to monitor the status.
• What “good” looks like: You can see when the money order has been processed or delivered.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not tracking when the option is available. It can help identify delays early.

12. Verify receipt and clearance.

• What to do: Confirm with the recipient that they have received and successfully cashed or deposited the money order.
• What “good” looks like: The recipient confirms successful receipt and funds availability.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming it’s cleared. Always get confirmation from the recipient.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using unofficial websites for online money orders	Loss of funds, identity theft, or malware infection.	Always use the official website of a reputable provider. Verify the URL.
Incorrect recipient details	The money order may be undeliverable, delayed, or cashed by the wrong person.	Double-check spelling and full name of the recipient.
Not accounting for fees	You may not send enough to cover the full amount needed, causing the transaction to fail or requiring additional payments.	Always factor in service fees when calculating the total amount to send.
Losing the money order or tracking number	Difficulty in tracking the payment, inability to resolve disputes, or potential for someone else to claim it if lost.	Keep all confirmation emails and numbers in a safe, accessible place.
Not informing the recipient	The recipient may not know to look for the payment, leading to missed deadlines or confusion.	Communicate with the recipient about when and how the payment was sent.
Using a credit card for high fees	High interest charges can make the money order more expensive than the face value.	Consider using a debit card or bank transfer if available and cheaper.
Sending to someone who cannot cash it	The recipient may have trouble converting the money order to cash, delaying their access to funds.	Confirm with the recipient that they have a reliable way to cash or deposit money orders.
Not verifying the sender’s legitimacy (if you are the recipient)	You might be dealing with a scammer if you’re asked to send a money order as part of a fraudulent scheme.	Be wary of requests for money orders, especially from unknown sources or for unusual transactions.
Exceeding service limits	Transactions may be rejected, or you may need to use multiple money orders, incurring more fees.	Check the maximum amount allowed per money order and per transaction.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the amount is small and the recipient is tech-savvy, then consider a peer-to-peer payment app because they are often faster and cheaper.
• If you need to send money urgently and online services are slow, then consider a wire transfer because they are typically faster but more expensive.
• If the recipient specifically requests a money order, then you must use a money order or find an alternative payment method they accept.
• If you are concerned about fees, then compare the costs of online services, your bank’s bill pay, and traditional money order providers.
• If the recipient is not comfortable with online transactions, then purchase a traditional money order in person.
• If you are sending a large sum, then verify the sender’s limits and consider breaking it into smaller, more manageable payments if necessary.
• If you are using a credit card to fund the purchase, then ensure you can pay off the balance quickly to avoid interest charges.
• If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the request for a money order, then do not send one and verify the situation through a trusted channel.
• If your bank offers online bill pay that can send checks or money orders, then use that service as it’s often integrated and convenient.
• If you need a physical record of the payment, then opt for purchasing a traditional money order in person.
• If the recipient is overseas, then a money order may not be the best option; explore international money transfer services.
• If you are sending a payment for a bill that has an online portal, then paying directly through that portal is usually the most efficient method.

FAQ

What is the difference between sending a money order online and buying one in person?

Sending online typically uses third-party services or your bank’s bill pay to facilitate the payment, often with a fee. Buying in person means you physically purchase a money order at a post office, grocery store, or convenience store.

Are online money order services safe?

Reputable online services are generally safe, but it’s crucial to use official websites and secure payment methods. Always be wary of unofficial sites or unsolicited requests.

How much does it cost to send a money order online?

Fees vary by provider. They typically include a service fee on top of the money order amount. Check the provider’s fee schedule before proceeding.

Can I use a credit card to send a money order online?

Some services allow credit card payments, but this can incur additional fees from both the money order provider and your credit card company. It may also be treated as a cash advance by your card issuer, with higher interest rates.

What if the recipient loses the money order?

If the money order is lost before it’s cashed, you may be able to get a refund or replacement, but this process can be lengthy and requires the money order number. Keep this number safe.

How long does it take for an online money order to arrive?

Delivery times vary. Online services might process it electronically or mail a physical money order. It can range from a few business days to over a week.

Can I send a money order online to a P.O. Box?

Generally, yes, but it depends on the specific service’s policies. Some services might have restrictions on P.O. Box deliveries.

What are the limits for sending money orders online?

Each service or issuer has its own limits on the maximum amount you can send per money order or per transaction. Check these limits before you begin.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• International money transfers: This guide focuses on domestic money orders. For international payments, explore services specializing in global remittances.
• Cryptocurrency transactions: Sending digital currency is a different process with its own set of risks and benefits.
• Scam prevention: While touched upon, a deep dive into identifying and avoiding various payment scams is a separate topic.
• Business-to-business payments: For commercial transactions, more robust payment solutions like ACH transfers or business checks are usually more appropriate.
• Setting up recurring payments: While some online services might offer this, managing recurring payments is often best handled through direct bank transfers or dedicated bill payment services.