How Much Does a Money Order Cost?

Question: How much does a money order cost? Answer: It depends where you get it and how much you need. In most cases, money orders cost around a dollar (or even less).

You can get money orders at a variety of places. Post offices, banks, convenience stores, and grocery stores all sell them. Money orders cost less at convenience stores and post offices -- you can usually get one for about a buck. When you go to a bank or credit union, money orders generally cost more (don’t be surprised if it’s $5 to $10). You’ll have to have an account at the bank or credit union to buy a money order.

Post offices are often a good place to get money orders because they’re considered safe. USPS Money Order cost works as follows:

• $1.10 for $0.01-$500
• $1.50 for $500.01-$1,000

International money orders cost more.

Money Order Maximums

Keep in mind that money order costs refer to a single money order, and that money orders often have a maximum limit. For example, a money order issuer may only offer money orders up to $1000. If you need to pay $2000, you’d have to buy two money orders and pay two fees.

For large purchases, you may want to consider a cashier’s check. Banks and credit unions issue cashier’s checks (which are similar to money orders in terms of safety) for larger amounts. They may cost more than a single money order, but less than multiple money orders.

• Difference Between a Money Order and Cashier’s Check?