Money orders are an affordable and convenient way to give and receive money when the parties in question do not have a checking account, debit card or checkbook.
As one of the most essential organizations in the U.S., the Postal Service sells money orders for a low rate at most of their locations.
But if you receive one, where can you cash a USPS money order? Are there locations near you? Here is what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
Where Can You Cash A USPS Money Order In 2022?
Money orders issued by the United States Postal Service may be cashed in a wide variety of locations, including Post Office locations, banks, some grocery stores, convenience store chains, and check-cashing locations. While the Post Office cashes USPS money orders for free, doing it elsewhere will likely incur a fee.
For a general list of locations where you can cash a USPS money order, as well as some further information, like who can cash a USPS money order or whether you can deposit one with mobile banking, keep reading!
List Of Banks And Stores That Cash USPS Money Orders
Here is a list of locations, including banks and stores, where you can get your USPS money order cashed (or deposited).
- Post Office locations – The Post Office obviously cashes their own money orders, and bonus: they do it for free.
- Bank of America – This bank will only cash money orders if you have an account with them.
- Capital One – Another huge financial institution that will only cash your money order if you have an account with them.
Additionally, you must have at least the amount on the money order in your account if you want to receive the money in cash.
If not, you can deposit the money order into your account.
- Fifth Third Bank – These locations will cash a money order even for non-account holders.
- Chase Bank – Just like Capital One, you must have an account and must have the amount in your account to receive cash.
- Regions – Non-account holders can cash their money orders at Regions locations for a five percent fee.
- PNC Bank – A regional chain based out of Pittsburgh, you must have an account with this bank to cash your money order. Some restrictions may apply.
- Wells Fargo – Another bank where you must have an account, you can only make a deposit, and the date the money order clears depends on the amount.
- Check-cashing locations like: Check Into Cash, Money Mart and United Check Cashing; there are also the locations with the steepest fees.
- Albertsons grocery stores: Check the website or call ahead to ensure your location cashes money orders.
- Kroger grocery stores: With over 2700 locations in the U.S., many Kroger stores will cash money orders for a fee. Check beforehand to make sure.
Do Banks Accept USPS Money Orders?
Yes, many banks do cash USPS money orders.
Some, like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, require you to have an account with the bank before they will cash your money order, though.
And even more specifically, a few of them require you to have the amount on the check in your account in order to receive the money order as cash.
(If you don’t have the amount in your account, you can deposit the money order and it will clear on pretty much the same timeline as any check would.)
If you have a financial institution that you use, I would say they are the best second choice option (after the Post Office) for cashing a USPS money order.
Check your bank’s website or ask the next time you visit to see if they do money order cashing for their patrons. If so, they likely do it for free.
Some banks, like the Regions chain, will allow non-account holders to cash money orders at their locations, but you’ll pay a fee.
In my estimation, banks that will accept non-account holders’ USPS money orders are a better choice than check-cashing locations.
Even though you will still have to pay a fee, it appears that it’s still less than you would pay at, say, a Money Mart.
But do your research and compare the fee options in your area.
Can Anyone Cash A USPS Money Order?
Only the person to whom the USPS money order is made out can cash it.
(This isn’t just USPS money orders; this is all money orders!)
So, unfortunately, if you don’t have time to make it to the Post Office one day to cash your money order, you cannot send someone else in your stead.
Money orders are treated very much like checks, and proper ID (as well as a matching signature on the money order) is required to receive the funds.
Can You Mobile Deposit A USPS Money Order?
While many banks with mobile apps allow mobile check deposits, money orders are a different story.
Even a major bank like Bank of America does not allow mobile deposit of money orders (though they do cash them in-person, for account holders).
But big names like Citibank, Fifth Third Bank and Wells Fargo all have mobile money order deposit services in their apps.
And one regional bank that has a mobile money order deposit option as well is Huntington Bank.
How Do You Cash A Postal Money Order?
USPS money orders are great because they are easy to obtain from the many Post Office locations around the country, and they’re simple to cash, too.
Simply find a location that cashes USPS money orders and bring it with you into the building.
Do not sign it yet! You will sign it (or “endorse” it) in front of the teller/cashier.
Also, be sure to bring your ID so they can verify that you are the person to whom the money order is intended.
That’s really all you have to do on your end. It’s very similar to cashing a check.
You’ll sign the money order, show your ID, and then you just have to decide in what denomination you want your bills!
To know more about USPS, you can also read our posts on whether or not USPS sells money orders, if USPS charges by weight or size, and if USPS takes Apple Pay.
Conclusion
USPS money orders are an inexpensive alternative to checks or debit card payments, and they can be cashed in many locations around the U.S.
The best and most obvious is Post Offices, but many banks, check-cashing locations and some grocery stores will do so – though often for a pesky fee.