How to Make a Postal Money Order
When it comes to sending money securely and conveniently, a postal money order can be an excellent choice. It’s a reliable method that has been used for decades. Whether you need to send money to a friend, pay a bill, or make a purchase, understanding how to make a postal money order can save you time and hassle. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.
What is a Postal Money Order?
A postal money order is a secure and convenient way to send money. It’s a preprinted document that guarantees payment to the recipient. When you purchase a money order, you’re essentially paying the postal service to act as an intermediary between you and the recipient. This ensures that your money is safe and that the recipient will receive the funds as promised.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following items:
- Identification: You’ll need a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- Payment: You’ll need to pay for the money order with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
- Recipient Information: You’ll need the recipient’s name and address.
- Amount: Decide how much money you want to send.
How to Purchase a Postal Money Order
Follow these steps to purchase a postal money order:
- Locate a Post Office: Find the nearest post office. You can use the USPS website to locate a post office near you.
- Present Identification: Show your valid identification to the postal worker.
- Choose the Amount: Decide how much money you want to send. The amount must be written in both numbers and words on the money order.
- Fill Out the Money Order: The postal worker will provide you with a money order. Fill out the following information:
- Payee’s Name: Write the recipient’s name exactly as it appears on their identification.
- Amount in Numbers: Write the amount of money you’re sending in numbers.
- Amount in Words: Write the amount of money you’re sending in words.
- Signature: Sign the money order in the presence of the postal worker.
- Your Name: Write your name on the money order.
- Purchase the Money Order: Pay for the money order with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
- Keep the Receipt: The postal worker will give you a receipt. Keep it until you confirm that the recipient has received the money order.
How to Send a Postal Money Order
Once you have the money order, you can send it to the recipient in one of the following ways:
- Hand Delivery: If the recipient is nearby, you can hand deliver the money order.
- Mail: You can mail the money order to the recipient. Make sure to use a secure and trackable method, such as registered mail or certified mail.
- Online: Some post offices offer the option to send money orders online. Check with your local post office for availability.
How to Cash a Postal Money Order
When the recipient receives the money order, they can cash it at the following places:
- Post Office: The recipient can cash the money order at any post office.
- Bank: The recipient can cash the money order at their bank. They may need to provide identification.
- Check Cashing Service: The recipient can cash the money order at a check-cashing service. This may incur a fee.
Important Tips
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when using postal money orders:
- Always keep the receipt until you confirm that the recipient has received the money order.
- Double-check the recipient’s name and address before sending the money order.
- Do not write anything on the money order other than what is required.
- Do not send cash with the money order.
By following these steps and tips, you can make a postal money order with ease. It’s a reliable and secure way to send money, and
