Domestic Money Orders

How to Send a Money Order

Money orders can be purchased at any Post Office™ location.

• You can send up to $1,000 to destinations within the United States.
• Pay for your money order with cash, debit card, or traveler’s checks.
• There is a fee for each money order you send.

How to Spot a Fake Money Order

Before accepting a money order, make sure it's real. There are several key things to look for when spotting a counterfeit money order.

Check the Dollar Amounts

• The dollar amount is discolored. It may have been erased, indicating fraud (circle 3 on image).
• The dollar amount is not imprinted twice (circle 4 on image).
• Dollar value is too large.
• Domestic money orders cannot be more than $1,000.
• International money orders cannot be more than $700 ($500 for El Salvador or Guyana).

Examine the Paper

Hold the money order up to the light.

• Watermarks of Ben Franklin on the left side should repeat top to bottom (circle 1 on image).
• On the right of the Franklin watermark, a vertical, multicolored thread with the letters “USPS” weaves in and out of the paper to (circle 2 on image).

Suspect a Fake?

• If you suspect fraud, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
• If you think you’ve been given a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822.

Replace Lost or Damaged Money Orders

My Money Order Is Lost or Stolen

We’ll replace a lost or stolen money order. There is a $5.95 processing fee.

1. Go to your local Post Office location to complete and submit PS Form 6401 Money Order Inquiry.
2. After you submit the form, check the Missing Money Order List for your money order serial number.
3. When we’ve determined the status of your money order, we’ll issue you a replacement.