How Do You Cash a Postal Money Order?
A postal money order is treated like a personal check, so it can be cashed anywhere a personal check can be cashed, such as at the recipient’s bank or a convenience store. The difference is that a money order does not carry the risk of bouncing, since the money is paid to the post office at the time of purchase.
-
Sign the back of the money order
A signature is required on the back of a money order to cash it, just as it is required on the back of a check. The process for cashing a check and the process for cashing a money order are very similar.
-
Take it to a bank or convenience store
Banks typically cash money orders for free for people who have an account at the bank. If the recipient does not have a bank account, many convenience stores, grocery stores and discount stores, such as Walmart, offer check-cashing services. These check-cashing services do carry a fee, as that is how the company makes money.
-
Show a photo ID
Showing a valid, government-issued photo ID is required to cash a money order. Some places may also require a picture or fingerprint, depending on the specific check-cashing policies of the bank or store.
