Whether you’re sending money to loved ones back home or paying your bills abroad securely, figuring out how payments work in a new country can feel confusing at first. Even simple options can come with rules you didn’t expect.
Money orders are a safe and widely accepted way to send payments in the US, especially if you don’t have a bank account or prefer not to use cash or checks. But they do come with some restrictions. Most notably, the money order limit, which caps the amount of money that can be placed on a single order.
These limits aren’t random. They exist to prevent fraud, protect customers, and comply with US financial regulations. Understanding them ahead of time can save you stress, extra fees, or an unexpected trip back to the counter.
This Remitly guide breaks down exactly how much you can send via money order, how these limits vary by provider, and what to do if you need to send more. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and feel confident handling your next money order.
How much money can you send by money order?
In the US, most money order providers cap a single money order at $1,000 USD. This is the standard limit for most popular providers, like the United States Postal Service (USPS), Western Union agents, and many other retailers.
When buying money orders, you’ll usually hear two types of limits:
- Per-item limit: The maximum amount allowed on one money order (typically $1,000)
- Daily limit: The total amount you’re allowed to purchase in one day, which varies by provider
While you can often buy multiple money orders in one visit, daily limits aren’t universal. Some locations allow totals of several thousand dollars, while others may cap purchases lower or require additional verification once you pass a certain amount.
For example, if you need to send $2,500, you’d usually buy two money orders for $1,000 and one money order for $500. However, once your total purchase reaches a higher threshold, often around $3,000 in a single day, you may be asked to show a government-issued ID and complete a short form. This is normal and required under US financial regulations.
Because each money order comes with its own fee, understanding both per-item and daily limits can help you plan ahead. It allows you to estimate the total cost and make sure you bring enough funds before getting to the counter.
Why do money order limits exist?
Money order limits aren’t random. They exist to protect customers, businesses, and the wider financial system, while helping providers comply with US regulations.
One key reason is fraud prevention and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), businesses that sell money orders must monitor certain transactions and collect information when purchases exceed specific thresholds. Setting limits on individual money orders makes it easier to flag unusually large or suspicious activity without creating extra hurdles for everyday users.
Limits also make sense from a practical and safety standpoint. Many convenience stores and retailers keep lower caps to reduce the amount of cash on site, which helps protect staff and customers from theft.
Finally, these limits also protect you as a consumer. Because money orders are prepaid and physical, keeping their value lower can reduce potential losses if one is lost, stolen, or misused.
What if you need to send more than $1,000 with a money order?
If you need to send more than the $1,000 per-item limit, the solution is usually straightforward: purchase multiple money orders. This is a common and widely accepted practice, and expected by most providers and recipients.
That said, it’s a good idea to factor in fees when you’re buying multiple money orders. Each order comes with its own processing fee, which typically ranges from $1 to $5 depending on where you buy it. This can add up quickly if you’re sending multiple payments.
There’s also an important reporting threshold to be aware of. When your total money order purchases reach $3,000 or more in a single day at the same provider, you’ll typically be asked to:
- Show a government-issued photo ID
- Provide basic personal information for a required record or form
This is a normal part of US financial regulations and doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your transaction.
For very large amounts, you might want to consider alternatives to money orders, like a wire transfer or a cashier’s check. These solutions let you send more money with more reasonable fees, saving you time and money.
Reporting requirements for larger money orders
Under the Bank Secrecy Act, money order providers are required to collect additional information when a customer purchases $3,000 or more in money orders in a single day at a single location or provider. This usually involves completing a transaction record and verifying your identity.
It’s essential to know that intentionally trying to avoid these requirements by splitting purchases across locations or transactions on the same day is known as structuring, and it’s not allowed. Providers are trained to look for patterns that suggest this, such as multiple purchases just below reporting thresholds.
The safest and easiest approach is simply to be transparent, bring valid ID if you expect to exceed reporting limits, and ask the provider about their specific policies before you buy.
Common money order limits by provider
Money order limits can vary depending on where you buy them. Knowing the typical caps set by different providers can help you choose the most convenient option and avoid surprises at the counter.
USPS (United States Postal Service)
USPS money orders are among the most widely used and trusted options in the US. For domestic money orders, the maximum amount per money order is $1,000.
USPS fees are generally low and based on the value of the money order. You can usually pay with cash or a debit card, but credit cards are typically not accepted for money order purchases.
It’s also worth noting that USPS stopped selling international money orders in October 2024. Today, USPS money orders can only be used for payments within the United States.
Retailers and grocery stores
Many large retailers sell money orders through partnerships with companies like Western Union and MoneyGram.
Walmart is one of the most popular places to buy money orders. It usually offers a $1,000 per-item limit, with fees often $1 or less, depending on the location. Its wide availability makes it a convenient option for many people.
Other retailers might set different limits and fees for money orders. For example, grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway often follow the $1,000 standard, while convenience stores like 7-Eleven typically cap money orders at $500.
One major advantage of using retailers to write money orders is their extended hours. Many are open early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, making it easy to send a money order outside traditional banking hours.
Banks and credit unions
Bank and credit unions typically offer money orders to their account holders. In most cases, the per-item limit is $1,000, although some institutions may allow higher amounts based on their internal policies.
Getting a money order from your bank can be convenient because the funds are withdrawn directly from your account (no need to withdraw cash or use your debit card). Some banks also offer reduced fees or free money orders for premium or long-term customers.
However, bank-issued money orders often come with higher fees, commonly ranging from $5 to $10 per order. Because of this, they’re not always the most cost-effective option for smaller payments.
Money transfer agents
Western Union and MoneyGram are two major money transfer companies in the US. They have thousands of agent locations across the country, which you’ll often find in convenience stores, pharmacies, as well as dedicated stores and kiosks.
At agent locations, the per-item money order limit is usually around $1,000, but it can vary depending on the specific location and provider. Fees and daily limits may also differ, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you’re planning to send a larger amount.
These agents are especially helpful if you or the recipient lives in an area without easy access to a bank or post office, making them a practical option for many customers.
Send money orders with confidence
No matter where you buy a money order, whether it’s from USPS, your bank, or a local retailer, the per-item limit is usually $1,000. Knowing this ahead of time makes it easier to plan your payment and avoid delays at the counter.
If you need to send more than $1,000, you can simply purchase multiple money orders. Just be sure to bring cash or a debit card, as well as a valid form of photo ID if you’re planning to buy $3,000 or more in a single day.
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to double-check the fees and limits at your chosen location. A quick check can save you time, avoid unnecessary surprises, and help ensure your transaction goes smoothly from start to finish.
FAQs
Does the money order limit include the fee?
No, the limit only applies to the face value of the money order itself. Fees are paid separately. When you purchase a $1,000 money order at USPS, you’ll pay $1,000 plus the applicable fee. Keep in mind that you might be charged extra fees if you don’t cash a money order within a specified period.
Are international money order limits different?
Yes, international money orders typically have lower limits than domestic ones. USPS international money orders were capped at $700, but the service was discontinued in October 2024.
Can I cash a money order for any amount?
You can typically deposit a money order of any amount into your bank account without any issues. If you want to cash a money order at a retail location, you might be limited by the store’s policies or how much cash they keep on hand. Some retailers limit cash-outs to $1,000 to $2,000 per day for this reason.