You can get a money order with savings account funds, but you'll need to withdraw cash first

A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check — it tells someone to pay a specific amount to a specific person. The difference is that money orders don't bounce. When you buy one, you hand over the money upfront, and the seller guarantees the payment will go through.

Most places that sell money orders — post offices, grocery stores, check-cashing shops, banks — only take cash or a debit card at the moment of purchase. They won't let you write a check or transfer money from your savings account directly to buy the money order. So the process has two steps: first you withdraw cash from your savings account, then you use that cash to buy the money order.

This matters because it means you need access to cash before you can get a money order. If your bank branch is closed or you don't have a debit card yet, you'll need to plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Money order sellers take cash or a debit card, not a savings account transfer, so you must withdraw your money first.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your debit card, or visit your bank branch during business hours to ask the teller for cash.
  • Post offices, grocery stores, Walmart, check-cashing shops, and some banks all sell money orders for a small fee.
  • Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them.

How to withdraw cash from your savings account

The fastest way is to use an ATM. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select "Withdrawal," choose the amount you need, and take your cash. Most ATMs let you withdraw between $300 and $500 per day, though this limit varies by bank. If you need more than your daily limit allows, you can make multiple withdrawals over a few days, or visit your bank branch instead.

If you don't have a debit card yet, or if you prefer not to use an ATM, go to your bank branch during business hours. Tell the teller you want to withdraw cash from your savings account. Bring your ID and your account number (it's on your statements or your debit card). The teller will count out the cash and give it to you. There's no fee for this — withdrawals from your own account are free.

Some banks limit how many times per month you can withdraw from a savings account. This rule comes from federal law, though many banks have relaxed it in recent years. If you're planning to withdraw cash multiple times in one month, ask your bank what their policy is so you don't run into a surprise limit.

Where to buy a money order with your cash

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office. They cost $1.45 for amounts up to $500, and $1.95 for amounts from $500 to $1,000. You'll need to fill out a short form with your name, address, and the name and address of the person you're sending it to. The teller will take your cash, give you the money order, and keep a receipt for you.

Walmart sells money orders for $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. You can buy them at the customer service desk — no post office trip needed. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons also sell money orders, usually for $1 to $1.50. Check-cashing shops sell them too, though their fees are often higher than post offices or grocery stores.

Some banks sell money orders to their own customers. Call your bank and ask whether they offer them and what the fee is. If you're already there to withdraw cash, you might as well ask while you're at the branch.

What information you'll need to provide

When you buy a money order, you'll fill out a form that asks for three main things. First, your name and address — the seller needs to know who bought it. Second, the name of the person or business the money order is going to (called the payee). Third, the amount of money.

You'll also need to know the payee's address. Some sellers require it, some don't, but it's good to have it written down before you go. If you're sending a money order to pay a bill, the company's address is usually on the bill itself.

The seller will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt until the money order is cashed. If it gets lost in the mail, you can use the tracking number to find out what happened and request a replacement.

Why you might choose a money order over other payment methods

Money orders are useful when the person you're paying doesn't have a bank account or doesn't want to give you their bank details. They're also safer than sending cash through the mail because they can't be spent by someone else — only the person whose name is on the money order can cash it.

If you're new to banking and don't have checks yet, a money order is a way to make a payment that's more find than cash but doesn't require a checking account. Some landlords, utility companies, and government agencies still prefer money orders or checks over online payments.

The downside is that money orders cost money — even though it's a small amount, it adds up if you use them often. Once you have a checking account, you can write checks for free, which is why most people move away from money orders over time.

What happens after you buy the money order

Once you have the money order in your hand, you can mail it, hand it to someone in person, or drop it off at a business. The person who receives it takes it to their bank or a check-cashing shop and deposits or cashes it, just like a check. It usually takes one to three business days for the money to show up in their account.

If you need to cancel a money order before it's cashed, go back to the place where you bought it with your receipt. They can cancel it and refund your money, though some sellers charge a small fee for this service. Once someone else cashes it, you can't get the money back — that's why keeping your receipt is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card instead of cash?

Most sellers won't take a credit card for a money order. Post offices, Walmart, and grocery stores typically accept cash or a debit card only. Some check-cashing shops may take a credit card, but it's rare. Your best option is to use your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use the cash to buy the money order.

What's the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?

Both may provide payment, but a cashier's check comes from a bank and costs more (usually $10 to $15). A money order is sold by many places and costs $1 to $5. For most situations, a money order is cheaper and easier to get. Cashier's checks are useful for very large amounts or when the person you're paying specifically asks for one.

Can I get a money order if I don't have an ID?

Most sellers require a photo ID to buy a money order. This is a federal rule to prevent fraud. If you don't have an ID yet, you can get one through your state's DMV or, in some cases, through your local government office. Ask your bank what forms of ID they accept — some take a passport, tribal ID, or military ID instead of a driver's license.

What if I need a money order but the post office is closed?

Walmart and grocery stores are often open longer hours than the post office, and they sell money orders too. Check-cashing shops also tend to have evening and weekend hours. If you need a money order outside normal business hours, look for a 24-hour Walmart or a check-cashing shop near you.

Can I buy multiple money orders at once?

Yes. You can buy as many as you want in a single visit, as long as you have enough cash. There's no limit on the number of money orders you can purchase. Just bring enough cash for all of them plus the fees, and the seller will write them all out for you.