Similar to a check, a money order is a type of postal payment that can be obtained through post offices and some merchants like Western Union Money Order. A money order cannot be returned, which makes it different from the other two. They have the cash amount loaded and are pre-paid. Money orders cannot be purchased using a credit card or check because the payment method must be guaranteed.
Money orders are popular because they are a simple and easy way to get money where it’s required without necessarily requiring a bank account. You don’t require a credit or debit card if you need to make a bill payment or another significant payment, for instance.
Let’s examine each type of money order in more detail since there are several.
International money orders, both standard, and express
Regular international money orders can be created at your neighborhood post office and are finished within a few days after being sent. Up to €3,500 can be sent to 52 different countries.
Similar to express international money orders, these can also be placed online. They are finished in 24 hours and have the same sending cap ($3,500). In addition, you can only transmit to 34 nations, not the 52 mentioned above.
Money order account payments
You can transfer money straight to a person’s account using money orders. They are typically sent domestically, specifically within the EU, and there is no sending cap. These money orders can be created at the post office and typically take three to five days to complete.
Depending on your location, direct account money transfers made through an internet agent can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to complete.
Money transfer agent
At your neighborhood money transfer agent, you can send a money order. The list of nations to which these transactions can be made, together with the maximum sending amount, will be established by each individual company.
They typically take between a few minutes and 24 hours to finish. In some cases, they can take up to five days, depending on where you are and where your receiver is.
Sending a money order
From an agency or post office
You must buy a money order outright using cash, savings, or a debit account in order to mail one from an agent location or a post office. The order paper will then be delivered to you, where you must fill in your information as well as that of the recipient, verify the total is accurate, and then sign.
A receipt will then be given to you, usually with an order number ID on it so you can track your money. Depending on where you are, agency and post office money order transfers often take 24 hours to a few days to process.
Online
Online money order delivery is quick and simple. Simply to the website of your preferred transfer agency and complete the necessary forms. You will be prompted to enter the amount and mode of payment you wish to send.
Additionally, you’ll typically have to submit certain personal data, like:
Names and contact details for both you and your recipient.
Identification documentation, such as a passport, photo driver’s license, or national identity card.
Funds verification.
You will probably also be given a digital receipt and tracking number once you’ve confirmed and finished the transaction, allowing you and the recipient to maintain tabs on your money. Depending on where you are located and the payment method you have selected, online money order transfers often take between a few minutes and 24 hours to process.
Costs of money orders
The cost of a money order depends on the locations to and from which it is being sent, the method and provider you select, and the kind of money order being used.
An ordinary, expedited, or account payment money order typically has a shipping cost of between €4 and €24. When you purchase your money order slip, fees and currency rates should be clearly visible to you. Check again before starting the process.
There are no additional fees other than exchange rates when using some online international money order and money transfer services. Some, however, can tack on transaction costs in addition to the anticipated exchange rates. It’s a good idea to double-check all additional fees when sending money online because each firm will have its own policies.
To avoid getting duped out of your money, you should only ever send money to someone you know. You should always take the time to confirm if someone contacts you and you are unclear about who they are or believe they are impersonating someone you know.
Make sure you carefully review names, email addresses, and other personal data. Something is probably not right if it doesn’t appear right. If they genuinely are a friend or a member of your family, they will probably get in touch with you directly if they need your help.
Money orders should only ever be sent to people you know and trust. Always verify everything is real before sending your money order; under these circumstances, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your time and money are valuable, therefore you can never be too careful.
