Whenever you are buying or selling something, you surely want to use a money order as the means of payment. There can be many reasons behind the reason ranging from you might not have a bank account, you might want to make sure that cash doesn’t get lost in the mail or maybe you just don’t want to take a risk of a personal check bouncing.
These are all valid and good reasons to use money orders. It is a relatively safer form of payment and a very popular alternative to a check. Especially if you are looking to keep your personal information private and make the guaranteed payment. Here you will know everything you need to know to make a better payment choice for your funds.
What Exactly Is A Money Order?
A money order is also a paper document just like a check and is also used as a form of payment. In order to buy a money order, you will be required to pre-pay the amount printed on the face of the money order with cash or any other form of payment that can guarantee the funds. After this, all you need to do is to fill in a couple of information and you are good to go.
Money Order Is Safer For Buyers And Sellers Alike
- One of the most basic and important features of the money order is that the name of the payee (recipient) and the name of the financial institution that issued the money order appear on every order. Whenever you buy one, you must specify who will receive the payment by filling in the name of the person or organization that wishes to pay. This makes it very difficult for frauds to steal your money.
- Another advantage is that money orders demand to make the pre-payment upfront. Therefore, money orders will not bounce the way personal checks do sometimes. You can get the cash in return the same way you cash your check but with fewer risks.
Where Can I Buy A Money Order?
You might be wondering, where can I buy a money order near me? Don’t worry! We got that covered for you. You can buy a money order from any in the list below:
- U.S. post offices
- Money transfer, payday loan stores and check cashing
- Convenience stores and supermarkets
- Credit unions and banks
With this list, you will be able to get money orders at any time. Where can I buy a money order on Sunday or where can I buy a money order right now? Easy, go to the nearest convenience store or a supermarket you will be able to get one with the cheapest charges.
As charges in Post offices are the lowest but supermarkets and convenience stores all charges around a dollar; However, credit unions and banks may charge you from $5 to $10 depending on the money orders.
Money orders have a maximum limit of $1000 per money order. For larger purchases, a cashier’s check may prove to be a better option.
Why Should You Use Money Orders?
Safer Compared To Cash:
As money orders can be made payable to specific organizations it reduces the risks of fraud or theft. In a worst case scenario, if your money order gets stolen, you can easily get it cancelled and get a replacement for it.
Bank Accounts Are Not Needed:
You do not require to have a bank account for buying or making payments using money orders.
Offers Anonymity:
Whenever you write a personal check, there is some sensitive information written over the check. For example, checks contain your home address, phone number, bank account details, and the name of any joint account holders. On the other hand, if you are making the payment using a money order all these details will be hidden. So there will not be an issue even if you are paying it to a stranger.
It May Be Required By The Seller:
For these security concerns, there are many sellers across the U.S. who prefer to make the payment using money orders only.
Easier To Send Money Overseas:
If you are willing to send funds abroad to your spouse or any other relatives, then money orders are a much safer and least expensive way to do so. The person who is receiving the payment can easily convert this money order to the local currency and very low charges for the conversion are applicable. And it is a face that USPS money orders are highly regarded in numerous countries around the globe.
To sum it up, one can use money orders for any reason from paying bills like utility bills, insurance premiums and mobile phone charges as well, with the added security and anonymity thanks to money orders.
