Money orders are one of those old-school payment tools that still play an important role today. Landlords, government agencies, and some businesses prefer them because they offer guaranteed funds. But if you’ve ever tried to buy a money order online, you probably discovered something frustrating: it’s almost impossible.
Here’s why online money orders aren’t available and the smarter alternatives you can use instead.
What Is a Money Order, and Why Do People Use Them?
A money order is a prepaid payment method. You pay upfront, and the issuer such as a bank, post office, or retail store guarantees the payment to the recipient.
People commonly use money orders when:
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They don’t have a bank account
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The recipient won’t accept personal checks
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They need a safer alternative to sending cash by mail
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Guaranteed payment is required (for example, rent or security deposits)
Since the funds are prepaid, recipients trust money orders more than personal checks, which can bounce.
Why Money Orders Aren’t Sold Online
The main reason comes down to fraud risk and identity verification.
When you buy a money order in person, you usually pay with cash or a debit card, and the cashier can verify your identity. This makes the transaction secure for the issuer.
Online, that level of certainty doesn’t exist.
Here’s what makes online money orders risky for issuers:
1. It’s harder to confirm who you are
Online identity verification isn’t foolproof. Fraudsters can use stolen identities, hacked accounts, or fake information.
2. Payment methods can be reversed
Many online payment methods such as credit cards or bank transfers can be disputed or reversed. But once a money order is issued, it’s essentially the same as cash. The issuer may not be able to recover the funds.
3. Money orders are guaranteed funds
Issuers promise the recipient that the money is good. If the original payment turns out to be fraudulent, the issuer not the recipient takes the loss.
Because of these risks, most companies simply refuse to offer money orders online.
Why You Still See Companies Like Western Union and MoneyGram Online
Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram do offer online services but usually not online money orders.
Instead, they offer electronic money transfers, which send funds directly to the recipient’s bank account or for cash pickup.
This can be confusing because:
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Both services involve sending guaranteed funds
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Both are offered by the same companies
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Both are used for similar purposes
But they are different products.
A money order is a physical document. A money transfer is digital.
What to Use Instead of a Money Order
If you can’t buy a money order online, don’t worry. There are faster and often cheaper alternatives.
1. Online bank transfers (ACH)
This is one of the easiest options if you have a bank account.
Example:
You can pay your landlord directly through your bank’s bill pay system. Many banks offer this service for free.
Benefits:
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Low cost or free
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Secure
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Convenient
2. Peer-to-peer payment apps
Apps like:
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Zelle
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Venmo
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PayPal
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Cash App
allow you to send money instantly.
Example:
If you owe your roommate $400 for rent, you can send it through one of these apps in seconds.
3. Wire transfers
Wire transfers are one of the fastest ways to send guaranteed funds.
Benefits:
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Often arrive the same day
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Very secure for recipients
Downside:
Fees usually range from $15 to $30.
Wire transfers are commonly used for large or urgent payments, such as closing on a home.
4. Cashier’s checks
A cashier’s check is similar to a money order but usually used for larger amounts.
You can often request one from your bank sometimes even online and the bank mails it to you or the recipient.
Example:
You might use a cashier’s check to pay a car dealer or security deposit.
5. Buying a money order in person and mailing it
This remains the traditional option.
You can buy money orders at:
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Banks
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Post offices
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Grocery stores
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Retail chains
Then mail it to the recipient.
It’s slower, but still reliable.
Be Careful of Websites That Claim to Sell Money Orders Online
If a website claims you can buy a money order online, proceed carefully.
Most of the time, these sites are offering:
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Money transfers (not money orders), or
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Risky services, or
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Scams
If a service sounds unusual or asks for unexpected fees, it’s best to avoid it.
Stick with trusted financial institutions and well-known providers.
Opening a Bank Account Makes Payments Much Easier
If you frequently need to send payments, having a checking account can save you time and money.
With a checking account, you can:
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Pay bills online
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Send money instantly
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Avoid money order fees
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Use a debit card for purchases
Instead of paying $2 or $3 every time for a money order, most digital payments are free.
The Bottom Line
Money orders aren’t available online because they carry too much fraud risk for issuers. Since they function like guaranteed cash, companies need to verify payments and identities in person.
Fortunately, modern alternatives like bank transfers, payment apps, wire transfers, and cashier’s checks offer faster and more convenient solutions.
In many cases, these digital options are cheaper, easier, and safer than money orders especially if you have a bank account.
