A postal order, also known as a money order, is a way to send payment to someone through the U.S. Mail. Postal orders protect the finances of both parties because financial information is not listed on the order like it is on a personal check. The orders can be used for shopping, personal loans and sending money to another person in a different state.

Purchase a postal order to send to a payee from the Post Office, Postal Carrier or from an authorised postal order centre such as a supermarket. You will need a photo ID to make the purchase.

Fill out all applicable forms. You will need the payee's name and address. Postal orders cannot be made to more than one individual, separate postal orders must be bought.

Pay for the postal order using cash, debit or credit card or a travellers check. Postal orders cannot be bought using a standard check. Once the order has been paid for place it into the mail for delivery.

Cash a postal order by taking the order to the local post office, your banking institution or authorised check cashing agency. Check cashing agencies can be found inside convenience stores and supermarkets.

Present your driving licence or state ID as a form of identification along with the postal order. You must sign the postal order in front of an authorised agent to prevent fraud.

Verify the amount before exiting the building. If you receive the incorrect amount and leave the building you may not be able to rectify the problem. Keep receipt of the transaction.

Tip

Lost or stolen postal orders can be replaced by contacting the post office. There is no expiration for postal orders.