Sending money internationally can seem complicated, but understanding your options is the first step to making the process smooth and secure. While the United States Postal Service® (USPS) has historically offered international money orders, it’s important to be aware of recent changes and explore alternative methods for sending money abroad.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding international money orders, particularly USPS money orders, and explores alternative solutions for your international money transfer needs.
Important Updates Regarding USPS International Money Orders
It’s crucial to note significant updates regarding USPS international money orders. As of October 1, 2024, the USPS has stopped selling international money orders. This change also includes foreign postal services in Belize and Peru, which have ceased selling international money orders for the United States.
Furthermore, starting October 1, 2025, countries listed in the International Mail Manual (IMM) 370 will no longer cash USPS international money orders. Similarly, USPS will also discontinue cashing international money orders issued by Belize and Peru post offices.
Key Dates to Remember:
- October 1, 2024: USPS stopped selling international money orders.
- October 1, 2025: Deadline for cashing USPS international money orders at foreign post offices and for USPS to cash money orders from Belize and Peru.
- September 30, 2025: Last day to redeem USPS international money orders at Post Office™ facilities.
If You Possess a USPS International Money Order:
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Redemption Deadline: You can redeem your USPS international money order at any Post Office™ facility for its face value until September 30, 2025.
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Expiration: No international money order will be paid at a Post Office after its expiration date or after September 30, 2025, whichever occurs first.
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Post-Deadline Inquiry: After September 30, 2025, if you haven’t redeemed your money order, the purchaser can file an inquiry using PS Form 6401, Money Order Inquiry. Payments are processed and issued 10 days after form processing. Mail the completed form to:
St. Louis Accounting Service Center
General Accounting Branch
PO Box 80453
St. Louis, MO 63180-0453
Recognizing and Avoiding International Money Order Fraud
While money orders can be a method for sending money, it’s essential to be vigilant about fraud, especially when dealing with international transactions. Knowing how to identify a fake money order is crucial to protect yourself from financial scams.
Examining the Security Features of a Genuine Money Order
Authentic USPS® money orders incorporate several security features to prevent counterfeiting. To verify a money order’s authenticity, hold it up to a light source and look for these elements:
- Ben Franklin Watermark: A repeating watermark of Ben Franklin should be visible on the left side, running from top to bottom (indicated as circle 1 in the example image of a fraudulent money order).
- USPS Security Thread: A vertical, multicolored security thread with “USPS” woven into the paper should be present to the right of the Franklin watermark (indicated as circle 2). This thread should weave in and out of the paper.
Checking the Dollar Amount and Limits
Carefully inspect the dollar amount on the money order:
- Discoloration: If the dollar amount appears discolored or altered, it could indicate that it has been erased and potentially falsified (indicated as circle 3).
- Imprinted Amount: The dollar amount should be clearly imprinted twice on the money order (indicated as circle 4).
- Value Limits: Be aware of the maximum value for money orders. While domestic money orders have a limit of $1,000, international money orders had a lower limit of $700 (or $500 for El Salvador and Guyana when USPS offered them). Large amounts might be a red flag.
Suspecting a Fake Money Order? Take Action
If you suspect a money order is fraudulent:
- Contact U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Immediately report your concerns to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
- Verify with Money Order Verification System: Call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822 to further investigate the money order’s legitimacy.
Verifying the Status of a Money Order
If you have purchased a USPS money order and need to check its status, you can easily do so online. The Money Orders Application allows you to track your money order at any time.
Information Needed for Verification:
To check the status, ensure you have the following details from your money order:
- Serial number
- Post Office number
- Dollar amount
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Money Orders
While payment on postal money orders cannot be stopped, there are procedures for replacing money orders that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Procedures for Lost or Stolen Money Orders
- Confirmation Period: It may take up to 30 days to confirm a money order as lost or stolen.
- Investigation Time: Investigating the status of a lost or stolen money order can take up to 60 days.
- Free Inquiry: Starting October 1, 2024, there is no fee for international postal money order inquiries.
How to Request a Refund for a Lost or Stolen Money Order:
- Visit a Post Office: Take your money order receipt to any Post Office location.
- Initiate a Money Order Inquiry: Speak with a retail associate at the counter to begin a Money Order Inquiry.
- Track Your Inquiry: Monitor the status of your money order and inquiry through the Money Orders Application.
- Replacement Issuance: Once your money order is confirmed lost or stolen, a replacement money order will be issued to you.
Replacing Damaged Money Orders
USPS will replace money orders that are defective or damaged. To get a replacement, bring the damaged money order and your receipt to your local Post Office location.
Exploring Alternatives for Sending Money Abroad
Given that USPS has discontinued international money orders, it’s essential to explore alternative, efficient, and secure methods for sending money abroad. Several options are available, each with its own advantages:
- Online Money Transfer Services: Companies like Western Union, Remitly, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Xoom specialize in international money transfers. They offer various payment options (bank transfers, debit/credit cards, cash pickup) and often provide faster transfer times and competitive exchange rates.
- Bank Transfers: Traditional bank wire transfers are a reliable way to send larger sums of money internationally. However, they might come with higher fees and slower processing times compared to online services.
- Mobile Money Transfer Apps: Apps like WorldRemit and others allow you to send money directly to mobile wallets in many countries, offering convenience and speed.
- International Money Orders from Other Providers: While USPS no longer offers them, some banks and financial institutions might still provide international money orders. However, their availability and acceptance can vary.
Choosing the Right Method:
The best method for you depends on factors like:
- Destination Country: Some services have better coverage in certain regions.
- Amount You’re Sending: Fees and exchange rates can vary based on the amount.
- Speed of Transfer: How quickly does the money need to arrive?
- Recipient’s Access: Can the recipient easily access a bank, mobile wallet, or cash pickup location?
- Fees and Exchange Rates: Compare the costs and exchange rates offered by different services.
By understanding the changes to USPS international money orders and exploring the available alternatives, you can confidently choose the most suitable and secure way to Send Money Abroad for your specific needs.
