USPS Money Orders...in the UK...

[hathorcat]

In all honesty other than the odd UK cheque and even "dollars in an envelope" [that sounds like a bad country song] once or twice, I have only ever accepted payment via paypal or bank transfer in the past.


Therefore Money Orders from any country are new to me...so can anyone with experience of this help? If someone sent me a USPS money order, can I cash it in pretty much any UK bank, at the post office, at a currency exchange? Does there tend to be a fee for cashing/banking them?


I know every circumstance is a bit different but any initial guidelines from anyone who has done this before, so I can decide if I can do it, would be much appreciated!

[NoDivision]

Ask your buyer to check with the postal service, but I don't beleive USPS international money orders are cashable in the UK... based on the info here https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm

That's not to say they can't be taken at all, your bank may accept them as a deposit like a check. But you would have to ask them.

IF you are able to recieve them, you should not have to pay a fee on them. The purchaser of the money order pays any fees.

So yes, you need to check with your bank to see if they will accept them, and your buyer needs to double check with USPS.

[hathorcat]

Thanks NoDivision...

Oh the joys of phoning my bank who will give a different answer no matter who you speak to I ll probably stick my head into the branch tomorrow and ask in person more likely to get a straight answer!

[Sebby6]

I'd think you'd be able to cash them in places like The Money Shop but there would be a hefty fee.

[ponylady]

I just talked to a good friend of mine and she believe's you can cash a Money Order from the USPS in the UK. However she thinks there is a fee regardless of where you go.   Here are her words regarding it:

It more than likely will depend on the financial stability of the  institution
issuing the money order.  The USPS should be regarded as a safe  institution. 
Unless otherwise noted, you will be responsible for the fee if the  money order
was made out in a currency different than yours.  If the money order  was made
out to you in your currency, you may not be subject to a fee.  Also,  your bank
may perform a currency conversion for you for free or a flat fee.  It  all
depends.  I would check with your bank and see what they say.  If it is a  small
amount of money, they might cut you a break

I hope that helps as I didn't have much luck finding out anything else about it.

[banditpony]

https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
Does that help?

[Ringlets]

I havent come across this personally but the UK is not listed on the website as being a country that accepts USPS money orders   You may be able to get your bank to cash it for you, but if they do then there will be a fee (there alllways is here *sigh*   ) . I think the best thing to do is for you to ask them personally and if they say that they will cash it, find out what amount they will charge you in fees first 

[babystarz]

I wouldn't accept USD unless you're receiving at least $150. The conversion charges tend to be horrible when going from USD to Euro or pounds. I learned that the hard way living in Belfast and Dublin. It's depressing enough that your money gets halved switching currencies, the charge for it is just depressing

[hathorcat]

Thanks so much everyone for your advice - much appreciated!

I popped into my bank in person and while they were willing to do it the fee for doing it was completely off putting! Now I know why I am going to stick to paypal!