What is a 'money order' & how to send it to USA?

OnePound

Hi

I want to buy something off an american website and need to pay by money order.

Its a legitimate business so no concerns there, I just dont know what a money order is! I assume its like a cheque? Do they mean a regular cheque ie one from my cheque book? They have provided me with an address to post to but no bank details so they cant mean Western Union.

If I do post it then which 'safe' method should i use without it costing the earth?

Many thanks

Dark_Star

They won't be able to cash a cheque from your UK cheque book.

Ask in a bank if they do a money order - but will probably cost like a postal order does. Unsure what a post office can offer, not keen on Western Union although never used it.

Can't you use Paypal or a credit card?

If they are unable to process your UK credit card, try phoning them & explaining that you are not in the USA. Sometimes they work on their Zip Codes & obviously our post codes will not be sufficient.

We've had this before & did it over the phone - no problems & the payment went through as normal. (Just remember the time difference!). They were very helpful once they realised we didn't live in "New England" :rotfl:

red-boxer

A money order is similar to a postal order and available from the post office. There is a fee for a money order, which varies for the amount you want to send, also you have to pay for it in full with cash (@ the post office). There is a form to fill out, which asks questions like which currency you want to send/ name and address of recipient. Also your name and address is required. From your filled out form all the details then get put into the computer system, you get one half of your filled out form to keep along with a printed receipt with your order number and details of the transaction.

You don't need to send anything to the recipient, as the funds are transfered to them straight away. HTH