International money orders are a way of sending money abroad, tried and tested over decades. But is it outdated or modern and convenient? Explore this article to find an answer and learn more about different types of money orders.
What is an international money order?
How international money orders work
How long does a money order take to arrive?
Different types of money orders
What to pay attention to
FAQ
What is an international money order?
International money order is a pre-paid paper document. It replaces cash and cheque transfers, but it’s not available for digital remittances. Unlike online transfers, money orders require physical handling, which means they are slower, less flexible, and sometimes more expensive. They can be useful in situations where the recipient doesn’t have access to a bank account or digital wallet, but such cases are becoming increasingly rare. For most senders, the process feels outdated. And searching for ‘international money order online’ options is a losing game — there are no such.
Since ‘international money order online’ is a non-existent thing, consider using transfer services as an alternative. With Profee, you can send funds in minutes to over 90+ countries. Much faster and simpler than using an international money order. Profee has also prepared a gift for you: a promo code READPROMO for a 0% fee transfer. Use it until September 30th, 2025.
How international money orders work
To send an international money order, you’ll need to:
- Find an institution that takes orders (banks, post offices, international companies).
- Visit its office.
- Fill out the form with the recipient's details.
- Pay. The price will be the transfer amount + fees, which can go up to 50 EUR or more.
- Mail your international money order.
The problem with this method of remittance is the limited number of destinations. Not all banks/post offices/companies accept it, and the country selection is little. For example, you can currently mail money from India via post only to France and the UAE.
How long does a money order take to arrive?
It usually takes from several days to weeks. So, it’s not a solution for urgent transfers. If you need to send money at the last minute, switch to Profee. It delivers funds within minutes directly to bank accounts, cards and mobile wallets.
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Different types of money orders
International money orders can be:
- Domestic;
- International.
Or we can type them by a provider:
- Bank;
- Postal;
- Services like Western Union and MoneyGram.
Postal money orders are usually more affordable but slower, while bank-issued ones may come with stricter requirements and higher fees. On the other hand, private companies like Western Union or MoneyGram offer a broader network of destinations.
Overall, they differ little from each other. The main differences are usually in fees, delivery speed, and destination availability.
What to pay attention to
You have to be careful with money orders to avoid extra stress. Here is the list of what you need to remember :
- Money orders are not flexible in their destinations.
- They have amount limits — usually up to a thousand EUR or the local currency equivalent. Verify the limit in advance.
- Ask the staff where to sign the order. It’s important, as your recipient will have to sign it in the right place, too.
- Double-check the details you’ve written.
- It’ll be difficult to track.
- Some institutions may also charge extra for cashing out an international money order, so check the recipient’s side as well.
FAQ
What is an international money order?
A paper-based and pre-paid document used to replace cash/cheques transfers between people and organisations.
Do banks sell money orders?
Yes, many banks do. Make sure to check whether the bank you choose sends money where you need because their network is limited.
How long does a money order take to arrive?
Up to several weeks.
How do you get a money order?
Pick it up and cash out at a bank/post office/ check-cashing store/grocery store. You have to sign the order and prove your identity.
Whose address do you put on a money order?
Your and the recipient’s addresses.
Can you make an international money order online?
No, you can’t issue an international money order online. Use Profee to send money from your phone or laptop to over 90 destinations.
Final thoughts
We briefly addressed questions like ‘What is an international money order?’ and ‘Do banks sell money orders?’ To sum it up, it’s a reliable and safe option but the inconveniences outweigh the pros. So, use a faster and easier way of remittances — Profee.
