Navigating financial tasks with an online-centric bank like USAA can sometimes feel a bit different than traditional banks with physical branches on every corner. When it comes to something as specific as getting a money order, you might be wondering how to proceed. Don't worry, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring you understand exactly how to handle money orders when you're a USAA member.
A Quick Note About USAA and Money Orders
First things first: USAA itself does not issue money orders directly in the same way a local post office or a walk-in bank might. Because USAA is primarily an online and mobile-first bank, their services are geared towards digital transactions and mailed deposits. However, you absolutely can use money orders in conjunction with your USAA account. The key is understanding how to purchase a money order elsewhere and then deposit it into your USAA account, or how to use a money order received to make a payment.
Think of it this way: USAA is like your secure digital vault. To get something into or out of it that isn't a direct transfer, you'll utilize other services that do handle physical cash or paper instruments.
Step 1: Understanding Your Need – Why Do You Need a Money Order?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's consider why you're looking for a money order. This will help you determine the best approach.
- Are you trying to pay someone or a business that requires a money order? Perhaps it's for rent, a utility bill, or a small purchase where cash isn't accepted, and a personal check isn't preferred.
- Are you trying to deposit cash into your USAA account? Since USAA doesn't have physical branches for cash deposits, a common workaround is to convert your cash into a money order and then deposit the money order via mobile deposit or mail.
Engage with me right now: What's your primary reason for needing a money order? Knowing this will help you focus on the most relevant parts of this guide!
Step 2: Acquiring the Money Order (Not from USAA)
Since USAA doesn't issue money orders, your first step is to purchase one from a reliable third-party provider. Here are the most common and recommended places to do so:
Sub-heading: Option A: United States Post Office (USPS)
The USPS is often the most recommended option for purchasing money orders, especially for USAA members, due to their widespread availability and generally lower fees. Crucially, USPS money orders are widely known to work seamlessly with USAA's mobile deposit.
- What you'll need:
- Cash or a debit card: Most post offices accept cash or debit for money order purchases.
- The exact amount of the money order: You'll need to know the precise amount you want the money order to be for.
- The recipient's name (if paying someone): You'll fill this in on the money order. If you're depositing it to yourself, you'll be the recipient.
- The process:
- Visit your local Post Office.
- Inform the clerk you'd like to purchase a money order.
- State the amount.
- Pay the amount of the money order plus a small fee (typically very low, often under $2 for amounts up to $500 or $1,000).
- You'll receive the money order. Immediately fill out the recipient's information and your information if you're the sender.
- Crucially, keep your receipt! This is your proof of purchase and essential for tracking or requesting a refund if needed.
Sub-heading: Option B: Western Union or MoneyGram Locations
These services are widely available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets. They are convenient, but it's important to be aware of a potential issue with USAA.
- What you'll need:
- Cash: Often the preferred or only payment method for money orders at these locations.
- The exact amount of the money order.
- The recipient's name.
- The process:
- Locate a Western Union or MoneyGram agent. Many large retailers like Walmart or Publix have these services.
- Request a money order.
- Pay the amount plus their fee (fees can be slightly higher than USPS).
- Fill out the money order information.
- Keep your receipt.
- Important Consideration (for deposits to USAA): Some users have reported that Walmart and Western Union money orders may have "Not For Mobile Deposit" printed on them, which can cause the USAA mobile app to reject the deposit. While some users report success, others have faced issues. If your primary goal is to deposit the money order into USAA, USPS is generally the safer bet to avoid potential mobile deposit issues.
Sub-heading: Option C: Other Banks or Credit Unions
While you can often purchase money orders from other banks or credit unions, you typically need to be an account holder there. If you have an account with another financial institution, this could be an option. Fees and availability will vary.
Step 3: Using Your Money Order with USAA
Once you have your money order, how you use it with USAA depends on your initial goal.
Sub-heading: Scenario 1: You're Paying Someone with the Money Order
If you purchased the money order to pay a person or business, the process is straightforward:
- Ensure all fields are correctly filled: Double-check the payee's name, the amount, and your information.
- Make a copy (optional but recommended): Before sending, it's always a good idea to take a picture or make a photocopy of the completed money order for your records, along with your receipt.
- Deliver the money order: Mail it, hand-deliver it, or use whatever method is required by the recipient.
Sub-heading: Scenario 2: You're Depositing the Money Order into Your USAA Account
This is a common use case for USAA members, especially for depositing cash. USAA offers two primary ways to deposit money orders:
Method 1: Mobile Deposit via the USAA Mobile App (Recommended)
This is the fastest and most convenient method, available 24/7.
- Download the USAA Mobile App: If you don't already have it, download it from your device's app store (iOS or Android).
- Prepare your Money Order for Endorsement:
- Sign the back: Endorse the back of the money order with your signature.
- Add "For mobile deposit only at USAA FSB": This is crucial. Write this phrase clearly below your signature.
- (Optional but recommended): Write your USAA account number below the "For mobile deposit only" line for added security.
- Do NOT endorse the money order until you are ready to deposit it. Once endorsed, it's essentially a blank check anyone can cash.
- Open the USAA Mobile App and Log In: Use your usual USAA online ID and password.
- Initiate a Deposit:
- Look for an option like "Deposit" or "Transfer/Deposit" in the main menu or on the home screen.
- Select "Deposit into Bank Account" or similar.
- Indicate that you are depositing a check or money order.
- Capture Images of the Money Order:
- The app will prompt you to take pictures of the front and back of the money order.
- Tips for a good scan:
- Place the money order on a dark, flat surface.
- Ensure the area is well-lit to avoid shadows.
- Make sure all four corners of the money order are within the on-screen guidelines.
- Hold your device steady and ensure the image is clear and in focus.
- Review the images. If they are blurry or difficult to read, retake them.
- Enter the Deposit Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the money order.
- Select the Deposit Account: Choose the USAA checking or savings account where you want the funds deposited.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the information (amount, account, images) before submitting your deposit. You'll receive a confirmation.
- Hold onto the Physical Money Order:
- After successful mobile deposit, write "Electronically Presented" or "VOID" across the front of the money order.
- Keep the physical money order for at least 30 days in a safe place. This is important in case USAA needs to verify anything or if there's any issue with the deposit. After 30 days, you can securely shred it.
Method 2: Deposit by Mail
If you prefer not to use the mobile app, or if you encounter issues with mobile deposit, you can mail your money order to USAA.
- Order Deposit Slips (if you don't have them): You can order postage-paid deposit slips and envelopes from USAA's vendor, Harland Clarke, through the USAA website. These typically arrive in 7-10 business days.
- Prepare your Money Order:
- Endorse the back: Sign the back of the money order.
- Write "For deposit only to USAA FSB account [Your Account Number]" clearly below your signature.
- Complete a Deposit Slip: Fill out a USAA deposit slip, ensuring the money order amount and your account information are correct.
- Package and Mail:
- Place the endorsed money order and the completed deposit slip in a secure envelope.
- For regular USPS mail, use the following address: USAA Federal Savings Bank ATTN: Bank Priority Mail 9861 10750 McDermott Freeway San Antonio, TX 78284-9908
- For FedEx, UPS, or other expedited carriers, use: USAA Federal Savings Bank 10750 McDermott Freeway San Antonio, TX 78240
- Keep Records: As with any financial transaction, keep a copy of the money order and your receipt for your records until the funds are fully available in your account.
Sub-heading: Availability of Funds After Deposit
- Mobile Deposits: Funds from money orders deposited via the USAA mobile app are generally available the first business day after the day of deposit. However, USAA may place a hold on a portion or all of the funds. Any holds will be displayed within the app at the time of deposit.
- Mail Deposits: Funds from money orders deposited by mail are generally available the next business day after the day USAA receives your deposit. Again, holds may apply.
It's always a good idea to check your USAA account balance and transaction history to confirm the deposit has cleared before relying on the funds.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Fees: Be aware that there will be a small fee charged by the third-party vendor (USPS, Western Union, etc.) when you purchase a money order. USAA does not charge a fee to deposit a money order.
- Limits: Money orders typically have a maximum value (e.g., $1,000 at USPS). If you need to send or deposit a larger amount, you may need to purchase multiple money orders. For very large sums, consider a wire transfer through USAA (which has its own process and fees).
- Security: Treat money orders like cash. If lost or stolen before they are cashed or deposited, they can be difficult to recover without the original receipt.
- Alternatives to Money Orders for Cash Deposits:
- Select ATMs: Some USAA-preferred ATMs (often within the greater ATM network) allow for cash deposits. Use the USAA ATM locator in the app or on their website to find one near you.
- Third-Party Retailers (e.g., UPS Store): Historically, some third-party retailers like UPS Stores have offered cash deposit services for USAA. It's always best to call ahead and confirm if this service is still offered and what their current requirements are.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the status of a money order I purchased?
You can typically track the status of a money order by contacting the issuer (e.g., USPS, Western Union) and providing them with your receipt and the money order's serial number.
How to get a refund for a money order?
If the money order hasn't been cashed, you can usually request a refund from the issuer. You'll need your original receipt and may need to fill out a form and pay a processing fee.
How to send money internationally with USAA?
USAA offers international wire transfers, which can be initiated by calling their customer service. They do not facilitate international money order purchases directly.
How to find a USAA-compatible ATM for cash deposits?
You can use the ATM locator feature within the USAA Mobile App or on their website to find ATMs that accept cash deposits for USAA members.
How to handle a money order that says "Not For Mobile Deposit"?
If you encounter a money order with this disclaimer, your best bet is to either mail it for deposit to USAA or attempt to cash it at the issuing location (e.g., a post office for a USPS money order) and then use a USAA-compatible ATM for cash deposit, or purchase a USPS money order instead.
How to get a cashier's check from USAA?
USAA can issue cashier's checks. You typically need to request these by phone or through their online banking platform, and they will mail it to you or the recipient.
How to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account?
A money order is a common way to send money to someone without a bank account. They can then cash it at a post office, their own bank (if they have one), or a check-cashing service.
How to make a large cash deposit with USAA?
For large cash deposits, consider using a USAA-compatible ATM that accepts cash, or converting the cash into multiple money orders (each up to their individual limit) and depositing them via mobile deposit or mail. For very large amounts, a wire transfer initiated from another bank to your USAA account is also an option.
How to endorse a money order for mobile deposit to USAA?
Endorse the back with your signature, followed by "For mobile deposit only at USAA FSB," and optionally your USAA account number.
How to track a deposit made to USAA via mail?
Once you mail a money order to USAA, you can monitor your USAA account activity online or through the mobile app. The official payment date will be the date USAA receives it, though it may take a few days to reflect on your account. Keep your postal tracking number if you sent it via a trackable service.
