Paying with Post Office Money Orders

[Rockchucker]

I went to the post office this morning to get a money order for a member here, and the clerk told me they didn't accept personal checks so I pulled out my visa card and she told me they didn't take visa either, soooo I reach into my pocket and I was 5 bucks short of what I needed. It's no freeken wonder they are going out of business, they're closing down two offices here in my city. I've switch over my bill paying to my local bank called e bill. there is no charge for this service and and no postage needed. Once you set up the names, account numbers, ect all my bills go straight there and I choose the pay day for each account. Nothing is ever deducted from my account until I hit the send button. I think this is great for me and not so great for the Post Office, I just think they could do a little better in there service. Pay Pal is my preferred method of sending money to folks and their fees aren't that bad, it's fast and cheap. Snail mail is fast becoming obsolete. Glad I got that off my mind /Ron.

[Reload3006]

they take debit cards thats all i ever use at the post office

[Rockchucker]

That's exactly what I handed her a Visa Debit card, Maybe that's just a local policy. Its raining here in Florida and I got a pretty good cold going on and feel like **** and had to deal with this. Stamps just went up again, Glad I only have to buy a few now for money orders.

[scrapcan]

Funny thing is lots of times the machine at our local PO's will not take our debit card as a debit card and they have to run it as a credit card. So who knows what the deal is.

[azrednek]

Many Post Offices will not take a debit card for money orders but there is a way around it. Buy something or pay postage with a debit card. Then go cash over on the debit card for enough to cover it. Once you have the cash in hand say "oh yeah need a money order". The cash-over limit also varies from one office to another. The debit card policy is set locally. Chances are good if your Post Office will not accept them for money orders they have been burned by some rip-off artists.

Personally I had to eat a bad check once. The PO I worked took checks for COD's. When I transfered to another station checks were not taken unless the patron had two forms of ID. I took the check for $20.00 for a list of local swingers!!. When the check bounced and I hadn't written down the id #'s. I had to eat it. The Patron eventually got irritated with me knocking on his door almost daily and finally paid up.

[Pavogrande]

I live in a different world -- I take my cash to the post office, get the mo no problem.
I use plastic only in an emergency.
I also like to get mo's as payment, one trip to PO to cash mo and ship item. No muss no fuss.

I must admit a certain mistrust of computer generated and controled finaces.

[ilcop22]

MOs are cheaper at Walmart and the people working there (typically) don't have sticks up their ***. Just my 2 cents.

[JohnFM]

Our little Post Office, which is in a corner of the General Store, is under the gun for the next series of closures.
If that happens, a trip to the Post Office for us is going to be a 60 or more mile round trip drive.

[birdadly]

I think the fact that one has to use cash to get the 'money' order is what makes it safe to accept and makes it as good as cash. I think it's silly the price they put on them though. I know nothing about debit cards, so have no thoughts about that part. -Brad

[Rockchucker]

Money Orders are free from credit unions, that's where I ended up going after I left the post office this morning, the seller said that would be just fine. A certified bank check is another free option for me and it's a guaranteed method of payment.
I just feel bad for the post office employees that are losing their jobs due to this bad economy.

[458mag]

Try going to your post office and having the post master, no less, tell you that unless you have an ffl you cant ship a rifle through the US post office.

[Sonnypie]

I just feel bad for the post office employees that are losing their jobs due to this bad economy.

It's an Obamanation!

But ever since they privatized the USPS it's gone downhill.

I wonder if they will ever let you Click N Print a money order with an account like the Click N Ship Priority Mail Program is?

[yovinny]

It's now a major PITA here to recieve a USPS MO.
My bank has recieved so many fakes, they have to call and check every one, no matter what amount.
They wont even deposit it in your accound and wait for it to clear,,,NO, SORRY,BANK POLICY.
They have to call it into USPS and get the OK to even take it.
So you stand there for 15min waiting, while the manager trys to get a call through and gets the OK.
AND the PO wont cash it, the tell me 'we dont have the $$ for that'
Major PITA, send me a personal check, I'll wait for it to clear.
Cheers, YV

[Guesser]

I've never had my Visa Debit Card turned down in my local PO, got them from two different banks, both are accepted.

[azrednek]

It's an Obamanation!

But ever since they privatized the USPS it's gone downhill.

The USPS was never really "privatized". When the USPS became the Postal Service instead of the Post Office Dept. It applied to financing only. The USPS had to pay for itself and could no longer use tax payer money from the fed govt's general fund. That changed when the USPS had a billion dollar surplus. The fed govt took the money and put the USPS back into the general fund.

I wonder if they will ever let you Click N Print a money order with an account like the Click N Ship Priority Mail Program is?

I seriously doubt it will happen in my lifetime. The USPS as well as private businesses and banks are having such a big problem with counterfeit money orders. My guess is they will eventually stop selling money orders as PayPal and others like Western Union are in the business of transferring money. I've heard since my retirement the USPS has developed a system to detect the phony and altered mo's. Possibly what I heard about them being discontinued 4 or 5 years ago is no longer a consideration.

[ku4hx]

I went to the post office this morning to get a money order for a member here, and the clerk told me they didn't accept personal checks so I pulled out my visa card and she told me they didn't take visa either, soooo I reach into my pocket and I was 5 bucks short of what I needed. It's no freeken wonder they are going out of business, they're closing down two offices here in my city. I've switch over my bill paying to my local bank called e bill. there is no charge for this service and and no postage needed. Once you set up the names, account numbers, ect all my bills go straight there and I choose the pay day for each account. Nothing is ever deducted from my account until I hit the send button. I think this is great for me and not so great for the Post Office, I just think they could do a little better in there service. Pay Pal is my preferred method of sending money to folks and their fees aren't that bad, it's fast and cheap. Snail mail is fast becoming obsolete. Glad I got that off my mind /Ron.

When I need one I get it at Publix. I try my best to NOT deal with any government, or quasi-government, entities I don't absolutely have to. I'd guess there are many reputable places that sell MOs. And for me, the USPS is not one of them.

[MikeS]

While there are lots of other money orders, none of them are as universally accepted as USPS money orders are. Perhaps the person you spoke with didn't know (or understand) that it was a debit card, NOT a charge card? I know that the USPS will take credit cards for all transactions except buying money orders, for that you need either cash, or a debit card. It's been that way for a long time, both here in FL, and when I lived in TN, and I don't think the local offices have the authority to change the forms of money accepted. Probably just a misinformed clerk.

[mpmarty]

I will use anything available before I'll ever again use Pay Pal. That bunch of crooks are the bottom of a rotten barrel.

[starreloader]

I pay for all my Post Office transactions, Priority Flat Rate Shipping , stamps and Money Orders with my VISA Debit Card... Have never had a problem with the counter clerks...

[dbarnhart]

Just this morning I was at the Post Office to drop off a package. There were two clerks and the line kept getting longer and longer and longer. I got to thinking about the huge contrast in customer service between that post office and the supermarket across the street. No wonder the PO is losing money.

[Lizard333]

If you don't like paypals fees, have the person sending you money as a gift. I've done it several times, no fees. I prefer PayPal as payment as I can deposit the money directly to my account. No bank trip involved. I print all my postage online with the USPS, cheaper than at the post office, and have the mail lady pick it up at my door. Plus, the boxes are free.

[montana_charlie]

I use the Click-N-Ship website to buy postage for all of the parcels I send out.
It costs less than it does when bought at the Post Office, and the Delivery Confirmation Number is free.

The most recent parcel I sent out was in a "Regional Rate Box". If you are used to using Flat Rate Boxes, you should check out this new kind.

Anyway, I have always used my Visa credit card for the Click-N-Ship purchases. Yesterday, I was pleased to see that USPS now accepts PayPal, as well.

CM

[Shiloh]

I pay cash and keep reciepts. Only had one issue in 20 years with a postal M.O.
Ran a trace after the 30 or 60 day period. It was indeed deposited by his office person and forgotten. He sent the product on faith and acknowledged the error. All were happy.

Shiloh

[jonas302]

My Post Office which is very freindy by the way wants cash for money orders I have pretty much decided to quit buying anything that requires a money order I have to drive to town go to the bank and get cash my checks are direct deposited try to get to the post office while it is open pay for a money order and stamp wait an extra week while that is mailed to the seller and hope it doesn't get lost

PayPal three clicks and its done didn't even have to get up if people want to sell on the internetbut not use an internet Friendly pay system then I don't believe they deserve the business can always take out a paid add in the local paper and sell that way rather than a free Internet posting

[waksupi]

Try going to your post office and having the post master, no less, tell you that unless you have an ffl you cant ship a rifle through the US post office.

You should not tell them you are shipping a rifle. Regulations state that, and I had it confirmed by a call to the BATF.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

our post office would take VISA for postage stamps and such, but i won't sign my card , the clerks husband is a cop , he also refuses to sign his card and she refuses to take his VISA also, but you can enter the pin and use it as a debit

so the police tell you not to sign your card and then the Post office won't take it if it is not signed the fine print on the back of the card says not valid if unsigned

if you don't sign you card the cashier at the store asks for your ID and that is the way i prefer it , the local police prefer it that way also

i thought the post office was dieing because after my father in law retired there was no one to break up the Sunday card game on the loading dock at the regional sorting office where every player was being paid over time.

[SlowSmokeN]

Debit cards always work at the post office, and think about the nice pensions the employes get:kidding:

[gandydancer]

Try going to your post office and having the post master, no less, tell you that unless you have an ffl you cant ship a rifle through the US post office.
when did they stop no rifle shipping at the USPS?? Hand guns I know are a no no dealers only but rifles now?? GD

[waksupi]

It is a good idea to not put your name on credit or debit cards. Instead, write "Ask for picture ID". Stops credit card thieves. or at least slows them down. .

[Recluse]

I will use anything available before I'll ever again use Pay Pal. That bunch of crooks are the bottom of a rotten barrel.

And our government isn't. . . ? :)

At least Paypal is a capitalist business instead of a communist gov't entity forcing socialism economics down our throat.

And, remember that there IS NO BIGGER anti-gun entity in the entire nation than our federal government.

:coffee:

[cajun shooter]

I went online and printed out the regulations for shipping all long guns through the postal service. I then presented them to my local PO. They had turned me down once and I no longer have any problems.
We had a man do the same at another PO about 15 miles away and they still would not take the package after reading the paper work. He came to my PO and mailed the gun.

[CrazyPhuD]

It is a good idea to not put your name on credit or debit cards. Instead, write "Ask for picture ID". Stops credit card thieves. or at least slows them down. .

Yup this is what I've always heard/used. If it's unsigned it can look suspicious. If it says SEE ID(or any variation therein), people don't generally have a problem with it.

[sig2009]

when did they stop no rifle shipping at the USPS?? Hand guns I know are a no no dealers only but rifles now?? GD

Rifles are still allowed to be shipped at the USPS by private individual!

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state. The Postal Service recommends that longguns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms.

This straight from the USPS website:
11.3 Rifles and Shotguns

Although unloaded rifles and shotguns not precluded by 11.1.1e and 11.1.2 are mailable, mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, 18 USC 921, et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, 27 CFR 178, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not precluded by 11.1.1e

[458mag]

Thats is correct as you and I and the federal government understands it. I had a pompass *** of a post master tell me other wise even after I offered to show him the regs and also where he was in violation of the very regs he was to self rightius to look at. BIG MISTAKE. We have us a new post master now who contacted us personaly and told us he would be down right giddy to ship our rifles. Wheres the old post master? Who gives a rats butt. You see guys, If you let these self proclaimed regulaters get away with this kind of **** then we might as well get in line with the rest of the sheep. The post office needs to get back in the buisness of serving people insteade of trying to monitor them.

[captain-03]

i will use anything available before i'll ever again use pay pal. That bunch of crooks are the bottom of a rotten barrel.

amen!!!!!!