With how popular online banking and instant transfers have become, postal orders might seem like a relic of the past. Countless people from younger generations might even wonder, ‘What is a postal order?’ While not everyone may have come across them before, postal orders are still a trusted and secure payment option in the UK.
At Remitly, we know how important it is to make sure your money reaches its destination safely. It’s natural to be a little cautious about postal orders when you first come across one. In this guide, we’ll go through what postal orders are, whether they’re secure, and how and when you should use them.
What is a postal order?
A postal order is a prepaid paper payment issued in the UK by the Post Office. It’s a bit like a cheque, but payment is guaranteed since it was paid for ahead of time—a recipient can rest assured they can cash it. See it as similar to a post office money order in the US.
Think of it as a secure cash replacement. You hand over money at the Post Office and receive a postal order for the same amount, which you can then send by post or give in person to somebody specific. The recipient can then walk into their local Post Office, hand over the postal order, and cash it for the same amount that was paid.
There are a few key facts to know about postal orders:
- They’re only issued by the UK Post Office.
- The maximum value per postal order is £250.
- You can buy multiple postal orders when you need to send larger sums.
- They’re often used for official payments, like visa or document payments.
While postal orders may seem a little outdated (they’ve been around since 1881), they’re a great option for sending money without the need for a bank account or a card. Though they’re slower than more modern methods of sending money, postal orders are known for their security and reliability.
How do postal orders work?
Sending a postal order is surprisingly simple. The process just takes a few steps:
- Visit your local Post Office.
- Pay the amount you want to send, in cash only.
- Pay the additional fee, which depends on the amount you’re sending.
- Fill in the recipient’s name clearly.
- Store your receipt in a safe place as proof of purchase.
- Send or give the postal order to the recipient and wait for them to cash it.
Postal orders don’t expire, so you don’t need to rush the process or get the recipient to cash it as quickly as possible. Older postal orders can still be cashed with a revalidation fee.
Crossed vs uncrossed postal orders
Before you rush out to the Post Office, it’s worth keeping in mind that there are two types of postal orders you can choose between. While these don’t make much of a difference when you’re sending the money, the recipient may prefer one type over another. Make sure you get the right one for the right situation.
- Crossed postal orders: These can be paid into a bank account.
- Uncrossed postal orders: These can be cashed in at any UK Post Office.
Keep the recipient in mind when you’re sending a postal order. If you’re sending a payment to a company or a government department, a crossed postal order is usually the preferred option.
Where to get a postal order in the UK
You can buy a postal order at any UK Post Office, and the process isn’t too complicated:
- Bring cash to your local Post Office.
- Provide the recipient’s name and the exact amount.
- Pay for your postal order and get your receipt.
Make sure to keep the receipt in a secure place until you’ve verified the recipient has cashed it. When you buy the postal order, you’ll need to fill it in and sign it as part of the process, which is quick and easy to do.
You’ll also have to pay fees when you’re getting a postal order. While these are relatively low, they’re updated regularly. The Post Office website has up-to-date information about these fees. At the moment of writing, they are:
| Postal order value | Applicable fee |
| 50p to £4.99 | 50p |
| £5.99 to £9.99 | £1 |
| £10 to £99.99 | 12.5% of the face value |
| £100 to £250 (maximum value) | £12.50 |
When to use a postal order
Postal orders aren’t going to be great for everyday expenses—they can be a bit cumbersome and take some much time. But, they have their uses, especially for when traceability and security matter for your payment. The most common uses include:
- Government payments, such as fees for visas, passports, and driving licences.
- Official document requests, such as with birth certificates and court records.
- Sending money by post, as it’s safer than sending cash.
- When a postal order is specifically requested by a certain organisation, charity, or company.
- When you don’t have a bank account in the UK but need a safe way to make payments.
Dealing with official paperwork and making payments can feel like a challenging process when you’re not familiar with it. However, postal orders can be one of the most secure and reliable ways to make these payments.
How to refund or replace a lost postal order
Losing a postal order can be a major inconvenience, and it’s natural to feel a little panicked over it—you’ll be losing money, after all. There are still steps you can take. You could have your postal order refunded or replaced under certain conditions. Here’s what to do:
- Bring your receipt and any other details to your local Post Office.
- Ask for a P58 claim form and fill it in.
- Submit the form for review.
Once you’ve submitted the P58 form, you could have to wait to hear back. Normally, this takes a few weeks. You should get either a replacement or a refund, though administration fees will be deducted. Keep your receipt safe in the meantime.
What if a postal order’s already been cashed?
If the postal order has been cashed after it was lost or stolen, getting your money back can be a bit of a challenge. But, it’s not impossible. Contact Royal Mail and your local law enforcement to report the theft, and provide all of the documents you have, such as your receipt and a copy of the postal order.
Alternatives to postal orders
Postal orders are a great way to safely and reliably send a payment. However, there are multiple other options that offer their own benefits, like being faster and costing less. These include cheques, cash, bank transfers, online apps, and money orders. Let’s take a deeper look at how these compare.
Postal orders vs other payment methods
Each option has its benefits and limitations. Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of how these options measure up against each other.
| Payment method | Needs a bank account? | Safe to send by post? | Guaranteed funds? | Best for |
| Postal order | No | Yes | Yes | Official payments, secure offline transfers |
| Cheque | Yes | No | No | Personal payments between UK residents |
| Cash | No | No | Yes | In-person transactions |
| Bank transfer | Yes | N/A (electronic) | Yes | Fast payments between accounts |
| Money order (international) | Sometimes | N/A (electronic) | Yes | Sending money abroad |
| Online apps | Yes | N/A (electronic) | Yes | Sending money abroad |
Postal orders offer a unique mix of accessibility and security, making them especially useful for individuals without a bank account who still need a paper trail for their payment.
Tips for using postal orders safely
While postal orders are secure, it’s a good idea to follow these tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Write names clearly: If names aren’t legible, the postal order might not be deliverable or cashable. Write clearly and avoid leaving any blanks.
- Always keep receipts: Sometimes, mistakes happen and the recipient doesn’t get the postal order. Receipts help you prove you sent the postal order.
- Use recorded delivery: If you mail a postal order, consider recorded delivery (“Tracked & Signed”) so the recipient must sign when they receive it, giving you proof it was delivered safely.
- Double-check details: Go back through the recipient’s information carefully, making sure everything is 100% accurate.
These steps help everything go smoothly when you’re sending money through a postal order. While they may take a little extra time, they reduce the risk of fraud or loss and put you in a better position to claim a refund later, if needed.
Start using postal orders with confidence
Postal orders might feel like a throwback to simpler times, but they remain a safe and secure way to make payments in the UK. They’re especially useful if you don’t have a bank account. Postal orders also offer peace of mind when you’re making government payments or similar official expenses.
The next time you need to make a safe, traceable, and reliable paper-based payment, head to your local Post Office.
FAQs
How much does a postal order cost in the UK?
UK postal order fees are regularly updated, so checking the Post Office website is always advised for accurate prices. Currently, prices range from 50p up to £12.50 for postal orders over £100.
Can I get a postal order without a bank account?
Yes. Postal orders are ideal for anyone without a bank account. They’re paid for in cash and can be cashed out at any Post Office in the UK without any need for a bank.
Where can I cash a postal order?
You can cash a postal order at any Post Office in the UK. If you receive a crossed postal order, you can deposit it directly into your bank account.
Do postal orders expire?
No, postal orders don’t expire. Older postal orders that are out-of-date, however, might need a small revalidation fee before they can be cashed.
Can I send a postal order abroad?
Postal orders are only valid in the UK; however, options like money orders, bank transfers, and online remittance services exist for sending money internationally. If you need a fast and secure way to send money overseas, try Remitly.
Are postal orders still accepted by government departments?
Yes, many government departments still accept postal orders, especially when cheques or certain online payments aren’t available.