Is a money order and cashiers check the same thing?

mbbiker

I just won somthing on e-bay and the seller asked for a money order, my bank charges a buck for a money order but they will give you a cashiers check for nothing, i always thought they were the same, If you asked for a money order and got a cashiers check would you be mad? Also this is only a $5.50 item so adding an extra buck makes a difference.

Russ

Cashier's check is actually generally considered better than a money order. You might want to clarify, though, if the seller is referring to a postal money order. These are the most secure in many seller's minds.

Russ, NCNE

MadMarty

My bank charges $1 for the money order and $5 for a cashiers check. Cashiers Checks are better for larger items (anything over $1000) and you need to know the name of who it's going to. On a money order you write the name in and they are good up to $1000 ($700 for a USPS money order).

banknote1

I would assume that they are wanting a Postal Money Order. On small amounts I usually send cash. I know that you aren't supposed to but, I do it anyway...

satootoko

I get cashier's checks free at my bank, and would have to pay for money orders at the post office or a liquor store. I've never had a beef from a seller who said "money orders only" when I sent them a cashier's check.

Someone was recently complaining that many threads have turned into legal dissertations, so if anyone really needs legal advice on the question, feel free to PM me for my rates and PayPal ID.

ksteelheader

I have sent cash on numerous occasions for small items, rounded up to the next largest whole dollar amount with instructions to keep the change. Have never had any complaints! Ken

Dog97

I would rather get a MO because I can cash it the next time I'm at the PO but I'm not real sure what I could do with a cashier's check.
If the seller specifies MO than you better send MO.

ccr

Cashing a cashiers check at a bank should be fine. For very high amounts ( $5000 - $10000+ ) it could take a couple of weeks to cash if your looking for cash only. In a sense, they are in the same ballpark. But, with a cashiers check, it has more legal precedence then a money order. So unless your in a legal contract or a high priced payment, get a money order. The lawyers and bankers on this board can give you more details about it.

Gilbert

I'm with Dog97 on this one.

No they aren't the same, but, a MO is easier to cash (in many places) than a cashiers check. Namely, you have to cash the CC at a bank, and some people have many reasons for not wanting to use the bank.

hookooekoo

I'd go the cash method on such a small purchase, the rick of losing that amount of money exceeds the convenience.

darktone

I would just put $6 in an envelope and send him the cash with a fifty sent tip because coins are too easy to spot in an envelope. mike