Postal Money Order versus Bank Money Order ???

As Maxcast discovered with his bank, my bank also offers a stop-payment on both certified checks and money orders with the burden of proof on the purchaser for the (legitimate) reason for stopping the payment. USPS offers no such service. Also, contrary to what has been said here, USPS does offer an International MO which can be purchased in US $ or the applicable currency at a current exchange rate. Cashiers checks and MO can be faked. I've not heard of a USPS money order ever being faked, though I'm sure it is possible...just not very likely. IMO, a USPS MO is the closest to getting cash in the mail, and the most secure form of payment. It is inexpensive and can be purchased in amounts up to $1000 using a bank debit card at any post office.

Marco

One major benefit of using the postal service for MO's and anything else is their willingness to pursue fraud by people using their services, including mail. Smart crooks do not correspond by mail, take USPS MO's, or mail packages USPS for that reason.

Jax2 and Richingoth,
Thanks for your corrections on USPS mo's. My local post office had told me explicitly that they did not offer international money orders, and directed me to a foreign currency broker or a bank if I wanted to send money orders outside the U.S., or in any non-U.S. currency.
However, I just looked at the USPS website - they say their international money orders go just to $700, and they are valid only in a specified list of countries. The current list of countries on the website is missing most of Europe and Asia, but the website may be out of date.

If someone counterfeits a USPS money order, it is a federal offense. This tends to make counterfeiters stick with 7-11 money orders or the like.

my local post office will cash usps m.o.'s i've received right over the counter(amount within reason) just like a bank. the other factors of fed offense to tamper with, easy availabilty and inexpensive cost to purchase make them hard to pass up. kurt