 TITLE: How Does a Money Order Work? CONTENT: When Should I Use a Money Order?\n--------------------------------\nMoney orders are an alternative when you need to pay for something with a check but don't have a checking account. They're also useful if you'd rather not disclose your banking information to the party you're paying—or you're leery of sending that information through the mail. Sending money to someone in another country? Money orders can be a good way to dispatch guaranteed funds internationally.\nBecause a money order is like a prepaid check, landlords and other vendors may view money orders as a safer way to accept payments. Money orders have benefits to payers as well: You can track a money order to verify payment and make sure it landed in the right hands. You can also cancel a money order, just as you would a check.\nBut money orders aren't foolproof. They can be subject to scams (more on that in a bit). They can also be pricey and inconvenient, especially if you use them regularly to pay bills and do routine transactions. Opening a basic checking account can help eliminate the need for frequent money orders. You might also consider using electronic payment platforms like Zelle, your bank's online bill pay system or the payment features on selling sites like eBay. They can help you send and receive funds securely without the time and hassle of purchasing and mailing a money order. END