 TITLE: How Does a Money Order Work? CONTENT: What Is a Money Order?\n----------------------\nA money order is like a paper check that isn't attached to a checking account. You purchase a money order with cash upfront from your financial institution or a service like Western Union, MoneyGram or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Because the funds are prepaid, a money order can't \"bounce\" like a check; as long as the money order is real, the funds are guaranteed. In 2021, you may be more inclined to send a secure payment digitally through an app like Venmo or PayPal, but money orders are still a valid way to pay—and a preferred method for those who prefer to keep things old school. END