Difference between revisions of "US Postal Money Order"

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(Reworked the entire page for clarity and flow. Added a step-by-step guide, new sections for fees and verification, and included multiple images to illustrate the process and security features.)
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'''US Postal Money Orders''' (USPMO) are one of the most private payment methods on Bisq, currently only available for use on Bisq within the United States.  
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'''US Postal Money Orders''' (USPMO) are one of the most private payment methods available on Bisq for domestic trades within the United States.
  
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This article covers tips and tricks on using this payment method for buying and selling bitcoin on Bisq.
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This guide provides a complete overview of how to safely and privately use this payment method for buying and selling bitcoin on Bisq.
  
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
  
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= Setting up a payment account in Bisq =
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= Critical Trading Requirements =
  
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To buy and sell bitcoin using US Postal Money orders, you will need to [[Create_a_payment_account|set up a corresponding payment account]] in Bisq.
+
Before you create or take an offer using US Postal Money Orders, you '''must''' understand and agree to the following rules. Failure to comply will result in losing any trade dispute.
  
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Things to keep in mind:
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{{Admonition_Note |
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* It is okay to use a fake name and address in a USPMO account on Bisq '''only if using the account will be used to ''buy'' bitcoin'''. This is because a USPMO is a bearer instrument—as long as the money order itself is valid, it doesn't matter who sent it or what the sender's address is.
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* '''For BTC Buyers:''' You must write the BTC Seller’s name in both the "From" (Payer) and "To" (Payee) fields on the money order.
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** Consider using an online name generator (search "random name generator" on your favorite search engine) for a more bias-free suggestion for the sender's name.
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* '''Proof is Required:''' BTC buyers must take a high-resolution photo of the filled-out USPMO and another photo of the stamped envelope showing proof of tracking.
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** For the sender's address, you may want to be more careful, because if your envelope is returned, you'll want to be able to retrieve it.
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* '''Use Tracking:''' All USPMOs must be sent with a service that provides delivery confirmation (e.g., USPS Tracking).
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*** '''Option 1''' - Use an actual fake address (search internet for "random address generator"). If your envelope is returned for any reason, you'll probably lose it for good.
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* '''Burden of Proof:''' In a dispute, the sender (BTC buyer) bears 100% of the responsibility to provide the required photos and tracking information to the mediator. This includes the USPMO Serial Number, Post Office Number, and dollar amount.
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*** '''Option 2''' - Use another address: that of a neighbor, a friend, or a nearby building (e.g., apartment leasing office, local mom-and-pop shop, etc). This way, you'll have a higher chance of retrieving a returned envelope, but you'll reveal a bit of information about your location.
 
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* If selling, name and address must be correct (address must be correct in order to receive the envelope, and name must match photo ID to cash it).
 
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* To maximize privacy, consider setting up 2 separate payment accounts: one with fake information for buying bitcoin and one with real information for selling bitcoin.
 
  
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Again, please note that incorrect information in Bisq payment accounts is generally against Bisq trade protocol. Buying bitcoin with USPMO is a rare exception.
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If you are not prepared to follow these rules, do not trade using USPMO on Bisq.}}
  
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{{Admonition_Note | Trading using US Postal Money Orders (USPMO) on Bisq requires that you understand the following:
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= A Step-by-Step Guide to Trading with USPMO =
  
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* BTC buyers must write the BTC Seller’s name in both the Payer and the Payee’s fields & take a high-resolution photo of the USPMO and envelope with proof of tracking before sending.
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== Step 1: Set Up Your Payment Account ==
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* BTC buyers must send the USPMO to the BTC seller with Delivery Confirmation.
 
  
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In the event mediation is necessary, or if there is a trade dispute, you will be required to send the photos to the Bisq mediator or refund agent, together with the USPMO Serial Number, Post Office Number, and dollar amount, so they can verify the details on the US Post Office website.
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First, you need to [[Create_a_payment_account|set up a USPMO payment account]] in Bisq. Your setup will differ depending on whether you are buying or selling bitcoin. For maximum privacy, consider creating two separate accounts: one for buying and one for selling.
  
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Failure to provide the required information to the Mediator or Arbitrator will result in losing the dispute case.
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=== For Buying Bitcoin (Maximizing Privacy) ===
 +
When buying bitcoin, the USPMO is a bearer instrument. This means the details of the sender are less important, allowing for greater privacy.
  
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In all dispute cases, the USPMO sender bears 100% of the burden of responsibility in providing evidence/proof to the Mediator or Arbitrator.
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* '''Name:''' It is acceptable to use a pseudonym or a randomly generated name.
 +
* '''Address:''' You must provide a return address. If the envelope is returned, it will go to this address. You have two main options:
 +
** '''Option 1 (Less Secure):''' Use a random address. Be aware that if your mail is returned, the money order will likely be lost permanently.
 +
** '''Option 2 (More Secure):''' Use a trusted secondary address, such as that of a friend, neighbor, or local business that you can access. This increases the chance of recovering a returned envelope.
  
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If you do not understand these requirements, do not trade using USPMO on Bisq.}}
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'''Note:''' Using non-authentic information in a payment account is generally against Bisq trade protocol. This is a rare, accepted exception for the purpose of privacy when buying BTC with USPMO.
  
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= Buying the money order =
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=== For Selling Bitcoin (Receiving Payment) ===
 +
When selling bitcoin, you must use your real information to receive and cash the money order.
  
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It is highly recommended to use cash to buy the USPMO. Using any other electronic form of payment adds a form of tracking to the transaction, which can defeat the purpose of using the USPMO in the first place.
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* '''Name:''' Must be your real, legal name as it appears on your photo ID.
 +
* '''Address:''' Must be the correct and valid mailing address where you want to receive the envelope.
  
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If you're not buying more than $3,000 of money orders in a single day, the [https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/509.htm#ep1124357 USPS does not require photo ID]. If asked for ID, kindly remind your cashier that ID isn't required (perhaps you left it at home?).
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== Step 2: Purchase the Money Order ==
  
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Also consider:
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After taking an offer to buy bitcoin, go to any US Post Office location to purchase the USPMO.
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* asking for a printed receipt, in case of a dispute on Bisq
 
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* wearing sunglasses and/or a mask
 
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* placing the USPMO out of sight upon receiving it, and filling it out elsewhere (away from cameras)
 
  
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= Sending a money order in the mail =
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* '''Amount Limit:''' You can send up to '''$1,000''' in a single money order. For larger trades, you will need to purchase multiple money orders.
 +
* '''Payment Method:'''
 +
** It is '''highly recommended''' to use cash. Paying with a debit card creates a data trail that compromises the privacy benefits of using a money order.
 +
** Debit cards are accepted, but '''credit cards are not'''.
 +
* '''Fees:''' You will pay the dollar value of the money order plus an issuing fee. As of August 2025, the fees are:
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ USPMO Issuing Fees
 +
|-
 +
! Dollar Amount
 +
! Fee
 +
|-
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| $0.01 to $500.00
 +
| $2.55
 +
|-
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| $500.01 to $1,000.00
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| $3.60
 +
|-
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| Postal Military Money Orders
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| $0.84
 +
|}
 +
* '''Keep Your Receipt:''' The receipt is essential for tracking the money order and is critical evidence if a trade dispute arises. Keep it in a safe place until the trade is successfully completed.
 +
* '''Privacy Tip:''' For maximum privacy, consider filling out the money order details away from the post office and its cameras.
  
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[[File:Uspsmo-4.png|400px|thumb|right|Figure 1. Extra paper for extra privacy in the envelope.]]
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== Step 3: Send the Money Order ==
  
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Address the envelope as appropriate.  
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Follow the critical requirements listed at the top of this article. Address the envelope to the seller and prepare it for mailing.
  
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When putting the money order in the envelope, consider adding a blank sheet of paper for an additional layer of privacy. Fold a blank sheet of paper in half twice (to form a “V” shape). Place the folded sheet in the envelope with the opening facing up. In between the “V” opening, place the USPMO (see Figure 1). This extra layer of paper makes it harder to see the envelope's contents from the outside.
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* '''Add a Privacy Layer:''' Fold a blank sheet of paper and place the money order inside it before putting it in the envelope. This makes it harder to see the contents when held up to a light.
 +
* '''Buy Tracking:''' You must pay for a mailing option that includes tracking or delivery confirmation.
 +
* '''Confirm in Bisq:''' Once you have mailed the envelope, click the '''Payment started''' button in your Bisq client. This is a crucial step that notifies the seller and continues the trade process.
  
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After dropping your money order in the mail, don't forget to mark your payment as sent in Bisq!
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<gallery widths="300px" heights="200px">
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File:Uspmo-1.jpg|Step 1: Open the folded paper to create a privacy layer.
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File:Uspmo-2.jpg|Step 2: Place the money order inside the folded sheet.
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File:Uspmo-3.jpg|Step 3: Insert the sheet into the envelope and seal.
 +
</gallery>
 +
<br style="clear: both;" />
  
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= Redeeming a money order =
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== Step 4: Verify the Money Order (How to Spot a Fake) ==
  
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== For cash ==
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For the BTC seller, it is crucial to verify that a received money order is authentic before releasing the bitcoin. Real postal money orders have specific security features to prevent fraud. There are currently four valid designs in circulation.
  
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In order to redeem a money order for cash, you'll need to present photo identification that matches the name on the USPMO.  
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When you receive a money order, hold it up to the light to check for the security features associated with its design.
  
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Keep in mind that the cash you can receive may be limited to the amount of cash the cashier has in their drawer—to receive larger quantities of cash, you may need to go to different locations or go back at different times.
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=== Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (July 2025) ===
 +
[[File:Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (July 2025).jpeg|thumb|left|350px|Red, Blue, & Red Design (July 2025)]]
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* A watermark image of a Pony Express® rider is visible on the left side.
 +
* A watermark of the words "United States Postal Service" appears in a box on the right side.
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* An embedded security thread runs from top to bottom, revealing the letters "USPS" in alternating directions.
 +
* A QR Code that links to the USPS "Check Money Order Status" tool.
 +
<br style="clear: both;" />
  
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One user has reported a workaround involving spreading the transaction to other counters at the post office:
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=== Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (February 2025) ===
 +
[[File:Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (February 2025).jpeg|thumb|left|350px|Red, Blue, & Red Design (February 2025)]]
 +
* A watermark image of a Pony Express® rider is visible on the left side.
 +
* A watermark of the words "United States Postal Service" appears in a box on the right side.
 +
* An embedded security thread runs from top to bottom, revealing the letters "USPS" in alternating directions.
 +
* A QR Code that links to the USPS "Check Money Order Status" tool.
 +
<br style="clear: both;" />
  
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<blockquote>The first time I visited the Post Office to "cash out" my money order someone sent me in Bisq, I think it was for the amount of $1,000 USD. The Teller told me she doesn't have that much money to help me redeem it. But then, instead of sending me away to my bank to deposit it there, she called out to her co-workers down the line, asking each of them how much each currently had in their drawer. Whereas she had (I forget the exact amounts now) maybe $200 in her drawer, the neighboring teller said she had $300 and the next Teller over said he had about $700. So, my Teller took my $1,000 money order, gave me the $200 in her drawer, printed me a new money order for the difference of $800, and sent me to see the next Teller. Then, that 2nd Teller accepted my $800 money order, gave me her $300 in her drawer, and printed me the difference of $500 as a new money order. Finally, the 3rd Teller used the $700 in his drawer to fully redeem my $500 money order. I had to hop three Tellers, one after another, paying the fee for each money order printed along the way, but I walked out of the Post Office with $1,000 cash in that one visit.</blockquote>
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=== Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Point-of-Sale Version) ===
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[[File:Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Point-of-Sale Version).jpeg|thumb|left|350px|Green & Purple Design (Point-of-Sale)]]
 +
* A watermark of the U.S. Mail eagle (1970 logo) is visible in the center.
 +
* Watermarks of Ben Franklin repeat from top to bottom on the left side.
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* A vertical, multicolored security thread with "USPS" is woven in and out of the paper to the right of the Franklin watermarks.
 +
<br style="clear: both;" />
  
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== For new USPMOs ==
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=== Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Paymaster Version) ===
 +
[[File:Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Paymaster Version).jpeg|thumb|left|350px|Green & Purple Design (Paymaster)]]
 +
* A watermark of the U.S. Mail eagle (1970 logo) is visible in the center.
 +
* Watermarks of Ben Franklin repeat from top to bottom on the left side.
 +
* A vertical, multicolored security thread with "USPS" is woven in and out of the paper to the right of the Franklin watermarks.
 +
<br style="clear: both;" />
  
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Another option is to redeem the USPMO you receive for another USPMO. Some cashiers will claim this isn't possible, but it is. Gently call a manager or colleague to help in case your cashier doesn't cooperate.
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== Step 5: Redeem the Money Order ==
  
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Why redeem a USPMO for another USPMO? Because a USPMO is almost as good as cash—you can mail USPMO to billers to pay bills (without banks!), for example.
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Once you have received and verified the USPMO, you have two main options for redemption.
 +
 
 +
=== Cashing It Out ===
 +
You can redeem a USPMO for cash at any post office.
 +
 
 +
* You must present a valid photo ID that matches the name written in the "To" field.
 +
* Post offices may have limited cash on hand. For larger amounts (e.g., $1,000), they may not have enough cash in a single drawer. You may need to visit different locations or at different times.
 +
 
 +
=== Exchanging for a New USPMO ===
 +
You can exchange a USPMO you received for a new, blank USPMO in your name. This is useful if you want to use the funds to pay bills or send money elsewhere without depositing it into a bank account. Some cashiers may be unfamiliar with this process, but it is allowed. If you encounter resistance, politely ask for a manager.

Revision as of 16:19, 26 August 2025

US Postal Money Orders (USPMO) are one of the most private payment methods available on Bisq for domestic trades within the United States.

This guide provides a complete overview of how to safely and privately use this payment method for buying and selling bitcoin on Bisq.

Critical Trading Requirements

Before you create or take an offer using US Postal Money Orders, you must understand and agree to the following rules. Failure to comply will result in losing any trade dispute.

Note
  • For BTC Buyers: You must write the BTC Seller’s name in both the "From" (Payer) and "To" (Payee) fields on the money order.
  • Proof is Required: BTC buyers must take a high-resolution photo of the filled-out USPMO and another photo of the stamped envelope showing proof of tracking.
  • Use Tracking: All USPMOs must be sent with a service that provides delivery confirmation (e.g., USPS Tracking).
  • Burden of Proof: In a dispute, the sender (BTC buyer) bears 100% of the responsibility to provide the required photos and tracking information to the mediator. This includes the USPMO Serial Number, Post Office Number, and dollar amount.

If you are not prepared to follow these rules, do not trade using USPMO on Bisq.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Trading with USPMO

Step 1: Set Up Your Payment Account

First, you need to set up a USPMO payment account in Bisq. Your setup will differ depending on whether you are buying or selling bitcoin. For maximum privacy, consider creating two separate accounts: one for buying and one for selling.

For Buying Bitcoin (Maximizing Privacy)

When buying bitcoin, the USPMO is a bearer instrument. This means the details of the sender are less important, allowing for greater privacy.

  • Name: It is acceptable to use a pseudonym or a randomly generated name.
  • Address: You must provide a return address. If the envelope is returned, it will go to this address. You have two main options:
    • Option 1 (Less Secure): Use a random address. Be aware that if your mail is returned, the money order will likely be lost permanently.
    • Option 2 (More Secure): Use a trusted secondary address, such as that of a friend, neighbor, or local business that you can access. This increases the chance of recovering a returned envelope.

Note: Using non-authentic information in a payment account is generally against Bisq trade protocol. This is a rare, accepted exception for the purpose of privacy when buying BTC with USPMO.

For Selling Bitcoin (Receiving Payment)

When selling bitcoin, you must use your real information to receive and cash the money order.

  • Name: Must be your real, legal name as it appears on your photo ID.
  • Address: Must be the correct and valid mailing address where you want to receive the envelope.

Step 2: Purchase the Money Order

After taking an offer to buy bitcoin, go to any US Post Office location to purchase the USPMO.

  • Amount Limit: You can send up to $1,000 in a single money order. For larger trades, you will need to purchase multiple money orders.
  • Payment Method:
    • It is highly recommended to use cash. Paying with a debit card creates a data trail that compromises the privacy benefits of using a money order.
    • Debit cards are accepted, but credit cards are not.
  • Fees: You will pay the dollar value of the money order plus an issuing fee. As of August 2025, the fees are:
USPMO Issuing Fees
Dollar Amount Fee
$0.01 to $500.00 $2.55
$500.01 to $1,000.00 $3.60
Postal Military Money Orders $0.84
  • Keep Your Receipt: The receipt is essential for tracking the money order and is critical evidence if a trade dispute arises. Keep it in a safe place until the trade is successfully completed.
  • Privacy Tip: For maximum privacy, consider filling out the money order details away from the post office and its cameras.

Step 3: Send the Money Order

Follow the critical requirements listed at the top of this article. Address the envelope to the seller and prepare it for mailing.

  • Add a Privacy Layer: Fold a blank sheet of paper and place the money order inside it before putting it in the envelope. This makes it harder to see the contents when held up to a light.
  • Buy Tracking: You must pay for a mailing option that includes tracking or delivery confirmation.
  • Confirm in Bisq: Once you have mailed the envelope, click the Payment started button in your Bisq client. This is a crucial step that notifies the seller and continues the trade process.

  • Step 1: Open the folded paper to create a privacy layer.

  • Step 2: Place the money order inside the folded sheet.

  • Step 3: Insert the sheet into the envelope and seal.


Step 4: Verify the Money Order (How to Spot a Fake)

For the BTC seller, it is crucial to verify that a received money order is authentic before releasing the bitcoin. Real postal money orders have specific security features to prevent fraud. There are currently four valid designs in circulation.

When you receive a money order, hold it up to the light to check for the security features associated with its design.

Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (July 2025)

Red, Blue, & Red Design (July 2025)
  • A watermark image of a Pony Express® rider is visible on the left side.
  • A watermark of the words "United States Postal Service" appears in a box on the right side.
  • An embedded security thread runs from top to bottom, revealing the letters "USPS" in alternating directions.
  • A QR Code that links to the USPS "Check Money Order Status" tool.


Red, Blue, & Red Postal Money Order (February 2025)

Red, Blue, & Red Design (February 2025)
  • A watermark image of a Pony Express® rider is visible on the left side.
  • A watermark of the words "United States Postal Service" appears in a box on the right side.
  • An embedded security thread runs from top to bottom, revealing the letters "USPS" in alternating directions.
  • A QR Code that links to the USPS "Check Money Order Status" tool.


Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Point-of-Sale Version)

Green & Purple Design (Point-of-Sale)
  • A watermark of the U.S. Mail eagle (1970 logo) is visible in the center.
  • Watermarks of Ben Franklin repeat from top to bottom on the left side.
  • A vertical, multicolored security thread with "USPS" is woven in and out of the paper to the right of the Franklin watermarks.


Green & Purple Postal Money Order (Paymaster Version)

Green & Purple Design (Paymaster)
  • A watermark of the U.S. Mail eagle (1970 logo) is visible in the center.
  • Watermarks of Ben Franklin repeat from top to bottom on the left side.
  • A vertical, multicolored security thread with "USPS" is woven in and out of the paper to the right of the Franklin watermarks.


Step 5: Redeem the Money Order

Once you have received and verified the USPMO, you have two main options for redemption.

Cashing It Out

You can redeem a USPMO for cash at any post office.

  • You must present a valid photo ID that matches the name written in the "To" field.
  • Post offices may have limited cash on hand. For larger amounts (e.g., $1,000), they may not have enough cash in a single drawer. You may need to visit different locations or at different times.

Exchanging for a New USPMO

You can exchange a USPMO you received for a new, blank USPMO in your name. This is useful if you want to use the funds to pay bills or send money elsewhere without depositing it into a bank account. Some cashiers may be unfamiliar with this process, but it is allowed. If you encounter resistance, politely ask for a manager.

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