India Post's Money Order service is one of the oldest and most trusted methods of sending money across India. Introduced over 150 years ago, Money Orders remain relevant today because they reach even the most remote rural areas where banking services are unavailable. In 2026, India Post offers three types of Money Orders — each suited for different needs and amounts.

Whether you are sending money to an elderly parent in a village, paying a worker in a remote location, or sending funds to someone without a bank account, India Post Money Order is a reliable, government-backed option. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Types of India Post Money Orders

1. Ordinary Money Order (OMO)

The traditional paper-based money order. The amount is physically carried by the postman and delivered to the recipient's address. The recipient signs an acknowledgment on delivery. OMO is ideal for sending money to rural areas where the recipient has no bank account and may not have mobile connectivity.

  • Maximum limit: ₹5,000 per OMO
  • Delivery time: 3–7 working days depending on location
  • Best for: Remote rural addresses, elderly recipients without mobile phones

2. Electronic Money Order (eMO)

The modern, faster version of the money order. The transaction is processed electronically by the post office and the amount is delivered to the recipient's door by the local postman. eMO is faster than OMO and is processed the same day at the sending post office.

  • Maximum limit: ₹50,000 per eMO
  • Delivery time: 1–3 working days
  • Best for: Urgent transfers to addresses not served by banks, workers' wages

3. International Money Order (iMO)

Allows NRIs and foreign nationals to send money to recipients in India through India Post's international postal network. The recipient receives cash delivery at their door in Indian Rupees. India Post has iMO arrangements with several countries.

  • Partner countries: UAE, UK, Switzerland, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and others
  • Maximum limit: Varies by country agreement (typically USD 500 per order)
  • Delivery time: 3–7 working days after dispatch from origin country

India Post Money Order Charges (2026)

💡 Note: Charges below are for eMO. OMO charges are slightly lower. Always confirm current rates at your nearest post office as rates are subject to revision.
Amount Sent eMO Charge OMO Charge
Up to ₹200₹5₹3.50
₹201 – ₹1,000₹10₹7
₹1,001 – ₹5,000₹25₹17.50
₹5,001 – ₹10,000₹40N/A (OMO limit ₹5,000)
₹10,001 – ₹50,000₹100N/A

Step-by-Step: How to Send a Money Order at the Post Office

  1. Go to your nearest post office. Money Orders can be sent from any Head Office (HO) or Sub Office (SO). Branch Offices (BO) may only accept OMO. Use PincodesInfo.in to find the nearest delivery post office near you.
  2. Fill out the Money Order form. The form requires: sender's name and address, recipient's full name and complete postal address (including PIN code), amount to be sent, and a brief message (up to 30 words for eMO, printed on the payment slip).
  3. Submit the form with cash. Hand over the filled form and the exact amount plus commission to the counter staff.
  4. Collect your receipt. The post office will give you a Money Order number (MO number). Keep this safely — you will need it to track or raise a complaint.
  5. Recipient gets home delivery. The postman delivers the cash directly to the address written on the form. The recipient signs the Money Order Paid slip as acknowledgment.

How to Track a Money Order

You can track your eMO status online:

  • Visit the India Post official website and use the Track & Trace tool
  • Enter your 13-digit Money Order number
  • The system shows current status: Booked, In Transit, Out for Delivery, Delivered
  • SMS tracking: Send MO <MO Number> to 166 or 51969

OMO tracking is limited — you can check if it was delivered but real-time tracking is not available for paper money orders.

What if the Money Order is Not Delivered?

If your Money Order is not delivered within the expected time, here are your options:

  • Contact the sending post office with your MO number
  • File a complaint on the India Post Dak Sewa portal or call 1800 266 6868
  • If undelivered for 30 days, India Post will refund the amount to the sender at the sending post office (a small refund commission applies)
  • Escalate via CPGRAMS (Central Public Grievance Redressal System) if the post office doesn't resolve the issue

Money Order vs UPI / Bank Transfer: Which to Choose?

Feature Money Order UPI / Bank Transfer
Recipient needs bank account❌ No✅ Yes
Recipient needs smartphone❌ NoUsually yes
Delivery to home✅ Yes (cash)❌ No
Speed1–7 daysInstant
Maximum amount₹50,000₹1–5 lakh (varies)
Works in remote areas✅ YesNeeds internet/mobile

Summary

India Post Money Orders remain one of the most inclusive financial tools in India. They reach where banks and mobile payments cannot. For sending money to elderly relatives in villages, migrant workers' wages, or anyone without a smartphone or bank account, eMO or OMO is the most reliable option.

Use eMO for amounts up to ₹50,000 needing faster delivery, and OMO for smaller amounts up to ₹5,000 to very remote locations. Always keep your MO number for tracking and dispute resolution.

📮 Find your nearest post office using the PincodesInfo PIN code search and read more guides in our India Post Blog.