postal order
Noun: A postal order is a financial instrument issued by a postal service. It is a secure, prepaid document that functions as a written order to pay a specified sum of money to a named individual or organization. The recipient can cash it or deposit it at a post office or other authorized financial institution.
A postal order is used to send money safely through the mail, especially when a personal check is not suitable or when the sender or recipient does not have a bank account. * She bought a postal order to pay for the magazine subscription. * The prize money was sent to the winner in the form of a postal order. * To secure the booking, please send a postal order for the deposit amount.
- "To make a postal order payable to...": This phrase specifies the recipient's name on the order.
- Make the postal order payable to "City Utilities Department".
- "To cross a postal order": Similar to crossing a check, drawing two parallel lines on it signifies it must be paid into a bank account, not cashed over the counter, for added security.
- Money order (noun): A very similar financial instrument, often used interchangeably with "postal order," though a money order can be issued by other institutions (e.g., banks, grocery stores) in addition to postal services.
- Postal Note (noun): A term used in some countries for a similar low-value payment instrument.
- Money order
- Payment order
Unlike personal checks, postal orders are prepaid, so the payment is guaranteed. They typically have a space for the sender's address and a counterfoil (stub) for the sender's records. Fees are usually charged for their purchase.
- a written order for the payment of a sum to a named individual; obtainable and payable at a post office