This topic can be confusing because many consumers conflate money orders with money transfers. You cannot purchase a money order online, but it’s easy to transfer money online. The reason you can’t buy a money order online is security. Specifically, it’s difficult for a money order vendor to verify the purchaser’s identity and payment method. That’s important because money orders are guaranteed payments, and a vendor doesn’t want to be left holding the bag when a fraudster tries to buy a money order online. Online money transfers are a different kettle of fish. In fact, you can perform online money transfers in several ways: Money-sending services: You can use services like Western Union and MoneyGram to send money all over the world. You simply go on their websites and follow the instructions to send money. You can fund the money transfer using a debit card, credit card, or an online bank account. Mobile apps: More than a dozen mobile apps are available to transfer money to individuals. Typically, all you need is the recipient’s email address or phone number. You can set up accounts within the apps to hold money and connect the app account to your bank account to transfer cash in and out. Market leaders include Xoom, Venmo, Google Wallet, Popmoney, Zelle, Apple Pay, Square Cash, Chase QuickPay, Facebook Messenger, ClearXchange, and Western Union. Bank wire: You can send money from your bank account to the recipient’s bank account over a traditional bank network. Many banks let you perform a bank wire by filling out an online form with the required instructions. Same-day service is possible.