Locations

• A money order can be obtained at a variety of locations, including financial institutions, supermarkets and other businesses or organizations. A cashier's check can be obtained only from a financial institution. Money is removed from the payor's personal account and placed in the bank's account before the check is cashed by the person receiving it.
  
  

Monetary Amounts

• Many lending institutions cap the amount of money they will allow to be drawn on a money order; it is often limited to $1,000. A bank will draft a cashier's check for any amount. Fees for money orders depend on the institution and the face value of the money order. They are typically less than $2, whereas cashier's checks typically cost $5.
  
  

Payment Security

• A cashier's check is guaranteed by the bank because the check is actually drawn on the bank's account. In contrast, a money order works more like a single-use checking account. The money order is safer than a personal check because it is backed by the business rather than the individual.