Postal Order
Postal Orders in Rochdale – Buy or Cash at Gale Street Post Office
Buy a postal order to send money securely, or cash one you’ve received. No appointment needed, open 7 days a week.
Bring cash – card payments are not accepted for postal orders. Valid ID may be required when cashing larger amounts.
⚠️ Postal orders are subject to Post Office terms and fees. Maximum face value per order: £250. Cash payment only.
Until 8PM (Mon-Sat)
Secure service
Receipt provided
Cash payment only
📱 Buying a postal order? Bring cash (cards not accepted). Cashing one? Bring valid photo ID (may be required for amounts over £250 total).
🏛️ Gale Street Post Office is an independently operated Post Office branch serving Rochdale under agreement with Post Office Limited.
✅ Independent local Post Office branch serving Rochdale customers 7 days a week.
🔒 Postal Orders are not insured against loss or theft. Please keep your receipt safe.
💡 Postal orders should be treated like cash. If lost, stolen or sent to the wrong person, recovery may not always be possible.
Information last verified: . Fees and limits set by Post Office Limited – please confirm at counter.
| 📍 Location | 3–5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale, OL12 0SQ |
|---|---|
| 🕘 Opening Hours | Monday–Saturday: 09:30 – 20:00 Sunday: 09:30 – 16:00 |
| 💷 Postal Order Limits | Minimum value: 50p · Maximum value: £250 per order |
| 💳 Accepted Payment Methods | Cash only. Card payments are not accepted for postal orders. |
📮 How to Buy a Postal Order
| 1. | Tell the counter staff the amount you need (from 50p up to £250 per order). |
| 2. | Pay the face value plus the fee – cash only. Cards are not accepted for postal orders. |
| 3. | Tell the counter staff the recipient’s name (we can print it on the postal order) OR write it yourself. Also state if you want the order crossed (bank account only) or uncrossed (can be cashed over the counter). |
| 4. | Keep your receipt – it’s needed for any refund or tracing request. |
You can buy multiple postal orders in one transaction. The fee is non‑refundable.
💷 How to Cash a Postal Order
| 1. | Do not sign the back until you are at the counter (we need to witness your signature). |
| 2. | Bring the postal order to the counter, along with valid photo ID if the total value is above £250 (or if we request it). |
| 3. | The counter assistant will verify the postal order and pay you in cash (or deposit to your account if you have one with us). |
| 4. | You will receive a receipt confirming the transaction. |
For large amounts (e.g., multiple postal orders totalling over £250), we may need to perform additional verification. Please call ahead if you have several orders.
💰 Postal Order Fees & Limits
| Postal Order value | Purchase fee |
|---|---|
| £0.01 – £4.99 | 50p |
| £5.00 – £9.99 | £1.00 |
| £10.00 – £99.99 | 12.5% of value, minimum £1.25 |
| £100.00 – £250.00 | Capped at £12.50 |
Maximum per Postal Order: £250. You can buy multiple Postal Orders where needed.
Fees may change — confirm at counter. Last verified: May 2026.
⚠️ Not all businesses or organisations accept postal orders. Please check with the recipient before purchasing.
🔒 Postal Orders are not insured against loss or theft. Keep your receipt safe.
📌 Purchase fees are non‑refundable.
🔐 For fraud prevention and security reasons, transactions may be refused if identity, entitlement or payment verification requirements are not satisfied. Certain transactions may require additional checks at branch discretion.
✍️ Crossed vs Uncrossed Postal Orders
Has two parallel lines across the front. Can only be paid into a bank account – not cashed over the counter. Request this if you want to ensure the money goes into a bank account.
Can usually be cashed at our counter with valid identification. Most postal orders are issued as uncrossed unless crossed is requested.
When buying a postal order, you must tell us whether you want it crossed or uncrossed. If you are unsure, we can advise you at the counter.
📄 Common Uses for Postal Orders
- Sending money securely through the post
- Government applications and forms
- DVLA and passport applications
- School or college payments
- Rent or deposit payments
- Payments where cheques are not accepted
Postal orders are a safe alternative to cash in the post and are widely accepted by official bodies.
⚠️ Not all businesses or organisations accept postal orders. Please check with the recipient before purchasing.
❌ Cheques are not accepted as payment for purchasing postal orders. Please bring cash.
▶️ Learn About Postal Orders
Watch our quick guide explaining how postal orders work, fees, limits and when you may need one.
Video opens safely in YouTube. This is for illustration only – fees and limits may change. Always confirm at the counter.
⏰ Counter Opening Hours
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30 – 16:00 |
📮 Final acceptance for next‑day and Special Delivery services: 4:45 PM.
⭐ Trusted by customers across Rochdale
Customers visit Gale Street Post Office for postal orders, banking, payouts, vehicle tax and everyday Post Office services.
Frequently Asked Questions – Postal Orders
Do I need an appointment to buy or cash a postal order?
What is the maximum amount for a single postal order?
How much does a postal order cost to buy?
Can I pay for a postal order by credit or debit card?
What ID do I need to cash a postal order?
Can I get a refund on an unused postal order?
What if I lose a postal order I bought?
Can I cash an international postal order?
Do postal orders expire?
Can I buy multiple postal orders at once?
Can I post a postal order internationally?
What is a crossed postal order?
Can someone else cash my postal order for me?
📖 Postal Order Glossary
The amount of money the postal order is worth (e.g., £10). You pay this plus a fee.
The detachable part of the postal order that you keep as a receipt. Needed for refunds or tracing.
Marked with two parallel lines – can only be paid into a bank account, not cashed over the counter.
If you are the original purchaser and have not used the postal order, you can apply for a refund (fee applies).
📍 Location & Directions
Find us on Gale Street in Syke. We serve Syke, Healey, Shawclough, Spotland, Norden, Wardle, Castleton, Littleborough, Milnrow, Whitworth, Smithy Bridge and Bamford – and the wider Rochdale area (OL11, OL12, OL16).
Please note: step‑free access is currently unavailable at this branch. Please call if you require assistance before visiting.
3–5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale, OL12 0SQ
Voice Assistant
Ask about postal order fees, limits, ID requirements, or refunds.
Serving local residents in Rochdale
We help customers from Syke, Healey, Shawclough, Norden, Spotland, Castleton, Littleborough, Milnrow and across Rochdale with postal orders, payouts, and banking.
Need to buy or cash a postal order?
Visit us during opening hours – no appointment needed. Bring cash to buy, and valid ID when cashing larger amounts. Cards are not accepted for purchasing postal orders.
Postal Order fees, limits and refund policies are set by Post Office Limited and may change without notice. Gale Street Post Office is an independent retail branch operating under agreement with Post Office Limited. Trading name of Bargain Universe Ltd, Company No: 11376774.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Information may change without notice.
Information last verified: .
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AI responses are automated guidance only. Confirm with counter staff.