Can you send cash through the US Postal Service?

While it is possible to send cash through the mail, the United States Postal Service discourages this practice. If a letter or package containing money is lost, damaged or stolen, neither the sender nor the recipient have many resources to help them recover what was lost.

In lieu of cash, the USPS recommends sending money orders. Money orders are secure forms of payment that look and function similar to checks. They can be purchased at most USPS offices for cash. If a money order is lost in the mail, it may be possible to replace it since it is guaranteed by the Post Office.