Wow trusting a banker who's institution probably took tarp money, that is tax payer dollars, over the USPS. Now that is the pot calling the kettle black! Banking must be really tough in your area. I can take a USPS Money Order to any bank, credit union I belong to and several retailers in our state and get it cashed with no problem. Quite possibly your trusted banker friend was trying to get your money and really played to your dislike of the USPS. By the way I have a lot of retail management experience. Want to loose your shirt? Just keep trusting those bankers and taking third party checks. Most bankers are just like most salesmen. They are great at telling what you want to hear.