Made a mistake on your postal order? Wondering what to do next? Can you use white-out /Tippex on a postal order? We previously wrote about whether or not you can use white out on a check in the US, now we will explain how it works in the UK.
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Can You Use White-Out on a Postal Order in the UK?
Short answer: No. Using white-out (correction fluid) on a UK postal order is very likely to result in it being rejected at the Post Office or by a bank.
Why Alterations On Postal Orders Are a Problem
UK postal orders and bank drafts are treated like cheques. If there are any signs of tampering—white-out, correction tape, scribbles, or cross-outs—the payment instrument may be refused. These documents must appear clean, secure, and fraud-free for processing.
Official Guidance in the UK on Postal Order Alterations
- Post Office (UK): A postal order should be filled out clearly in ink, with no alterations. If you make a mistake, you will usually need to request a refund or replacement by returning it to the Post Office branch where it was purchased. Fees may apply. Official info: Post Office Postal Orders
- Banks & Building Societies: Most UK banks treat postal orders like cheques. If the name, amount, or date looks altered, the bank may reject it to prevent fraud.
- General practice: Corrections are not standard procedure. Even small changes (such as a misspelt name) can lead to rejection.
Can You Use White-Out or Tippex On A Postal Order?
No. Correction fluid, tape, or heavy crossing out is not accepted on UK postal orders. Any alteration may invalidate the order. Clerks are instructed to refuse altered payment documents.
What to Do If You Make a Mistake
- Do not try to fix it yourself. White-out, scratching out, or overwriting will likely make it unusable.
- Return to the Post Office branch where the postal order was purchased. Explain the mistake and ask about cancellation or replacement. You will usually need your receipt.
- Fill out carefully next time. Use clear ink, double-check spellings and amounts before handing it over.
Examples of Problems
Even small corrections—like fixing a spelling error in the payee’s name—can be grounds for rejection. Larger fields, such as the amount or purchaser details, are never accepted once altered. In all cases, postal orders with visible changes are viewed as suspicious.
Bottom Line
In the UK, you cannot use white-out on a postal order. If you make a mistake, the safest approach is to take it back to the Post Office for a refund or replacement.
Attempting to correct it yourself will almost certainly mean the order is not accepted.
