Postanweisung

Postanweisung is a form of money transfer conducted through a postal service. It is issued at a post office when the sender pays a specified amount plus a handling fee and provides essential details such as the recipient’s name, the amount, and sometimes the recipient’s location or a reference. The post office then issues a document or voucher containing a control number. The recipient can obtain the funds at a post office by presenting the voucher and valid identification. In many systems, the funds can be credited to the recipient’s bank account or paid out in cash, depending on local arrangements.

Historically, Postanweisungen were developed to provide a secure way to send money over moderate distances without carrying cash. They became widespread in several countries with structured postal networks, including German-speaking regions and others. While electronic transfers and online banking have reduced demand, Postanweisungen remain in use in some areas, particularly for people without convenient access to banks or in situations where a physical receipt is preferred. International Postanweisungen enable cross-border payments within the framework of national postal networks, often with set fees and exchange considerations.

Advantages include increased security compared with transporting cash, traceability, and accessibility for unbanked recipients. Limitations involve fees, processing times that may be longer for international transfers, transfer limits, exposure to loss or theft of the voucher, and regulatory or currency considerations. The exact procedures, costs, and validity periods vary by country and postal service, and modern alternatives such as electronic money transfers are commonly available alongside traditional Postanweisungen.