How to Get a Money Order at Chase Bank

Chase Bank does not issue money orders at its branches

If you walk into a Chase branch and ask for a money order, the teller will tell you they do not sell them. Chase stopped offering money orders years ago and has not brought the service back. This is different from a cashier's check, which Chase still issues at most branches — a money order is a separate product that Chase straightforward does not provide.

You can still get a money order, but you will need to go somewhere else. The most common places are grocery stores, Walmart, Western Union locations, and the U.S. Postal Service. Each charges a small fee, usually between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it. If you are a Chase customer and want to pay for a money order, you can use your Chase debit card or withdraw cash from a Chase ATM first.

Key Takeaways

• Chase Bank branches do not sell money orders, so you will need to visit a grocery store, Walmart, Western Union, or the post office instead.
• Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and the seller, and you can pay with cash or a debit card at most locations.
• A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it can be tracked and replaced if lost, but it takes longer to clear than a cashier's check.
• You will need the recipient's name and address to fill out a money order, and you should keep your receipt until the money order is cashed.

Where to buy a money order near you

Grocery stores and pharmacies are often the fastest option because most have a customer service desk that sells money orders during regular store hours. Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and Publix all sell them. Walmart sells money orders at the money center or customer service desk in most locations. Western Union has thousands of agent locations — you can find one by entering your zip code at westernunion.com. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at every post office, and they are often the cheapest option.

Call ahead if you are buying a large money order. Most retailers limit a single money order to $1,000, though you can buy multiple money orders in one transaction. The post office has the same $1,000 limit per money order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will need to buy two or more money orders or use a cashier's check instead.

What you need to fill out a money order

You will need the recipient's full name and mailing address. Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash the money order. Write your own name and address on the "From" or "Purchaser" line so the recipient knows who sent it. Some money orders also have a memo line where you can write what the payment is for, like "Rent for January" or "Invoice #5432".

Do not sign the money order until you are ready to mail it or hand it over. If you sign it blank, anyone who gets it can cash it. Keep your receipt in a safe place until you know the money order has been cashed. The receipt has a tracking number that lets you find out whether the money order was cashed and by whom.

Money order fees at different locations

Location	Typical Fee	Maximum Amount
U.S. Postal Service	$1.45 to $2.20	$1,000
Walmart	$0.88 to $1.25	$1,000
Western Union	$1 to $5	$1,000
Grocery store	$1 to $3	$1,000

Fees vary by location and the amount of the money order. Walmart and Walmart-owned Sam's Club tend to have the lowest fees. Western Union fees depend on which agent location you use — a grocery store Western Union agent may charge differently than a standalone Western Union office. Call the location before you go if the fee matters to your budget.

Some locations offer discounts if you buy multiple money orders at once, though this varies by seller. Ask the teller whether they have any promotions running, especially if you need to buy several money orders to send more than $1,000.

How money orders differ from cashier's checks

A money order is smaller and faster to buy than a cashier's check. You can walk into a store, buy one, and leave in minutes. A cashier's check requires you to go to your bank, provide account details, and wait while the teller prepares it — usually 10 to 15 minutes. Money orders are also cheaper, usually costing $1 to $5 instead of $5 to $15 for a cashier's check.

The trade-off is that money orders take longer to clear. A cashier's check clears in one to three business days because it comes from a bank. A money order can take five to seven business days because it is not a bank product. If the recipient needs the money urgently, a cashier's check is faster. If you need to send money to someone you do not have a bank relationship with, a money order is simpler because you do not need a bank account.

What to do if your money order is lost or stolen

Contact the seller when ready with your receipt and the tracking number. The post office, Walmart, and Western Union can all tell you whether the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they can stop payment and issue you a replacement. If it has already been cashed, you will need to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money or work out a refund with them.

This is why keeping your receipt is critical. Without the receipt and tracking number, the seller cannot help you. If you lose the receipt, you may not be able to recover the money. Store your receipt somewhere safe until you confirm the money order has reached the recipient and been cashed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card?

Most locations do not take credit cards for money orders because they are considered a cash advance. Walmart, grocery stores, and Western Union usually require cash or a debit card. The post office accepts debit cards but not credit cards. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location accepts.

What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?

Do not cross out or erase anything on a money order. If you make a mistake, ask the seller for a new one. Most locations will issue a replacement if you have not left the store yet. If you have already left, contact the seller with your receipt and ask about their correction policy — some will reissue it, others will not.

Can I use a money order to pay a bill online?

No, you cannot use a money order online. Money orders are physical documents that must be mailed or handed to someone in person. If you need to pay a bill online, use your bank account, debit card, or credit card instead. Money orders are only for payments that accept mailed checks or in-person cash payments.

Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?

Yes. A money order can be tracked using the receipt number, and you can stop payment if it is lost or stolen before it is cashed. Cash cannot be tracked or replaced. If you are sending money through the mail, a money order is much safer than cash or a personal check.

Do I need a bank account to buy a money order?

No. You can buy a money order at Walmart, a grocery store, Western Union, or the post office without a bank account. You just need cash or a debit card. This makes money orders useful for people who do not have a bank account or do not want to use their bank for a particular payment.