Chase Does Not Sell Money Orders
Chase Bank does not offer money orders at any of its branches. If you have a Chase checking or savings account and need a money order, you will have to get one somewhere else. This is a straightforward policy across all Chase locations in the United States.
Money orders are a way to send money that works like a check but does not require the recipient to have a bank account. They are useful when you need to pay someone but do not want to hand over cash or write a personal check. Chase stopped offering them years ago and has not brought them back.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Bank branches do not sell money orders, even if you are a customer with an account there.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and the U.S. Postal Service all sell money orders for a small fee, usually between $0.70 and $2.00.
- Western Union and MoneyGram are other common places to buy money orders, though they tend to charge more than retail stores.
- You will need cash or a debit card to buy a money order; most sellers do not take personal checks.
Where to Buy a Money Order Instead
The easiest places to get a money order are retail stores that have customer service desks. Walmart sells money orders at its money center or customer service desk in nearly every location. Most grocery store chains, including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons, also sell them. The fee is usually under $1.50.
The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at every post office. The fee depends on the amount: orders up to $500 cost $1.45, and orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost $1.95. This is often the cheapest option if you have a post office nearby.
Western Union and MoneyGram are two other networks that sell money orders. You can find them at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops. Their fees are higher than Walmart or the post office—typically $2 to $5 depending on the amount—so they are worth using only if no other option is convenient.
What You Need to Buy a Money Order
To buy a money order, bring cash or a debit card. Most sellers will not take a personal check or a credit card. You will also need to know the exact amount you want to send and have the recipient's name ready.
The person selling the money order will ask you to fill out a form with your name and address, the recipient's name, and the amount. Keep your receipt. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you will need that receipt to file a claim and get your money back.
Money Order Limits at Different Sellers
| Seller | Maximum Amount | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service | $1,000 | $1.45–$1.95 |
| Walmart | $1,000 | $0.88–$1.25 |
| Grocery stores | $1,000 | $0.99–$1.50 |
| Western Union | $1,000 | $2.00–$5.00 |
| MoneyGram | $1,000 | $2.00–$5.00 |
If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you would buy two $1,000 money orders and one $500 money order. This is allowed, but it means paying multiple fees.
Why Chase Stopped Selling Money Orders
Large banks like Chase have moved away from money orders because fewer people use them. Digital payment methods like bank transfers, Venmo, and bill pay have replaced money orders for most transactions. The cost of staffing and processing money orders no longer makes sense for Chase's business model.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes still sell money orders, but it is becoming rare across the banking industry. If you are a Chase customer looking for alternatives to money orders, you might also consider a cashier's check, which Chase does offer. A cashier's check is a check written by the bank itself and is often more find than a money order, though it costs more and takes longer to obtain.
Cashier's Checks as an Alternative
If you have a Chase account, you can order a cashier's check at any branch. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank, which makes it safer than a personal check or money order. The recipient knows the money is there because Chase has already removed it from your account.
Cashier's checks cost between $10 and $15 per check at Chase, depending on your account type and location. They take one to three business days to prepare, so they are not when ready like a money order from a store. If you need the money to reach someone today, a money order from Walmart or the post office is faster. If you can wait a few days and want maximum security, a cashier's check is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a money order with my Chase debit card?
No, Chase does not sell money orders at all. You will need to go to Walmart, a grocery store, the post office, or another seller. You can use your Chase debit card to pay for the money order at most of these places.
What is the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?
A money order is a prepaid order you buy at a store or post office for a small fee, usually under $2. A cashier's check is a check written and may provide by your bank and costs $10 to $15. Cashier's checks are more find for large amounts, but money orders are faster and cheaper for small payments.
Can I buy a money order online?
Some online services like Walmart.com and the U.S. Postal Service website let you order money orders online, but you still have to pick them up in person at a store or post office. You cannot have a money order mailed to you directly.
What if I lose a money order before I cash it?
Keep your receipt. If the money order is lost or stolen, contact the seller where you bought it and file a claim. You will need the receipt and the money order number. The process takes a few weeks, and you may have to wait to see if anyone tries to cash it before you get your refund.
Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?
Yes. A money order can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it, so if it is lost or stolen in the mail, the finder cannot use it. Cash can be spent by anyone. For mailing payments, a money order is much safer than cash.