How to Fill Out a Money Order at Chase Bank

Chase does not issue money orders at the counter

Chase Bank branches do not sell or issue money orders. If you need a money order, you will have to get one from a different source — a grocery store, pharmacy, post office, or other financial institution. Chase can tell you where nearby locations sell them, but the bank itself does not offer this service.

Some Chase customers use money orders to pay bills, send funds to someone without a bank account, or make a payment when a personal check is not accepted. If you are looking for a way to send money from your Chase account, you have other options: you can write a check, use Chase's bill pay service, or transfer funds electronically.

Key Takeaways

• Chase Bank branches do not sell money orders, so you will need to purchase one elsewhere.
• The United States Postal Service, Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies all sell money orders.
• Money orders typically cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them.
• You fill out a money order by writing the recipient's name, your name and address, and the amount in specific fields on the form.
• If you have a Chase checking account, bill pay or electronic transfer may be faster and cheaper than buying a money order.

Where to buy a money order if you do not have a Chase account

The United States Postal Service sells money orders at any post office. You can walk in without an appointment, and postal money orders work nationwide. The cost depends on the amount: orders up to $500 cost one price, and orders from $500.01 to $1,000 cost more. Exact fees vary by location.

Walmart sells money orders at the customer service desk in most stores. Many grocery stores, including Kroger and Safeway, also sell them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer money orders as well. Call ahead to confirm the store near you sells them and to ask the current fee.

If you have an account at a bank or credit union other than Chase, that institution may sell money orders to account holders. Some do not charge a fee to members, while others charge a small amount.

How to fill out a money order step by step

A money order is a form with specific blanks. The layout is similar across most sellers, though the exact position of fields may vary slightly.

Step 1: Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. This is the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Write the name clearly in print. Do not use a nickname or abbreviation unless that is the legal name on their bank account.

Step 2: Write the amount in two places. One blank asks for the amount in numbers (for example, $50.00). A second line asks for the amount written out in words (Fifty dollars and 00/100). Both must match exactly. If they do not, the money order may be rejected.

Step 3: Fill in your name and address on the "From" or "Purchaser" line. This identifies who bought the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen, the seller uses this information to issue a replacement. Write your current mailing address.

Step 4: Leave the memo line blank or write a brief note. Some money orders have a line for a memo or reference number. You can write an account number, invoice number, or a short description of what the payment is for. This step is optional.

Step 5: Do not sign the money order yet. Many sellers will tell you to sign the back of the money order only after the recipient receives it and is ready to cash it. Signing it before you give it away can make it easier for someone else to cash it if it is lost. Check the seller's instructions — some require you to sign before leaving the counter.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out a money order

The most common error is writing different amounts in numbers and words. If you write $75 in numbers but "Seventy dollars" in words, the money order will not be accepted. Double-check both fields before you hand over the money.

Writing an illegible recipient name is another frequent problem. If the name is unclear, the person who receives it may not be able to cash it, or the wrong person might cash it. Print clearly and spell the name exactly as it appears on the recipient's identification or bank account.

Signing the money order before you hand it over can create a security risk. If someone steals it, they may be able to cash it without the recipient's knowledge. Wait until the recipient is ready to deposit or cash it, unless the seller specifically requires your signature at purchase.

Leaving the "From" field blank makes it impossible to get a replacement if the money order is lost. Always write your name and address in this section, even though it seems like extra work.

How to track a money order if it does not arrive

Keep your receipt from the purchase. The receipt has a tracking number that matches the money order. If the recipient says they never got it, you can contact the seller with your receipt and tracking number to learn about it was cashed.

If the money order was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, contact the seller when ready. Bring your receipt. The seller can investigate and may issue a replacement, though this process can take several weeks.

If the money order was never cashed and you want to cancel it, contact the seller with your receipt and tracking number. Some sellers charge a fee to cancel and reissue a money order. Others will refund your money if the order has not been cashed.

Alternatives to money orders through Chase

If you have a Chase checking account, Chase bill pay lets you send a check electronically to almost any address. You log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, enter the recipient's mailing address, and Chase prints and mails a check on your behalf. This is free for most account types and takes five to seven business days.

Chase QuickPay with Zelle is a free way to send money directly to another person's bank account if they are also enrolled in Zelle. The transfer happens within minutes. This works only for person-to-person payments, not for paying businesses or bills.

Wire transfers through Chase move money quickly — usually the same day — but cost between $15 and $30 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international. Wire transfers are best for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.

A cashier's check from Chase is similar to a money order but is issued by the bank itself and carries more weight for large payments. You can request one at any Chase branch. There is usually a small fee, and you need to have the funds in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a Chase debit card?

Yes. Most places that sell money orders accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Bring your Chase debit card to the post office, grocery store, or pharmacy where you plan to buy the money order. Some sellers may have a minimum purchase amount or may charge a small fee for card payments.

What is the maximum amount I can put on a money order?

Most money orders have a limit of $1,000. The United States Postal Service caps postal money orders at $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders or use a wire transfer through Chase instead.

How long does a money order take to clear?

A money order is not a check, so it does not need to clear. When the recipient deposits or cashes it, the funds are available when ready or within one business day, depending on the bank. Money orders are treated like cash.

Can I get a refund if I fill out a money order wrong?

If you make a mistake before you hand over the money, ask the seller for a new form. Most sellers will give you a blank money order at no extra charge. If you already paid and realize the mistake after leaving, contact the seller with your receipt. They may issue a replacement, though some charge a fee.

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

Yes. A money order has a tracking number and can be replaced if it is lost or stolen. Cash cannot be traced or replaced. If you need to send money through the mail, a money order is safer than cash and faster than a personal check.