Chase offers money orders at most branches, but not all locations carry them, and you'll need to go in person with cash or a debit card

Chase Bank sells money orders at many of its branches, though availability varies by location. You cannot order a money order online or by phone — you must visit a branch in person. Chase charges a fee for each money order, and the amount depends on whether you're a customer and which state you're in. The money order itself can be written for up to $1,000.

Not every Chase branch stocks money orders. Before you go, call the branch directly or check the Chase website to confirm they have them in stock. Some smaller branches or those in rural areas may not carry them regularly. If your nearest Chase doesn't have money orders available, you can ask if they can order one for you, though this typically takes several business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase money orders are available only at branches you visit in person; you cannot order them online or by phone.
  • Chase charges a fee per money order, and the fee amount varies by state and whether you hold a Chase account.
  • Each money order can be written for up to $1,000, so you may need multiple money orders for larger amounts.
  • You must bring cash or a debit card to pay for the money order; some branches may accept checks from account holders.
  • Call your local Chase branch before visiting to confirm they have money orders in stock.

What Chase charges for a money order

Chase's money order fee ranges from about $5 to $10 per money order, depending on your state and account status. Chase customers sometimes pay a lower fee than non-customers, but this is not consistent across all states. Some states cap what banks can charge for money orders, which affects Chase's pricing in those locations.

The fee is separate from the amount you're sending. If you buy a $500 money order and Chase charges a $7 fee, you'll pay $507 total. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you complete the transaction, since it can vary by branch and state.

How to buy a money order at Chase

Go to a Chase branch during business hours with your form of payment. Bring cash or a debit card — Chase will not charge the money order to a credit card. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, bring your debit card or account number so the teller knows you're a customer (this may lower your fee in some states).

Tell the teller you want to buy a money order and provide the amount. The teller will ask for the name of the person or business the money order is payable to (the payee). You'll also need to provide your name and address as the purchaser. The teller will print the money order, you'll sign it, and you'll pay the fee plus the amount of the money order. The teller will give you the money order and a receipt.

Do not sign the money order until the teller tells you to. Some money orders require the purchaser's signature in a specific location, and signing in the wrong spot can make it invalid.

Limits on Chase money orders

Each Chase money order can be written for a maximum of $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you'll need to buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you would buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500.

There is no daily limit on how many money orders you can buy at Chase, but buying a large number at once may trigger additional questions from the teller. This is a standard anti-fraud measure. Be prepared to explain why you need multiple money orders.

What to bring and what information you'll need

Bring a valid form of payment: cash or a debit card. You do not need to be a Chase customer, but if you are, bring your debit card or account information. Have your name and address ready to provide to the teller. You'll also need the name of the person or business you're sending the money order to — this is the payee name.

If you're buying a money order for a business, bring the exact legal name of that business. If you're unsure of the correct name, ask the business directly before you go to Chase. A money order with an incorrect payee name may not be accepted by the recipient.

Money order receipt and record-keeping

Chase will give you a receipt when you buy the money order. Keep this receipt until the money order is cashed or deposited. The receipt shows the amount, the fee you paid, the date, and a reference number. If the money order is lost or stolen, you'll need this receipt to request a replacement or refund from Chase.

Write down the money order number (printed on the money order itself) and keep it with your receipt. If the recipient says they never received the money order, you can use the number to track it with Chase or file a claim.

Alternatives to Chase money orders

If your nearest Chase branch doesn't have money orders in stock or the fee is higher than you'd like to pay, other options include the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Walmart. Post offices typically charge $1.45 to $2.00 per money order (prices vary by amount). Western Union and MoneyGram charge higher fees but are available at more locations, including grocery stores and convenience stores. Walmart money orders cost around $0.70 to $0.88 per money order.

If you're sending money to someone you trust, you might also consider a bank transfer, wire transfer, or payment app like Venmo or PayPal, which may be faster and cheaper than a money order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chase money order without a Chase account?

Yes. You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order at a Chase branch. However, you may pay a higher fee than account holders. Bring cash or a debit card from any bank.

What if I make a mistake on the money order?

Do not use the money order if you've made an error. Return it to the teller when ready and ask for a replacement. Most branches will issue a new money order, though some may charge a second fee. Never cross out or write over a mistake on a money order — the recipient may refuse it.

How long does a Chase money order take to clear?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order, it typically clears within one to three business days, depending on their bank. The money order itself is available when ready after you buy it — there is no waiting period before you can give it to someone.

Can I cancel a Chase money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if you haven't given it to anyone yet. Return to the Chase branch with your receipt and the unused money order. Chase will refund the amount of the money order but may keep the fee you paid. Some branches charge an additional cancellation fee.

What if the money order is lost or stolen?

Contact Chase when ready with your receipt and the money order number. Chase can place a stop on the money order to prevent someone else from cashing it. You can then request a replacement or refund, though the process may take several weeks and Chase may charge a replacement fee.