Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or through its website

Chase stopped offering money orders in 2011. If you have a Chase account and need a money order, you will have to go elsewhere. The most common places to buy money orders are grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and check-cashing services — not banks.

This is different from a wire transfer, which Chase does handle. A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another, usually within hours. A money order is a paper document you buy upfront and hand to someone, and they cash it later. They serve different purposes and cost different amounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not sell money orders; you must buy them from a post office, grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing service.
  • Money orders cost between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them, while Chase wire transfers cost $15 to $20.
  • A money order is a paper document you hand over; a wire transfer is electronic and moves money directly between bank accounts.
  • The post office, Walmart, and grocery store chains like Kroger and Safeway all sell money orders without requiring a bank account.

Where to buy a money order if you bank at Chase

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office. You can buy one for any amount up to $1,000, and the fee is usually between $1.45 and $2.00 depending on the amount. You do not need a bank account or any special paperwork — just cash or a debit card.

Walmart sells money orders at the customer service desk in most locations. The fee is typically $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. Grocery store chains including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons also sell them at the customer service counter or checkout, usually for $1 to $3 depending on the amount.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores sell money orders, though their fees are often higher than post offices or grocery stores — sometimes $3 to $5 per order. If you have a Chase account but prefer to stay within the Chase system, you could also ask a Chase banker whether they can refer you to a partner service, though this is not standard practice.

How much a money order costs versus a Chase wire transfer

A money order costs $1 to $5 depending on where you buy it and the amount. A Chase wire transfer costs $15 for a domestic transfer (within the United States) or $20 for an international transfer. If you are sending a small amount — under $50 — a money order is much cheaper. If you are sending a large amount or need the money to arrive the same day, a wire transfer may make more sense despite the higher fee.

Money orders have a maximum limit of $1,000 per order at most places. If you need to send more than $1,000, you would have to buy multiple money orders or use a different method like a wire transfer, cashier's check, or ACH transfer.

When to use a money order instead of a Chase wire transfer

Use a money order when you are paying someone who does not have a bank account or prefers cash-like payment. Landlords, small businesses, and individuals often accept money orders because they can cash them at a bank or post office without needing to set up a transfer. Money orders also work when you do not know the recipient's bank details or when you want a paper record you can hand over in person.

Use a Chase wire transfer when you need money to move between bank accounts quickly — usually the same day — and the recipient has banking information you can provide. Wire transfers are faster but require more information upfront and cost more. If the recipient does not have a bank account, a wire transfer will not work at all.

How to fill out a money order

When you buy a money order, you fill it out on the spot. Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Write the amount in both the number box and the word box. Sign the money order in the "Purchaser Signature" or "From" section — this is your signature, not the recipient's. The recipient signs the back when they cash it.

Some money orders have a memo line where you can write what the payment is for — rent, invoice number, or account number. This is optional but helpful for record-keeping. Keep your receipt or the stub of the money order so you have proof of purchase in case the money order is lost or never cashed.

Money order limits and what to do if you need to send more

Most places cap money orders at $1,000 per order. If you need to send $2,500, you would buy three money orders: two for $1,000 and one for $500. You can buy multiple money orders at the same time, though some places may ask you to show ID if you are buying several at once.

If you need to send a large amount and do not want to buy multiple money orders, a Chase wire transfer, cashier's check, or ACH transfer may be better. A cashier's check is similar to a money order but issued by a bank and can be written for any amount. Chase can issue a cashier's check for you at a branch, though there is usually a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online from Chase?

No. Chase does not sell money orders online or in branches. You must buy a money order from the post office, a grocery store, Walmart, or a check-cashing service. Some online payment services like PayPal or Square Cash offer digital alternatives, but these are not money orders.

What if the money order is lost or stolen?

If you have the receipt or stub, you can contact the issuer (post office, Walmart, or grocery store) and request a replacement or refund. You will need the money order number and proof of purchase. This process can take several weeks. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

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

No. Money orders are physical documents. You can mail a money order to pay a bill, but you cannot use it for online bill pay. If you need to pay a bill online from your Chase account, use bill pay through Chase's website or app, or set up an ACH transfer.

Is a money order safer than cash?

Yes. A money order has your name on it and can only be cashed by the person whose name is on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Cash can be spent by anyone who holds it. If a money order is lost, you can request a replacement. If cash is lost, it is gone.

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

No. You do not need any bank account to buy a money order from the post office, Walmart, or a grocery store. You just need cash or a debit card. This is one reason money orders are useful for people without bank accounts.