Bank of America offers money orders at most branches, but not all locations carry them

Yes, Bank of America does sell money orders. You can walk into most Bank of America branches and purchase one at the teller window. The cost varies by location — typically between $5 and $10 per money order — so call your branch ahead of time to confirm the exact price and whether they have them in stock that day.

Not every Bank of America location stocks money orders, especially smaller branches or those in rural areas. Before you go in, call the branch directly or check online to see if yours carries them. Some branches may need to order them for you, which can take a few business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America sells money orders at the teller window for a fee that typically ranges from $5 to $10 per order.
  • You need to bring a valid government-issued ID and enough cash or a debit card to cover the money order amount plus the fee.
  • Not all branches carry money orders in stock, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
  • Money orders at Bank of America are issued on the spot if the branch has them available, with no waiting period.
  • If your branch does not carry money orders, you can buy them at post offices, grocery stores, or Walmart, often for less than the Bank of America fee.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will check your identity before issuing the money order. You will also need the cash or funds to cover both the money order amount and the fee. For example, if you want a $500 money order and the fee is $7, you need to have $507 available.

You can pay with cash, a debit card, or sometimes a credit card, depending on the branch. Ask when you call whether they accept card payments, since policies vary by location. Have the recipient's name ready — you will need to provide it so the teller can fill in the "Pay to the Order of" line.

How the money order process works at the branch

Walk up to the teller and tell them you want to purchase a money order. Give them the amount you need and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. The teller will fill out the money order form, take your payment, and hand you the completed money order on the spot.

The whole process takes about five to ten minutes. You will receive a receipt showing the money order number, amount, and fee paid. Keep this receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen before it reaches the recipient, you can use the receipt to request a replacement.

When Bank of America money orders cost more than alternatives

Bank of America's fee of $5 to $10 per money order is higher than what you will pay at other places. The U.S. Postal Service typically charges $1.45 to $2.20 per money order depending on the amount. Walmart charges around $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000. Grocery stores and check-cashing services often fall somewhere in between.

If you are buying just one money order, the Bank of America fee might not matter much. But if you need several, shopping around saves money. Post offices are usually the cheapest option and are open on Saturdays at most locations, which can be convenient if you cannot get to a bank during business hours.

What to do if your Bank of America branch does not have money orders

Call the branch and ask if they can order money orders for you. Some branches will do this at no extra charge, but it typically takes three to five business days. If you need a money order right away, this option will not work.

Your faster option is to go to a different Bank of America branch nearby that does carry them, or visit a post office, Walmart, or grocery store instead. These places almost always have money orders available when ready and charge less than Bank of America. Check the hours before you go — post offices close earlier than banks, and some grocery stores limit money order sales to certain hours.

How to fill out and use your money order safely

The teller at Bank of America will fill in most of the money order for you. Double-check that the amount and recipient name are correct before you leave the branch. Do not sign the back of the money order yet — sign it only when you are ready to send it or hand it to the recipient. If you sign it blank, anyone who gets it can cash it.

Write your name and address on the "From" line so the recipient knows who sent it. If you are mailing it, put it in an envelope rather than sending it loose. Money orders are safer than cash because they can only be cashed by the person whose name is on the "Pay to the Order of" line, but they are still a financial document and should be handled carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Bank of America?

Some branches accept credit cards for money order purchases, but policies vary. Call your branch before you go to confirm whether they take credit cards. Many branches prefer cash or debit cards to reduce fraud risk.

What is the maximum amount for a Bank of America money order?

Bank of America typically issues money orders up to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can purchase multiple money orders. Some other providers like the postal service have the same $1,000 limit.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if you have not given it to anyone yet. Bring the money order and your receipt back to the branch where you bought it. Bank of America will cancel it and refund your money minus a cancellation fee, which is usually around $15. This fee makes cancellation expensive, so only do it if necessary.

How long does it take for a money order to clear?

Money orders clear much faster than personal checks — usually within one to three business days once the recipient deposits or cashes it. The recipient's bank processes it quickly because money orders are prepaid and backed by the issuer.

What if I lost my money order receipt?

Contact the Bank of America branch where you bought it and provide as much information as you remember — the amount, the recipient's name, and the approximate date. They can look up the money order number in their system and help you request a replacement, though this process takes longer than having the receipt.