Chase Bank does not issue money orders at its branches or through its online banking platform

Chase stopped offering money orders at most of its locations years ago and has not reinstated the service. If you need a money order, you will have to go elsewhere — but you have several straightforward options that take minutes to complete.

The most common places to buy money orders are grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices. Many Chase customers find it easiest to buy one while running other errands, since these locations are widely available and the process is fast. You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order anywhere; you only need cash or a debit card and a valid ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Bank branches do not sell money orders, so you will need to visit a different business to buy one.
  • The U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies all sell money orders for a small fee, usually between $1 and $5.
  • You can buy a money order in person with cash or a debit card and a valid ID; the process typically takes five to ten minutes.
  • Money orders are useful when you need to send payment by mail but do not want to send a personal check or cash.

Where Chase customers typically buy money orders

The U.S. Postal Service is the most common choice for money orders. Post offices are located in nearly every town and city, and postal money orders are widely recognized. The fee is usually $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $1.95 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000. You can buy one at any post office window during business hours.

Walmart sells money orders at its customer service desk in most stores. The fee is typically $0.88 for any amount up to $1,000. Many people choose Walmart because the fee is lower than the post office and because Walmart locations often have longer hours, including evenings and weekends.

Grocery stores and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also sell money orders, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm your nearest store offers them. Fees usually range from $1 to $3 depending on the amount and the store.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

You will need a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The seller will check this to confirm your identity before issuing the money order.

You will also need cash or a debit card to pay for the money order and its fee. Most locations accept both, though some smaller stores may accept only cash. If you are paying by debit card, the transaction will appear on your Chase account statement just like any other debit card purchase.

Have the recipient's name ready. You will write the recipient's name on the money order at the time of purchase, so you need to know exactly how they want their name spelled. The sender's name (you) is also required on the money order.

How much a money order costs

The fee for a money order depends on where you buy it and the amount. The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for up to $500 and $1.95 for $500.01 to $1,000. Walmart charges $0.88 for any amount up to $1,000. Grocery stores and pharmacies typically charge between $1 and $3.

The amount you can send in a single money order varies by location. Most places allow up to $1,000 per money order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it can be traced and replaced if lost. Unlike a personal check, a money order does not require the recipient to have a bank account. The recipient can cash it at a bank, post office, or check-cashing service.

A money order is also more find than a check because the sender must pay the full amount upfront. The recipient knows the money is good when they receive it, so there is no risk of a bounced payment. This is why landlords, utility companies, and government agencies often request money orders instead of checks.

If you are sending money to someone you know and trust, a bank transfer through your Chase account may be faster and cheaper. Chase allows you to send money to other people through its mobile app or online banking at no cost if you have their bank account information. However, if the recipient does not have a bank account or you do not have their banking details, a money order is a practical choice.

How to fill out a money order

When you buy the money order, the seller will give you a form to complete. You will write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Write the name exactly as the recipient wants it — if they go by a nickname but their legal name is different, use their legal name.

On the "From" or "Purchaser" line, write your own name and address. This information identifies you as the sender. Some money orders also have a space for a memo or reference number; you can leave this blank or write a note like "Rent for January" so the recipient knows what the payment is for.

Keep your receipt. The receipt shows the money order number and amount. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you will need the receipt number to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most places that sell money orders accept debit cards, including the post office, Walmart, and pharmacies. The transaction will appear on your Chase account statement. Some smaller locations may accept only cash, so it is worth calling ahead if you prefer to pay with a card.

What if I lose a money order before I send it?

Contact the place where you bought it with your receipt and the money order number. Most sellers will issue a replacement or refund, though the process may take several weeks. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Can the recipient cash a money order at a Chase branch?

Yes. Chase branches will cash money orders for customers and non-customers. The recipient should bring the money order and a valid ID. Some branches may charge a small fee for non-customers, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm.

Is there a limit to how much I can send in a money order?

Most sellers limit a single money order to $1,000. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders. There is no daily or monthly limit on how many you can purchase.

How long does it take for a money order to arrive in the mail?

A money order travels through the mail at the same speed as a regular letter, usually three to five business days depending on distance. Once the recipient receives it, they can cash it when ready at a bank, post office, or check-cashing service.