Chase Bank does not issue money orders at its branches
Chase stopped offering money orders at most of its locations several years ago. If you need a money order, you will have to get one elsewhere — Chase does not sell them in branches, through its website, or by mail.
This is a permanent policy, not a temporary shortage. Chase made this decision to streamline branch operations and reduce the services it handles in-house. The bank still cashes money orders that other institutions have issued, but it does not create new ones.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches do not issue money orders, and the bank has no plans to resume offering them.
- You can still cash a money order at Chase if another institution issued it, though you may need to be a customer.
- Grocery stores, Walmart, Western Union locations, and the U.S. Postal Service all sell money orders for a small fee.
- Money order fees vary by issuer and amount, typically ranging from $1 to $5 for smaller orders.
- If you have a Chase account, you can also send money to others through Chase QuickPay or other digital transfer services instead.
Where to buy a money order instead
The most common places to buy a money order are the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery store customer service desks, and Western Union agents. All of these sell money orders to anyone with cash or a debit card, and the process takes just a few minutes.
The U.S. Postal Service charges a flat fee based on the amount: typically $1.45 for orders up to $500 and $1.95 for orders from $500.01 to $1,000. Walmart charges $0.70 to $1.48 depending on the amount. Grocery stores and Western Union locations set their own fees, which usually fall between $1 and $5.
If you are already at a grocery store or Walmart for other reasons, buying a money order there is often faster than making a separate trip to the post office. Most locations are open during standard business hours, and some Walmart locations are open 24 hours.
How to cash a money order at Chase
If someone has sent you a money order, you can cash it at a Chase branch. You will need to bring the money order itself and a valid photo ID. Chase may ask for your account number if you are a customer, though non-customers can usually cash money orders as well.
The teller will verify that the money order is legitimate and that it has not already been cashed. This verification can take a few minutes. Once cleared, the funds are available when ready — you can take cash or deposit it into a Chase account if you have one.
Some Chase branches may decline to cash a money order if it is damaged, altered, or if the issuer is not recognized. If this happens, you can contact the original issuer to request a replacement.
Digital alternatives to money orders through Chase
If you are sending money to someone and want to avoid a money order entirely, Chase offers several digital options. Chase QuickPay lets you send money to anyone with an email address or phone number, and the recipient can pick it up at a Chase branch or have it deposited into their bank account.
Chase also offers Zelle, which is a real-time payment service that moves money between bank accounts when ready. Zelle works with most major banks, so the recipient does not need a Chase account. Both services are free for Chase customers and faster than a money order.
If the recipient does not have a bank account or email, a money order from the post office or Walmart remains the most straightforward option. These methods do not require the recipient to have any account or technology access.
Why Chase stopped issuing money orders
Chase eliminated money orders as part of a broader shift toward digital banking. Money orders require manual processing, verification, and record-keeping — tasks that are more expensive and time-consuming than digital transfers.
The decline in money order use has also played a role. Fewer customers request them each year as digital payment methods become standard. By discontinuing the service, Chase freed up teller time and reduced the complexity of branch operations.
This decision reflects a wider industry trend: most large banks have stopped issuing money orders in recent years. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may still offer them, but the major national chains have largely moved away from the service.
Money order fees and limits across issuers
| Issuer | Fee Range | Maximum Amount | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service | $1.45–$1.95 | $1,000 | Post offices |
| Walmart | $0.70–$1.48 | $1,000 | Walmart locations |
| Western Union | $1–$5 | Varies by location | Western Union agents |
| Grocery stores | $1–$3 | Usually $1,000 | Customer service desk |
If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders or use a wire transfer instead. Wire transfers through Chase cost between $15 and $30 depending on whether the recipient banks domestically or internationally, but they can handle larger amounts in a single transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a money order online from Chase?
No. Chase does not offer money orders through its website, mobile app, or by mail. You will need to purchase one from another issuer such as the post office, Walmart, or a grocery store.
Will Chase cash a money order from any issuer?
Chase will cash most money orders from recognized issuers like the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, and Western Union. If the money order is damaged, altered, or from an unknown issuer, the branch may refuse to cash it and direct you to contact the original issuer instead.
Is there a fee to cash a money order at Chase?
No. Chase does not charge a fee to cash a money order at its branches. The fee you pay is only to the original issuer when you purchase the money order.
What if I need to send money to someone without a bank account?
A money order from the post office or Walmart is still a good option for someone without a bank account. You can also ask if they have access to a prepaid debit card, which can receive digital transfers from Chase QuickPay or other services.
Can I get a refund if I bought a money order at the wrong amount?
Yes, but the process varies by issuer. The U.S. Postal Service will refund or reissue a money order if you bring the original receipt and the unused money order. Walmart and other retailers have similar policies, though fees may not be refunded. Contact the issuer directly with your receipt to start the process.