Chase sells money orders at most branches, but availability and fees vary by location
Yes, you can buy a money order at Chase. Most Chase branches offer them during regular business hours. However, not every branch carries them — smaller locations or those in rural areas may not stock them. Call your local Chase branch before you go, or check online to confirm they have money orders in stock that day.
Chase charges a fee for money orders, typically between $5 and $10 depending on your account type and the amount. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you may pay less than a non-customer. Some account tiers (like Chase Premier Plus) waive the fee entirely. Ask about your specific account when you call.
The money order itself has no maximum limit, but Chase may cap how many you can buy in a single transaction — usually three to five. If you need more, you can make multiple trips or buy them on different days.
Key Takeaways
- Call your Chase branch first to confirm they have money orders available and to learn the exact fee for your account type.
- Chase money order fees range from $5 to $10, but some account holders pay nothing if their account tier includes the waiver.
- You will need a valid ID and cash or a debit card to buy a money order at Chase.
- If your branch does not carry money orders, the teller can direct you to the nearest location that does or suggest an alternative like a cashier's check.
What you need to bring to buy a money order
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not sell you a money order without one. You also need the cash or debit card to pay for the money order plus the fee.
Have the recipient's name ready. You will need to write it on the money order at the counter, so know exactly how they want their name spelled. If you do not know the recipient yet, you can leave that line blank and fill it in later, though some banks discourage this practice for security reasons.
Know the amount you want to send. Money orders are issued for the exact amount you request, so decide beforehand whether you need $500, $1,000, or another figure. You cannot get change back from a money order the way you would from a check.
How the transaction works at the counter
Tell the teller you want to buy a money order and provide the amount. The teller will print it and ask you to sign it. You will also write the recipient's name and, if you know it, their address. Some Chase branches ask you to write the purpose of the money order (like "rent" or "tuition") in a memo line.
The teller will collect payment — cash or a debit card — plus the fee. You will receive the money order and a receipt. Keep the receipt until the recipient confirms they have cashed it. The receipt shows the serial number, which you can use to track the money order if it gets lost or delayed.
The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes if the branch is not busy. If there is a line, allow extra time.
When Chase branches do not have money orders
If your branch does not carry money orders, ask the teller about a cashier's check instead. A cashier's check is similar to a money order but typically used for larger amounts. Chase charges a fee for cashier's checks as well, usually $10 to $15, and the process is the same — you provide the amount, recipient name, and payment.
Another option is to visit a different Chase branch. Use the branch locator on Chase's website or call customer service to find the nearest location that stocks money orders. Some branches in busy areas keep them on hand; quieter branches may order them and ask you to return the next day.
If you cannot reach a Chase branch, you can also buy money orders at grocery stores (like Walmart or Kroger), post offices, or Western Union locations. These often charge $1 to $3 per money order, which is cheaper than Chase, though limits on amount and quantity may differ.
Tracking a money order if it does not arrive
If the recipient says they never got the money order, use your receipt to track it. The receipt has a serial number that identifies your specific money order. Contact Chase with the receipt and serial number, and they can tell you whether it has been cashed.
If it has not been cashed after 30 to 60 days (the timeframe varies), Chase can issue a replacement. You will need to sign an affidavit stating the money order was lost or not received. There may be a small fee for the replacement, typically $15 to $20.
If the money order was cashed but the recipient claims they did not receive it, that is a dispute between you and the recipient — Chase cannot reverse a cashed money order. This is why it is important to confirm with the recipient that they have received and cashed it before you consider the transaction complete.
Money orders versus other payment methods at Chase
| Payment Method | Fee at Chase | Best For | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money Order | $5–$10 | Smaller amounts, recipients without bank accounts | Same day if hand-delivered; 1–3 days by mail |
| Cashier's Check | $10–$15 | Larger amounts, formal transactions | Same day if hand-delivered; 1–3 days by mail |
| Wire Transfer | $15–$30 | Fast, large transfers to bank accounts | Same day, often within hours |
| ACH Transfer | Free | Transfers between bank accounts | 1–3 business days |
If you are sending money to someone with a bank account, an ACH transfer or wire transfer is usually cheaper and faster. Money orders are best when the recipient does not have a bank account, when you need a physical proof of payment, or when the recipient prefers cash-like instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online from Chase?
No. Chase does not sell money orders online or by mail. You must visit a branch in person with a valid ID and payment method. Some third-party services offer online money orders, but they are not affiliated with Chase and may charge higher fees.
What if I do not have a Chase account?
You can still buy a money order at Chase as a non-customer. You will pay the standard fee (usually $10 for non-account holders) and must bring a valid ID and cash or debit card. Some branches may ask additional questions or require more ID verification for non-customers.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Return to the Chase branch with your receipt and ask to cancel it. Chase will refund the amount of the money order but may keep the fee you paid. The process takes a few business days.
Is there a limit on how much a money order can be for?
Money orders themselves have no legal maximum, but Chase may have internal limits. Most banks cap individual money orders at $1,000 to $5,000. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders or use a wire transfer instead.
How long does a money order stay valid?
Money orders do not expire, but some states impose time limits after which you cannot cash them without contacting the issuer. Most money orders remain valid indefinitely. If you are concerned about an old money order, contact Chase with the serial number to confirm its status.