Yes, you can deposit money orders into Chase checking accounts
Chase accepts money order deposits into checking accounts through multiple channels: mobile deposit, ATM deposit, and in-person at a branch. The method you choose affects how fast the funds appear in your account and what information you need to provide. Mobile deposit is the fastest and most convenient option for most people, though not all Chase ATMs accept money orders.
Money orders are treated like checks by Chase's deposit system. This means they go through the same verification and clearing process, which typically takes one to two business days. The funds may show as pending immediately after deposit, but won't be available to withdraw or transfer until the money order clears.
Key Takeaways
- Chase mobile deposit is the fastest way to deposit a money order—photograph the front and back, and funds typically clear within one business day.
- Not all Chase ATMs accept money order deposits; check the machine's screen before inserting the money order, or use a branch deposit instead.
- In-person branch deposits may provide acceptance and let you ask questions about holds or timing on the spot.
- Money orders must be made payable to you or your business; Chase will not deposit a money order made out to someone else.
- Endorse the back of the money order with your signature and write your Chase account number below your name before depositing.
Mobile deposit: the fastest method
Chase mobile deposit lets you photograph a money order using the Chase Mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," and take clear photos of both the front and back of the money order. The image must show the entire money order, with all four corners visible and no glare or shadows obscuring the text.
Before you photograph, endorse the back of the money order by signing your name and writing your Chase account number underneath. Chase's system reads this information to route the deposit to the correct account. Submit the photos through the app, and Chase will confirm receipt and provide a reference number.
Funds from mobile deposits typically appear in your account within one business day, though Chase may place a hold on larger amounts. The exact timing depends on when you submit the deposit (deposits submitted after 9 p.m. ET are processed the next business day) and the amount of the money order.
ATM deposit: availability varies by location
Some Chase ATMs accept money order deposits, but not all machines have this capability. When you insert a money order into an ATM that accepts them, the machine scans it and credits your account. The process is similar to depositing a check at an ATM.
Before you attempt an ATM deposit, check the machine's screen menu to see if "deposit checks" or "deposit items" is an option. If the menu does not list this option, the ATM does not accept money orders. You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to confirm whether a specific ATM location accepts money orders.
Money orders deposited at an ATM typically clear within one to two business days. Endorse the back of the money order before inserting it, just as you would for mobile deposit.
In-person branch deposit: may provide acceptance
Walking into a Chase branch with a money order guarantees acceptance and gives you a chance to ask about holds or timing. Bring your debit card or account number, a valid ID, and the money order made payable to you. The teller will endorse the back if you have not already done so, process the deposit, and provide a receipt.
Branch deposits are processed immediately, and funds typically clear within one business day. If you are depositing a large money order or have questions about when the funds will be available, the teller can tell you on the spot whether Chase will place a hold.
Branch hours vary by location. Use the Chase branch locator on Chase.com to find the nearest branch and confirm its hours before you go.
What Chase needs to process your money order deposit
The money order must be made payable to you or to you and another person whose name appears on the account. Chase will not deposit a money order made out to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you. If a money order is made out to another person, that person must deposit it into their own account.
The money order must be blank on the back except for your endorsement. Do not write anything else on the back, and do not use a pen that bleeds through to the front. Your signature and account number are all Chase needs to process the deposit.
The money order must be legible and undamaged. Torn, stained, or faded money orders may be rejected or delayed. If the amount, date, or payee information is unclear, Chase may refuse the deposit or place an extended hold while it verifies the money order with the issuer.
How long money orders take to clear
Chase typically clears money orders within one business day of deposit, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit and the amount. Money orders submitted via mobile deposit after 9 p.m. ET are processed the next business day. ATM and branch deposits submitted during business hours are usually processed the same day.
Larger money orders—generally those over $5,000—may be subject to a hold of up to five business days while Chase verifies the money order with the issuer. Chase will notify you if a hold is placed and when the funds will be available. You can ask a teller about holds when you deposit in person.
If a money order fails to clear—for example, if it was counterfeit or the issuer stops payment—Chase will reverse the deposit and debit your account. This can happen days or weeks after you deposit, so do not spend the funds until you are certain the money order has cleared.
What to do if your money order deposit is rejected
Chase may reject a money order deposit if it is made out to someone other than you, if the endorsement is missing or illegible, if the money order is damaged, or if the issuer stops payment. If your deposit is rejected, Chase will return the money order to you and notify you of the reason.
If the money order was rejected because of a missing or illegible endorsement, sign the back clearly and resubmit it. If it was rejected because the payee name does not match your account, contact the money order issuer to request a replacement made out to you.
If the money order issuer stopped payment or the money order is counterfeit, you will need to contact the issuer directly to resolve the issue. Chase cannot override a stop payment or verify a counterfeit money order on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a money order made out to someone else?
No. Chase requires the money order to be made payable to you or to you and another person on your account. If it is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account, even if they sign it over to you.
How do I know if a Chase ATM accepts money orders?
Check the ATM's menu screen for an option to deposit checks or deposit items. If you do not see this option, the machine does not accept money orders. You can also call Chase customer service to confirm whether a specific ATM location accepts money orders.
What happens if I deposit a counterfeit money order?
Chase will eventually discover the money order is counterfeit during the clearing process and reverse the deposit, debiting your account. This can happen days or weeks after you deposit. Do not spend the funds until the money order has fully cleared.
Can I deposit a money order through Chase's website?
No. Chase only accepts money order deposits through mobile deposit, ATM, or in-person at a branch. You cannot deposit a money order through the Chase website or by mail.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit in a single money order?
Chase does not publish a per-deposit limit for money orders. However, deposits over $5,000 may be subject to a hold of up to five business days while Chase verifies the money order with the issuer.