Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online

Chase stopped offering money orders years ago and does not currently sell them through any channel — not at teller windows, not through the mail, and not through its website or mobile app. If you need a money order, you will have to get one from another source.

This is a hard stop, not a policy that varies by branch or account type. Every Chase location operates under the same rule. The bank has moved away from paper-based payment products in favor of digital transfers, bill pay, and wire services, which it does offer to customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not issue money orders under any circumstances, regardless of whether you hold an account there.
  • Grocery stores, convenience stores, and post offices sell money orders for $1 to $5 per order, depending on the amount and location.
  • Western Union and MoneyGram operate kiosks in retail locations and can issue money orders within minutes.
  • If you have a Chase account, you can use Chase bill pay to send a check electronically to most payees, which is faster and does not require leaving home.
  • Money orders are useful when the recipient does not accept digital payments or when you need a receipt showing payment was made.

Where to buy a money order instead

The easiest places to get a money order are grocery stores, drugstores, and convenience stores. Walmart, Target, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and most local supermarkets sell them at customer service desks. You walk in, tell the cashier the amount you need, hand over cash or a debit card, and walk out with the money order in minutes.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office. Fees are lower than at retail locations — typically under $2 for amounts up to $500 — but post offices have limited hours and you may wait in line. Western Union and MoneyGram operate kiosks in Walmart, grocery stores, and other retail chains and can issue a money order on the spot, though their fees run higher than USPS or grocery stores.

Fees vary by location and amount. A money order for $100 might cost $1.25 at a grocery store, $1.45 at USPS, or $3 to $5 at a Western Union kiosk. Call ahead or check the store's website if you want to know the exact fee before you go.

Using Chase bill pay as an alternative

If the person or business you are paying accepts checks, Chase bill pay is often faster and more convenient than a money order. You log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, enter the payee's name and address, and Chase mails a check on your behalf. The check arrives in 3 to 5 business days, and you get a confirmation number and tracking information.

Bill pay is free for Chase customers and works for rent, utilities, insurance, medical bills, and most other regular payments. It does not work for payees who require a money order specifically — some landlords, courts, and government agencies still demand one — but for most everyday bills, it is a simpler route than leaving home to buy a money order.

You can also use Chase's wire transfer service to send money directly to another bank account, though wire fees apply (typically $15 to $25 per wire). Wires are faster than checks or money orders but more expensive, so they make sense only when speed matters and the recipient has provided their bank details.

When you actually need a money order

Money orders are still required in specific situations. Courts often demand payment by money order when you are filing a case or paying a fine. Some landlords require a money order for the security deposit or first month's rent. Government agencies — the IRS, state tax offices, motor vehicle departments — sometimes accept only money orders or certified checks, not personal checks or digital payments.

Money orders are also useful when you do not want to give your bank account number to someone you do not fully trust, or when you need proof that payment was received. A money order receipt shows the amount, the date, and the payee, and you can track it if it goes missing in the mail.

If you are paying a bill to a company or utility, call first and ask what payment methods they accept. Many will take a credit card, debit card, ACH transfer, or online payment now, even if their website lists money order as an option. You may not need one at all.

How to fill out a money order correctly

When you buy a money order, the cashier will ask you for the payee's name — the person or business the money order is for. Write this name clearly in the "Pay to the Order of" field. Do not leave this blank or write it in later; the money order is not valid without a payee name.

Write the amount in both the number box and the words line. Sign the money order in the "Purchaser" or "From" section. Do not sign the back; that is for the person who receives it. Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed or deposited, in case you need to report it as lost or dispute it later.

If you make a mistake, ask the cashier for a new one. Do not cross out or white-out a money order; it will not be accepted. Most retailers will issue a replacement at no extra charge if the error was theirs, but if you made the mistake, you may lose the fee.

What to do if you need to cancel or replace a money order

If you lose a money order or send it to the wrong address, you can request a replacement, but the process takes time and requires proof. Contact the issuer — the store, post office, or Western Union location where you bought it — and provide your receipt. They will ask you to fill out a form and may charge a fee (usually $15 to $30) to research whether the money order was cashed.

If the money order has not been cashed, the issuer will issue a replacement. If it has been cashed, you cannot recover the money; the recipient has already received it. This is why keeping your receipt is critical, and why you should confirm the payee name and address before you hand over cash.

If you bought the money order from a grocery store or convenience store and it was never cashed, go back to that location with your receipt. They can often issue a replacement on the spot. For USPS money orders, you will need to contact the post office or file a claim online through USPS Informed Delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Chase or anywhere else?

Most places that sell money orders accept cash and debit cards but not credit cards. Some grocery stores and Western Union locations may accept credit cards, but fees often apply. Call ahead to confirm. Chase does not sell money orders regardless of payment method.

Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?

Yes. A money order is traceable and can be replaced if lost. Cash cannot. If you need to send payment by mail, a money order is much safer. Keep your receipt and note the money order number in case you need to file a claim.

Can I deposit a money order into my Chase account?

Yes. You can deposit a money order at a Chase ATM using mobile deposit, or you can take it to a branch and deposit it at the teller window. Mobile deposit is faster — the funds typically appear in your account within one business day.

What is the maximum amount for a money order?

Most money orders have a limit of $500 to $1,000 per order, depending on the issuer. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders. USPS allows up to $1,000 per money order; grocery stores and Western Union vary.

Do I need a Chase account to use Chase bill pay?

Yes, you must be a Chase customer with an active checking or savings account to use bill pay. If you do not have a Chase account, you can still buy a money order at a grocery store, post office, or Western Union location without any account.