Chase money order fees vary by location and how you buy them
Chase does not sell money orders at all branches, and the ones that do charge between $5 and $10 per money order. The exact price depends on your branch location and whether you are a Chase customer. Some branches have stopped offering them entirely, so you need to call ahead or visit in person to confirm availability before you go.
If your branch does not carry them, you have other options: grocery stores, convenience stores, and post offices often sell money orders for $1 to $3 each. Western Union and MoneyGram also sell them at thousands of locations, usually for $2 to $5 depending on the amount and where you buy. For most people, these alternatives are cheaper and more convenient than Chase.
Key Takeaways
- Chase money order fees range from $5 to $10, but not every branch sells them—call your local branch first to confirm.
- Chase customers and non-customers may pay different prices at the same branch, though this varies by location.
- The US Postal Service, grocery stores, and convenience stores typically charge $1 to $3 per money order and are widely available.
- Western Union and MoneyGram locations charge $2 to $5 and operate at thousands of retail outlets nationwide.
- Money orders are useful for paying bills or sending money when you do not want to use a check or give out your bank account number.
Why Chase charges more than other places
Banks charge more for money orders than post offices or retailers because they treat it as a service for account holders, not a core business. Chase makes money primarily from deposits, loans, and investment products. A money order is a low-margin transaction that takes teller time, so they price it accordingly.
Grocery stores and convenience stores use money orders as a traffic driver—they want you in the store, hoping you will buy other things. The post office is a government service with different cost structures. Western Union and MoneyGram operate on volume and make money from currency exchange and transfer fees, not from the money order itself.
How to learn about your Chase branch has them
Call your local Chase branch directly. Ask whether they sell money orders, what the fee is, and whether the fee differs for account holders versus non-customers. Some branches have a dedicated teller line; others route you to customer service. Having your branch number ready (it appears on your debit card or in the Chase app) speeds up the call.
You can also visit the branch in person during business hours. Bring a valid ID and enough cash or a debit card to cover the money order amount plus the fee. If the branch does not have them, ask the teller where the nearest location is that does—they often know.
What you need to buy a money order at Chase
You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You must know the exact amount you want the money order for, and you need the name of the person or business it is going to. The teller will fill in the payee name, amount, and your information as the purchaser.
You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a check drawn on your Chase account. Some branches may require you to be a Chase customer, though this is not universal. Ask when you call whether you can buy one as a non-customer, because policies vary by location.
Cheaper alternatives to Chase money orders
| Provider | Typical Fee | Where to Buy | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Postal Service | $1.45 to $2.00 | Post offices nationwide | Same day |
| Walmart | $0.88 to $1.25 | Customer service desk | Same day |
| CVS or Walgreens | $1.25 to $1.50 | Pharmacy counter | Same day |
| Western Union | $2 to $5 | Thousands of retail locations | Same day |
| MoneyGram | $2 to $5 | Thousands of retail locations | Same day |
Walmart and grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons often have the lowest fees. Walmart's money order fee is under $1.25 for amounts up to $1,000, making it the cheapest option for most people. Post offices charge slightly more but are available in nearly every town.
If you need to send money to someone out of state or internationally, Western Union and MoneyGram offer options that a standard money order does not. But for local or domestic payments, the post office or a grocery store will save you money and time.
When a money order makes sense versus other payment methods
Use a money order when the recipient does not accept checks, you do not want to give out your bank account number, or you need a paper record of payment. Money orders are useful for rent, security deposits, court fees, and payments to small businesses that do not take cards. They are also safer than sending cash through the mail.
If you are paying a bill online, use your bank's bill pay feature instead—it is free and faster. If you are sending money to someone you know, consider a peer transfer app like Venmo or PayPal, which are instant and free between friends. If you need to send money internationally, a wire transfer or money transfer service will be more reliable than a money order.
What happens after you buy a money order
The teller will give you the money order and a receipt. Write the recipient's name in the payee line if it is not already filled in. Do not sign it until the person receiving it is ready to cash it. Keep the receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to trace it or file a claim.
Money orders can be mailed, hand-delivered, or deposited into a bank account. If you mail it, use tracking or send it in an envelope with other documents so it does not look like cash. If the money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, you can file a claim with Chase using the receipt and serial number, though this process takes time and requires proof of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at Chase if I do not have an account there?
Some branches will sell to non-customers, but policies vary by location. Call your local branch to ask. If they refuse, the post office or a grocery store will sell you one without requiring an account anywhere.
What is the maximum amount for a Chase money order?
Chase typically allows money orders up to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders, though this increases your total fee. Check with your branch for their specific limit.
How long does it take to get a money order at Chase?
If the branch has them in stock, the transaction takes 5 to 10 minutes. If they have to order them, it may take a few days. Call ahead to confirm availability so you do not make a trip for nothing.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Bring the receipt and the money order to the branch where you bought it. Chase will charge a cancellation fee (usually $15 to $20) and refund the remainder. This is why keeping your receipt is important.
Is a money order safer than a check?
Money orders are slightly safer because they cannot bounce—the funds are already paid. Checks can be forged or returned for insufficient funds. However, money orders can still be lost or stolen before they are cashed, so treat them like cash and keep them secure.