Yes, most banks issue money orders, but not all, and the process varies by bank
Many banks do issue money orders, but it is not automatic. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase offer them at most branches, though some smaller branches or banks may not stock them. Credit unions often issue money orders too, though again, not every location carries them. The fastest way to know is to call your branch directly—do not assume based on the bank's name or size.
When a bank does issue money orders, you pay a fee (typically $5 to $10 per order, depending on the bank and the amount), and the bank prints the order with your account information. The money comes directly out of your account, just like writing a check. You get a receipt with a tracking number so you can confirm delivery later if needed.
If your bank does not issue money orders or you do not have a bank account, other places do: post offices, check-cashing stores, grocery stores with money services, and Walmart. Each has different fees and hours, so the choice depends on what is convenient for you and what you are trying to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before you go—not all branches stock money orders, even at large banks.
- Bank money orders typically cost $5 to $10 per order and draw directly from your checking account.
- You receive a receipt with a tracking number that lets you confirm the money order was cashed.
- If your bank does not offer them, the post office, Walmart, and check-cashing stores are common alternatives.
- Money orders are safer than cash for paying bills or sending money to someone you do not know, because they can be cancelled if lost or stolen.
How a bank money order works step by step
You walk into your bank branch with the amount you want to send and the name of the person or business receiving it. You give this information to a teller, who fills out the money order form (or you fill it out yourself, depending on the bank). The teller then takes the money from your account—either by debit card, check, or directly from your account if you are a customer—and issues the money order.
The money order shows the payee name (who receives it), the amount, your name as the purchaser, and a serial number. You get a receipt with a matching serial number. The recipient then takes the money order to their bank or a check-cashing location to deposit or cash it, just like a check. The money order clears within a few business days, depending on where it is deposited.
If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can contact the bank with your receipt and serial number to cancel it and get a refund. This is why the receipt matters—keep it until you confirm the money order was cashed.
Bank fees and limits on money orders
Bank fees for money orders range from about $5 to $10 per order, though some banks charge less for customers with certain account types or higher balances. A few banks offer one or two assistance programs orders per month as part of premium checking accounts, so ask if that applies to you.
Most banks do not have a hard limit on how many money orders you can buy, but some may flag large or frequent purchases as unusual activity. If you need to send a very large amount, a single money order may not be practical—many banks cap individual money orders at $1,000, though some go higher. For amounts above that, you may need multiple money orders or a different payment method like a cashier's check or wire transfer.
Why use a bank money order instead of other options
A bank money order is safer than cash because it cannot be spent by someone who finds it—only the named payee can cash it. It is also safer than a personal check if you are paying someone you do not know well, because the money is already deducted from your account when the money order is issued. There is no risk of the check bouncing.
A bank money order is also traceable. You have a receipt with a serial number, so you can confirm later that the recipient cashed it. If there is a dispute about whether payment was received, you have proof. With cash, you have nothing.
The downside is the fee and the time it takes. A wire transfer is faster if the recipient's bank accepts it, and a cashier's check (also issued by banks) works similarly to a money order but may cost less or be free depending on your account. For very large amounts or time-sensitive payments, those might be better choices.
What to do if your bank does not issue money orders
If your bank does not stock money orders or does not offer them to non-customers, you have several alternatives. The U.S. Postal Service issues money orders at any post office, with fees ranging from about $1.45 to $2.45 depending on the amount. Post offices are open during business hours and some have extended Saturday hours.
Walmart and other grocery stores with money services (like Kroger or Safeway) issue money orders for roughly $0.70 to $1.25 per order, making them cheaper than banks or the post office. Hours are usually longer than banks, including evenings and weekends.
Check-cashing stores also issue money orders, typically for $1 to $5 per order depending on the amount. These are useful if you need cash at the same time, since check-cashing stores do both. However, fees at check-cashing stores are often higher than at the post office or Walmart, so compare before you go.
Money orders versus cashier's checks from a bank
A cashier's check is similar to a money order but issued by a bank on the bank's own account rather than yours. Both are safer than personal checks because the money is may provide. The main differences are cost, amount, and speed.
Cashier's checks typically cost $10 to $15 per check and have no upper limit on the amount—you can write one for $50,000 if you need to. Money orders usually cost less but cap out at $1,000 per order. Cashier's checks take longer to issue (the teller has to process it through the bank's system) but are more widely accepted for large transactions, like real estate closings or car purchases.
For everyday bills or sending money to someone, a money order is usually faster and cheaper. For large amounts or formal transactions, a cashier's check is the better choice.
How to track a money order after you send it
Keep your receipt. It has the serial number of the money order, which is the only way to track it. Once you hand the money order to the recipient or mail it, you can call your bank with the serial number to confirm whether it has been cashed. The bank can tell you the date it cleared and which branch or location cashed it.
If the money order has not been cashed within a reasonable time (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the bank), you can contact the bank to cancel it and request a refund. You will need your receipt and the serial number. The bank may charge a small fee for the cancellation, typically $10 to $15.
If you mailed the money order and it never arrived, the recipient can contact the issuing bank with the serial number to confirm it was never cashed. At that point, you can cancel it and send a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to buy a money order from a bank?
Most banks require you to be a customer to buy a money order. If you do not have a bank account, the post office, Walmart, and check-cashing stores will sell you one without requiring an account. Call your bank first to confirm their policy.
What happens if I lose a money order before I send it?
Contact your bank immediately with your receipt and serial number. The bank can cancel it and issue a replacement or refund. Do this as soon as you realize it is lost, because if someone else cashes it first, recovery is much harder. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed.
Can I send a money order by mail?
Yes, but it is risky because mail can be lost or stolen. If you mail a money order, send it via certified mail with signature confirmation so you have proof of delivery. Better yet, ask the recipient to pick it up in person or use a faster payment method like a bank transfer if both of you have accounts.
Is there a limit to how much I can send in a single money order?
Most banks cap individual money orders at $1,000, though some allow up to $2,500 or $5,000. Check with your bank. For larger amounts, you can buy multiple money orders or use a cashier's check, wire transfer, or ACH transfer instead.
How long does it take for a money order to clear?
Money orders typically clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits or cashes them, depending on the recipient's bank. The time from when you buy it to when it clears is usually three to five business days total. Wire transfers and ACH transfers are faster if you need the money to move quickly.