Chase offers money orders at most branches, but availability and fees vary by location

Yes, Chase Bank branches do sell money orders. You can walk into most Chase locations and purchase one at the teller window. However, not every branch carries them, and the cost depends on the amount and your account type. Some branches may require you to order them in advance, especially for larger quantities.

Money orders from Chase are useful when you need a secure payment method that doesn't require sharing your bank account number — for rent, utility deposits, or sending money to someone you don't fully trust. They're also accepted nearly everywhere checks are accepted, and they clear faster than personal checks in many cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase sells money orders at teller windows during business hours, but you should call your branch first to confirm they have them in stock.
  • The fee for a Chase money order is typically $5 to $10 depending on the amount, though some account holders may pay less or nothing.
  • You need cash, a debit card, or a withdrawal from your Chase account to pay for a money order — you cannot charge it to a credit card.
  • Money orders from Chase are capped at $1,000 per order, so you'll need multiple orders for larger amounts.
  • If your branch doesn't have money orders in stock, you can often get them from grocery stores, Walmart, or the post office as an alternative.

What you need to buy a Chase money order

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need the funds to pay for the money order itself plus the fee. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or by withdrawing from your Chase checking or savings account at the teller window.

Have the recipient's name ready. You'll fill in who the money order is payable to, and you can add a memo line if needed. If you're sending it to a business, use their legal business name. For individuals, use their full name as they would sign it.

Chase money order fees and limits

Chase typically charges between $5 and $10 per money order, depending on the amount. Some Chase checking accounts — particularly premium or business accounts — may waive the fee entirely or charge less. Call your branch to ask what your account qualifies for.

Each money order is limited to $1,000. If you need to send $2,500, you'll purchase three separate money orders and pay three separate fees. This adds up quickly, so for large amounts, a cashier's check (which Chase also offers) may be cheaper and more practical.

How to get a money order at Chase

Call your local Chase branch during business hours and ask if they have money orders available. Some branches keep them on hand; others order them as needed and may ask you to come back the next day. This call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Go to the branch with your ID and funds. Tell the teller you want a money order, provide the recipient's name and the amount, and pay the fee. The teller will fill it out, give you the original to send, and keep a receipt for your records. The whole process takes about five minutes.

When a Chase money order might not be your best option

If you need to send more than $1,000, a cashier's check is often better. Chase cashier's checks typically cost $10 and have no amount limit. You can also write multiple money orders, but the fees add up.

If you need the money order immediately and your branch doesn't have them in stock, Walmart, grocery stores, and the post office sell them on the spot. Walmart and most grocery stores charge $1 to $3 per money order, which is cheaper than Chase. The post office charges around $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount.

For regular bill payments, online bill pay through your Chase account is free and requires no trip to the branch. If the recipient doesn't accept electronic payments, a money order is necessary, but for routine payments, bill pay is simpler.

How to track or replace a Chase money order

Keep your receipt. It contains the money order number and amount. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can contact Chase with your receipt and request a replacement or refund. This process can take several weeks because Chase has to verify the original money order was never cashed.

If the recipient says they never received it, ask them to check with their bank — money orders sometimes take a few business days to clear. If it's been more than two weeks and they still haven't received it, file a claim with Chase using your receipt number.

Alternatives to Chase money orders

If Chase doesn't have money orders available or the fee is too high, you have other options. Walmart and most grocery stores sell money orders for $1 to $3, with no account required. The post office sells them for around $1.45 to $2.00. Both are available during store hours and don't require advance notice.

For larger amounts, ask Chase about a cashier's check instead. It's a check drawn on the bank's own account, so it's may provide to clear. The fee is similar to a money order, but there's no $1,000 limit per check.

If you have a Chase account and the recipient also banks with Chase, you can transfer money directly for free using Chase QuickPay or Zelle. This is the fastest and cheapest option if both parties are set up to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chase money order without a bank account?

Yes. You don't need to be a Chase customer. Bring a valid ID and cash or a debit card, and you can purchase a money order at any Chase branch that sells them. Non-customers may face the standard fee with no discounts.

What's the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?

A money order is limited to $1,000 per order and is typically used for smaller payments. A cashier's check has no amount limit, costs about the same, and is drawn directly on the bank's account. For amounts over $1,000, a cashier's check is simpler because you only need one check instead of multiple money orders.

Can I get a refund if I buy a Chase money order and don't use it?

Yes, but you'll lose the fee. Bring the unused money order and your receipt to the branch, and they'll refund the amount minus the $5 to $10 fee. Some branches may require you to wait a certain period before refunding, so ask when you purchase it.

How long does a Chase money order take to clear?

Money orders typically clear within one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank. They're faster than personal checks but slower than electronic transfers. The recipient's bank processes them like checks, so timing depends on their institution's policies.

Can I use a credit card to pay for a Chase money order?

No. Chase requires cash, a debit card, or a withdrawal from your Chase account. Credit cards are not accepted for money order purchases at the teller window.