Bank of America sells money orders at most branches, but not all locations carry them and fees vary by branch

Bank of America does issue money orders, though the process and cost depend on which branch you visit and whether you have an account there. Not every Bank of America location stocks money orders — smaller branches or those in rural areas may not carry them. You'll need to call your local branch first to confirm they have them in stock and ask about their current fee, which typically ranges but is not fixed across all locations.

If your branch does carry money orders, you can purchase them in person during business hours. You'll need a valid government-issued ID and the funds to cover both the money order amount and the fee. Bank of America customers may pay a lower fee than non-customers, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Bank of America branch before visiting to confirm they stock money orders and ask their current fee.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued ID and enough cash or funds to cover the money order amount plus the fee.
  • Bank of America account holders sometimes pay less than non-customers, but fees are set by individual branches, not the bank as a whole.
  • If your branch doesn't carry money orders, the teller can direct you to the nearest location that does or suggest alternatives like a cashier's check.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will not issue a money order without it. You'll also need the cash or debit card to pay for the money order itself plus the fee.

Have the recipient's name ready. You'll write it on the money order at the counter, so you don't need it in advance, but knowing it speeds up the transaction. If you're unsure of the exact name or spelling, ask the recipient to confirm before you go to the branch.

Fees and what they cover

Bank of America money order fees are not set by the bank's corporate office — each branch sets its own fee within a range. This means the cost at one branch may differ from another branch across town. Fees are typically modest (usually under $10 for a standard money order), but calling ahead prevents surprises at the counter.

The fee covers the cost of the money order itself and the teller's time to issue it. Once you've paid the fee and the money order amount, the transaction is complete. You receive the money order, and the funds are deducted from your account or payment method immediately.

When Bank of America branches don't carry money orders

Smaller branches, particularly in rural areas or inside other businesses, may not stock money orders. If your branch doesn't have them, the teller can tell you which nearby Bank of America location does carry them. You can then visit that branch instead.

If no nearby Bank of America branch carries money orders, ask the teller about alternatives. Many Bank of America customers use a cashier's check instead, which serves the same purpose and is issued at virtually every branch. Cashier's checks cost more than money orders but offer the same security and proof of payment. You could also visit a grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing service in your area — many of these retailers sell money orders for lower fees than banks.

How to fill out your Bank of America money order

The teller will hand you a blank money order form. You'll write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Write clearly and use the exact name the recipient provided — misspellings can cause problems when they try to cash it.

On the "From" or "Purchaser" line, write your own name and address. This identifies you as the buyer and allows the recipient to contact you if there's a problem. Do not leave this blank. Sign the money order where indicated — your signature is required for it to be valid. Once you've filled it out and signed it, the money order is ready to send or deliver.

Tracking and replacing a lost money order

When the teller issues your money order, you'll receive a receipt. Keep this receipt — it contains a tracking number that identifies your specific money order. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can use this number to request a replacement or refund from Bank of America.

To replace a lost money order, contact the branch where you purchased it and bring your receipt. The process typically takes several weeks because the bank must verify that the original money order was never cashed. During this time, the recipient cannot cash the original. If the original is later found and cashed anyway, you could face a problem, so notify the recipient immediately if a money order goes missing.

Bank of America money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is useful when the recipient needs proof of payment or when you don't want to send cash or a personal check. Bank of America money orders work the same way as money orders from other sources — they're a may provide payment backed by the bank, so the recipient knows the funds are real.

A cashier's check is similar but costs more and is issued only by banks. A wire transfer is faster but more expensive and requires the recipient's bank account details. A personal check is free but offers no may provide of funds. For small payments under $1,000, a money order is often the cheapest secure option. For larger amounts, a cashier's check or wire transfer may make more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Bank of America account to buy a money order there?

No, you do not need an account. Non-customers can purchase money orders at Bank of America branches, though they may pay a higher fee than account holders. Call ahead to ask about the non-customer fee at your local branch.

What's the maximum amount for a Bank of America money order?

Most money orders have a limit of $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can purchase multiple money orders or consider a cashier's check or wire transfer instead. Ask your teller what the limit is at your branch.

Can I buy a money order online from Bank of America?

Bank of America does not sell money orders online. You must visit a branch in person with a valid ID. Some online services sell money orders, but they typically mail them to you, which takes several days.

What if I made a mistake on the money order?

Do not cross out or write over a mistake on a money order — this makes it invalid. Return to the branch with your receipt and ask for a replacement. The teller will issue a new money order at no additional charge if the error was their fault.

How long does it take for a money order to clear?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes a Bank of America money order, it typically clears within one to three business days, depending on their bank. Money orders are treated like cashier's checks, so they clear faster than personal checks.