Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online

Chase stopped offering money orders to customers several years ago. If you have a Chase account and need a money order, you will have to go elsewhere — Chase will not issue one for you, even if you are a long-standing customer or have a high account balance.

This is a permanent policy, not a temporary shortage. Chase made the decision to discontinue the service across all of its branches nationwide. The bank does not direct customers to a specific alternative, so you will need to find another source on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not issue money orders under any circumstances, and this policy applies to all customers regardless of account type or history.
  • Walmart, grocery stores, and post offices typically sell money orders for $1 to $5 per order, depending on the amount and location.
  • Western Union and MoneyGram locations, often found inside retail stores, also sell money orders and may have extended hours.
  • If you need a money order urgently, check which retailers near you are open now rather than waiting for a bank branch to open.

Where to buy a money order instead

The most common places to get a money order are Walmart, grocery store chains, and the U.S. Postal Service. Walmart locations typically sell money orders for amounts up to $1,000 and charge a flat fee (usually under $1 for amounts under $1,000). Most grocery stores with customer service desks offer the same service at similar prices.

The post office sells money orders up to $1,000 each and charges based on the amount — typically $1.45 to $2.00 per order depending on the value. You can walk in without an appointment, and many post offices have extended hours or Saturday service.

Western Union and MoneyGram are payment networks that operate through thousands of retail locations — drugstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. You can find a nearby location on their websites. These services often charge more than Walmart or the post office but may have locations open later or on days when other options are closed.

What you need to bring

You will need cash or a debit card to buy a money order. Most retailers do not accept credit cards for money order purchases. Bring the exact amount or slightly more to cover both the money order value and the fee.

You do not need to be a customer of any bank or service to buy a money order. You do not need a Chase account, a Walmart membership, or anything else — just the money and a valid ID in most cases. Some locations may ask for ID to prevent fraud, but this is not universal.

How much a money order costs

The fee for a money order varies by location and the amount you are ordering. At Walmart, the fee is typically under $1 for orders under $1,000. At the post office, fees range from about $1.45 to $2.00 depending on whether you are sending it domestically or internationally. Western Union and MoneyGram fees are usually higher — often $2 to $5 or more — because they are designed for sending money to other people rather than paying bills.

The money order itself is the amount you write on it, separate from the fee. If you need a $500 money order, you will pay $500 plus the fee (usually $1 to $2). The recipient receives the full $500; the fee is what you pay the issuer.

Why Chase stopped selling money orders

Banks have been discontinuing money orders for years because fewer people use them. Digital payments, bill pay through bank accounts, and apps like Venmo have replaced money orders for most transactions. The cost of processing and issuing them no longer makes sense for large banks, so Chase and many others have phased them out.

Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes still offer money orders, but you cannot count on it. If you have accounts at multiple institutions, it is worth calling ahead to ask before making a trip.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is useful when you need to send money to someone who does not have a bank account, when you want a paper record of payment, or when the recipient requires it. For most other situations, there are faster and cheaper alternatives.

If you are paying a bill, your bank's bill pay service is free and faster. If you are sending money to someone you know, Venmo, PayPal, or a wire transfer through your bank is usually quicker. If you are paying rent or a security deposit, ask the landlord or property manager whether they accept bank transfers, checks, or ACH payments before you buy a money order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a money order at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs only dispense cash and accept deposits. They do not issue money orders. You will need to visit a physical location that sells them, such as Walmart, a grocery store, or the post office.

Does Chase offer any alternative to a money order?

Chase offers bill pay through its online banking platform, which is free and works for most bills. You can also request a cashier's check at a Chase branch, though this requires a Chase account and may take a few business days. For immediate needs, a money order from another source is faster.

What if I need a money order for more than $1,000?

Most retailers sell money orders up to $1,000 each. If you need more, you can buy multiple money orders. For very large amounts, a cashier's check from a bank or a wire transfer through your bank account is usually a better option.

Can I buy a money order online and pick it up at Chase?

No. Chase does not sell money orders online or in branches. You must go to a retailer that actually issues them, such as Walmart, the post office, or a Western Union location.

Is a money order safer than cash?

Yes. A money order is a paper document with a tracking number, so if it is lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement. Cash cannot be replaced. The recipient also has proof of payment. This is why landlords and government agencies often require money orders instead of cash.