Chase offers money orders at most branches, but not all locations carry them and fees vary by state

Chase Bank sells money orders at many of its branches, though availability depends on your location and the specific branch. You can walk in during business hours, provide cash or a debit card, and receive a money order on the spot. The process takes about 10 minutes. However, not every Chase branch stocks money orders — some smaller locations or those in certain states do not — so calling ahead to confirm is worth the time.

Chase charges a fee for each money order, and that fee is not the same everywhere. The amount depends on which state your branch is in and sometimes on the branch itself. You will pay somewhere between $5 and $10 per money order at most Chase locations, though some branches charge less. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you commit, since it varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Chase branch before you go, because not all locations sell money orders and some have stopped carrying them entirely.
  • Bring cash or a debit card and expect to pay a fee that ranges from about $5 to $10, depending on your state and branch.
  • You will need to know the recipient's name and the exact amount before you reach the teller.
  • Chase money orders are issued on the spot and can be picked up immediately, unlike some other financial services that require waiting.
  • If your branch does not carry money orders, Chase can direct you to another nearby branch that does, or you can use an alternative like a cashier's check or a money order from a grocery store or post office.

What you need to bring to Chase

Bring a valid photo ID and either cash or a debit card. Chase will not issue a money order on a credit card. The teller will ask for the recipient's name and the exact dollar amount you want on the money order before they process it, so have that information ready.

You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order there, though some branches may ask for additional ID if you are not. Call ahead and ask what the branch requires.

How the process works at the teller window

Tell the teller you want a money order and provide the recipient's name and the amount. The teller will print the money order, show it to you to verify the details are correct, and ask you to sign it. You will then pay the face amount of the money order plus the fee — all at once. The teller hands you the completed money order immediately.

Some Chase branches issue money orders with a stub or receipt that shows the transaction number. Keep this receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen, you will need this number to file a claim for a replacement.

Limits on how much you can send

Chase money orders typically have a maximum limit of $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can purchase multiple money orders, but you will pay a fee for each one. A cashier's check from Chase may be a better option if you are sending a large amount, since you only pay one fee regardless of the sum.

There is no minimum amount, so you can issue a money order for any sum under $1,000.

When Chase branches do not carry money orders

Some Chase locations, particularly in certain states or smaller branches, have stopped selling money orders altogether. If your branch does not carry them, the teller can usually direct you to another Chase branch nearby that does. You can also call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to find the nearest location that sells money orders.

If no nearby Chase branch carries them, you have other options: the U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at post offices, grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger issue them at customer service desks, and banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo sell them as well. Fees at these places are often lower than Chase — typically $1 to $3 per money order.

Money orders versus cashier's checks at Chase

A cashier's check is similar to a money order but is issued by the bank itself rather than a third-party processor. Chase charges a fee for cashier's checks too, usually around $10, though the fee may be waived if you maintain a certain account balance. Cashier's checks have no upper limit on the amount, so they are better for large payments. Both are may provide funds, meaning the recipient knows the money is real.

Money orders are faster to issue and work better for smaller amounts or when you do not have a bank account. Cashier's checks are the better choice if you are sending more than $1,000 or if you want to avoid paying multiple fees.

How long a Chase money order stays valid

A money order does not expire, but it may become harder to cash after a long period of time. Most financial institutions will cash a money order that is several years old, but some may require you to contact the issuer (Chase, in this case) to verify it is legitimate. If a money order goes uncashed for many years, Chase may place a hold on the funds, though this is rare.

The recipient should cash or deposit the money order as soon as they receive it to avoid any complications. If the money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, the recipient can contact Chase with the receipt number to file a claim for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Chase customer to buy a money order there?

No, you do not need a Chase account. You will need a valid photo ID and cash or a debit card. Some branches may ask for additional identification if you are not a customer, so call ahead to confirm what your local branch requires.

What if I lose the money order before I send it?

Contact Chase with your receipt number and the teller can issue a replacement. Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they have cashed the money order. If you lose both the money order and the receipt, contact Chase customer service and they can look up the transaction using your ID and the date of purchase.

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Chase?

No. Chase only accepts cash or a debit card for money orders. If you want to use a credit card, you can purchase a money order at the U.S. Postal Service or at a grocery store, though many of those locations also do not accept credit cards for this purpose.

How long does it take to get a money order at Chase?

The teller can issue a money order in about 10 minutes. You receive it immediately and can send it right away. There is no waiting period or processing time like there is with some other financial services.

What is the difference between a money order and a wire transfer?

A money order is a paper document that the recipient deposits or cashes at a bank or store. A wire transfer moves money electronically from one bank account to another and arrives within hours or days. Wire transfers are faster but usually cost more and require both parties to have bank accounts. Money orders work for anyone and do not require an account.