Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or through its online banking platform

If you have a Chase checking or savings account and need a money order, you cannot buy one directly from Chase. Chase stopped offering money orders to customers years ago and has not resumed the service. This is true whether you visit a branch in person, call customer service, or log into your online account.

You will need to get a money order from another source. The most common places are grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and check-cashing businesses. Each charges a small fee — usually between $0.50 and $3 per money order — and the process takes just a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not issue money orders, even if you are an account holder.
  • The U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies all sell money orders for under $3 each.
  • You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order; you cannot use a credit card at most locations.
  • Money orders are safer than cash for paying rent, utilities, or other bills because they include a tracking number.
  • If you need to send money quickly, a wire transfer through Chase is faster than a money order, though it costs more.

Where to buy a money order instead

The U.S. Postal Service is the most reliable option if you want a money order. Every post office sells them, the fee is the same nationwide (currently $1.45 for amounts up to $500), and they are accepted almost everywhere. You can walk in with cash or a debit card, fill out a simple form, and walk out with a money order in minutes.

Walmart and most grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) also sell money orders at customer service desks. Fees are usually $0.88 to $1.50. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens sell them too, though not all locations do — call ahead if you are not sure. Check-cashing businesses and payday loan stores always have them, but their fees run higher, sometimes $2 to $3 per order.

If you are already at Chase and need a money order urgently, ask a teller where the nearest post office or grocery store is. Many Chase branches are located near these services, and you can often walk there and back in under 15 minutes.

What you need to buy a money order

Bring cash or a debit card. Most places that sell money orders do not accept credit cards. You will also need to know the exact amount you want the money order for — you cannot buy a blank one and fill in the amount later. If you are paying rent or a bill, have that invoice or statement with you so you know the exact figure.

You do not need to be a customer of the business selling the money order. A post office will sell you a money order whether or not you have a postal account. Walmart will sell you one whether or not you have a Walmart account. Bring your ID if you are buying a money order for more than $1,000, as federal law requires verification for large amounts.

How money orders compare to wire transfers from Chase

A money order takes one to three business days to clear once the recipient deposits it. A wire transfer through Chase reaches the recipient's bank the same day or next business day, depending on the time you send it and the receiving bank's processing schedule. If speed matters, a wire transfer is faster.

Wire transfers cost more. Chase charges $15 to $20 per domestic wire transfer, depending on whether you send it online or in person. A money order costs under $2. Wire transfers are also irreversible once sent, while a money order can be cancelled if you have the receipt and it has not been cashed. For large, time-sensitive payments, a wire transfer makes sense. For routine bills or rent, a money order is usually cheaper and safer.

How to fill out and use a money order

When you buy a money order, you will receive a form with two parts: one for the recipient and one for your records. Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Write your name and address on the "From" line. Do not leave either blank — a money order with no recipient name cannot be cashed.

Sign the back of the money order in the designated box. Do not sign it until you are ready to send it; an unsigned money order can be cashed by anyone who has it. Write a memo line if there is space — for example, "Rent for January" or "Utility bill account #12345" — so the recipient knows what the payment is for.

Mail the money order or deliver it in person. Include it in an envelope with any other documents the recipient needs. The recipient deposits it at their bank like a check. Money orders are treated as cash once they are signed, so do not send one through the mail without tracking — use certified mail or hand-deliver it if possible.

When a money order is better than other payment methods

Use a money order when the recipient does not accept credit cards, does not have a bank account for direct deposit, or when you need a paper record of payment. Landlords often prefer money orders or checks over cash because they create a documented trail. Utility companies and government agencies sometimes require money orders for security deposits or specific payments.

Money orders are also useful when you do not want to share your bank account number with the recipient. Unlike a check, which displays your routing and account numbers, a money order shows only the amount and the recipient's name. If you are paying a stranger or a business you do not fully trust, a money order is safer than a check or electronic transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online and have it mailed to me?

No. Money orders must be purchased in person at a physical location. You cannot order one online and have it delivered. However, some banks and credit unions offer bill pay services that work similarly — they mail a check on your behalf — but Chase does not offer this for money orders specifically.

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

If you have the receipt, you can cancel it and get a refund. Bring the receipt to the location where you bought it. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks. If you have already mailed it and it is lost, the recipient can file a claim with the issuer (the post office, Walmart, or whoever sold it) using the money order number on your receipt.

Can I use a Chase credit card to pay bills instead of a money order?

Yes, if the recipient accepts credit cards. Many landlords, utilities, and government agencies do not accept credit cards because of the processing fees involved. Call ahead or check the bill to see what payment methods are accepted. If credit cards are an option, paying by card may be easier and faster than buying a money order.

Is a money order safer than mailing a check?

Both are reasonably safe if mailed properly. A money order cannot be altered or forged as easily as a check because it is pre-printed and numbered. However, if a money order is lost in the mail before it is cashed, anyone who finds it can cash it. A check requires a signature match. For maximum safety, use certified mail with signature confirmation for either method.

What is the maximum amount I can put on a money order?

Most money orders have a limit of $500 to $1,000 per order, depending on the issuer. The U.S. Postal Service caps them at $1,000. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders. Some businesses may require ID or additional verification for orders over $1,000 due to federal anti-money-laundering rules.