Bank of America sells money orders at most branches, but not all locations carry them

Yes, Bank of America does sell money orders. You can purchase them at most full-service branches during business hours. However, not every branch location stocks them — smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have them in stock or may not offer them at all. Your best move is to call your local branch before you go in, or check whether they're available through your online account settings.

Money orders from Bank of America cost between $5 and $10 per order, depending on the amount. The fee structure varies slightly by state and by the specific amount you're ordering, so ask when you call. You'll need a valid government-issued ID and funds in your account or cash to pay for both the money order itself and the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America sells money orders at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm your location has them in stock.
  • Money order fees range from $5 to $10 and vary by the amount ordered and your state.
  • You need a valid government ID and either cash or account funds to purchase a money order.
  • If your branch doesn't carry money orders, you can get them from grocery stores, post offices, or check-cashing services instead.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will not issue a money order without it, even if you're an account holder. The teller will record your ID information as part of the transaction.

You'll also need either cash or funds available in your account. If you're paying with a debit card or account withdrawal, the teller can process it at the counter. If you're paying with cash, bring enough to cover both the money order amount and the fee — the two are separate charges.

How to fill out a Bank of America money order

The teller will hand you a blank money order form. You fill in the recipient's name in the "Pay to the Order of" field — this is the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Write the name clearly and completely, exactly as the recipient expects it.

In the "Amount" field, write the dollar amount in both numbers and words. For example, if you're sending $500, write "500.00" in the box and "Five Hundred Dollars" on the line. The words and numbers must match, or the money order may be rejected. Leave the "From" or "Sender" field blank until you're ready to hand it over — some people prefer to fill that in themselves, and some recipients don't require it.

Do not sign the money order until the teller has completed their part. You'll sign it in front of the teller, and they'll stamp or validate it. Once it's signed and stamped, it's ready to send or hand over.

Alternatives if your branch doesn't have money orders

If your Bank of America branch doesn't carry money orders or is closed when you need one, the U.S. Postal Service sells them at any post office. Postal money orders cost $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for amounts from $500.01 to $1,000. You don't need an account or ID, though you will need to show ID to purchase one.

Grocery stores and supermarkets with customer service desks — Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway — also sell money orders. Fees are usually $0.50 to $1.50 per order, making them cheaper than banks. Check-cashing services and some convenience stores sell them as well, though fees there can run higher.

If you need a money order for a large amount — more than $1,000 — most retail locations won't sell a single order that large. You'd need to buy multiple money orders or use a cashier's check instead. Bank of America can issue a cashier's check, which works similarly but is drawn directly on the bank's account and is often preferred for large transactions.

When a money order makes sense versus other payment methods

A money order is useful when the recipient won't take a personal check, when you don't have a checking account, or when you need a paper trail showing the payment was made. Landlords, utility companies, and government agencies often accept money orders. They're also safer than sending cash through the mail because they can't be cashed by anyone other than the named recipient — in theory.

However, money orders are slower than electronic transfers and more expensive than a bank transfer or ACH payment. If you have a Bank of America account and the recipient has a bank account, a wire transfer or online bill pay is usually faster and cheaper. If the recipient is another Bank of America customer, you can send money through Zelle for free and nearly when ready.

Money orders also require you to know the exact amount in advance and to fill out the form correctly. If you make a mistake, you may not be able to get a refund — some issuers will reissue a money order if it's lost or damaged, but not if you filled it out wrong.

What happens if a money order is lost or stolen

If a money order you purchased goes missing before you send it, contact Bank of America when ready with your receipt. The bank can issue a replacement, but the process takes time — usually 30 to 90 days. During that period, the original money order is still valid if someone finds it, so the bank needs to confirm it hasn't been cashed before they'll replace it.

If you sent a money order and the recipient says they never received it, ask them to wait a few days — mail delivery varies. If it's been more than two weeks, contact Bank of America with your receipt and the recipient's information. The bank can file a tracer request with the postal service or the money order clearing system, but this also takes time and isn't always successful.

For this reason, consider sending money orders through a tracked mail service like certified mail or a carrier that offers signature confirmation. The extra cost is usually $3 to $8, but it gives you proof of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Bank of America does not sell money orders online or through its mobile app. You must visit a branch in person with a valid ID. Some banks offer digital money orders, but Bank of America is not one of them.

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

Most Bank of America branches will issue a single money order up to $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders or ask about a cashier's check, which has no set limit and is often preferred for large amounts.

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

No. You can buy a money order at Bank of America even if you don't have an account. You'll need a valid government ID and either cash or a debit card to pay for it. If you pay with a debit card, it doesn't have to be a Bank of America card.

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

Once the recipient deposits or cashes a money order, it typically clears within one to three business days, depending on their bank. The money order itself is issued when ready when you buy it, so there's no waiting period on your end.

Can I cancel a money order after I've bought it?

It depends on whether you've already sent it. If you still have the money order and receipt, Bank of America may refund it, though some branches charge a cancellation fee of $10 to $15. If you've already sent it and the recipient hasn't cashed it, you can file a stop-payment request, but this takes time and isn't may provide to work.