Yes, you can get a money order at Chase, but not at every branch
Chase offers money orders at most of its branches, but availability depends on your location and the specific branch. Not every Chase location stocks them, and some branches may have limits on how many you can purchase in a single day. The best way to find out is to call your local Chase branch directly or visit in person — a quick phone call takes 30 seconds and saves you a wasted trip.
Money orders are useful when you need to send money to someone but don't want to give them your checking account number, or when a business won't take a personal check. Chase sells them for a flat fee, which varies slightly by region but is typically a few dollars per order.
Key Takeaways
- Most Chase branches sell money orders, but you should call ahead to confirm your specific branch has them in stock.
- You will need cash or a debit card to buy a money order at Chase — you cannot use a credit card.
- The fee for a Chase money order is typically between $5 and $10, depending on your location and the amount.
- You can fill out the money order yourself at the counter, or ask the teller to help you complete it correctly.
What you need to bring to buy a money order
Bring cash or your debit card, and bring a valid photo ID. Chase requires identification for all money order purchases. You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order there — anyone can purchase one.
Have the recipient's name ready. You will need to write it on the money order, so knowing the exact spelling matters. If you are paying a business, use the business name exactly as they request it.
How the money order process works at Chase
Walk into your local Chase branch during business hours and tell the teller you want to buy a money order. They will ask you how much you need and who the recipient is. You will then pay the amount of the money order plus the fee — for example, if you want a $500 money order and the fee is $7, you pay $507 total.
The teller will either fill out the money order for you or hand you a blank one to complete yourself. If you fill it out, double-check the amount and recipient name before you leave. Some people prefer to leave the recipient line blank and fill it in later, which is allowed — the money order is still valid.
Money order fees and limits at Chase
Chase money order fees typically range from $5 to $10 per order, though the exact amount varies by state and branch. There is no fee difference based on the amount of the money order — a $100 order costs the same as a $1,000 order at the same branch.
Chase does not publicly list a daily purchase limit, but some branches may restrict how many money orders you can buy in one day. If you need multiple money orders, ask the teller whether there is a limit before you start the process.
When Chase branches do not have money orders in stock
If your branch is out of stock, you have a few options. You can ask when they expect the next shipment and come back, or you can go to a different Chase branch nearby. Some branches receive money order stock weekly, while others may take longer.
If no nearby Chase branch has them available, you can buy a money order at most grocery stores, Walmart, or your local post office. Post office money orders typically cost less than bank money orders — usually $1.45 to $2.00 — but they work the same way and are accepted everywhere a bank money order is accepted.
How to track or replace a lost money order
Keep your receipt when you buy a money order. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you will need the receipt to file a claim with Chase. The receipt shows the serial number, which is how Chase tracks the money order.
To replace a lost money order, bring your receipt to the same Chase branch where you bought it. Chase will file a claim and issue a replacement, though the process can take several weeks. During that time, the original money order cannot be cashed — Chase puts a hold on it once you report it missing.
Money orders versus other payment methods
A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it cannot be cashed by anyone except the person whose name is written on it. It is also more formal than a personal check, which some businesses prefer. However, money orders cost money, and they take longer to process than electronic transfers.
If you are sending money to someone you know and trust, a bank transfer or Venmo is usually faster and cheaper. If you are paying a business or sending money to someone you do not know well, a money order provides more protection than cash and more proof of payment than a check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Chase?
No. Chase requires you to pay with cash or a debit card. Credit card purchases are not allowed for money orders at most banks, including Chase.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to buy a money order there?
No. Anyone can buy a money order at Chase, whether or not you have an account there. You just need a valid photo ID and the payment method (cash or debit card).
What happens if I write the wrong amount on the money order?
If you make a mistake before you leave the branch, ask the teller for a replacement. They can void the incorrect one and issue a new one. If you discover the error after you leave, you cannot change it — the money order is already issued.
How long does it take for a money order to be cashed?
Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order, it typically clears within one to three business days, depending on their bank. The money order itself is valid when ready after purchase.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if you have not given it to the recipient yet. Bring your receipt back to the Chase branch where you bought it and ask to cancel it. Chase will refund your money minus a cancellation fee, which is usually a few dollars.