Yes, Chase offers money orders at most branches

You can buy a money order at Chase if you have a checking or savings account with them. Walk into any Chase branch during business hours, tell the teller you want a money order, and they will print one for you on the spot. You do not need to be a customer — some branches will sell money orders to non-customers, though policies vary by location, so call ahead if you are not sure.

A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check. You pay the bank a small fee upfront, write in who should receive the money, and hand it to them. They take it to their own bank to cash it. Money orders are safer than cash because they have a tracking number, and safer than personal checks because the money is already may provide — the bank has already taken your money.

Chase charges a fee for each money order. The exact amount depends on which branch you visit and how much money the order is for, so ask the teller what it will cost before you commit. Fees typically range from a few dollars to around ten dollars, but this varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase sells money orders at most branches during regular business hours, and you can usually get one the same day you request it.
  • You will need to bring cash or use a debit card to pay for the money order plus the bank's fee.
  • Chase charges a fee for each money order, and the amount varies by branch and the size of the order.
  • If you do not have a Chase account, call your local branch first to confirm they will sell money orders to non-customers.
  • Money orders are useful when you need to send money to someone but do not want to give them a personal check or cash.

What you need to bring to buy a money order

Bring a valid form of identification — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask to see it before they process your order. You will also need the money to pay for it: either cash or a debit card linked to a Chase account.

Have the recipient's name ready. You will need to tell the teller exactly who the money order should be made out to. If you are not sure of the exact spelling of their name, ask them before you go to the bank — a money order made out to the wrong name is hard to fix.

You do not need to know the recipient's account number or any banking details. Unlike a wire transfer, a money order only needs a name and nothing else.

How much a Chase money order costs

Chase charges a fee for issuing a money order, but the amount is not the same everywhere. Some branches charge three dollars, others charge more. The fee may also depend on whether you are a customer and how large the money order is.

Call your local Chase branch and ask what they charge for a money order before you go in. This takes one minute and saves you from being surprised at the counter. You can find your branch's phone number on Chase's website by entering your zip code.

The money order itself has no limit on how much it can be for — you can write a money order for fifty dollars or five hundred dollars. However, some recipients may ask for multiple smaller money orders instead of one large one, so check with them first if you are sending a large amount.

When to use a money order instead of other payment methods

Use a money order when you need to send money to someone but do not have their bank account number, or when they will not accept a personal check. Money orders are also useful if you do not have a checking account yourself — you can buy one with cash and send it anywhere.

Money orders are safer than cash because they have a tracking number printed on them. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can contact Chase and they can stop payment, then issue you a new one. With cash, there is no way to recover it.

However, money orders are slower than other methods. The recipient has to take the money order to their own bank to cash it, which can take a few business days. If you need the money to arrive when ready, a wire transfer or a digital payment app like Zelle would be faster — though those have their own fees and requirements.

Alternatives if your Chase branch does not have money orders

If your local Chase branch does not sell money orders or you cannot get to one, you have other options. Walmart, grocery stores, and post offices all sell money orders. Post office money orders are often cheaper than bank fees, and you can buy them at any post office location.

Western Union also sells money orders at thousands of locations, including convenience stores and pharmacies. The fees are usually higher than at a bank or post office, but Western Union locations are often open longer hours.

If you have a Chase account, you could also send money directly to someone else's bank account using Chase's online banking system or mobile app — this is free if both people have Chase accounts, and costs a small fee if they bank elsewhere. This is faster than a money order and requires no trip to the branch.

How to track a Chase money order

When the teller gives you the money order, they will print a receipt with a tracking number on it. Keep this receipt. If the recipient says they never received the money order, you can call Chase with the tracking number and they can look up what happened to it.

If the money order was lost or stolen before the recipient cashed it, you can ask Chase to put a stop on it. They will issue you a replacement, though there may be a small fee for this service. This is one reason money orders are safer than cash — you have a way to recover your money if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online from Chase?

No, Chase does not sell money orders online. You must go to a branch in person. However, you can call ahead to confirm your branch has them in stock and ask about the fee.

What if I do not have an ID?

Chase requires a valid ID to sell you a money order. If you do not have one, you cannot buy a money order at Chase. You could try a post office or Western Union location, which may have different ID requirements.

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

Usually five to ten minutes. The teller will fill it out, take your payment and fee, and hand it to you. You can use it when ready — there is no waiting period.

Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?

Yes, but only if the recipient has not cashed it yet. Call Chase with your receipt and tracking number, and they can stop payment. You will get a refund minus a fee, usually around ten to fifteen dollars.

Is there a maximum amount for a Chase money order?

Chase does not have a published limit, but most banks cap money orders at one thousand dollars. If you need to send more than that, you would buy multiple money orders or use a different method like a wire transfer.