Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online

Chase stopped offering money orders several years ago and does not currently issue them through any of its branches, online banking, or mobile app. If you need a money order, you will have to get one from another source — a different bank, a check-cashing store, the post office, or a retailer like Walmart or CVS.

This is a hard stop, not a service that varies by branch or account type. No Chase location will print one for you, and no workaround exists within Chase's system. The decision reflects a broader shift: many large banks have phased out money orders because fewer customers use them and the fraud risk is higher than with other payment methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not issue money orders under any circumstances, regardless of whether you hold an account there.
  • The post office, Walmart, CVS, and most credit unions will sell you a money order for a small fee, usually between $1 and $5.
  • Money orders cost more than a check but less than a wire transfer, and they do not require the recipient to have a bank account.
  • If you need to send money urgently, Chase offers wire transfers through online banking or a branch, which arrive the same day or next business day.

Where to get a money order instead

The post office is the most widely available option. Every USPS location sells money orders for a flat fee that depends on the amount: typically $1.45 for orders up to $500, and $1.95 for $500 to $1,000. You can buy one in person at any post office, and you do not need to be a customer of anything.

Walmart and CVS both sell money orders at customer service desks. Walmart charges around $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. CVS charges roughly $1.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount. Both are faster than the post office if you are already shopping there, but availability varies by location — call ahead if you need one urgently.

Your local credit union may still offer money orders even if Chase does not. Credit unions tend to keep this service longer than large banks because their members are more likely to use them. If you belong to one, ask whether they issue them and what the fee is.

Check-cashing stores and payday loan shops also sell money orders, usually for $2 to $5 depending on the amount. These are convenient if you are in a neighborhood with one nearby, but the fees are higher than the post office or Walmart.

How a money order differs from other payment methods

A money order is a prepaid document that works like a check but does not require the recipient to have a bank account. You pay the full amount upfront plus a small fee, and the money order is may provide by the issuer — in this case, USPS, Walmart, or CVS. The recipient cashes it at a bank, post office, or check-cashing store.

The main advantage over a personal check is that the money is already collected, so there is no risk of the check bouncing. The main disadvantage is the fee and the fact that you have to go somewhere in person to buy one. A wire transfer costs more but is faster and can be done online. A regular check costs nothing but takes longer to clear and can bounce.

Money orders are useful when you need to send cash to someone you do not fully trust with a personal check, or when the recipient does not have a bank account. They are also useful for paying bills by mail when you want proof that the money was sent.

What to do if you need money sent urgently

If speed matters more than cost, Chase offers wire transfers through online banking or at any branch. A domestic wire transfer typically arrives the same business day if you send it before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. If you miss the cutoff, it goes out the next business day. Chase charges around $15 to $30 for a domestic wire, depending on your account type.

Wire transfers require the recipient's bank account number and routing number, so they only work if the person you are sending money to has a bank account. If they do not, a money order is still your best option, even though it takes longer.

Chase also offers peer-to-peer transfers through Zelle, which is free and usually arrives within minutes if both people are enrolled. Zelle works only between bank accounts, so it has the same limitation as a wire transfer.

Why Chase stopped issuing money orders

Large banks have been dropping money order services for over a decade. The reasons are straightforward: fewer people use them, the fraud risk is real, and the fee does not justify the staff time to issue one. Money orders can be counterfeited or altered, and once issued, they are hard to reverse if something goes wrong.

Smaller banks and credit unions have kept the service because their customer base still uses it regularly and because the personal relationship with members makes fraud less likely. But for a bank the size of Chase, the cost of maintaining the infrastructure and managing the risk outweighs the revenue from a $1 or $2 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a money order through Chase online banking?

No. Chase does not offer money orders through its website, mobile app, or any digital channel. You must go to a physical location like the post office or Walmart to buy one.

Will Chase issue a money order if I ask a branch manager?

No. This is not a service that can be overridden or requested as an exception. The decision to stop issuing money orders applies to all Chase locations and all customer types.

Is a wire transfer the same thing as a money order?

No. A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another and costs $15 to $30. A money order is a prepaid document that anyone can cash and costs $1 to $5. Wire transfers are faster but require both parties to have bank accounts.

Can I use a Chase check instead of a money order?

Yes, if the recipient will accept a personal check. A check is free and works the same way, but it takes longer to clear and can bounce if you do not have enough money in your account. A money order is may provide, so it is safer for the recipient.

What if I need a money order on a weekend?

Walmart and CVS are open on weekends and sell money orders at customer service. The post office is closed on Sundays and has limited Saturday hours. Check-cashing stores are often open late and on weekends.