Chase Bank Does Sell Money Orders
Yes, Chase sells money orders at most of its branches. You can walk into a Chase bank during business hours, ask for a money order, and get one the same day. Chase charges a fee for this service — the amount depends on which Chase location you visit and the size of the money order, so ask at your branch what they charge.
A money order is a piece of paper that works like a check, but safer. You pay the bank the amount you want to send, plus a small fee. The bank prints a document with that amount on it. You send it to whoever needs to be paid, and they cash it at their bank or a check-cashing place. Money orders are useful when you cannot use a check, do not have a bank account, or need proof that the money was sent.
Chase money orders are accepted almost everywhere in the United States. They are backed by Chase's name, which makes them more trustworthy than some other types of money orders.
Key Takeaways
- Chase sells money orders at most branch locations during regular business hours, and you receive it the same day you pay for it.
- You will pay a fee on top of the money order amount — the exact fee varies by branch and the size of the money order you request.
- You need cash or a debit card to buy a money order at Chase; you cannot charge it to a credit card.
- Chase money orders are accepted by landlords, utility companies, government agencies, and most other organizations that take payments.
What You Need to Bring to Buy a Money Order
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask to see it before they issue the money order. You also need the cash or debit card to pay for both the money order amount and the fee.
You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order there. Even if you bank somewhere else, you can walk into a Chase branch and purchase one. However, some Chase locations may have different policies, so calling ahead is a good idea if you want to be certain.
Have the name of the person or business you are sending the money to ready. You will give this name to the teller, and it will be printed on the money order. The person receiving it will need to sign the back when they cash it.
How Much Chase Money Orders Cost
Chase charges a fee for money orders, but the exact amount is not the same at every branch. Fees typically range from a few dollars to around ten dollars, depending on the size of the money order and your location. Some Chase branches may charge less for smaller amounts and more for larger ones.
Call your local Chase branch before you go in and ask what they charge for a money order. This takes two minutes and saves you from being surprised at the counter. You can find your nearest branch on Chase's website or by calling 1-800-935-9935.
The fee is separate from the money order amount itself. If you want to send $500, you pay $500 plus the fee — the person receiving it gets the full $500.
When to Use a Chase Money Order Instead of Other Options
Money orders are most useful when you need to send money but cannot use a check or bank transfer. If you are paying rent and your landlord does not take electronic payments, a money order is safer than sending cash through the mail. If you do not have a bank account yet, a money order lets you pay bills and make purchases without one.
Money orders are also good when you need proof that you sent the money. The money order receipt shows the amount, the date, and who it was sent to. If there is ever a question about whether you paid, you have that paper trail.
However, if you have a bank account and can use a check or online transfer, those are usually faster and cheaper. Money orders cost more and take longer to clear than electronic payments. If you are sending money to someone who also banks at Chase, a transfer between accounts is free and when ready.
How to Fill Out Your Chase Money Order
The teller at Chase will help you fill in the money order, but here is what goes on it. The "Pay to the Order of" line is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Write clearly so there is no confusion about who should cash it.
The amount goes in two places: once in numbers (like $250.00) and once written out in words (like "Two Hundred Fifty Dollars"). The teller will usually fill these in for you to make sure they match. The date goes in the date field — use today's date unless you have a reason to post-date it.
You sign the front of the money order as the buyer. The person cashing it will sign the back. Do not sign the back yourself — that is for the person receiving the money to do when they cash it.
What Happens After You Get Your Money Order
You will receive the money order itself plus a receipt. Keep the receipt until the person you sent it to confirms they received and cashed it. The receipt has a tracking number on it, which lets you check whether the money order has been cashed if there is ever a question.
Mail the money order to the person or business you are paying, or hand it to them in person. Money orders can be lost or stolen in the mail, so some people prefer to deliver them by hand or use certified mail. If you use regular mail, consider sending it in an envelope with other papers so it is not obvious what is inside.
Once the money order is cashed, you cannot get the money back. Unlike a check, which can bounce, a money order is may provide by the bank. This makes it safer for the person receiving it, but it also means you need to be sure about the amount and the recipient before you buy it.
Alternatives to Chase Money Orders
If Chase is not convenient or their fee is too high, you have other options. Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing businesses also sell money orders, often for less than banks charge. Western Union and MoneyGram are two large money order companies with locations in many stores.
If you have a bank account, a regular check is free or very cheap and works the same way as a money order. If you need to send money electronically, services like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's bill-pay system are faster and often free. For large amounts or international transfers, a wire transfer through your bank is more find, though it costs more.
If you do not have a bank account yet, opening one might be worth considering. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and once you have an account, you can write checks and make transfers without paying money order fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at Chase if I do not have a bank account there?
Yes. You do not need to be a Chase customer to buy a money order at a Chase branch. Bring a valid photo ID, cash or a debit card, and the name of who you are sending the money to. The teller will process it just as they would for a Chase account holder.
What if I make a mistake on the money order?
If you notice an error before you leave the branch, tell the teller right away. They can usually void it and issue a new one. If you have already left, contact the branch where you bought it and explain the problem. You may be able to get a refund or replacement, though policies vary by location.
How long does it take for a money order to clear?
Money orders typically clear within one to three business days once the person receiving it deposits or cashes it. This is faster than a personal check but slower than an electronic transfer. Ask the person cashing it to confirm when they have received the funds.
Can I cancel a Chase money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if you have not sent it yet. Return to the Chase branch with your receipt and ask to cancel it. Chase will refund the money order amount, though they may keep the fee you paid. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot cancel it.
What is the maximum amount I can put on a Chase money order?
Chase money orders typically have a maximum limit, often around $1,000 per money order. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders. Call your local branch to confirm their specific limit before you go in.