Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online
Chase stopped offering money orders several years ago and does not currently sell them through any of its locations or digital channels. If you have a Chase account and need a money order, you will have to get one elsewhere.
This is a straightforward limitation: Chase straightforward does not provide this service. Other banks and retailers do, and the process is usually faster and cheaper than it would have been through a bank anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches do not sell money orders, and calling ahead to confirm will not change this — it is a company-wide policy.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and post offices sell money orders for $1 to $5 depending on the amount, and you do not need an account with them.
- Money orders from non-bank sources clear just as reliably as bank-issued ones and are accepted everywhere checks are accepted.
- If you need a money order urgently, your nearest Walmart or post office will have them available during regular business hours.
Where to get a money order instead
The most common places to buy money orders are Walmart, grocery stores with customer service desks, and the U.S. Postal Service. All three sell them without requiring an account or membership. Walmart and grocery stores typically charge $0.70 to $1.25 per money order. The post office charges $1.45 for a money order up to $500 and $1.95 for one up to $1,000, though these fees vary slightly by location.
Western Union and MoneyGram also sell money orders through their agent locations, which include some pharmacies and convenience stores. Their fees are usually higher — often $2 to $5 depending on the amount — so they are worth using only if you need one at an unusual hour or location.
You do not need a bank account to buy a money order anywhere. You will need cash or a debit card, and you will need to know the exact amount and the name of the person or business the money order is payable to.
Why Chase stopped offering money orders
Large banks have gradually stopped offering money orders because the service is low-margin and labor-intensive. Money orders require manual processing, verification, and record-keeping. For a bank the size of Chase, the cost of maintaining this service across thousands of branches outweighs the small fee they would collect.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes still offer money orders, but the trend across major national banks has been to discontinue them. Chase made this decision years ago and has not reversed it.
How money orders work if you are unfamiliar with them
A money order is a prepaid document that works like a check but is backed by the issuer's funds rather than your account balance. You pay the full amount upfront — say $250 — plus a small fee, and the issuer guarantees the money. The recipient can cash it or deposit it like a check.
Money orders are useful when you need to send money to someone who will not accept a personal check, or when you do not have a checking account. They are also useful for paying bills or rent in cash without handing over actual bills. The recipient sees that the money is may provide, so they are more willing to accept them than personal checks.
A money order from Walmart or the post office is just as reliable as one from a bank. The issuer's name appears on the document, and the recipient can verify it with that issuer if they have questions. There is no meaningful difference in how they are treated once they are issued.
Comparing your options for sending money
| Method | Cost | Speed | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money order (Walmart or post office) | $0.70–$1.95 | Same day | Walmart, grocery stores, post office |
| Money order (Western Union) | $2–$5 | Same day | Pharmacies, convenience stores, online |
| Chase bank transfer (if both parties have Chase) | Free | Same day or next day | Chase app or online banking |
| ACH transfer from Chase | Free | 1–3 business days | Chase app or online banking |
| Wire transfer from Chase | $15–$30 | Same day | Chase branch or online banking |
If both you and the recipient have Chase accounts, a bank transfer is free and faster than a money order. If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, or if you do not have a checking account yourself, a money order is the cheapest option. Wire transfers are more expensive but move money the same day and are useful when the recipient needs funds urgently.
What to bring when you buy a money order
You will need cash or a debit card to pay for the money order and the fee. You will also need to know the exact payee name — the person or business the money order should be made out to. Write this down or have it ready before you go to the counter, because the issuer will not change it once it is printed.
You do not need an ID to buy a money order at most places, though some locations may ask for one. The post office does not require ID. Walmart and grocery stores typically do not either, but policies vary by location.
Keep your receipt. It contains a tracking number that lets you verify the money order was cashed if there is ever a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a Chase credit card?
Yes, most retailers that sell money orders accept credit cards, including Chase credit cards. However, some post office locations may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you plan to use a credit card there. Walmart and grocery stores generally accept all major credit cards.
What if I need a money order after Chase branch hours?
Walmart locations are open late or 24 hours in many areas and sell money orders during all business hours. The post office has set hours, but some locations stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. Western Union agents in pharmacies and convenience stores often have extended hours and can issue money orders when other places are closed.
Is a money order from Walmart as safe as one from a bank?
Yes. A money order is a prepaid instrument backed by the issuer's funds, regardless of whether the issuer is a bank or a retailer. The recipient can cash or deposit it the same way, and it carries the same may provide. The only difference is the name printed on it.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but the process varies by issuer. Walmart and the post office will cancel a money order if you bring your receipt and the original money order, though there may be a small fee. You cannot cancel a money order online — you have to go back to the location where you bought it.
What is the maximum amount for a money order?
Most retailers cap money orders at $500 or $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders or use a wire transfer from your Chase account instead. Wire transfers have no upper limit.