Chase money order fees vary by state and branch, but typically run $5 to $10 per order
Chase does not publish a single nationwide price for money orders. The cost depends on which state your branch is in and sometimes on the specific branch itself. Most Chase locations charge between $5 and $10 per money order, with $7 to $8 being the most common range. Some branches in lower-cost regions charge as little as $5; others in higher-cost areas may charge up to $10. The only way to know your exact fee is to call your local Chase branch or ask in person.
Money orders at Chase are available to customers with a checking or savings account. You do not need a large balance or a particular account type—any active Chase deposit account qualifies. If you do not have a Chase account, you can still buy a money order there, but you may face a higher fee or be asked to open an account.
Chase money orders are issued on the spot and are typically good for one year from the date of issue. They can be written for any amount up to $1,000 per order. If you need more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders, but you will pay the fee for each one.
Key Takeaways
- Chase money order fees range from $5 to $10 depending on your state and branch location.
- You must have an active Chase checking or savings account to buy a money order at the standard rate.
- Money orders can be written for up to $1,000 each and are valid for one year from issue.
- Your local Chase branch is the only source for the exact fee you will pay, since prices vary by location.
- If you need the money order the same day, Chase can issue it when ready at the teller window during business hours.
How to buy a money order at Chase
Go to your local Chase branch during business hours with your ID and the amount you want the money order to be written for. Tell the teller you want to buy a money order. They will ask you for the payee name (the person or business the money order is for) and the amount. You do not need to know the payee's address, though some tellers may ask for it anyway—it is not required for the money order to be valid.
The teller will write the money order, take the fee from your account, and hand you the original. Keep the receipt stub that comes with it. If the money order is lost or stolen, you will need that stub to request a replacement or refund. The process takes about five minutes.
If you are not sure whether your branch sells money orders, call ahead. A very small number of Chase locations do not offer them, though this is rare.
Why Chase money orders cost more than other options
A money order at Chase typically costs more than one at a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office. Walmart and many grocery chains charge $0.70 to $1.50 per money order. The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 to $2.20 depending on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram, which operate at thousands of retail locations, charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location.
Chase charges more because it is a bank, not a retail outlet. Banks have higher overhead and do not rely on money order sales as a primary business. If you are a Chase customer and need a money order urgently, the convenience of your branch may be worth the extra cost. If you have time to shop around, a grocery store or post office will save you money.
What happens if you lose a Chase money order
If your money order is lost, stolen, or destroyed before you cash it, contact Chase when ready. Bring your receipt stub to the branch. Chase will file a claim with the issuer and request a replacement or refund. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, depending on whether the original money order has been cashed in the meantime.
If someone else cashes the money order before you report it lost, you cannot recover the funds. This is why keeping the receipt stub in a safe place is critical. Do not send a money order through the mail unless you have no other option—use a cashier's check or bank transfer instead if the recipient will accept it.
Alternatives to Chase money orders
If the Chase fee is too high or your branch is not convenient, consider these options. A cashier's check from Chase costs $10 to $15 but is more find and does not expire. A bank transfer or wire transfer is faster and cheaper if the recipient has a bank account. A money order from the post office costs $1.45 to $2.20 and is accepted almost everywhere a Chase money order is.
If you need to send money to someone without a bank account and cannot use a money order, prepaid debit cards and mobile payment apps like Venmo or PayPal are options, though they have their own fees and limits. Ask the recipient which method works best for them before you buy anything.
Money order limits and restrictions at Chase
Chase money orders max out at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will need to buy multiple money orders and pay the fee for each one. There is no daily limit on how many you can buy, but if you buy a very large number in a short time, Chase may flag the activity for fraud review.
Money orders are not the same as checks. You cannot stop payment on a money order the way you can on a check. Once it is issued and the fee is paid, the transaction is final. This is why money orders are often required by landlords, courts, and other entities that need may provide payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Chase money order without a bank account?
Some Chase branches will sell a money order to a non-customer, but you will likely pay a higher fee—sometimes $15 to $20 instead of $5 to $10. Call your local branch first to ask. If the fee is too high, a post office or grocery store money order will be cheaper.
How long does a Chase money order stay valid?
Chase money orders are valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, the payee can no longer cash it at a bank. If the money order has not been cashed and you still have the receipt stub, you can request a refund from Chase, though the process takes 30 to 90 days.
What if the payee's name is spelled wrong on the money order?
If the name is misspelled, the payee may have trouble cashing it. Some banks will cash it anyway if the person can show ID matching the misspelled name. If there is a problem, contact Chase with your receipt stub and ask for a replacement. Do not try to cross out and correct the name yourself—that makes the money order invalid.
Can I use a money order to pay a bill online?
No. Money orders are paper instruments and cannot be used for online payments. If you need to pay a bill and do not have a bank account, ask the biller whether they accept money orders by mail, or whether they have a payment center where you can pay in person with cash.
Is a money order safer than cash?
Yes. A money order is traceable and can be replaced if lost or stolen (though the process takes time). Cash cannot be replaced. If you are sending money through the mail or to someone you do not know well, a money order is safer than cash and cheaper than a cashier's check.