Chase money order fees depend on your account type and where you buy

Chase charges between $5 and $10 for a money order, depending on whether you are a customer with a checking or savings account and which branch you visit. If you have a Chase checking account, the fee is typically $5. Non-customers and customers without an active account pay closer to $10. Some branches may charge slightly different amounts, so calling ahead or asking at the counter gives you the exact price before you commit.

You can buy a money order at any Chase branch during business hours. You will need a valid government-issued ID and the funds to cover both the money order amount and the fee. Chase does not sell money orders online or through its mobile app — you must go in person to a physical branch.

The money order itself can be written for any amount up to $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders, which means paying the fee more than once.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking account holders pay $5 per money order; non-customers or savings-only customers typically pay $10.
  • You must visit a Chase branch in person with a valid ID and the full amount you want to send plus the fee.
  • A single money order covers up to $1,000, so sending $2,500 requires three separate money orders and three separate fees.
  • Money orders issued by Chase are generally accepted anywhere in the United States, including by landlords, utilities, and government agencies.

Why the fee varies by account type

Chase charges less for money orders if you maintain a checking account with them because the bank considers you an established customer. The $5 fee is a service benefit tied to your account status. If you do not have a Chase account or only have a savings account without a linked checking product, you fall into the non-customer category and pay the higher $10 fee.

Some Chase branches may offer promotions or waive fees during specific periods, though this is not standard. If you use Chase frequently, opening a basic checking account could pay for itself in money order fees alone if you plan to buy more than one.

How to buy a money order at Chase

Walk into any Chase branch with your valid ID, the amount of money you want to send, and the fee. Tell the teller you want to buy a money order. They will ask you for the recipient's name (the payee) and may ask what the money order is for, though you are not required to answer that question.

The teller will fill out the money order with your information as the sender and the recipient's information. You will sign it in front of them. The entire process takes about five minutes. You receive the money order when ready and can mail it or deliver it the same day.

If you make a mistake while signing or writing the money order, ask the teller for a replacement. Chase will typically issue a new one without an additional fee if the error was made before you left the counter.

Money order limits and when you need multiple

Chase money orders have a maximum face value of $1,000 per order. If you need to send $2,500, you will buy three money orders for $1,000, $1,000, and $500, paying the fee three times. This adds up quickly — three money orders at $5 each costs $15 in fees alone.

For large payments, consider whether a cashier's check might be better. Chase cashier's checks also have a fee (usually around $10), but they can be written for any amount and you only pay once. Ask the teller whether a cashier's check or multiple money orders makes more sense for your situation.

How long a Chase money order takes to clear

Once the recipient deposits or cashes a Chase money order, it typically clears within one to three business days. The recipient's bank processes it like any other check. If you mail the money order, add time for postal delivery — usually three to seven business days depending on distance.

Money orders are safer than cash because they can be traced and replaced if lost. If your money order goes missing in the mail, contact Chase with your receipt and the money order number. The bank can issue a replacement, though the process may take several weeks and requires proof that the original was not cashed.

Alternatives to Chase money orders

If Chase fees are too high or you do not have a branch nearby, other places sell money orders for less. Walmart, grocery stores, and post offices typically charge $0.70 to $2 per money order. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount. These are all widely accepted and work the same way as a Chase money order.

If you need to send money electronically instead, Chase offers wire transfers (fees vary but start around $15 to $20) and bill pay through your checking account (usually free). Wire transfers arrive the same day; bill pay takes one to three business days. These options work only if the recipient has a bank account and you have their routing and account numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chase money order without a Chase account?

Yes, but you will pay the higher non-customer fee, typically $10 instead of $5. You still need a valid government-issued ID and the full amount in cash or a debit card.

What if I lose a Chase money order before I mail it?

Contact Chase when ready with your receipt and the money order number. The bank can issue a replacement at no additional charge if the original has not been cashed. Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they received and deposited it.

Do I need to tell Chase what the money order is for?

No. The teller may ask, but you are not required to explain. Money orders are a standard payment method and do not trigger reporting requirements unless the amount is over $10,000.

Is a Chase money order safer than a personal check?

Yes. A money order is may provide by the bank because you pay the full amount upfront. A personal check can bounce if your account does not have enough funds. Recipients often prefer money orders for this reason.

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Chase?

No. Chase requires cash, debit card, or a withdrawal from your checking account. Credit cards are not accepted for money order purchases.