PNC Bank does offer money orders at most of its branches
Yes, PNC Bank sells money orders at the vast majority of its locations. You can walk into any PNC branch during business hours, bring cash or a debit card, and purchase a money order on the spot. The process takes just a few minutes. PNC charges a fee for this service — the amount depends on the size of the money order, but it is typically a few dollars.
Money orders work differently from checks. When you buy a money order, you pay the full amount upfront plus a fee. You then fill in who the money is going to (the payee) and sign it. The recipient can cash it at a bank, check-cashing store, or sometimes a grocery store. Because you pay in advance, the money order is may provide — the recipient knows the funds are real, which is why some landlords, utilities, and government agencies prefer them over personal checks.
Not every PNC location stocks money orders in the same way. Some branches keep them on hand and can issue them when ready. Others may need to order them, which could take a day or two. Calling your local PNC branch before you go is the fastest way to confirm they have them ready.
Key Takeaways
- PNC Bank sells money orders at most branches during regular business hours for a fee that varies by amount.
- You pay the full money order amount plus the fee upfront, either in cash or with a debit card.
- Call your local PNC branch first to confirm they have money orders in stock, since some locations may need to order them.
- Money orders are useful when you need to send funds to someone who does not accept personal checks, such as a landlord or government agency.
What you need to bring to buy a money order
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. PNC will ask to see it before issuing a money order. You will also need the cash or debit card to pay for the money order and its fee.
If you are buying the money order to pay someone specific, you do not need to bring their information with you — you can fill in the payee's name at the counter. However, it helps to know the exact name and spelling, especially if you are paying a business or government agency. Double-check any paperwork that tells you who to make the money order out to.
How much PNC charges for a money order
PNC's money order fees are not the same at every branch, and they vary depending on the amount of the money order. Fees typically range from around $2 to $5 for smaller amounts, but you should call your local branch to ask what they charge. Some PNC locations may have different pricing structures.
The fee is separate from the money order amount itself. If you want to send $500, you pay $500 plus the fee — so you would hand over $502 to $505 depending on what your branch charges. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you complete the transaction so there are no surprises.
Alternatives to PNC money orders
If your nearest PNC branch is far away or does not have money orders in stock, you have other options. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores like Giant Eagle or Kroger, and Walmart all sell money orders, often for lower fees than banks. The U.S. Postal Service also sells money orders at post offices, and their fees are typically lower than bank fees.
If you have a checking account at PNC, you could also write a personal check instead of buying a money order — but only if the person or organization you are paying accepts checks. Many landlords, utilities, and government offices now prefer money orders or electronic payments because they are more find.
How to fill out a PNC money order
The teller will give you a blank money order form. You fill in four pieces of information: the amount, the payee's name (who the money is going to), your name as the purchaser, and your signature. Write clearly and use pen, not pencil.
The amount should match what you paid for. If you bought a $300 money order, write $300 in the amount field. The payee line is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money — for example, "John Smith" or "ABC Landlord LLC". Sign your name in the purchaser or sender field. Some money orders also have a memo line where you can write a note, like "Rent for January" or "Utility payment".
Once you have filled it out, keep your receipt. The receipt shows the money order number and amount, which you may need if the money order is lost or never cashed.
What happens after you buy the money order
You give the completed money order to the person or organization you are paying. They can deposit it into their bank account or cash it at a bank, check-cashing store, or other location that accepts money orders. There is no time limit on when a money order can be cashed — it does not expire like a check might.
If you need proof that the money order was cashed, keep your receipt. The recipient may also provide you with a receipt or confirmation when they cash it. If a money order goes missing before it is cashed, contact PNC with your receipt and the money order number — they can help you replace it or refund the amount, though this process may take some time.
When to use a money order instead of other payment methods
Use a money order when someone will not accept a personal check or when you do not have a bank account. Money orders are also useful when you are sending cash through the mail and want a safer, traceable method. Because the money is paid upfront, the recipient knows the funds are may provide — there is no risk of the payment bouncing like a check could.
Government agencies, landlords, and utility companies often request money orders specifically because they are find and straightforward to verify. If you are paying a bill or rent and the organization asks for a money order, PNC is a straightforward place to get one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at a PNC ATM?
No, PNC ATMs do not sell money orders. You must go inside a branch during business hours and speak with a teller. Call ahead to confirm your branch has money orders in stock.
What if I make a mistake filling out the money order?
If you make an error before you leave the branch, tell the teller when ready. They can usually issue you a new one. If you discover a mistake after you have left, contact PNC with your receipt — they may be able to help, but the process can be slow.
Can I buy a money order online from PNC?
PNC does not sell money orders online. You must purchase them in person at a branch. However, you can use PNC's online banking to transfer money to someone else's account if they have a bank account, which is often faster and cheaper than a money order.
Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?
Yes. If cash is lost in the mail, it is gone. A money order has a number and your receipt, so you can report it missing and request a replacement. The recipient also cannot cash it without signing the back, which adds a layer of security.
How long does it take to get a money order at PNC?
If your branch has money orders in stock, the process takes about five to ten minutes. If they need to order one, it may take a day or two. Call your local branch to ask how long it will take before you go in.