Yes, most banks issue money orders, but not all of them, and the process varies by bank and account type
Many banks do offer money orders to their customers, but availability depends on which bank you use and whether you have an account there. Some banks issue them over the counter during business hours; others have stopped offering them altogether or limit them to account holders only. A few large banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase still issue money orders, though policies and fees differ. The best approach is to call your bank directly and ask whether they issue money orders, what the fee is, and whether you need an account to buy one.
If your bank does not offer money orders, you have other options: credit unions, grocery stores with financial services counters, check-cashing businesses, and the U.S. Postal Service all issue them. Each has different fees, limits, and speed. Understanding where to go and what to bring saves you time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Not all banks issue money orders anymore, so you need to contact your specific bank to confirm they offer them and what the fee is.
- Banks that do issue money orders usually charge between $5 and $10 per order, though fees vary by location and account type.
- If your bank does not offer money orders, credit unions, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery stores are common alternatives with lower fees.
- You will need cash or a debit card to buy a money order; most places do not accept credit cards for this transaction.
- Money order limits at banks typically range from $500 to $1,000 per order, so large payments may require multiple orders.
Which banks still issue money orders and what they charge
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all issue money orders to account holders, though some branches may have stopped. Fees typically range from $5 to $10 per order, depending on your account type and location. Some banks waive the fee for certain account tiers or for customers who maintain a minimum balance. Call your branch directly rather than relying on the website, because policies change and branch staff can tell you whether your specific location has the service in stock.
Smaller regional banks and community banks vary widely. Some still issue money orders as a standard service; others have phased them out in favor of digital transfers. If you bank with a smaller institution, ask whether they issue them and whether you need to be an account holder. A few banks require you to order money orders in advance or issue them only during certain hours.
What you need to bring and how the process works
To buy a money order at a bank, bring cash or a debit card, the amount you want to send, and the name of the person or business receiving it (the payee). You do not need to know the payee's address, though some banks ask for it. The teller will fill in the amount, the payee name, and your name as the purchaser. You will receive the money order itself plus a receipt stub that you should keep for your records.
The entire transaction usually takes five to ten minutes. Banks typically limit money orders to $500 or $1,000 per order, so if you need to send more, you will have to buy multiple orders. Some banks have daily limits on how many you can buy in one day, though this is less common. Ask the teller about limits before you hand over your cash.
Why some banks stopped offering money orders
Many banks have discontinued money orders because they are labor-intensive, require manual processing, and generate little profit compared to other services. Digital transfers, wire transfers, and bill-pay services have reduced demand. Some banks found that money orders attracted fraud or were used in ways the bank wanted to discourage. The trend accelerated after 2008, and today fewer banks offer them than did ten or fifteen years ago.
This shift has pushed customers toward alternatives like the U.S. Postal Service, which still issues money orders at nearly every post office and charges $1.45 to $2.20 depending on the amount. Credit unions often still offer them at lower fees than banks. If your bank has stopped, these alternatives are usually faster and cheaper anyway.
When a bank money order makes sense versus other options
A bank money order is worth using if you already have an account there, the branch is convenient, and you need the money order when ready. If your bank charges $7 and the post office charges $1.75, the bank is more expensive, but if you are already there, the difference may not matter. Bank money orders are also useful if you need a large amount and want to stay within one institution.
The U.S. Postal Service is usually the cheapest option and has the widest availability—nearly 31,000 post offices nationwide. Grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway often issue money orders at their customer service desks for $3 to $5, and they are open longer than banks. Credit unions typically charge $1 to $3 and are worth checking if you are a member. For amounts over $1,000, you may need to buy multiple orders or use a wire transfer instead.
How to confirm your bank offers money orders before you go
Call your bank's customer service line or your local branch directly and ask: "Do you issue money orders?" and "What is the fee?" Do not rely on the bank's website, because it may not reflect current branch practices. If the person on the phone is unsure, ask to speak with someone at the branch itself. Some banks have stopped offering money orders at certain locations while keeping them at others.
If your bank does not offer them, ask for a referral to a nearby alternative. Many banks know where their customers go when they need money orders and can point you to a credit union, post office, or check-cashing business nearby. This saves you a trip to a place that does not have what you need.
Money order limits and what to do if you need to send more
Most banks cap money orders at $500 to $1,000 per order. If you need to send $2,500, you will have to buy three separate money orders. Each one has its own fee, so the total cost rises. Some banks allow you to buy multiple money orders in one visit; others limit you to one or two per day.
If you need to send a large amount, a wire transfer or cashier's check may be cheaper and faster. A cashier's check is a bank check may provide by the bank itself and works like a money order but usually has higher limits and lower fees. Ask your bank about both options before you decide. For very large amounts, a wire transfer through your bank account is often the most practical choice, though it requires a bank account and takes one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to buy a money order at a bank?
Most banks that still issue money orders will sell them to non-account holders, though some require you to be a customer. Call ahead to confirm. If your bank requires an account, the U.S. Postal Service, credit unions, and grocery stores will sell you one without any account.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order at a bank?
No. Banks and most other money order issuers accept only cash or debit cards. Credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances and charge high fees and interest. Pay with cash or a debit card instead.
What happens if I lose a money order before I send it?
Keep your receipt. If you lose the money order itself, contact the issuer (your bank, post office, or store) with the receipt and they can issue a replacement or refund. The process takes several weeks. This is why keeping the receipt is critical.
How long does it take for a money order to reach the recipient?
A money order is not when ready like a wire transfer. It depends on how the recipient receives it—if you mail it, add postal delivery time (typically three to five business days). If you hand it to someone in person, they can cash it when ready at a bank or check-cashing business.
Is a money order safer than sending cash?
Yes. A money order has a serial number and can be traced. If it is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can file a claim with the issuer. Cash cannot be recovered. Money orders are also proof of payment because you receive a receipt.