Yes, most banks issue money orders, but not all branches carry them and some charge more than other places
You can get a money order at your bank if it offers them, but you will need to go in person during business hours with cash or a debit card. Not every bank branch stocks them — some larger institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo do, while smaller regional banks and credit unions may not. Even if your bank issues money orders, the fee typically runs $5 to $10 per order, which is higher than what you would pay at a post office or grocery store.
The real question is not whether your bank can issue one, but whether it is the fastest or cheapest option for what you need. If you are already at your bank for another reason, or if you need a money order for an amount over $1,000 (which some retailers will not issue), then yes, ask at the counter. Otherwise, you have faster and cheaper alternatives nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Banks that issue money orders require you to visit in person with cash or a debit card, and fees range from $5 to $10 per order.
- The United States Postal Service charges $1.45 to $2.00 per money order and is open on Saturdays at most locations, making it cheaper and more convenient than banks.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services often issue money orders for $1 to $3 and are usually open longer hours than banks.
- Money orders issued by banks and the post office are equally safe and accepted everywhere, so the choice comes down to location, hours, and cost.
What happens when you ask your bank for a money order
Walk into your branch with your ID and the cash or debit card you want to use. Tell the teller you need a money order. They will ask you for the name of the person or business the money order is being made out to — this is the payee — and the amount. You cannot leave this blank or make it out to "cash." The teller will fill in the amount, the payee name, and your name as the purchaser, then you sign it.
The entire process takes about five minutes. You pay the fee at that moment, either in cash or from your debit card. The teller gives you the money order, which looks like a check but is backed by the bank's own funds rather than your account balance. Some banks also issue a receipt or stub showing the money order number, amount, and payee — keep this until the money order clears or is cashed.
The catch: your bank may not have money orders in stock, or may only issue them during certain hours. Call ahead before you go, or check your bank's website to see if money orders are listed as a service at your specific branch.
Why the post office is usually the better choice
The United States Postal Service issues money orders for $1.45 to $2.00 per order, depending on the amount. That is roughly one-quarter to one-half what a bank charges. Post offices are also open on Saturdays at most locations, and many stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, which is later than many bank branches.
The process is identical to the bank: you bring your ID and cash, tell the postal clerk the payee name and amount, and they issue the money order on the spot. You sign it, and you are done. The post office also gives you a receipt with the money order number, which you should keep.
The only reason to choose a bank over the post office is if you need a money order for more than $1,000. The post office caps individual money orders at $1,000, so amounts above that require multiple orders. Banks typically allow higher single amounts, though you should confirm the limit with your specific branch.
Retailers and check-cashing services as faster alternatives
Walmart, most grocery store chains, and check-cashing services issue money orders for $1 to $3 per order. These locations are often open longer than banks — many Walmart locations are open until 10 or 11 p.m., and some grocery stores have customer service desks open during store hours. The process is the same: bring your ID and cash, provide the payee name and amount, and sign.
The trade-off is that not every location carries them. Some Walmart stores have stopped issuing money orders in recent years, and smaller grocery stores may not offer them at all. Call ahead or check the store's website before you go. Also, some retailers have lower caps on the amount per order — Walmart, for example, limits money orders to $1,000, while some grocery stores cap them at $500.
If you are in a hurry and need a money order for under $500, a nearby grocery store or Walmart is often your fastest option. If you need the money order after bank hours or on a weekend, these retailers are your only choice besides the post office.
What you need to bring and what it costs
| Location | Fee | Hours | Maximum Amount | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank | $5–$10 | Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., some Saturdays | Varies by bank, often $5,000+ | ID, cash or debit card |
| Post Office | $1.45–$2.00 | Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | $1,000 per order | ID, cash |
| Walmart | $1–$3 | Usually 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | $1,000 per order | ID, cash |
| Grocery Store | $1–$3 | Store hours, usually 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | $500–$1,000 | ID, cash |
| Check-Cashing Service | $2–$5 | Varies, often open evenings and weekends | $1,000–$5,000 | ID, cash |
All locations require a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Most will not accept expired IDs. You must bring cash or, at banks, a debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at any of these locations.
The payee name must be spelled correctly on the money order, so double-check before the clerk fills it in. Once issued, a money order cannot be changed or cancelled easily — if you make a mistake, you may have to pay another fee to get a replacement.
Money orders from banks versus other sources: is there a difference?
A money order is a money order. Whether it comes from your bank, the post office, or Walmart, it is equally safe and equally accepted. The issuing institution guarantees the funds, so the recipient knows the money is good. Landlords, utility companies, government agencies, and businesses accept money orders from any source.
The only practical difference is the fee and the hours. A bank money order costs more but may allow higher amounts. A post office money order costs less and is open Saturdays. A retailer money order is the cheapest and often the most convenient. None of them are "better" — they are just different options for the same product.
If you are sending a money order through the mail, consider that the post office money order comes with built-in tracking through the postal system. You can look up the status of a postal money order online using the money order number. Bank and retailer money orders do not have this feature, though you should still keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
When a bank money order makes sense
Choose your bank if you need a single money order for more than $1,000, because most retailers cap orders at $1,000 and the post office has a hard limit of $1,000 per order. If you need $2,500, for example, you would either buy three postal money orders or one bank money order.
A bank money order also makes sense if you are already at your bank for another reason — opening an account, depositing a check, or speaking with a loan officer — and you need a money order while you are there. The convenience of doing both in one trip may outweigh the higher fee.
Otherwise, the post office or a nearby retailer will save you money and often save you time. Unless your bank is your only option, it is rarely the cheapest or most convenient choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to get a money order from a bank?
No. You do not need to be a customer of the bank. You just need a valid ID and cash or a debit card. Some banks may ask if you have an account, but they will still issue a money order if you do not.
Can I get a money order without an ID?
No. All locations — banks, post offices, retailers, and check-cashing services — require a valid government-issued ID. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering.
What if I make a mistake on the money order?
If the clerk has not yet issued it, ask them to start over. If they have already issued it, you will need to contact the issuer to cancel it and request a replacement, which usually costs another fee. Some issuers will not cancel a money order if it has already been cashed or deposited.
How long does a money order take to clear?
Once the recipient deposits or cashes a money order, it typically clears within one to three business days, the same as a check. The money order itself is issued when ready, but the funds may take a few days to move from the issuer to the recipient's bank.
Can I track a money order I sent?
Post office money orders can be tracked online using the money order number on your receipt. Bank and retailer money orders do not have a tracking system, so keep your receipt as proof of purchase in case you need to prove you sent it.