Yes, most banks sell money orders, but not all locations carry them

You can get a money order from your bank if it offers them — but this varies by bank and by branch. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase sell money orders at most locations. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may not, or may only sell them at certain branches. The fastest way to find out is to call your branch directly and ask whether they have money orders in stock and what the fee is.

Money orders from a bank are often cheaper than buying one at a grocery store or check-cashing place, though the fee still varies. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per money order; others charge less. A few banks include a small number of information programs orders as part of a checking account, so check your account terms before you assume there is a fee.

The main reason to get a money order from a bank rather than elsewhere is that you are dealing with an institution you already trust, and the process is straightforward. You walk in, tell the teller you want a money order, provide the amount and the recipient's name, and pay the fee plus the amount of the money order itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every bank branch carries money orders, so call ahead to confirm your branch has them before you go in.
  • Bank money order fees typically range from $5 to $10 per order, though some accounts include a few free ones.
  • You will need to know the exact amount, the recipient's name, and have cash or a debit card to pay for it.
  • The teller will fill in the money order while you wait, and you can take it with you when ready.

What you need to bring to the bank

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify who you are before issuing a money order in your name. You do not need to be a customer of that bank to buy a money order there, though some banks prefer it.

Bring the exact amount you want the money order for, plus the fee. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a check if you are a customer. Have the recipient's name ready — the person or business the money order is being sent to. If you do not know the exact amount yet, ask the teller if you can round up slightly; most money orders can be written for any amount up to a limit (usually $1,000 per order).

How the process works at the teller window

Tell the teller you want a money order and provide the amount and the recipient's name. The teller will ask for your ID and will write or print the money order. They will show it to you before handing it over so you can verify the amount and recipient name are correct. This is your chance to catch any mistakes.

You will pay the teller the full amount — the money order itself plus the fee — and you will receive the money order when ready. You can then take it to mail it, deliver it in person, or hold it until you are ready to send it. Money orders do not expire, though some banks print an expiration date on them for their own records.

When a bank money order makes sense versus other options

A bank money order is your best choice if you are already at your bank, if your bank's fee is lower than what you would pay elsewhere, or if you want the security of dealing with a regulated financial institution. Banks are required to follow strict rules about money orders, so there is less risk of fraud or error than at some other locations.

A grocery store or pharmacy money order may be faster if you are already shopping there and do not want to make a separate trip. Check-cashing stores often sell money orders but typically charge more than banks do. Online money order services exist but require you to mail the order, which defeats the purpose if you need it quickly.

What to do if your bank does not carry money orders

If your bank does not sell money orders, you have several other options. Many grocery stores, including Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, sell money orders at the customer service desk. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also carry them. Check-cashing stores and Western Union locations sell money orders but usually charge more than banks or grocery stores.

The Post Office sells money orders as well, and the fee is often lower than at other locations — typically around $1.45 for amounts under $500. If you are already planning to mail the money order, buying one at the Post Office when you buy your stamp can save you a trip.

Money order limits and fees at banks

Most banks allow you to buy one money order for up to $1,000 at a time. If you need to send more than that, you can buy multiple money orders. Some banks limit how many you can buy in a single day, so ask the teller if you need more than two or three.

Fees vary widely. Some banks charge a flat $5 per money order. Others charge $7 to $10. A few banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain balance in your account or have a premium checking account. Ask about your bank's fee structure when you call to confirm they carry money orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to buy a money order there?

Most banks will sell a money order to anyone with a valid ID, even if you do not have an account there. However, some banks restrict money order sales to customers only. Call your branch to ask before you go in.

Can I buy a money order online from my bank and pick it up in person?

Most banks do not offer this service. You typically have to go to a branch in person to buy a money order. Some banks may mail you a money order, but this takes several days and defeats the purpose of needing one quickly.

What happens if I make a mistake on the money order?

If you notice a mistake before you leave the bank, tell the teller when ready and they can issue you a new one. If you have already left, contact the bank as soon as possible. Money orders can sometimes be cancelled and reissued, but the process varies by bank.

Is a money order safer than sending cash in the mail?

Yes. A money order can only be cashed by the person whose name is on it (the recipient), so if it is lost or stolen in the mail, the finder cannot cash it. Cash has no such protection.

How long does it take to get a money order from a bank?

The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes at the teller window. You walk out with the money order in hand, ready to mail or deliver.