Yes, most banks sell money orders, but not all of them, and the process differs from what you might expect
You can get a money order at your bank if your bank offers them — but this is not may provide. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase do sell money orders to customers, usually at the teller window. However, smaller regional banks and credit unions may not stock them at all, or may only sell them to account holders. The cost varies: most banks charge between $5 and $10 per money order, though some charge less for account holders. You will need to bring a valid ID and the cash or funds to cover both the money order amount and the fee.
The catch is that banks are increasingly phasing out money orders. Many branches have stopped carrying them entirely because fewer people use them. If you call ahead and confirm your bank sells them, you avoid a wasted trip. If your bank does not carry them, you have faster alternatives: grocery stores, convenience stores, and the U.S. Postal Service all sell money orders with shorter wait times and sometimes lower fees.
Key Takeaways
- Not every bank sells money orders — call your branch first to confirm they have them in stock before you go.
- Banks typically charge $5 to $10 per money order, though fees are sometimes lower for account holders.
- You must bring a valid ID and cash or debit card to pay for the money order and the fee at the teller window.
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, and post offices often sell money orders faster and sometimes cheaper than banks.
- Money orders from banks take the same time to clear as money orders from other sources — usually one to three business days.
Which banks actually sell money orders
The major national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank — do sell money orders at most of their branches. However, availability varies by location. Some branches in rural areas or smaller towns may not stock them. Regional banks and credit unions are less consistent: some sell them freely, others only to account holders, and many do not carry them at all.
The only way to know for certain is to call your branch directly and ask. Do not assume based on the bank's size or your account status. A teller can tell you in 30 seconds whether they have money orders available that day. If they do not, ask whether another nearby branch carries them, or whether they can order one for you — some banks will do this, though it may take a few days.
What you need to bring and how much it costs
To buy a money order at a bank, bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need the cash or funds to cover the full amount of the money order plus the fee. Most banks do not allow you to charge a money order to a credit card, though some will let you use a debit card or withdraw from your account.
Fees at banks typically range from $5 to $10 per money order. Some banks charge less — occasionally $3 to $5 — if you are an account holder. A few banks charge a flat fee regardless of the amount; others charge a percentage of the money order value. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you hand over your money. The fee is separate from the money order amount, so if you need to send $500, you will pay $500 plus the fee.
The teller window process and how long it takes
At the teller window, you will tell the teller the amount of the money order and provide your ID. The teller will fill out the money order form, which includes your name as the purchaser, the recipient's name, and the amount. You will then pay the full amount plus the fee. The teller will give you the original money order and a receipt. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the line is short.
Keep the receipt. It contains a tracking number that lets you check whether the money order has been cashed. If the money order is lost or stolen before it reaches the recipient, you can use this number to file a claim and request a replacement. The bank will not replace it when ready — the process typically takes 30 to 90 days — but you will eventually get your money back if you can prove you purchased it.
Why grocery stores and post offices are often faster
If your bank does not sell money orders or the line is long, a grocery store or convenience store is usually faster. Walmart, Target, and most grocery chains sell money orders at the customer service desk. The U.S. Postal Service sells them at post offices. Fees at these locations are often lower than banks — typically $1.25 to $3 per money order at the post office, and $0.88 to $2 at grocery stores, depending on the amount.
The trade-off is that these locations have less flexibility. They cannot look up your account or verify your identity as thoroughly as a bank can. You still need a valid ID, but the process is more standardized and faster. If you need a money order in the next hour and your bank is closed or does not carry them, a grocery store or post office is your best option.
Money order limits and what happens if you need a larger amount
Most banks, post offices, and stores limit individual money orders to $1,000. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,500, you would buy three money orders: two for $1,000 each and one for $500. Each one has its own fee, so the total cost increases.
Some banks may have different limits — a few allow up to $2,500 per money order — so ask when you call. If you regularly need to send large amounts, a cashier's check from your bank is often a better option. A cashier's check can be written for any amount, costs roughly the same as a money order, and clears faster at most banks.
How long a bank money order takes to clear
A money order purchased at a bank clears at the same speed as a money order from any other source. The recipient's bank will typically make the funds available within one to three business days. The speed depends on the recipient's bank, not where the money order was purchased. Some banks clear money orders the same day; others take three business days. There is no way to speed this up by buying from a bank instead of a store.
The money order itself is delivered by the recipient — you mail it, hand it to them, or they pick it up from you. The bank does not deliver it. Once the recipient deposits or cashes it at their bank, the clearing time begins. If the recipient's bank is the same as yours, it may clear faster, but this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at my bank if I do not have an account there?
Most banks will sell money orders to non-account holders, but some restrict them to customers only. Call your bank first to ask. If they do not sell to non-account holders, a post office or grocery store will sell to anyone with a valid ID.
What if I lose the money order before I send it?
If you have the receipt with the tracking number, you can file a claim with the bank or issuer. The process takes 30 to 90 days, but you will be refunded once the claim is approved. Without the receipt, you cannot prove you purchased it, so keep the receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed.
Is a money order safer than a personal check?
Yes. A money order is may provide by the bank or issuer, so the funds are already set aside. A personal check can bounce if there is not enough money in the account. The recipient does not have to worry about whether the money order will clear — it will, as long as it is genuine.
Can I cancel a money order after I buy it?
Yes, but only if you have not sent it yet. Bring the original money order and receipt back to the bank or issuer and request a refund. They will charge a cancellation fee, usually $5 to $15. Once the money order has been cashed by the recipient, it cannot be cancelled.
Do I need to fill out anything besides my ID?
The teller fills out most of the money order form. You will need to provide the recipient's name and address. Some banks ask for a phone number or reason for the transaction, but this is not required by law. The teller will guide you through what they need.