Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online

Chase stopped offering money orders at all of its locations several years ago. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you cannot walk into a branch or order one through Chase's website or mobile app. This applies to all Chase branches nationwide, regardless of account type or customer tenure.

The bank's official position is that money orders are no longer part of its service lineup. Chase does not provide a reason for this decision on its website, and customer service representatives will confirm the policy but cannot override it. If you need a money order, you will have to use a different provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase branches do not sell money orders, and this policy applies to all customers and all locations.
  • You can get a money order at Walmart, grocery stores with financial services counters, the U.S. Postal Service, or Western Union locations.
  • Money orders typically cost between $0.50 and $5 depending on the amount and the issuer.
  • If you need to send money quickly and securely, a cashier's check from Chase is an alternative, though it requires a trip to a branch and takes longer to clear.

Where to get a money order instead

Walmart sells money orders at its customer service desk in most locations. The cost is usually $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. You pay in cash or with a debit card, and the money order is issued on the spot. Hours vary by store, but most Walmart customer service desks close earlier than the store itself.

The U.S. Postal Service issues money orders at post offices nationwide. The fee depends on the amount: up to $500 costs $1.45, and $500.01 to $1,000 costs $1.95. You can buy one in person at any post office during business hours. Some post offices inside grocery stores or pharmacies have limited hours, so call ahead if you are near closing time.

Grocery stores and pharmacies with financial services counters—including Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and Walgreens—sell money orders. Fees range from $1 to $3 depending on the chain and the amount. Not every location offers them, so call the store before you go.

Western Union locations, found in many convenience stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies, sell money orders for $1 to $5 depending on the amount. You can also order one online and pick it up at a nearby location, though this requires a fee and advance notice.

How a money order works

A money order is a paper payment instrument that functions like a check but is backed by the issuer's funds rather than your bank account. You fill in the payee's name, the amount, and your name as the sender. The issuer prints a receipt for you and a stub for the payee. Because the money is already collected from you at the time of purchase, the payee can deposit or cash it with confidence that the funds are real.

Money orders are safer than sending cash through the mail and do not require the payee to have a bank account. They are also useful if you do not have a checking account or if you want to send money without revealing your bank details. The downside is that they cost money, take time to clear (usually one to three business days), and can be replaced only if you kept your receipt and the money order has not been cashed.

Cashier's checks as an alternative

If you want a payment instrument backed by Chase's funds, you can order a cashier's check from any Chase branch. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's account, not yours, so the recipient knows the funds are may provide. You need to go to a branch in person, bring your ID, and have the funds in your account. The fee is typically $10 to $15.

Cashier's checks take longer to clear than money orders—usually three to five business days—and they are larger and less convenient for small payments. However, they are useful for large transactions like down payments on a house or car, where the recipient wants assurance that the money is real. You can order one same-day if you visit a branch during business hours.

Sending money online instead

If the payee has a bank account, consider using Chase's own money transfer services. Chase QuickPay (for bill payments) and Chase QuickDeposit (for mobile check deposits) are built into the Chase mobile app and website. You can also use third-party services like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash if both parties have accounts.

These methods are faster than money orders, cost nothing or very little, and leave a digital record. The trade-off is that they require the recipient to have a bank account or a digital wallet, and some have daily or monthly limits on how much you can send. For paying bills, Chase's bill pay feature lets you schedule payments directly from your account to almost any business.

When you still need a physical money order

Money orders are still the best option in a few situations. If you are paying someone who does not have a bank account or does not trust digital transfers, a money order is safer than cash. If you are paying a business that does not accept online payments or credit cards, a money order may be your only choice. If you do not have a bank account yourself, a money order from Walmart or the post office is simpler than opening an account just to send one payment.

Money orders are also useful if you need to send money through the mail and want proof of payment. Keep your receipt until the payee confirms they received and cashed the money order. If it is lost or stolen before being cashed, you can file a claim with the issuer, though the process takes time and requires your receipt number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a money order online from Chase?

No. Chase does not offer money orders through its website, mobile app, or by phone. You will need to use another provider like Walmart, the post office, or Western Union.

What is the maximum amount for a money order?

Most issuers cap money orders at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders. The U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, and Western Union all allow this.

How long does a money order take to clear?

Most money orders clear within one to three business days once deposited. Some banks clear them faster, especially if deposited at a branch in person. Ask your bank if you need it to clear by a specific date.

What if I lose a money order before cashing it?

Contact the issuer with your receipt number. They can issue a replacement, but the process takes time—usually two to four weeks—and you may have to pay a replacement fee. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Is a cashier's check the same as a money order?

No. A cashier's check is larger, costs more, takes longer to clear, and is drawn on a bank's account. A money order is smaller, cheaper, clears faster, and is issued by various providers. Use a cashier's check for large payments; use a money order for smaller ones.