Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or online
Chase stopped offering money orders several years ago and does not currently sell them through any of its locations or digital channels. If you need a money order, you will have to use a different provider — most commonly a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office.
This is a common frustration for Chase customers who are used to handling all their banking needs in one place. The decision to discontinue money orders reflects a broader shift in the banking industry: fewer people use money orders now than in the past, and the transaction volume does not justify the cost and infrastructure for most large banks.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches do not sell money orders, and you cannot order them online through Chase either.
- The US Postal Service, Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens all sell money orders for a small fee.
- Money order fees vary by provider and amount — typically between $1 and $5 for amounts under $1,000.
- If you have a Chase account, you can still use other payment methods like bill pay, wire transfers, or cashier's checks for most situations where you might need a money order.
Where to buy a money order instead
The US Postal Service is the most widely available option. Post offices are in most towns and cities, and USPS money orders cost $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $1.95 for $500.01 to $1,000. You can walk in with cash or a debit card and walk out with a money order in minutes.
Walmart sells money orders at its customer service desk for $0.88 for amounts up to $1,000. You need a valid ID and can pay with cash or a card. Many Walmart locations are open late or on Sundays, which can be helpful if you need a money order outside normal banking hours.
Grocery stores and pharmacies — including CVS, Walgreens, and most supermarket chains — also sell money orders. Fees typically range from $1 to $3 depending on the amount and the specific store. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your local store offers them, because not all locations do.
Why Chase stopped selling money orders
Large banks like Chase have moved away from money orders because the transaction volume has declined over the past 15 years. Fewer people need them now that digital payment options — ACH transfers, wire transfers, bill pay, and peer-to-peer apps — are faster and often cheaper.
Money orders also require staff time to process, verify, and handle cash. For a bank processing millions of transactions daily, the operational cost of maintaining money order services outweighs the revenue from the small fees charged. Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes still offer them, but the trend across the industry is discontinuation.
Alternatives to a money order if you have a Chase account
Chase bill pay lets you pay bills directly from your checking account without a money order. You set up the payee (landlord, utility company, creditor), enter the amount, and choose a delivery date. The payment arrives as a check or ACH transfer depending on the payee's setup. This is free for Chase customers and works for most recurring bills.
Wire transfers move money directly from your Chase account to another bank account, usually within one business day. Chase charges $15 to $20 per outgoing wire transfer, depending on whether it is domestic or international. Wires are faster than money orders but cost more, so they make sense only for larger amounts or time-sensitive payments.
Cashier's checks are still available at most Chase branches. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours, which makes it more secure than a personal check. Chase typically charges $5 to $10 per cashier's check. You need to visit a branch in person, bring your ID, and have funds in your account to cover the amount.
Zelle is Chase's peer-to-peer payment system, built into the Chase mobile app and website. You can send money to another person's bank account instantly if both parties have Zelle enrolled. There is no fee for Zelle transfers, but the recipient must have a US bank account and the transfer limit is usually $2,000 per day.
When you actually need a money order
Money orders are still useful in specific situations. If you are paying rent or a deposit to a landlord who does not accept electronic payments, a money order is a safer choice than cash and leaves a paper trail. If you are sending money through the mail to someone who does not have a bank account, a money order is more secure than a check.
Some utility companies, government agencies, and small businesses still prefer or require money orders for certain payments. Before you go to the trouble of buying one, call the recipient and ask whether they accept bill pay, ACH transfers, or checks instead — most do now, and those options are often faster.
How to pay for a money order
Most providers accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes credit cards. The US Postal Service takes cash and debit cards but not credit cards. Walmart accepts cash and cards at its customer service desk. Grocery stores and pharmacies vary — call ahead if you want to pay with a specific method.
You will need a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to buy a money order at most locations. Have the recipient's name and address ready if you know it, though you can often leave the payee line blank and fill it in later. Bring the exact amount or be prepared to receive change in cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online through Chase?
No. Chase does not sell money orders online or through its app. You will need to visit a third-party provider like the post office, Walmart, or a grocery store to buy one in person.
What is the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?
A money order is issued by a non-bank provider and is limited to smaller amounts (usually up to $1,000). A cashier's check is issued by a bank and can be written for any amount. Cashier's checks are more formal and carry more weight for large transactions, but both are secure payment methods that leave a record.
Can I use Chase bill pay instead of a money order?
Often yes. If the recipient has a mailing address and accepts checks or ACH transfers, Chase bill pay will work and costs nothing. If the recipient specifically requires a money order or does not accept electronic payments, you will need to buy one elsewhere.
How long does it take to get a money order?
You can buy a money order in person and walk out with it in minutes. If you are mailing it, delivery depends on the postal service — typically three to five business days for standard mail. Some providers offer tracking for an extra fee.
What if I lose a money order I already bought?
Contact the provider where you bought it (post office, Walmart, etc.) as soon as possible. Most will issue a replacement if you have the receipt and can provide the money order number. The process typically takes one to two weeks and may cost a small fee.