Chase does not sell money orders at its branches or through online banking
Chase stopped offering money orders at most of its locations years ago and has not reinstated the service. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you cannot walk into a branch or call customer service to buy a money order from the bank itself.
This is a deliberate choice by Chase, not a temporary shortage. The bank has shifted its focus to digital payment methods like Zelle, wire transfers, and bill pay through its mobile app and website. Money orders, which require physical printing and handling, no longer fit into Chase's service model.
If you need a money order, you will have to get one from a different source — and you do not need to be a Chase customer to use most of them.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches do not sell money orders, and calling Chase customer service will not change that.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and post offices all sell money orders for $1 to $5 per order, depending on the amount.
- Money orders are useful when you need to send cash without a personal check or when the recipient does not accept digital payments.
- You can buy a money order with cash or a debit card at most retailers, even without a bank account.
Where to buy a money order if you bank with Chase
Walmart is the fastest option for most people. Every Walmart location sells money orders at the customer service desk. The cost is $0.88 for orders up to $1,000. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. No bank account required. The process takes about five minutes.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells money orders at every post office. The cost depends on the amount: up to $500 costs $1.45, and $500.01 to $1,000 costs $1.95. You can pay with cash or a debit card. Post offices are often less crowded than Walmart, but hours vary by location.
Grocery stores — including Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and regional chains — sell money orders at the customer service counter. Fees range from $1 to $3 depending on the store and the amount. Most accept cash and debit cards.
Check-cashing stores and payday loan shops sell money orders, but their fees are typically higher ($2 to $5) than other options. Use these only if no other source is nearby.
How much a money order costs and what limits apply
Most money orders cap out at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you will have to buy multiple money orders or use a different payment method like a wire transfer or certified check.
The fee itself is small — usually $0.88 to $3 — but it adds up if you are sending large amounts or buying several at once. A wire transfer through Chase costs $15 to $30 depending on whether it is domestic or international, but it moves the full amount in one transaction without a cap.
Some retailers offer discounts if you buy money orders in bulk, though this is rare. Ask at the counter if you are buying more than one.
When a money order makes sense instead of other payment methods
Use a money order when the recipient does not have a bank account or does not accept digital payments like Zelle or PayPal. Landlords, utility companies, and government agencies sometimes require money orders or cashier's checks specifically because they provide a paper trail and cannot bounce.
Money orders are also safer than sending cash through the mail. If a money order is lost or stolen, you can file a claim with the issuer and get a replacement. Cash is gone for good.
If you are paying someone you do not fully trust, a money order is better than a personal check because the recipient cannot use the check number to pull money from your account. The money order is already paid for at the time of purchase.
For routine bills or payments to people you know, Chase's bill pay feature or Zelle are faster and free. Reserve money orders for situations where the recipient specifically needs one or will not accept digital payment.
How to fill out a money order correctly
Money orders have blank lines for the recipient's name, your name, and sometimes a memo field. Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash the money order. Use a pen, not a pencil, and write clearly.
Sign the money order in the space marked "Purchaser's Signature" or "From." Do not sign it until you are ready to hand it over or mail it. If you sign it blank, anyone can cash it.
Write your name and address in the "Purchaser" or "From" section so the recipient knows who sent it. The memo line is optional — use it to note what the payment is for, like "Rent for March" or "Invoice #12345."
Keep your receipt. It has a tracking number that lets you verify the money order was cashed and file a claim if something goes wrong.
What to do if a money order is lost or never cashed
If you lose a money order before sending it, contact the issuer (Walmart, USPS, or whoever sold it to you) with your receipt. They will cancel the original and issue a replacement, usually for free. This process takes one to two weeks.
If you mailed a money order and the recipient says they never received it, file a claim with the issuer using your receipt number. The issuer will investigate and either confirm it was cashed (in which case the recipient is lying) or issue a replacement if it was genuinely lost in the mail.
If you sent a money order and the recipient cashed it but claims they did not receive it, you have proof of payment. Show them the cashed money order or the issuer's confirmation. This is why keeping your receipt matters.
Money orders versus wire transfers through Chase
A wire transfer through Chase moves money directly from your account to the recipient's bank account. It is faster (usually same-day or next-day), has no cap on the amount, and leaves a clear electronic record. The cost is $15 to $30 depending on whether it is domestic or international.
A money order is a physical document that the recipient has to deposit or cash themselves. It is slower (takes days or weeks to arrive by mail), capped at $1,000, and costs $0.88 to $3. But it works for people without bank accounts and for recipients who specifically require a paper payment.
If the recipient has a bank account and will accept a wire transfer, that is almost always the better choice. If they do not have a bank account or will not accept electronic payment, a money order is your only option besides cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online and have it mailed to me?
No. Money orders must be purchased in person at a physical location. You cannot order one online and have it shipped. Some banks and payment services offer similar products (like certified checks), but those are different from money orders and have their own fees and timelines.
Do I need a Chase account to buy a money order at Walmart or the post office?
No. You do not need any bank account to buy a money order. You can pay with cash or a debit card at Walmart, USPS, or most grocery stores. Money orders are available to anyone, regardless of banking status.
What if I make a mistake writing the recipient's name on the money order?
If you have not handed it over yet, do not sign it and take it back to the issuer. Most will cancel it and issue a replacement for free or a small fee. Once you sign and hand it over, the recipient can cash it even if the name is slightly wrong — most issuers do not verify names closely.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order?
Walmart accepts credit cards for money orders. Most post offices and grocery stores do not — they typically accept cash and debit cards only. Check with your specific location before you go.
Is there a limit to how many money orders I can buy at once?
No hard limit exists, but retailers may ask questions if you buy a large number in one transaction. This is a fraud-prevention measure. If you need to send a large amount, a wire transfer through Chase is simpler and faster.