Chase money order fees vary by location and the amount you're sending
Chase does not sell money orders at all branches. The ones that do charge between $5 and $10 per money order, depending on your state and the specific branch. Some Chase locations have stopped offering them altogether, so you need to call ahead or visit in person to confirm availability before making a trip.
If your local Chase branch does not carry money orders, you have other options: the U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 to $2.00, Walmart charges $0.88 to $1.25, and Western Union charges $1 to $5 depending on the amount. These alternatives are often faster and cheaper than waiting to find a Chase branch that still issues them.
Key Takeaways
- Chase money order fees range from $5 to $10, but not all branches sell them—call your branch first to confirm they are available.
- The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 to $2.00 per money order and is available at nearly every post office.
- Walmart and Western Union offer money orders at lower costs than Chase and are open longer hours than most banks.
- Money orders protect both sender and receiver because they require a specific payee name and cannot be cashed by anyone else.
Why Chase charges more than other places
Banks charge more for money orders than retailers or the postal service because they treat the transaction as a service to customers, not a high-volume commodity. Chase's fee covers the cost of the teller's time, the paper and security features, and the bank's processing of the money order through its system. The fee also reflects that Chase branches have higher overhead than a Walmart or post office.
The actual cost to produce a money order is small—the paper, ink, and security printing cost only a few cents. The fee you pay is mostly labor and profit. This is why independent check-cashing stores and smaller banks often charge less than Chase, and why the postal service can offer them so cheaply: they process thousands per day and spread the cost across volume.
How to learn about your Chase branch has them
Call your local Chase branch directly and ask if they sell money orders. Do not rely on the website or the app—branch inventory changes and some locations have discontinued the service. When you call, ask for the fee amount at that specific branch, because it can vary even within the same city.
If your branch does not have them, ask the teller if they can order one for you or if another nearby Chase location carries them. Some branches will order a money order for you to pick up later, though this adds a day or two to the process. If Chase cannot help, move to the postal service or Walmart—both are faster and cheaper.
What you need to bring to buy a money order at Chase
Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the money order and its fee. Chase will not let you charge a money order to a credit card. You also need to know the exact name of the person or business the money order will be made out to—you cannot leave it blank or make it out to "cash."
Bring a photo ID if you are buying a money order for more than $1,000. Some branches may ask for ID even for smaller amounts. The teller will fill in the payee name, the amount, and your name as the sender. You sign it in front of the teller, and they give you the original to send and keep a receipt for your records.
Money orders versus other payment methods
A money order is safer than sending cash or a personal check because the payee cannot alter the amount or cash it without the exact name printed on it. Unlike a wire transfer, a money order does not require the recipient's bank account number, which makes it useful for paying someone you do not fully trust with your banking details. The tradeoff is that money orders are slower—they take several business days to clear, whereas a wire transfer settles in hours.
If you need to send money to someone quickly and securely, a wire transfer through Chase is faster but costs $15 to $30. If you need a paper trail and lower cost, a money order is better. If you are paying a bill to a company, ask first whether they accept money orders—many do not, and a check or online payment is faster.
| Payment Method | Cost | Speed | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase money order | $5–$10 | 3–5 business days | High—payee name required |
| USPS money order | $1.45–$2.00 | 3–5 business days | High—payee name required |
| Walmart money order | $0.88–$1.25 | 3–5 business days | High—payee name required |
| Chase wire transfer | $15–$30 | Same day or next day | Medium—requires account number |
| Personal check | $0 | 3–7 business days | Low—can be altered or forged |
What to do if you lose a money order or it does not arrive
If you lose a money order before sending it, contact Chase immediately with your receipt. Chase can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay the fee again. The process takes several days because Chase has to verify that the original money order has not been cashed.
If you send a money order and the recipient says they never received it, ask them to wait at least five business days—money orders can take that long to clear. If it still has not arrived after a week, contact Chase with your receipt and the recipient's name and address. Chase will file a tracer and may issue a replacement, but this process can take two to four weeks. For this reason, always send money orders by mail with tracking or hand-deliver them when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order at Chase with a credit card?
No. Chase requires you to pay for a money order with cash or a debit card. Credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances, which carry higher fees and interest rates, so banks block the transaction.
What is the maximum amount I can put on a Chase money order?
Most money orders, including those from Chase, max out at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than $1,000, you can buy multiple money orders or use a wire transfer instead.
Do I need a Chase account to buy a money order there?
No. You do not need to be a Chase customer. However, you do need a photo ID and cash or a debit card to pay for it.
How long does it take for a money order to clear?
Money orders typically clear in three to five business days, depending on the recipient's bank and how quickly they deposit it. Some banks clear them faster, but you should assume five days to be safe.
Is a money order the same as a cashier's check?
No. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's account and is considered more secure for large amounts. Cashier's checks cost $10 to $15 at Chase and are better for amounts over $1,000. Money orders are simpler and cheaper for smaller payments.