Most banks offer money orders, but not all, and the process varies by institution

Yes, you can get a money order from your bank in most cases. The catch is that not every bank sells them, and the ones that do may charge different fees or have different limits. Some banks treat money orders as a standard service; others offer them only to account holders or only at certain branches. A few have stopped selling them altogether because demand has dropped.

The fastest way to find out what your bank offers is to call the branch where you have your account or visit in person. Ask whether they sell money orders, what the fee is, what the maximum amount is, and whether you need to be a customer. If your bank does not offer them, you have other options—credit unions, the post office, and retailers like Walmart and grocery stores all sell money orders, often for less money.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks sell money orders to account holders, but fees and limits vary by bank and branch.
  • You will need to bring a valid ID and the cash or funds to cover the amount plus the fee.
  • The process takes minutes at the teller window, and you walk out with the money order in hand.
  • If your bank does not offer money orders, credit unions, the post office, and retailers are faster and often cheaper alternatives.
  • Money orders have a maximum amount—usually between $500 and $1,000 per order—so large payments may require multiple orders.

What you need to bring to get a money order at your bank

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will check it to confirm your identity. You will also need the cash or debit card to pay for the money order itself plus the fee. Some banks let you pay from your account if you are an account holder; others require cash at the window.

Have the payee's name ready—the person or business the money order is for. You do not need to know their account number or any other details, just the exact name as it should appear on the order. If you are unsure of the spelling, ask the person before you go to the bank. The teller will write it on the money order, and you cannot change it afterward.

How much it costs and what the limits are

Bank money order fees typically range from $5 to $10 per order, though some banks charge less. The fee is separate from the amount of the money order itself. A $500 money order might cost you $505 to $510 total, depending on your bank.

The maximum amount per money order is usually $500 to $1,000. If you need to send more than that, you will have to buy multiple money orders. For example, to send $2,000, you might buy four $500 money orders. Some banks set lower limits for non-account holders or for certain types of transactions, so ask when you call.

The step-by-step process at the bank

Go to the teller window and tell them you want a money order. Bring your ID and the payment method. The teller will ask you for the payee's name and the amount. They will enter it into their system, calculate the fee, and tell you the total cost.

Pay the teller. They will print the money order, which looks like a check but is backed by the bank's funds rather than your account. You will receive the original money order and a receipt. Keep the receipt until the money order is cashed—it shows the amount, the payee, and a tracking number in case something goes wrong. The whole process takes about five minutes.

When your bank does not sell money orders

If your bank has stopped offering them or does not sell to non-account holders, you have faster and often cheaper alternatives. Credit unions typically charge $1 to $3 per money order and sell them to members and non-members alike. The post office charges around $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies sell them for $0.70 to $1.50.

These alternatives are worth considering even if your bank does offer money orders, because the fee difference adds up if you buy several. A $10 bank fee versus a $1 post office fee means you save $9 per order. The trade-off is that you may have to go to a different location, but most people have a post office or grocery store closer than their bank branch anyway.

How to track a money order if something goes wrong

Keep your receipt. It has a tracking number that identifies the specific money order. If the money order is lost, stolen, or never arrives, you can contact your bank with the receipt and ask them to put a stop on it and issue a replacement. This process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bank.

If the money order has already been cashed, the bank can tell you who cashed it and when by looking up the tracking number. If someone else cashed it without authorization, report it to your bank and to the police. The bank will not refund you, but the police report creates a record that may help if the person who cashed it is caught.

Money orders versus other ways to send money

A money order is useful when the person you are paying does not have a bank account or does not want to give you their account number. It is also useful for large payments where a personal check might not be trusted. The downside is the fee and the fact that you have to be present to buy it—you cannot order one online and have it mailed to you.

If the recipient has a bank account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer is often faster and cheaper, though wire transfers cost $15 to $30. If you are paying a bill, many companies let you pay online for free. If you are sending money to someone who does have a bank account but you want to avoid giving them your account details, a money order is still a reasonable choice despite the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online from my bank?

Most banks do not sell money orders online. You have to go to a branch in person. Some banks may mail you a money order if you request it, but this takes several days and defeats the purpose of using a money order for when ready payment. Call your bank to ask if they offer this service.

What if I lose the money order before I give it to the payee?

Contact your bank when ready with your receipt and the tracking number. The bank can place a stop on the money order so it cannot be cashed by anyone else. They will issue you a replacement, though the process takes time. This is why keeping your receipt is critical.

Do I need a bank account to get a money order from a bank?

Most banks require you to be an account holder, but some sell money orders to anyone with a valid ID. Call ahead to confirm. If your bank requires an account, the post office and retailers like Walmart do not.

Can I get a money order for more than $1,000?

No single money order can exceed the bank's limit, which is usually $500 to $1,000. For larger amounts, you buy multiple money orders. If you need to send $5,000, you might buy five $1,000 orders, though you will pay five separate fees.

How long does a money order stay valid?

Money orders do not expire, but banks may stop honoring them after a certain period—typically one to three years. If a money order is very old, the bank may require you to file a claim to get the funds. It is best to cash or deposit a money order within a few months of receiving it.