Where to Get Free Money Orders: 6 Options Detailed

If you don’t have a checking account or need to send money by mail in a safe manner, a money order can help you take care of the transaction with ease. Money orders are an alternative form of payment to a bank check — they need to be cashed by the recipient in order to access funds. Most places that offer money order services, such as the U.S. Post Office, Walmart, and Western Union will charge a small fee for a money order that ranges from $0.50 to $1.50+. Fortunately, there are some places where you can get free money orders. Here’s what you need to know.

Where to Get Free Money Orders

Amscot

• The deal: You can order an unlimited number of money orders at zero cost with Amscot. Money orders are always free and you can make use of the service 365 days a year.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID.
• Maximum money order amount: Varies by store.
• Locations: Find the nearest Amscot using the Amscot store locator.
• More details: Free money orders from Amscot page.

Chase

• The deal: If you have a Chase Premier Plus Checking account with Chase Military Banking benefits, you won’t pay any monthly service fees or pay fees for money orders. This account is accessible to all current military service members and veterans that present a qualifying military ID. You can also get free money orders at Chase Bank if you’re a Chase Premier Plus Checking account holder.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID and your account numbers.
• Maximum money order amount: $1,000
• Locations: Find the nearest Chase using the Chase store locator.
• More details: Free money orders with Chase Premiere Plus Checking with Chase Military Banking Benefits page and Free money orders with Chase Premier Plus Checking account page.

Moneytree, Inc.

• The deal: If you need a money order to pay bills or send cash without hassles, you can get free Western Union money orders from Moneytree, Inc. as long as you are cashing a check or completing a loan transaction as well.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID.
• Maximum money order amount: $1,000
• Locations: Find the nearest Moneytree using the Moneytree store locator.
• More details: Free money orders from Moneytree, Inc page.

Note: See our research on Moneytree’s fees for check and money order cashing.

PLS

• The deal: You’ll find PLS Check Cashers stores around the country but the company also offers loans, bill pay, direct deposit services, and money orders. PLS money orders are free but the company will charge a $0.25 fee if you choose to have PLS complete the remitter and payee fields of the money order form.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID.
• Maximum money order amount: Varies by store.
• Locations: Find the nearest PLS using the PLS store locator.
• More details: Free money orders from PLS page.

TD Bank

• The deal: TD Bank Customers can purchase money orders in the bank lobby or through the drive-thru for amounts up to $1,000. If you have a TD Sixty Plus Checking, TD Premier and Private Premier Checking, Elite Savings, TD Business Premier Checking, or other types of specialty TD Bank accounts, you are eligible to receive free money orders.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID and TD Sixty Plus Checking, TD Premier and Private Premier Checking, Elite Savings, TD Business Premier Checking, or another specialty TD Bank account number.
• Maximum money order amount: $1,000
• Locations: Find the nearest TD Bank using the TD Bank store locator.
• More details: Free money orders with a TD Relationship Checking account page.

U.S. Bank

• The deal: U.S. Bank offers several checking account options and checking packages, including extra perks for students and seniors. If you have a Premium Checking account or the Platinum Package at U.S. Bank, all money orders are free.
• Requirements: A government-issued photo ID and you U.S. Bank Premium Checking or Platinum Package account number.
• Maximum money order amount: $1,000
• Locations: Find the nearest U.S. Bank using the U.S. Bank store locator.
• More details: Free money orders with U.S. Bank accounts page.

In Summary

Now you know where to get free money orders. Many places that offer money order services will charge a fee per money order so it’s a good idea to shop around. Check with your bank first since many banks offer free money orders as an account holder benefit. However, you may need to upgrade your account or open a different account to be eligible for free money orders. If you send money via money orders regularly, exploring options for free money orders can help you save money on basic transactions.

If none of these free options suit you, check out our much longer article about where to get cheap money orders. We also have more information about how money orders work in our money order FAQ.