Does Bank of America Offer Money Orders?

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No, Bank of America does not offer money orders — to customers or non-customers. However, the bank does offer several secure alternatives, including cashier’s checks, wire transfers, Zelle, and online bill pay. If you need a money order specifically, there are plenty of other places to get one.

What Is a Money Order?

A money order is a paper payment document — similar to a personal check — made out for a specific amount and signed by the payer. Unlike a personal check, it’s a guaranteed form of payment, which makes it more secure and widely accepted across the U.S.

What Are Bank of America’s Alternatives to Money Orders?

Even without money orders, Bank of America offers several ways to send money securely:

• Cashier’s checks. If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can get a cashier’s check for $15. Preferred Rewards members may have this fee waived.
• Zelle. Send money digitally to almost anyone with a U.S. bank account — typically within minutes, at no cost.
• Online bill pay. Pay bills directly from your Bank of America account without needing a paper payment method.
• Wire transfers. A reliable option for sending larger amounts, both domestically and internationally.

Where Can You Get a Money Order?

If you need a money order, several providers offer them at reasonable fees:

Your own bank is often the cheapest option, depending on your account type. Walmart is a convenient and affordable choice when banks aren’t open.

Where Can You Cash a Money Order?

Money orders can be cashed at post offices, banks, participating grocery stores, and large retailers like Walmart. Processing typically takes one to three business days, depending on the provider. It’s worth calling ahead to confirm fees and any specific requirements, as policies can vary by location.

How Do You Avoid Money Order Scams?

Money orders are generally secure, but they’re not immune to fraud. One of the most common scams involves a buyer sending a money order for more than the amount owed, then asking the seller to deposit it and return the difference in cash. By the time the money order is found to be fake, the seller has already handed over real money — and may be held responsible for repaying the full amount to their bank.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Verify the money order. Contact the issuing provider using the serial number on the document to confirm it’s legitimate before accepting or depositing it.
• Check for security features. Valid money orders typically include watermarks or other unique identifiers. If something looks off, trust that instinct.
• Be wary of overpayment. If someone insists on paying more than the amount owed and asks for cash back, treat it as a red flag.
• Don’t rush. Wait for a money order to fully clear with your bank before refunding any portion of it or considering the transaction complete.

Is a Money Order the Right Choice for Your Transaction?

Money orders are a reliable option when you need a guaranteed paper payment — but they’re not always the most convenient or fastest method. They can take one to three business days to arrive by mail, and you’ll need to go out of your way to purchase one.

For most everyday transactions, Bank of America’s digital options — like Zelle or online bill pay — are faster and often free. If you specifically need a paper-based guaranteed payment, a cashier’s check from Bank of America is the closest equivalent the bank offers.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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