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Learn how to quickly and easily fill out a money order correctly
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Money orders are a great way to get money where it needs to go quickly—but the front has a lot of blanks and can be confusing at first. What information do you need to fill out and where do you sign? Read on to find out exactly how to fill out a money order so the recipient will have no problem getting the money you sent them.
Filling Out a Money Order
- Double-check to make sure the money order amount is correct.
- Print the name and address of the recipient on the "Pay to" and "Address" lines.
- Print your full name and address on the "From" and "Address" lines.
- Copy your account number or write the purpose of the money on the memo line.
- Sign your name on the front of the money order.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo l have to enter my address when I am the purchaser/sending a money order?Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.As the purchaser, there is no legal requirement that your address be included on the order. However, failing to do so might complicate the process of refunding the order if you decide not to use it or it is lost.
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QuestionWhat if it just says address? Do I put my address or the address of the person I am sending it to?Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.Most money orders have spaces for the addresses of the person buying the money order as well as the person who will receive the money order. If you are unclear which space should be used for each party, ask the person selling the money order for assistance.
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Tips
- You can buy money orders at the post office, banks, money transfer services, check-cashing businesses, and many supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and big box stores. [10] X Research sourceThanks
- Bring cash or a debit card to buy your money order—most places, including the post office, won't take credit cards. [11] X Research sourceThanks
- Most places will charge a small fee for money orders. It's usually only a few bucks, but it can vary depending on the amount of the money order you're buying. [12] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Fill out the name of the recipient immediately—otherwise, the money order is the same as cash and can be redeemed by anyone who finds it. [14] X Research sourceThanks
- Do not sign the back of the money order. That's where the recipient will endorse it when they go to cash or deposit it. [15] X Research sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about money orders, check out our in-depth interview with Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF® .
References
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/sites/www3.erie.gov.socialservices/files/2021-10/instructions-on-filling-out-a-money-order.pdf
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://moneyservices.kroger.com/blog/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
About This Article
Article Summary
X
1. Buy a money order for the desired amount.
2. Fill in the "Pay to the Order Of" line.
3. Write your name in the “From,” “Purchaser,” “Sender,” or “Remitter,” field.
4. Sign the front of the money order.
5. Leave the endorsement signature blank.
6. Fill in the address fields and memo line.
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"The pictures showing step-by-step instructions was very helpful in filling out a the money order properly."
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