How to Get a Money Order

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Money orders are used instead of checks or cash when you need to make a payment. Unlike checks, money orders can never bounce, making them a safer option for large payments. This wikiHow will teach you how to get a money order for your next payment!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Obtaining a Money Order

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many establishments will ask you to pay for the money order in cash. In some cases you will be able to pay with a credit or debit card.
  2. If you have a bank account, the easiest way to obtain a money order is to go to the teller and ask for one.
    • Some banks may charge a small fee, but many offer money orders for free.
    • Some banks offer cashier's checks, which are similar to money orders. Make sure the recipient will accept a cashier's check before buying one instead of a money order.
    • Banks offer the benefit of keeping a record of your money order purchase, which could come in handy in the event that the money order gets lost.
    Advertisement
  3. Drugstores, grocery stores, and places like Walmart offer money orders for a fee. Visit a few different places and choose the one with the lowest fee.
    • Some establishments have a limit on the amount of the money order. If there is a cap, simply purchase more than one money order until you have the total amount you need.
    • This is a good option if you need to transfer the money and there's no bank open or nearby.
  4. Money orders issued by the United States Postal Service are usually replaceable if they are lost, stolen or damaged. [1] The following benefits also apply to money orders purchased from the USPS:
    • They can be purchased with debit cards.
    • They are cashable in 29 other countries.
  5. If you'd rather not purchase a money order in person, an online vendor might be a convenient choice. However, online companies usually charge steeper fees than local establishments. The leading online money order company is Payko, which caps daily money order purchases at just $200.
  6. Western Union, credit unions, and other places that handle money usually issue money orders. [2]
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Filling Out the Money Order

PDF download Download Article
  1. The establishment that issued your money order will have printed the amount on the money order slip. Double check to make sure it's right before you end the transaction.
  2. You may want to fill out the money order on the spot, rather than carrying it to another location. If the money order lands in someone else's hands before it is filled out, that person could fill in their own name and cash it.
    • If you do carry the blank money order to another location, keep it in a safe place on your person. When you get home, put it in a place where it won't get lost.
  3. The first blank to fill in will say "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." This is where you write the name of the person or company to whom you are giving the money order. [3]
    • Use black or blue non-eraseable ink to fill out the money order.
  4. Some money orders will have a space for you to fill in your name and address or other information. [4] If you wish to fill this out, do so in blue or black ink.
  5. You may want to add details about the nature of the transaction, such as the name of the item you are paying for.
  6. If there's a space for you to sign the money order, you may do so, although it can still be cashed without your signature.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Paying With a Money Order

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since money orders are often used to pay people you may not know well, it's good to keep a personal record of the money order in case a problem arises. Make a copy of the money order and file it with your financial records. Keep it with the receipt that came with your money order.
  2. The best way to pay with a money order is to give it directly to the recipient. This eliminates the chance that it will get lost or tampered with by a third party.
  3. If you're mailing a money order, make sure it's in a security envelope, rather than a letter envelope. Packaging it discreetly will prevent someone else from getting curious and attempting to tamper with the money order.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If I make a mistake, can I change the name of whom I made the money order out to?
    Community Answer
    No. Call the money order in -- go to the store where you purchased the money order and have them replace it for new one.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 17
  • Question
    Do I need an ID?
    Community Answer
    Many times, banks will require you to bring an ID as proof you are the account holder. The person/institution you are paying may not require this ID for payment.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
  • Question
    Can I use a credit card to get a money order?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Any debit, credit, or prepaid debit cards are accepted by the post office as long as they still have sufficient chargeable credit left on them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Make sure you spell the name of the recipient correctly, because they won't be able to cash it if that name doesn't match their bank account.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Some agents will write in the recipient's name and other information for you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Fill out the money order carefully; if you make a mistake and have to void it, there will be an extra fee to buy a new one.
        Thanks
        Helpful 22 Not Helpful 24
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put Money on a Cash App Card: ATM, 7-11, Bank, & More
      11 Ways to Send Money Without Revealing Your Identity
      Filling Out a Money Order: Everything You Need to Know
      Transfer Money from PayPal to Cash App: Via Bank Account or Cash Card
      10 Easy Steps to Deposit a Check on Cash App
      How to
      Withdraw from eWallet
      How to
      Wire Transfer Money
      Track Your MoneyGram Money Order with a Reference Number or Serial Number
      Pay with ACH: Simple and Secure Automatic Payments
      How to
      Fill Out a MoneyGram Money Order the Right Way
      How to
      Pay Someone Else's Credit Card Bill
      How to
      Trace a Money Order
      How to
      Reload Money into a Cash App Account at 7-Eleven
      2 Simple Ways to Transfer Money from Chime to Cash App
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
      2. ↑ https://wallethacks.com/how-to-buy-money-order/
      3. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/how-to-fill-out-money-order/
      4. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/how-to-fill-out-money-order/
      5. https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
      6. http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/online-banking/money-order-online1.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before getting a money order, you need to know exactly how much the amount will be for. Visit your bank, post office, or a local grocery or convenience store to purchase your money order. When you purchase it, tell the store how much money you want the money order to be for, and then pay them in cash, debit, or credit depending on their policy. To fill out the money order, write the name of the person or business you're paying in the “Payee” space and sign the document. Keep reading to learn how to pay with your money order!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 959,863 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement