Filling Out a Money Order: Everything You Need to Know

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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

  1. Double-check to make sure the money order amount is correct.
  2. Print the name and address of the recipient on the "Pay to" and "Address" lines.
  3. Print your full name and address on the "From" and "Address" lines.
  4. Copy your account number or write the purpose of the money on the memo line.
  5. Sign your name on the front of the money order.


1

Check that the money order amount is correct.

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  1. When you buy your money order, the issuer prints the amount in numbers and written out in words on the front, just like they would be on a personal check. If the amount wasn't printed correctly, just point it out to the clerk who issued it. They'll print you a new one. [1]
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2

Print the name of the recipient on the "Pay to" line.

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  1. If you're sending payment to a business, check their website or call their customer service number if you're not sure how to word this. You might need to make it out to a specific department. [2]
    • If you're sending the money order to an individual, make sure the name on the money order matches the name on their ID—they'll have to show ID to cash it. [3] Call them if you're not sure.
3

Provide the recipient's address if there's space for it.

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  1. This is optional—if you don't know what address to use, it's better to just leave it off than to fill in the wrong one. Otherwise, the recipient might run into problems cashing or depositing the money order if they can't verify the address. [4]
    • If you're paying a bill, use the address you would normally use to mail a bill payment—you can usually find this on your billing statement or by calling customer service.
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4

Put your information in the "purchaser" section.

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  1. This section not only lets the recipient know who's sending them money, it also identifies you as the purchaser of the money order. Use your current name and address as it appears on your ID. [5]
    • Even if you're paying a bill for an account in a different name, you still want to put your legal name as the purchaser. Otherwise, you might have trouble getting a replacement if the money order is lost or stolen.
5

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  1. This isn't strictly required, although the business you're paying might require it. Even if they don't, it helps ensure your payment can be credited properly. You'll typically find the memo line under the boxes for the recipient's name and address. Check with the company you're paying if you're not sure exactly what information should be included on your payment. [6]
    • If you're buying something, include an order number (if you have one) or a description of the goods or services you're purchasing. This lets the recipient know what the money is for.
    • If the account is in someone else's name, include their name (or at least their last name) on the blank with the account number if there's room.
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6

Add a description on the memo line if you want.

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  1. It's fine to leave this blank if you don't know what to write or can't summarize the purpose for the money in a couple of words. But it's a nice touch, especially if the money order is unexpected. [7]
    • For example, if you're sending someone money for their birthday, you might write "Happy Birthday" on the memo line.
7

Sign your name on the front of the money order.

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  1. This just makes everything official. Never sign the back of the money order—that's where the recipient signs it when they present the money order for cash or deposit. [8]
    • Keep your receipt! Not only does it give you a record of your payment, but also allows you to track your money order and make sure it got where it was supposed to. [9]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do l have to enter my address when I am the purchaser/sending a money order?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    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.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    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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  • Question
    What if it just says address? Do I put my address or the address of the person I am sending it to?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    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.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    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.
    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
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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]
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      • Bring cash or a debit card to buy your money order—most places, including the post office, won't take credit cards. [11]
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      • 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]
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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. [13]
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      • 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. [14]
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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

      1. ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order-step-by-step-4589636
      2. ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order-step-by-step-4589636
      4. ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
      5. ↑ https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/sites/www3.erie.gov.socialservices/files/2021-10/instructions-on-filling-out-a-money-order.pdf
      6. ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
      7. ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order-step-by-step-4589636
      8. ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order-step-by-step-4589636
      1. ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
      2. ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
      5. ↑ 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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      Reader Success Stories

      • James Graham

        Jun 23, 2016

        "I was unaware of filling out the endorsement spot on the back of the money order. Answered all my questions. Thank ..." more
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