Steps to fill out a money order: Quick summary
Follow these five simple steps for filling out a money order:
Fill in the recipient's name.
Write your address in the purchaser section.
Include your account number if you're paying a bill.
Sign where it says "purchaser's signature."
Keep your receipt.
5 steps to fill out a money order
Figuring out how to write a money order can be confusing, but it's essential that you do it correctly. By following these five steps, you can make sure your funds are delivered to the right person or business.
1. Fill in the recipient’s name
Write the name of the person or business that will receive the money order on the line that starts with "Pay to the Order Of."
The recipient will be the only person or company authorized to deposit or cash the money order. It's a good idea to fill out this section as soon as possible to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, and make sure to spell the name correctly so your recipient will have no problem cashing it.
2. Write your address in the purchaser section
You're the purchaser, so your information goes in this section, which might also be labeled “from,” “remitter” or “sender.” This is required so the recipient knows how to contact you if there are questions or issues with the payment. Sometimes your full name is also required.
3. Include your account number if you're paying a bill
Some money orders have a “payment for/account number” field. If you’re paying a utility bill, for example, include your utility department account number (which you should be able to find on your bill) in this field. Providing your specific account number helps make sure the payment goes toward what you owe on your account.
4. Sign the bottom where it says 'purchaser’s signature'
Your signature is important here, because it makes the money order official. Your signature goes on the front of the money order. Don't sign the back. That area is for the person who receives it.
5. Keep your receipt
Your receipt will come as a detachable part of the money order you just filled out. You might also receive a separate receipt from the cashier when you buy the money order. Keep your receipt as your proof of payment and store it in a safe place. If you lose a money order or make a mistake filling it out, you may be able to cancel it and get your money back if you take certain steps. The receipt will provide helpful information in such a situation.
When you know how to fill out a money order correctly, you have a good option for transferring money. Unlike writing a check from a personal bank account or handing over cash, a money order gives you proof of payment and assures the recipient that the funds are guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Whose address do you put on a money order?
If you’re sending a money order, you’ll need to put your own address in the purchaser section. This section might be labeled “from,” “remitter” or “sender” rather than “purchaser.”
What are the steps for how to fill out a MoneyGram money order?
To fill out any money order — including a MoneyGram money order, a Western Union money order or a Chase money order — follow five simple steps:
Fill in the recipient's name.
Write your address in the purchaser section.
Include your account number if you're paying a bill.
Sign where it says "purchaser's signature."
Keep your receipt.
FAQs
To fill out a money order, fill in the name of the recipient, write your address, write your account or order number, sign the money order, and then keep the receipt. Money orders don't include your bank account information, which helps keep those details safe.
How do you fill out a money order step by step? ›
To fill out a money order, fill in the name of the recipient, write your address, write your account or order number, sign the money order, and then keep the receipt. Money orders don't include your bank account information, which helps keep those details safe.
Do I write my name on a money order? ›
Steps for filling out a money order
- Fill in the payee's name. Put the payee's name on the line labeled “Pay to the order of” or “Pay to.” This is usually the first line on the money order. ...
- Fill in your address. ...
- Fill in the memo line. ...
- Sign your name in the purchaser's signature section. ...
- Get a receipt.
The next line on the check, “Pay to the order of,” is where you write the name of the person or company you want to pay. You can also just write the word “cash” if you don't know the person or organization's exact name. Be aware, though, that this can be risky if the check ever gets lost or stolen.
What to put in a memo on a money order? ›
A memo line allows you to note what the money order is designated for. The memo might specify that it's a purchase for a particular item or a payment toward a debt, for example. If you have an account or order number from the payee, the memo field is also where to include that.
Do I fill out the front of a money order? ›
Sign Your Name in the Purchaser's Section
Sign the front of the money order where indicated, but leave the back of the money order blank as this is where the payee will endorse it.
Whose address goes on a money order? ›
Write your address in the purchaser section
You're the purchaser, so your information goes in this section, which might also be labeled “from,” “remitter” or “sender.” This is required so the recipient knows how to contact you if there are questions or issues with the payment. Sometimes your full name is also required.
Whose signature goes on a money order? ›
In the spot where you see the word "From," "Purchaser," "Remitter" or "Sender," you'll sign your name. The signature will appear on the front of the money order. A place on the back of the money order is reserved for the recipient to sign their name.
What does a money order look like? ›
A Money Order is printed out with the dollar amount of its value only. All other items are left blank. A purchased money order is like a signed check; it is the responsibility of the purchaser to enter in who the money order is payable to (otherwise, anyone can cash it).
How to fill out a money order for IRS? ›
Make sure your check or money order includes the following information:
- Your name and address.
- Daytime phone number.
- Social Security number (the SSN shown first if it's a joint return) or employer identification number.
- Tax year.
- Related tax form or notice number.
The most common example of a pay-to-order is a check. Most checks include the phrase “pay to the order of” right on them. A check is a financial document that allows for the transfer of money. When you write a check, you are letting the bank know that you owe a specific amount of money to a specific person or group.
How do you write check amount in words? ›
Underneath the "Pay to the Order of" line you can fill in the amount of the check in words. For example, $1,298.24 would be written as: one thousand two hundred ninety eight & 24/100.
What is the name of a pay order? ›
Pay order also called Banker's Cheque is a type of payment which gets cleared in the same branch of the bank which issued it where demand drafts are a mode of payment which gets cleared in any branch of the issuing bank.
How do I fill out the money order? ›
How to fill out a money order
- Enter the recipient's name and address. List the name and address of the person or business you're sending money to. ...
- Enter your name and address. ...
- Add notes to the memo field. ...
- Sign the front of the money order. ...
- Keep the receipt for tracking.
Add a memo: Some money orders have a space for a memo or reference number. If you need to include any additional information, such as an account number or invoice number, you can write it in this space. You can also choose to leave it blank.
What if there is no memo line on money order? ›
Some money orders will have a "Memo" line where you can add this or any other extra details. However, if you don't see a designated spot for additional information, just write your account number in a blank space on the front of the money order.
How do you cash or deposit a money order? ›
A money order is a method of sending money that's more secure than a personal check or cash. To cash a money order, verify its authenticity and find a bank, credit union, or check-cashing store. Bring photo ID when you cash a money order, and expect to pay a fee in most cases.
How do I fill out a money order to the state department? ›
Print your full name on the front of the money order. Use blue or black ink. Put “US Department of State” in the pay-to section of the money order. Put your date of birth, address, and signature.
