A money order is a secure way to send money to a person or business. It’s much like a personal check, but the sender pays for it upfront at places like banks, credit unions, or money transfer providers like Western Union. Once they have a money order, the recipient cashes it or deposits it into their bank account, just as they would a check.
A money order is a great alternative to writing a check because it represents guaranteed money. Unlike checks, money orders don’t draw funds from a bank account.
In this article, we’ll lay out the six steps to filling out a money order, the info you need to fill one out, the importance of providing accurate information, and more places you can purchase one.
What you need to fill out a money order
To fill out a money order, you’ll need the following information:
- The recipient’s name
- The recipient’s address
- Your name
- Your address
- The exact amount you want to send
Fill out your money order using a black or blue pen and print clearly.
Because money orders are prepaid, you’ll need to pay for yours upfront. Most places take cash or debit cards. And most charge a fee for money orders, so the amount you pay will be more than that of the money order to cover the fee.
You should have a valid government-issued ID ready to verify your identity, especially for larger amounts.
Accuracy is critical when filling out a money order. That way, you or the recipient don’t encounter any delays or issues. So, double-check all information before finalizing your money order purchase.
How to fill out a money order in 6 steps
Filling out a money order is similar to writing a personal check. If you don’t write personal checks and aren’t familiar with the process, here’s a rundown of how to fill out a money order.
1. Fill in the recipient’s name
First, you’ll fill in the recipient’s name. If your recipient is a person, this should be the person’s legal first name and last name. Do not use a nickname. If your recipient is an organization, this would be the company name.
Some money orders may have a separate line for the recipient’s address, so make sure you have that information.
2. Write your address in the purchaser section
A money order’s purchaser is the person buying the money order: you. The money order has a purchaser section, which you’ll fill out with your name and address. Some money orders may require additional information, such as your phone number.
It’s important to fill out your information accurately for record-keeping and tracking purposes.
3. Fill in the numerical amount
You’ll fill in the money order amount using numbers, including cents, such as “$100.00.” Write the number very carefully, not leaving any space in the numbers. This protects against fraud, so the amount can’t be altered in any way.
4. Write the amount in words
Next, you’ll write the money order amount in words, like this: “One hundred and 00/100.” Some money orders have a separate line for writing the amount in words, or you may need to write it below the numeric amount.
Writing the amount in words eliminates confusion and further protects against fraud. The institution cashing the money order will confirm that the numeric amount and the amount in words match.
5. Sign the front of the money order
You need to sign the money order to make it valid. It’s similar to signing a check. You’ll see a line for the purchaser’s signature, usually on the front of the money order near the bottom.
Unsigned money orders may be returned or rejected.
6. Keep your receipt
Your receipt is proof of purchase for your money order and will reflect the amount you paid. It may also show the fee you paid for the money order and other important details. You should keep the receipt until the recipient has received and cashed the money order.
What if you make a mistake filling out a money order?
If you make a mistake when filling out a money order, you may be unable to correct it. Money orders are prepaid, meaning the recipient can cash them for the amount listed. Double-check all information, such as the recipient’s name and the amount, before finalizing your money order.
If you make a mistake, you can try to cancel the money order with the institution where you purchased it (the issuer). This will only work if the recipient has not cashed the money order.
This is also important information regarding money order scams and fraud awareness. Because canceling money orders can be challenging, take extra care to verify the legitimacy of the person or entity you’re sending money to. That way, you avoid sending money to bad actors. If the money order has been cashed, even fraudulently, the issuer will not cancel it, and you cannot receive a refund or replace the money order.
To cancel, you’ll usually need to fill out a cancellation request form and provide your receipt. Canceling a money order may incur additional fees.
Where can I get a money order?
Money orders are widely available, so you should be able to find an issuer near you. You can get a money order from a bank, though the institution may require you to have an account to purchase a money order. You can also get money orders from:
- Credit unions
- Post offices
- Some retailers, such as Walmart, CVS, 7-Eleven, or grocery stores—typically through a partner money transfer agent like Western Union or MoneyGram
With thousands of agent locations, a money transfer service provider like Western Union is a highly convenient place to purchase a money order.
Note that some places may limit money order amounts. For example, you may not be able to purchase a money order for more than $1,000. Check with the issuer for specific limits.
When should I use a money order?
Many use money orders when a secure form of payment is required. Unlike personal checks, a money order can’t bounce. Therefore, people or organizations may request money orders instead of personal checks because it guarantees the payment goes through. Money orders are commonly used for things like apartment security deposits or sending payments through the mail.
Money orders are also useful for paying businesses that can’t or don’t accept credit card payments. Individuals who don’t have a bank account may prefer money orders over checks.
Money orders are safer than cash or personal checks when transacting with both businesses and individuals, especially if you need to mail a payment. Additionally, money orders protect your bank information since you’re not sending personal checks with your routing and account numbers printed on them.
Money order alternatives
Cashier’s checks
Money orders are similar to cashier’s checks, which you can also obtain from financial institutions. However, cashier’s checks have higher limits than money orders. A representative from the financial institution will sign the money order rather than you signing it personally. The fees for a cashier’s check are typically higher than for a money order.
Electronic money transfers
Electronic money transfers through providers like Western Union are an alternative to money orders. These transactions are also secure, and funds are often available when deposited into the recipient’s bank account. They’re also better than risking a bounced check. Many people use electronic transfers to pay bills online or to send money to friends and loved ones.
However, electronic money transfer providers require both the sender and recipient to have a bank account. In some cases, you may need to collect the recipient’s bank account information to make the transfer—something not all individuals or businesses are comfortable sharing.
Send money orders and more with Western Union
With Western Union, you have options for sending money. In addition to money orders, you can send money directly to anyone living in the US or abroad, even if they don’t have a bank account. As your trusted intermediary, we process your transaction securely.
You can quickly send money online, through the Western Union app, or by stopping by one of our many conveniently located agent locations.
FAQs
Whose address goes on a money order?
As the purchaser, you’ll add your address to the money order. In some cases, the money order may also require the recipient’s address.
Does a money order need a name?
Yes, you’ll fill out the recipient’s full legal name or business name on the money order.
Does a money order need to be signed by the purchaser?
Yes, the purchaser needs to sign the money order for it to be valid.
Can you fill a money order out to yourself?
Yes, you can fill out a money order with yourself as the recipient. If the money order is payable to you, you can cash it. You might write out a money order to yourself if you need to send yourself a payment securely through the mail, for example.
