How to Fill Out & Send a Money Order + Where to Buy One

Money orders are a great way to get money where it needs to go quickly—but there’s a lot to fill out, and that can be confusing at first. What information do you need to include, and where do you sign? We partnered with a financial advisor to find out exactly how to fill out a money order, plus where to buy one, the pros and cons of using one, and avoiding common mistakes.

How do you fill out a money order?

Financial advisor Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®, says to always check the amount on the printed money order before doing anything else. Then:

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.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Fill Out a Money Order

Download Article

1
Check that the money order amount is correct. When you buy your money order, you give the issuer the amount of money you want the money order to contain, plus any fees. They’ll then give you the money order with the amount printed in letters and written out in words—just like on a personal check. DeYoe says it’s essential to double-check that the amount printed on the money order is correct before you fill it out.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®
Financial Advisor

Expert Interview}
- If the amount wasn't printed correctly, just point it out to the clerk who issued it. They'll print you a new one.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®, is a financial advisor and the CEO of Mindful Money, a comprehensive financial planning and retirement income planning service based in Berkeley, CA.
2
Print the name of the recipient on the "Pay to" line. Write legibly in ink and use the full name of the individual or business. 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]
X
Research source} Call them if you're not sure of their full name or how to spell it.
- If you're sending payment to a business, check their website or call their customer service number if you're not sure how to address the money order. You might need to make it out to a specific department.
- 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.
- Also include the recipient's address if there's space for it.
Advertisement
3
Put your information in the "purchaser" section. Write your address in the “Address” section of the money order (not the recipient’s address). That way, if the money order is lost, it can be returned to you. You may also need to print your full name, although not all money orders will ask for this.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Use the same address that appears on your ID.
- Even if you're paying a bill for an account in a different name, put your legal name as the purchaser. Otherwise, you might have trouble getting a replacement if the money order is lost or stolen.
4
Add a note or your account number in the memo line. If you’re paying a bill, copy your account number on the memo line.^{[5]
X
Research source} (This may also be labelled “Payment For” or “Account Number.”) If the money order isn’t for the bill, write a short note with your name, order number, or a description of what you’re sending the money for.
- For example, if you're sending someone money for their birthday, you might write "Happy Birthday" on the memo line.
- Including your account number helps ensure your payment can be credited properly if it gets mixed up with other paperwork. Additionally, some companies may require it.
- If you’re making a payment on an account that’s in someone else's name, include their name (or at least their last name) on the blank with the account number.
5
Sign your name on the front of the money order. Endorse the front of the money order just as you would a personal check. This just makes everything official. The field where you sign should say “Signature,” “Purchaser,” or “Purchaser: Signer for drawer.” ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- 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.
6
Keep your receipt until the payment clears. The receipt is more than just a record of your payment. It also has the information you need to track your money order, allowing you to see when the payment is cashed.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Even once the money order is cashed, it’s a good idea to hold onto the receipt until you get verification from the recipient that they received their payment. That way, if the money order gets lost or stolen, you’ll still have the tracking number, which you may be able to use to recover the payment.

Section 2 of 4:

Where to Buy Money Orders

Download Article

Buy money orders at the bank, post office, or some retailers. 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.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Bring cash or a debit card to buy your money order—most places, including the post office, won't take credit cards.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Some places require you to show a photo ID to purchase a money order.
- You usually can not order money orders online; they must be purchased in person.

Section 3 of 4:

Pros and Cons of Money Orders

Download Article

1
Pros: Security & Versatility Because a money order is pre-paid, the funds are already available when the recipient goes to cash it. That means money orders can’t bounce like a check, making them a secure option for making large purchases and paying rent or other bills. Additionally, money orders:
- Don’t require a bank account to purchase.
- Don’t contain your bank account information like checks do.
- Are accepted around the world, making them a good option for sending money internationally.
- Provide tracking so you can see when the payment is received.
- Can only be cashed by the recipient.
2
Cons: Limitations & Fees Most places will charge a small fee for money orders. It's usually only a few dollars, but it can vary depending on the amount of the money order you're buying.^{[10]
X
Research source} Also, money orders:
- Have a limit on how much you can add; usually $1000.
- Can only be purchased in person, not online.
- Can only be cancelled before they’re cashed, and there’s usually a fee.

Section 4 of 4:

Avoiding Money Order Mistakes & Scams

Download Article

Protect your money by following these safety steps. Money orders are fairly secure, but you do need to keep a few things in mind to ensure only the recipient can cash them. Additionally, some scammers use money orders, so we’re including a few tips on what to avoid:
- Fill out the name of the recipient immediately. Otherwise, the money order can be redeemed by anyone who finds it.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- 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.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Don’t use a pencil, since someone can erase your information and add their own.
- Don’t erase anything or white it out. Most places will refuse to cash a money order that appears to have been altered.
- Keep your receipt, and track the money order until it’s cashed.
- Be wary of sending a money order to anyone you don’t know. Most reputable vendors accept multiple forms of payment.
- Don’t cash a money order from someone you don’t know—especially if they ask you to send back a portion of the money. This is a common scam.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

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 30 Helpful 62
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
Yes No

Not Helpful 51 Helpful 32