A Complete Guide to Filling Out a Money Order

Sending money safely requires choosing the right payment method. Whether you need to pay a bill, settle a debt with a private seller, or send funds to someone who doesn’t have a bank account, knowing how to properly fill out a money order is an essential skill. Unlike checks or digital transfers, money orders provide a secure, verifiable payment trail while remaining accessible at numerous locations. Let’s walk through the entire process so you can complete yours correctly without errors or delays.

What Information Must Go on Your Money Order?

Before you put pen to paper, understand exactly what fields you’ll need to complete. A money order essentially functions as a prepaid check, so like any official financial document, it requires specific information to be valid.

Most money orders, regardless of where you purchase them, require you to fill in:

• Payee/Recipient Name — Who is receiving the money?
• Payee’s Mailing Address — Where should the recipient be identified as located?
• Your Full Name and Address — Information about who is sending the payment
• Transaction Date — Usually pre-printed by the issuer
• Dollar Amount — The sum being sent (often pre-printed)
• Memo or Reference Field — The reason for the payment or account number
• Your Signature — Authorization for the payment

The date and amount are typically auto-filled when you purchase the order, but you’ll handle the rest manually.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling Out Your Money Order

Complete the Recipient Field First

The recipient or “payee” is the person or business that will ultimately cash or deposit your money order. Write their name clearly in the field marked “Pay to the Order of” or simply “Pay to.”

Why is this step critical? Until you fill in the payee’s name, technically anyone could add their own name and cash the money order. Using pen (never pencil) ensures the information cannot be easily altered. Write legibly—unclear handwriting can cause processing delays or rejection.

Add the Recipient’s Address Details

Directly below or adjacent to the payee’s name field, you’ll see a space for their address. If the recipient is an individual, enter their home address. If you’re paying a business, use their business address. Take your time verifying the street number and street name are correct—address errors can prevent proper delivery and cashing of the money order.

Enter Your Own Information as the Sender

As the purchaser, you’ll supply your details in designated fields, typically marked “From” or “Purchaser.” Write your full name first, then your complete address below it (if required by the issuer). This identifies you as the sender and links the money order to your transaction.

Use the Memo Line for Payment Details

Many money orders include a “Memo” or “Note” section. This is where you document the purpose of the payment. Paying a utility bill? Write the account number and bill type here. Purchasing something from a private party? Mention what you’re buying. This memo serves as a reference for both you and the recipient and is especially important for bill payments.

Sign the Money Order

Look for a signature line on the front of the money order. Once you’ve completed all other fields, sign here to authorize the payment. Note: U.S. Postal Service money orders don’t technically require a front signature, but other issuers may. Do not sign the back—that’s reserved for the recipient to sign after they receive it.

Where to Purchase a Money Order

You have flexibility in where you buy a money order. Common locations include:

• Western Union — Available at many retailers
• MoneyGram — Widely accessible through partner locations
• U.S. Postal Service — USPS locations nationwide
• Walmart — Available at customer service desks
• Drugstores and Supermarkets — Most major chains offer them
• Gas Stations and Convenience Stores — Quick access for routine purchases
• Banks and Credit Unions — Often available if you hold an account

Each issuer sets its own policies on minimum and maximum amounts per order. For example, the USPS caps domestic money orders at $1,000 per order. Fees vary by issuer—expect to pay anywhere from less than $1 to $5 per money order.

Critical Errors to Avoid When Filling Out

Even small mistakes can cause your money order to be rejected or create delays. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Misspelling the recipient’s name — Causes verification issues
• Writing the wrong address — Prevents proper identification
• Leaving the payee field blank — Makes it vulnerable to unauthorized use
• Entering your own information incorrectly — Creates a broken paper trail
• Forgetting the account number in memo — Essential for bill payments
• Signing in the wrong location — Follow issuer guidelines
• Misplacing your receipt — You’ll need this for tracking and disputes

If you notice a mistake before purchasing, alert the seller immediately. If you’ve already paid but made an error, ask about their correction policy. Some issuers can fix minor errors, while others require you to cancel and repurchase a new money order.

What to Do Immediately After Completing Your Money Order

Review Everything Before Handing Over Cash

Once you’ve filled all fields, read through the entire money order one final time. Verify names, addresses, amounts, and your signature are all correct. Finding an error now beats discovering it after you’ve paid.

Understand the Payment Process

Money orders typically require payment in cash or with a debit card, though some issuers accept credit cards. Besides the face value of the money order, you’ll owe the issuer’s fee. Keep your receipt—it will include a tracking number essential for monitoring when the money order gets cashed and invaluable if it’s lost or stolen.

Keep Your Receipt Safe

Your receipt is your proof of purchase and transaction record. If your money order goes missing or is stolen, you’ll need this receipt to file a claim and recover your funds. Without it, reclaiming lost money becomes significantly more difficult.

Depositing and Cashing a Money Order

The recipient doesn’t need any special knowledge to handle your money order. After receiving it, they can:

• Deposit it into a checking or savings account like a regular check
• Cash it at the issuing location (Western Union, USPS, etc.)
• Deposit it via mobile check deposit by signing the back and photographing it
• Use an ATM for deposit (sign the back, add their account number, and insert it)

For in-person deposits, they may need to provide identification.

Bottom Line on Filling Out Money Orders

Completing a money order accurately is straightforward once you understand the required fields and their purpose. This payment method offers security and a clear audit trail that cash cannot provide. If you can’t locate a money order vendor nearby, alternatives include personal checks, certified checks from your bank, or digital payment apps—though each has different advantages and limitations.

For those who prefer traditional methods and need reliable payment documentation, mastering the money order process gives you a flexible tool for various financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a money order need my signature?

The issuer determines signature requirements. Generally, your signature authorizes the payment, though USPS money orders don’t technically require it. The recipient will sign the back when cashing or depositing.

How do I deposit a money order I received?

You can treat it like a check. Sign the back, add your bank account number beneath your signature, and either photograph it for mobile deposit or hand it to a teller. Banks may hold the full amount for a brief period before making it available.

What makes someone a purchaser on a money order?

The purchaser is whoever buys the money order to send funds. If you’re purchasing it to pay a bill, you’re the purchaser.

What’s the typical cost of a money order?

Fees generally range from under $1 to $5 per order, varying by issuer and location. Check with your preferred vendor about their specific rates.

What if I lose my money order?

Contact the issuer with your receipt (which includes the tracking number). Most issuers can trace the money order and issue a replacement or refund if it hasn’t been cashed.