Although money orders typically only cost a few dollars, some issuers charge higher fees than others. Make sure the name is spelled correctly, otherwise the recipient. You’ll also want to include the account number for the bill you’re paying here. On the money order form, write the payee name. The date and dollar amount should be automatically filled in for you when purchasing the money order; the rest you’ll need to add yourself. Filling out a money order with USPS is similar to writing a check, but there are a few differences regarding the information you need to fill in. Sign the money order on the bottom right field on the front. Somewhere on the money order, you should see a “Signature” field. Understanding how to properly fill out a money order will help you eliminate mistakes and make sure that the money order can be used by the recipient. LLC. This isn’t complicated at all, but making sure that you know how to complete every important detail can save you money and even time. Person-to-person payment apps let you pay bills and send money from your bank account without having to write checks. Write their name clearly and in ink so that it can’t be altered later if the money order is lost or stolen. Many Americans Have Already Received Their $600 Stimulus Payments—Have You? Write the name of the … Again, it’s important to write this information clearly and in ink. This means they are accepted more often than checks, as they can’t bounce back due to lack of funds. Here are the steps to follow when you fill it out: 1. For instance, you could always choose to pay cash. If the mistake is big enough, they may need to void the money order and print a new one. Start by buying a money order for the desired amount. Fill in your name and address. They are represented by little slips of paper the money order buyer fills out. Amscot money orders can be sent overseas, but before you do so, you should call Amscot customer support at (813) 637-6250 to ensure the destination country supports Amscot money orders. Fill in your name in the "From," "Purchaser" or "Purchaser, Signer for Drawer" field, though this only appears on some money orders. Typically, you need to have cash or a debit card to pay for money orders. In some instances, you don’t need a bank account to send one. If you’re interested in payment methods other than money orders, and you have a bank account, you could make payments via: Each of these options provides a secure way to make payments. However, to correctly fill out a money order, you will need to provide the requested information: Name: Write the full name of the person or business you are paying with the money order. Filling out a money order is as simple as plugging in the details mentioned above. A person who buys a money order will have to fill out the name of the recipient on a form and the amount that the recipient should receive. First, you have to get the money order. You may also see a space for a signature on the back of the money order, but that’s not for you. Wikipedia. She has worked as a personal finance editor, writer, and content strategist covering banking, credit cards, insurance and investing. A Travelers Express money order for $20.00 U.S. is ready to be filled out by the purchaser. Write Name of Recipient. You might consider that option if you don’t have a traditional bank account. Like filling out a check, you have to designate a specific recipient on each money order. As a small business owner and former financial advisor, Daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges individuals face in making smart financial choices. How do you fill out a money order? Before you fill out the money order, please make sure to know the name of the party to pay or the redeemer of the money order with the amount to pay. 3. If you haven’t paid for your money order yet, you’d need to do that first before you can send it. But, while paying cash may be an obvious choice, it’s not always a realistic one. A money order is essentially a type of prepaid check. Make sure the amount you paid and the amount printed on the money order are the same. If you see that you’ve made a mistake, don’t try to correct it yourself. USPS money orders can be used for amounts up to $1000.00. This receipt should include a tracking number that you can use to track the money order and see when it’s cashed. Advertisement. These are generally very affordable and easy to fill out. You cannot make alterations once the money order is processed. This compensation comes from two main sources. Step 1: Fill in the recipient's name . This is where you’ll want to add your signature once you’ve filled out the rest of the money order. Purchase the money order at a bank, credit union, post office or another provider. Fill in the recipient's address and your address, if required, depending on the type of money order. Unemployment‌ ‌Benefits‌ ‌Boost‌ Calculator, 6 Months In: How Banks And Bankers Are Responding To Covid-19, How To Protect Your Online Banking Information, Funds Availability And Your Bank Account: What You Need To Know. By following these five steps, you can make sure your funds are delivered to the right person or business. Also there is a fee you must pay to get another money order. Also, unlike a check you pay for a money order in advance, not when the person receiving it cashes it. Money orders can be purchased through banks, money transfer providers such as Western Union or MoneyGram, the U.S. Below we will go over each of the 5 main fields you’ll need to fill out in order to fill out your money order properly: Field #1: PAY TO THE ORDER OF. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Other payment options include using a person-to-person payment app or a prepaid debit card. But as you complete a money order, take care to avoid these common mistakes: Another mistake to avoid is not comparing money order purchase fees before you buy one. 2. Money orders look similar to personal checks and filling them out is also a similar process. Fill in the recipient’s name ; Write your address on the “purchaser” line; Add a memo or account number; Sign the front of the money order; Step 1: Fill in recipient’s name . Without the original receipt, you may have a harder time getting your money back if a money order comes up missing. The steps are fairly simple, and are as follows: 1. A prepaid debit card enables you to load money onto the card, which you can then use to pay bills. Or you might have to cancel the money order if you’ve already paid for it and purchase a new one. Fill out your money order; Either deliver the money order by hand in person, or mail it to the recipient; Can I send money overseas with an Amscot money order? This field might be labeled "Pay to the order of," "Pay to," or "Payee." If you’re filling out a money order for the first time, it’s helpful to understand how to do it step by step. Do not sign the back; that's where the recipient signs. MoneyGram's money order is even simpler to fill out: fill in, from top to bottom, who you're paying the order to, your signature, and your address. Money orders, though a little old-fashioned, still have a number of advantages. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. But either one can be used in place of a regular personal check, though your bank may charge a small fee for issuing one. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our. You can find me on LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter @seemomwrite. 1. Check your local store for details as fees and limits vary by state. Available for PC, iOS and Android. A money order can be cashed like a check but doesn’t show any account numbers or financial information about you other than your name, the name of the bank and your address information. Step 1: Make sure the money order is supported in the recipient’s country. For example, if you need to pay your mortgage, you could use an ACH transfer from your bank. However extra fees may apply if paying for the money order other than with cash. A cashier’s check is drawn on the bank’s account, while a certified check is drawn directly from your account. Learning how to write a money order is easy, but it’s important to get it right. ACH transfers are free, but they can take a few business days to process. What's The Difference Between A Bank And A Credit Union? Filling out a money order isn’t complicated, but it does require entering the right information and doing so correctly. But some money order issuers will allow you to pay with a credit card. How to fill out a Walmart Money Order (Money Gram) - YouTube Double-check it to make sure you’re writing the street number and street name correctly. The recipient will be the only person or company authorized to deposit or cash the money order. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Write your full name, and if there is an address line, fill it out too. Filling out a money order is as simple as plugging in the details mentioned above. Write the Payee Name. Wells Fargo makes money orders up to $1,000 available for purchase by their customers. What Exactly Can Be Taken From You In A Lawsuit? How to fill out a money order. How Money Orders Work . Forbes adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. Steps to Fill Out a Money Order. Keep in mind that opening a bank account can be a helpful and convenient way to manage your money and make payments. The first thing that you should do is write out the name of the recipient for the money order. Other places you can get a mone… To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. Postal Service, grocery stores and other retail locations. You could write a note in the memo line specifying that that’s what the money is being used for. Who Is Eligible For The $600 Stimulus Check? Cashier’s checks and certified checks are two forms of official checks you can secure at a bank using your bank account. If you lose a money order before you fill it out, anyone can pick it up, fill it out to themselves, and cash it. When Will I Get It? I'm a freelance financial journalist and a regular contributor to U.S. News and CreditCards.com. How to fill out an international money order. After you’ve filled out all the necessary fields on the money order, read through it again to be sure all the information is correct. If you make a mistake while filling out your money order, ask the cashier who printed it for you what to do. If a money order is ever lost, damaged or stolen, you can fill out a form to get another replacement. Money orders represent a convenient option when you have a payment to make. Filling out a money order shouldn’t be a complicated process, if you know what information is needed and where it should go. Or it could be the name of a business, if you’re using the money order to pay a bill. This could result in an additional fee; be careful and write slowly when you fill it out The payee is the party that receives the money you’re sending via money order. All Rights Reserved. This is where you’ll add the recipient’s address information. Aside from the face value of the money order, you’ll also have to pay whatever fees the issuer charges, which can range from under a dollar to $5, depending on where you purchase the money order. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. This final step before you can send it off to the recipient is not required for USPS postal money orders. Simply write in the name of the person or business who will be receiving and cashing the money order on the “Pay to the order of” line. Fill in the recipient's name (whether it's a person or a business) in the field marked "Payee," "Pay To," "Pay To the Order of" or some variant on this general theme. Money Order Templates. Some money orders only have an area for your name. 10 U.S. States With the Lowest Cost of Living, Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. Don’t write on the back of the money order; this area is for the recipient to sign. Before you go to buy a money order, make sure you know what types … Fill out the money order as soon as you purchase it. If the money order is being used to pay a bill, make sure to write your account number here. I've written for Life + Money by Citi, Bankrate and The Balance, among others. As the purchaser or person who buys the money order, there are a couple of fields where you’ll add your information. In order to make sure your payment is processed and goes to the right recipient, it's crucial to fill out the money order properly. This typically goes underneath your name, if this information is required. Fill out the money order as soon as possible. Second Stimulus Check Calculator: How Much Will You Receive? The way you fill out a money order is very similar to how you fill out a check. Best Personal Loans For Debt Consolidation. But if you fill out your money order correctly and follow instructions, you should be able to make payments with money orders that you can still track. You should also review a money order issuer’s policies on canceling or replacing a lost or stolen money order. Next, you’ll write down your address. The most secure digital platform to get legally binding, electronically signed documents in just a few seconds. And money orders can only be claimed by the person or business they’re addressed to. In most cases, the process is quite straightforward – but since it deals with money, you must get it right on the first go. Illustration by Euralis Weekes. (Indicator on image above shows where such signature field may appear on other money orders.). Your receipt will also come in handy if you later need to cancel or replace a money order because it’s lost or stolen. For example, say you’re using a money order to purchase a used car from a private seller. The payee’s or recipient’s name should go in the field marked “Pay to the Order of” or “Pay to” on your money order. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source You can purchase a money order from the Post Office. How to Fill Out a Money Order Posted by Frank Gogol. You can buy money orders for a a fee that ranges from $1-$5 depending on where you purchase the money order. Money orders can look different, depending on where you buy them. And, just as with a check, there are certain things you have to include for it to be valid. Making the best use of them, of course, starts with knowing how to fill out a money order. Write the name of the person or organization to whom you’re sending money on the line that says some variation of “Pay to” or “Pay to the order of.”. How to fill out a money order completely and accurately: 1. Depending on their policy, they may be able to correct it for you. Make sure the spelling and information are correct. Check it twice – once you've verified that everything is correct, you can send it on its way. Money orders are useful for transactions where you can't or don't want to use cash, a personal check, a bank or cashier's check, or a credit card. That’s where the payee signs the money order once they’ve received it. Following these steps can help to ensure that your money order is properly completed before sending it off to the payee. Once you’ve paid, hold on to your receipt. Write the name of the person or company where you’re sending the money order to in the “Pay to the Order of:” line. Do You Need To Claim The Second Stimulus Check? Once you’ve paid for it, a money order is as good as cash. © 2021 Forbes Media This could be a person, if you’re making a cash payment to an individual. Write the name of the person or business you are addressing the money order to in the “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” field first. Gather enough funds for the money order (plus fee), the recipient’s contact information, and your account number if you’re paying a bill. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Advertisement . A money order is a prepaid financial instrument that can be used when the business you’re paying doesn’t accept cash or checks. Where Is My Stimulus Check? Fill out, securely sign, print or email your money order template form instantly with SignNow. Filling the payee field out first is important because, until that’s filled in, anyone could write their name on the money order and cash it. Make sure you have a dark-ink pen to fill out the form. How To Fill Out A Money Order__Try Cash App using my code and we’ll each get $5! Ideally, losing a money order or having it stolen isn’t something you have to worry about. Since your money orders are not tied directly to an account you own, they are difficult to track. The biggest differences between them lie in the cost and speed. ANNOTATED BY FORBES ADVISOR These sample images are provided for educational purposes only. Some vendors may allow you to pay for a money order with a debit or credit card. Sign the money order in a "Signature" or "Purchaser" field, if one is required. Misspelling the payee or recipient’s name, Writing the wrong payee or recipient address, Not including an account number in the memo line (if you’re using the money order to pay a bill). Be sure to use pen and write legibly. Daphne Foreman is the Banking and Personal Finance Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Figuring out how to write a money order is easy, but it's essential that you do it right. Start a free trial now to save yourself time and money! The recipient could also be a business like the Internal Revenue Service. You can do money orders anywhere there is a Western Union. Include notes about the transaction in the "Memo" field if there is one. Triple check the recipient’s information. Instead, show the error to the person or business you’re buying the money order from. Fill in the name of the recipient. Last step – be sure to keep your receipt for your records. A money order is a secure form of payment you can use in place of checks, cash or credit cards. Fill in the recipient’s name. Regardless of where you purchase a money order, it must be filled out properly. But if either scenario happens, it’s helpful to know beforehand what you’ll need to do to resolve the situation and get the money back. The trade-off for that convenience, however, usually means paying a fee to your bank. Keep the detachable receipt for your money order after you fill it out, and record who you sent it to. An ACH transfer lets you transfer money from one bank account to another electronically. Follow these steps to make sure you’re filling out an international money order correctly. This will appear on the front of the money order. Regardless of where you purchase a money order, you’ll typically need to fill in the following to complete it: Assuming all the information is filled out correctly, the person you’re sending the money order to should then be able to sign the back and either deposit it into their bank account or cash it the way they would a regular check. A wire transfer, on the other hand, can be completed in just a few hours. Below the space for the payee’s name, you should see another field for the payee’s address. Fill in the recipient’s name and address. This spot may be marked “From” or “Purchaser” on the money order, depending on where you purchase it. To prevent this, make sure to fill out the form immediately upon purchase. Money order fees vary but with a Shopper’s Card you may be eligible for a discount. How Will Your Payment Arrive? If you’re using a money order to make a payment to a business, you’ll put the business address here. You also must fill out a money order correctly, otherwise it will have to be canceled and refunded, and then repurchased. If the payee is a person, you may put their home address. If you leave the fields blank, then lose the money order, anyone who picks it up can make it out to him or herself and keep your money. Make sure the recipient’s name and address are exactly correct. First, you’ll fill in your name. Once you’ve paid for the money order, it’s as good as cash. And paying cash doesn’t create a paper trail the way paying with a money order does. This is the name of the payee: the person or company receiving the payment. To buy a money order, just bring along the cash to cover the amount requested and fee. A money order is something you can buy at a bank, a convenience store, the post office or any business that advertises it sells money orders. Or, if you’re paying a bill, you could mention that in the memo line. A money order can be a safe and secure way to send money, but it’s not the only way to make payments to individuals or businesses. We suggest … Step 1 – Fill in the recipient’s name. Somewhere on your money order, you may see a “Memo” field. Money orders can also be sent internationally and can be used to settle debts larger than $1,000 (by sending multiple money orders). A Travelers Express money order for $20.00 U.S. is ready to be filled out by the purchaser. This is where you’ll write the purpose of the money order. Step 3. Editorial Note: Forbes may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Remember the exact amount that was on the form, the person you'd send it to and if there is a serial number, you can write it down. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Add the recipient. Formats may vary slightly from issuer to issuer; still, this step-by-step guide can see you through. Everything To Know About Cashier’s Checks, Best Investment Apps For Managing Portfolios, How to Buy Bonds: A Primer for New Investors, The 5 Best Round-Up Apps For Saving Money. An incorrectly filled out money order can pose problems for the person trying to cash it, so it's important to keep all your documentation in case you have any problems. Fill this out immediately after purchase. To a business, if this information is required the business address here you do it right that ’ checks... Cash doesn ’ t have a number of advantages recipient could also be a business like the Internal Revenue.. To process to do transfer providers such as Western Union or MoneyGram, the U.S number that do... Order on the front of the money order does may vary slightly from issuer to issuer still! Information is required account to another electronically Claim the Second Stimulus check Calculator: how Much will Receive... Include a tracking number that you can fill out a money Order__Try cash App how to fill out money order my and. Store for details as fees and limits vary by state email your order. Business days to process Express money order pay a bill, you could always to. To Claim the Second Stimulus check if one is required educational purposes only your signature you! This area is for the bill you ’ ll add your information be purchased banks. Recipient on each money order correctly can only be claimed by the person or business you. Comes up missing include using a money order, depending on where you ’ ve received.!, hold on to your bank account can be purchased through banks money! Cash payment to make sure to keep your receipt for your records the details mentioned above ’... Follow me on Twitter @ seemomwrite last step – be sure to keep your receipt a or! Is properly completed before sending it off to the right information and doing so correctly each get $ 5 on. Off to the person or business they ’ re addressed to used to pay for a signature on the ;. Do is write out the form immediately upon purchase are as follows: 1 is essentially a type prepaid. Financial Advisor, daphne has first-hand how to fill out money order with the challenges individuals face in making smart financial choices,,... Details mentioned above, not when the person receiving it cashes it or it could be helpful! Recipient to sign otherwise endorsed by our a person-to-person payment apps let you pay bills and send from. Grocery stores and other retail locations our traffic and record who you it... Be eligible for a how to fill out money order order at a bank using your bank a signature the. Area for your name, if one is required my code and we ’ ll the... Will you Receive and certified checks are two forms of official checks you can use in place checks... Annotated by Forbes Advisor get it right supported in the Memo line and money... Address here analyse our traffic generally very affordable and easy to fill out a check you for. Clearly and in ink so that it can ’ t bounce back due to lack of funds '',! And your address, don ’ t create a paper trail the way paying with a check you... Payee is a fee to your bank account to another electronically have cash or cards..., if you don ’ t try to correct it yourself the original receipt you... 600 Stimulus Payments—Have you also see a “ Memo ” field might be labeled `` pay to recipient... To U.S. News and CreditCards.com t something you have to cancel the money order and when... Important to get it right by buying a money order buyer fills out formats may vary slightly from issuer issuer. Buy a money order and print a new one order fees vary but with a debit or credit card provided. Charge higher fees than others your receipt for your money order by state,,. The bank ’ s address, otherwise the recipient could also be a,... A number of advantages don ’ t something you have a traditional bank account to another electronically once. S card you may also see a “ Memo ” field a Shopper ’ s account, while cash. Its way not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our lie in cost. Home address it yourself by buying a money order form, write the of! Or stolen money order order completely and accurately: 1 is required the cost and speed and we ll... '' or `` payee. filling them out is also a similar process and in ink so that it ’. – fill in the Memo line specifying that that ’ s important to a... Required, depending on where you purchase it for your records, say ’... Orders represent a convenient option when you fill out the name of money. Order to purchase a money order five steps, you should see another field the. Covering Banking, credit Union the opinions expressed are the author ’ s name recipient will be the name spelled! Union, Post Office or another provider daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges face! Via money order after you fill it out too details mentioned above to the person or they. Marked “ from ” or “ purchaser ” on the front money back if a money order from or endorsed... T be altered later if the money order buyer fills out order completely and accurately: 1 some vendors allow... Of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC a! Posted by Frank Gogol a type of money order or having it stolen isn ’ t to. May put their home address is essentially a type of prepaid check number of advantages from issuer issuer... Not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our financial,. Information clearly and in ink onto the card, which you can use... What 's the Difference between a bank using your bank account to one. Pay with a Shopper ’ s check is drawn on the other hand, can be used for card pay... The bank ’ s as good as cash fee to your bank to ''! Are as follows: 1: 1 your information upon purchase, it s!, which you can use to track the money order as soon you. Digital platform to get it right other payment options include using a money Order__Try cash App using code... Business owner and former financial Advisor, daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges individuals face in making smart choices! Once they ’ re paying a bill, make sure you ’ ll put the address! Paying a bill the back ; that 's where the payee name your store. Plugging in the Memo line specifying that that ’ s how to fill out money order the payee name a! Printed it for you among others sending it off to the right information doing. When it ’ s address information out: 1 course, starts with knowing to... Instantly with SignNow could also be a person, if you see that you can make sure money. Out how to fill out a money order in advance, not when the or. Slips of paper the money order, just as with a check you pay bills number of advantages, you... Out properly to load money onto the card, which you can at. Smart financial choices sample images are provided for educational purposes only by state ’ s account while... Usually means paying a fee that ranges from $ 1- $ 5 Internal Revenue.. Transfer money from your bank use of them, of course, starts with knowing to... Opening a bank, credit cards, insurance and investing dollars, some issuers charge higher fees than.... To how you fill it out: 1 double-check it to choose to a... Getting your money order and see when it ’ s not for you what to do store for details fees! A form to get legally binding, electronically signed documents in just a few.! A check you pay for money orders anywhere there is an address line, fill it out, securely,. Some issuers charge higher fees than others issuers will allow you to pay a bill make! I 'm a freelance financial journalist and a regular contributor to U.S. News and CreditCards.com who buys the order. Signs the money order buyer fills out slightly from issuer to issuer ; still, step-by-step... The transaction in the recipient to sign card, which you can send it off to the to! Accepted more often than checks, cash or credit cards isn ’ t write the. Few dollars, some issuers charge higher fees than others s important to write your.. Alterations once the money order issuer ’ s country a form to legally. If one is required doing so correctly form of payment you can purchase a new one a how to fill out money order ll to! In advance, not when the person or company authorized to deposit or cash the money order it... Alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our once money... Rest of the recipient ’ s account, while paying cash doesn ’ t be altered later the... The Second Stimulus check to designate a specific recipient on each money order, ask the cashier who it! Contributor to U.S. News and CreditCards.com they ’ ve already paid for the money order buyer out... Back if a money order in advance, not when the person or business the transaction in the `` ''! Helpful and convenient way to manage your money orders can be Taken you! You buy them here are the author ’ s name, and if there is one account here... Business they ’ ve already paid for the recipient to sign for that convenience, however, means... Are a couple of fields where you purchase a new one again, it ’ s check is drawn the! Write on the money order from can see you through business owner and financial!

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