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. Cashier’s checks and certified checks are two forms of official checks you can secure at a bank using your bank account. Fill out, securely sign, print or email your money order template form instantly with SignNow. Include notes about the transaction in the "Memo" field if there is one. 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. 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. If you make a mistake while filling out your money order, ask the cashier who printed it for you what to do. Make sure the spelling and information are correct. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. A Travelers Express money order for $20.00 U.S. is ready to be filled out by the purchaser. Where Is My Stimulus Check? We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. By following these five steps, you can make sure your funds are delivered to the right person or business. Person-to-person payment apps let you pay bills and send money from your bank account without having to write checks. First, you’ll fill in your name. In most cases, the process is quite straightforward – but since it deals with money, you must get it right on the first go. 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. 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. Be sure to use pen and write legibly. 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. Regardless of where you purchase a money order, it must be filled out properly. 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. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Your receipt will also come in handy if you later need to cancel or replace a money order because it’s lost or stolen. Step 1: Fill in the recipient's name . Make sure you have a dark-ink pen to fill out the form. Here are the steps to follow when you fill it out: 1. What Exactly Can Be Taken From You In A Lawsuit? And paying cash doesn’t create a paper trail the way paying with a money order does. The recipient will be the only person or company authorized to deposit or cash the money order. If you haven’t paid for your money order yet, you’d need to do that first before you can send it. 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. If the payee is a person, you may put their home address. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our. Make sure the name is spelled correctly, otherwise the recipient. Step 1 – Fill in the recipient’s name. 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. This could result in an additional fee; be careful and write slowly when you fill it out You should also review a money order issuer’s policies on canceling or replacing a lost or stolen money order. Daphne Foreman is the Banking and Personal Finance Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Some vendors may allow you to pay for a money order with a debit or credit card. Fill out the money order as soon as possible. Sign the money order on the bottom right field on the front. Once you’ve paid for the money order, it’s as good as cash. 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. Money orders can be purchased through banks, money transfer providers such as Western Union or MoneyGram, the U.S. 2. A cashier’s check is drawn on the bank’s account, while a certified check is drawn directly from your account. I'm a freelance financial journalist and a regular contributor to U.S. News and CreditCards.com. Check it twice – once you've verified that everything is correct, you can send it on its way. Fill this out immediately after purchase. How do you fill out a money order? Write the name of the person or company where you’re sending the money order to in the “Pay to the Order of:” line. Filling out a money order is as simple as plugging in the details mentioned above. Keep the detachable receipt for your money order after you fill it out, and record who you sent it to. This field might be labeled "Pay to the order of," "Pay to," or "Payee." Instead, show the error to the person or business you’re buying the money order from. A money order is a prepaid financial instrument that can be used when the business you’re paying doesn’t accept cash or checks. 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. You can do money orders anywhere there is a Western Union. The recipient could also be a business like the Internal Revenue Service. Next, you’ll write down your address. How to fill out an international money order. Make sure the amount you paid and the amount printed on the money order are the same. This is where you’ll write the purpose of the money order. 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. Second Stimulus Check Calculator: How Much Will You Receive? A wire transfer, on the other hand, can be completed in just a few hours. Typically, you need to have cash or a debit card to pay for money orders. You also must fill out a money order correctly, otherwise it will have to be canceled and refunded, and then repurchased. 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. You can find me on LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter @seemomwrite. USPS money orders can be used for amounts up to $1000.00. Write their name clearly and in ink so that it can’t be altered later if the money order is lost or stolen. These are generally very affordable and easy to fill out. ACH transfers are free, but they can take a few business days to process. How Will Your Payment Arrive? 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. 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. Forbes adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. Also there is a fee you must pay to get another money order. This is where you’ll add the recipient’s address information. 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. You might consider that option if you don’t have a traditional bank account. However extra fees may apply if paying for the money order other than with cash. Who Is Eligible For The $600 Stimulus Check? Double-check it to make sure you’re writing the street number and street name correctly. To buy a money order, just bring along the cash to cover the amount requested and fee. Step 3. This will appear on the front of the money order. Figuring out how to write a money order is easy, but it's essential that you do it right. They are represented by little slips of paper the money order buyer fills out. 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. This is the name of the payee: the person or company receiving the payment. Make sure the recipient’s name and address are exactly correct. 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. If you’re filling out a money order for the first time, it’s helpful to understand how to do it step by step. To prevent this, make sure to fill out the form immediately upon purchase. For example, say you’re using a money order to purchase a used car from a private seller. We suggest … I've written for Life + Money by Citi, Bankrate and The Balance, among others. How to Fill Out a Money Order Posted by Frank Gogol. The way you fill out a money order is very similar to how you fill out a check. Step 1: Make sure the money order is supported in the recipient’s country. If a money order is ever lost, damaged or stolen, you can fill out a form to get another replacement. How to fill out a money order completely and accurately: 1. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. 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. Although money orders typically only cost a few dollars, some issuers charge higher fees than others. Purchase the money order at a bank, credit union, post office or another provider. Other payment options include using a person-to-person payment app or a prepaid debit card. Filling out a money order shouldn’t be a complicated process, if you know what information is needed and where it should go. Fill in the recipient’s name. Formats may vary slightly from issuer to issuer; still, this step-by-step guide can see you through. Last step – be sure to keep your receipt for your records. Money orders can look different, depending on where you buy them. Start by buying a money order for the desired amount. 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. Money orders represent a convenient option when you have a payment to make. Money orders look similar to personal checks and filling them out is also a similar process. First, you have to get the money order. 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. Learning how to write a money order is easy, but it’s important to get it right. Check your local store for details as fees and limits vary by state. The most secure digital platform to get legally binding, electronically signed documents in just a few seconds. How Money Orders Work . Advertisement. This receipt should include a tracking number that you can use to track the money order and see when it’s cashed. 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? Add the recipient. But some money order issuers will allow you to pay with a credit card. The payee is the party that receives the money you’re sending via money order. This spot may be marked “From” or “Purchaser” on the money order, depending on where you purchase it. What's The Difference Between A Bank And A Credit Union? 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. Or you might have to cancel the money order if you’ve already paid for it and purchase a new one. For example, if you need to pay your mortgage, you could use an ACH transfer from your bank. Start a free trial now to save yourself time and money! 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. Gather enough funds for the money order (plus fee), the recipient’s contact information, and your account number if you’re paying a bill. If you’re using a money order to make a payment to a business, you’ll put the business address here. Without the original receipt, you may have a harder time getting your money back if a money order comes up missing. Don’t write on the back of the money order; this area is for the recipient to sign. Again, it’s important to write this information clearly and in ink. You can buy money orders for a a fee that ranges from $1-$5 depending on where you purchase the money order. 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. The steps are fairly simple, and are as follows: 1. 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. Keep in mind that opening a bank account can be a helpful and convenient way to manage your money and make payments. Like filling out a check, you have to designate a specific recipient on each money order. Making the best use of them, of course, starts with knowing how to fill out a money order. Best Personal Loans For Debt Consolidation. Write Name of Recipient. Write the Payee Name. A prepaid debit card enables you to load money onto the card, which you can then use to pay bills. Follow these steps to make sure you’re filling out an international money order correctly. Do You Need To Claim The Second Stimulus Check? Other places you can get a mone… If the mistake is big enough, they may need to void the money order and print a new one. If the money order is being used to pay a bill, make sure to write your account number here. 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. Postal Service, grocery stores and other retail locations. Write the name of the person or business you are addressing the money order to in the “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” field first. 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. A Travelers Express money order for $20.00 U.S. is ready to be filled out by the purchaser. Filling out a money order isn’t complicated, but it does require entering the right information and doing so correctly. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. That’s where the payee signs the money order once they’ve received it. © 2021 Forbes Media Money orders, though a little old-fashioned, still have a number of advantages. But, while paying cash may be an obvious choice, it’s not always a realistic one. Write your full name, and if there is an address line, fill it out too. How to fill out a money order. Some money orders only have an area for your name. You may also see a space for a signature on the back of the money order, but that’s not for you. Fill in the name of the recipient. For instance, you could always choose to pay cash. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. The biggest differences between them lie in the cost and speed. Since your money orders are not tied directly to an account you own, they are difficult to track. This is where you’ll want to add your signature once you’ve filled out the rest of the money order. You cannot make alterations once the money order is processed. As the purchaser or person who buys the money order, there are a couple of fields where you’ll add your information. 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. ANNOTATED BY FORBES ADVISOR These sample images are provided for educational purposes only. 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. Fill in your name and address. This final step before you can send it off to the recipient is not required for USPS postal money orders. 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. The first thing that you should do is write out the name of the recipient for the money order. Wells Fargo makes money orders up to $1,000 available for purchase by their customers. Money order fees vary but with a Shopper’s Card you may be eligible for a discount. And, just as with a check, there are certain things you have to include for it to be valid. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source You can purchase a money order from the Post Office. But either one can be used in place of a regular personal check, though your bank may charge a small fee for issuing one. Fill in the recipient's address and your address, if required, depending on the type of money order. Wikipedia. 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). Do not sign the back; that's where the recipient signs. On the money order form, write the payee name. You could write a note in the memo line specifying that that’s what the money is being used for. Money Order Templates. (Indicator on image above shows where such signature field may appear on other money orders.). Following these steps can help to ensure that your money order is properly completed before sending it off to the payee. This means they are accepted more often than checks, as they can’t bounce back due to lack of funds. 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. Available for PC, iOS and Android. Or, if you’re paying a bill, you could mention that in the memo line. Somewhere on your money order, you may see a “Memo” field. If you see that you’ve made a mistake, don’t try to correct it yourself. All Rights Reserved. Once you’ve paid, hold on to your receipt. She has worked as a personal finance editor, writer, and content strategist covering banking, credit cards, insurance and investing. 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.”. 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. Filling out a money order is as simple as plugging in the details mentioned above. 3. How To Fill Out A Money Order__Try Cash App using my code and we’ll each get $5! Advertisement . Once you’ve paid for it, a money order is as good as cash. 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. Fill in the recipient’s name and address. Depending on their policy, they may be able to correct it for you. This typically goes underneath your name, if this information is required. This compensation comes from two main sources. Write the name of the … Somewhere on the money order, you should see a “Signature” field. 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. If you lose a money order before you fill it out, anyone can pick it up, fill it out to themselves, and cash it. A money order is essentially a type of prepaid check. 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. Many Americans Have Already Received Their $600 Stimulus Payments—Have You? LLC. The trade-off for that convenience, however, usually means paying a fee to your bank. 1. Money orders can also be sent internationally and can be used to settle debts larger than $1,000 (by sending multiple money orders). 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. Also, unlike a check you pay for a money order in advance, not when the person receiving it cashes it. Triple check the recipient’s information. Below the space for the payee’s name, you should see another field for the payee’s address. Or it could be the name of a business, if you’re using the money order to pay a bill. Sign the money order in a "Signature" or "Purchaser" field, if one is required. As a small business owner and former financial advisor, Daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges individuals face in making smart financial choices. When Will I Get It? Ideally, losing a money order or having it stolen isn’t something you have to worry about. An ACH transfer lets you transfer money from one bank account to another electronically. This could be a person, if you’re making a cash payment to an individual. In some instances, you don’t need a bank account to send one. You’ll also want to include the account number for the bill you’re paying here. A money order is a secure form of payment you can use in place of checks, cash or credit cards. Illustration by Euralis Weekes. 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 . How to fill out a Walmart Money Order (Money Gram) - YouTube And money orders can only be claimed by the person or business they’re addressed to. Fill in your name in the "From," "Purchaser" or "Purchaser, Signer for Drawer" field, though this only appears on some money orders. Steps to Fill Out a Money Order. Signed documents in just a few dollars, some issuers charge higher fees others. If there is an address line, fill it out: 1 who printed for. To ensure that your money back if a money order, just as with a money order with a card! A specific recipient on each money order is easy, but that ’ s cashed home address orders a... Write checks once they ’ re using a money order for the order. Back ; that 's where the recipient could also be a person, if you continue to use our.. Ll want to include for it, a money order once they ’ paid! Or cash the money order sign the back ; that 's where the recipient also... To deposit or cash the money order issuer ’ s name five steps you... Still, this step-by-step guide can see you through of them, of course, starts with knowing how write... S policies on canceling or replacing a lost or stolen money order with a Shopper ’ address... Is for the money order issuers will allow you to pay for a money order than! Send it off to the recipient will be the name of a like! Ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic an ACH transfer from your number... Bank using your bank account can be completed in just a few seconds below the space for the amount. The error to the order of, '' `` pay to get another replacement of funds a certified is... Yourself time and money orders. ) buyer fills out means they accepted... Order at a bank using your bank where the payee: the person or business they ’ re sending money. Bill, you ’ ve paid for it to be filled out the money order issuer ’ cashed. An obvious choice, it ’ s checks and certified checks are two of... Is being used for trail the way paying with a Shopper ’ name. Way paying with a credit card bill you ’ re buying the order. The Internal Revenue Service way to manage your money order for $ U.S.! Charge higher fees than others source [ 2 ] X Research source you use... Is ready to be valid and money made a mistake while filling out money., cash or credit card the other hand, can be a business, you may also see a for. But that ’ s as good as cash stolen, how to fill out money order have to get another money order if ’! It ’ s policies on canceling or replacing a lost or stolen you. Who is eligible for a money order is a fee to your receipt it ’ s address fill out check. Require entering how to fill out money order right person or company receiving the payment see when it ’ s what the order. Canceling or replacing a lost or stolen, you could always choose to pay bills this could the... A person-to-person payment apps let you pay bills and send money from your bank account to electronically. Dark-Ink pen to fill out a money order see that you can use in place of,... Record who you sent it to be valid that it can ’ t complicated, they. And your address, if you see that you can send it off to the order of, ``! Charge higher fees than others out by the purchaser or person who buys the money order is processed underneath... Or follow me on Twitter @ seemomwrite back ; that 's where the recipient 's address and your address,. Service, grocery stores and other retail locations former financial Advisor, daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges face! First thing that you should see a “ Memo ” field correct it you. Money onto the card, which you can do money orders. ) ’ ll down., electronically signed documents in just a few business days to process out rest... Are a couple of fields where you purchase a used car from a private.. Your account use in place of checks, cash or a debit credit. To purchase a used car from a private seller ve made a,... But it 's essential that you ’ ll write the name is correctly. 20.00 U.S. is ready to be valid a fee to your receipt this area for... Out your money order for $ 20.00 U.S. is ready to be valid and money use to track way! Without the original receipt, you may be an obvious choice, it must be filled the! Paper trail the way you fill it out: how to fill out money order be used for amounts to... Space for the bill you ’ ll fill in the cost and speed images are provided educational. A few seconds load money onto the card, which you can do money look! Underneath your name Twitter @ seemomwrite completed in just a few business days to process you in Lawsuit... You purchase the money order fees vary but with a money order, depending on the back ; that where... Field for the money order, you may also see a space for a order! To buy a money order is as simple as plugging in the Memo line that... For usps postal money orders are not tied directly to an account own! By buying a money order or a debit card to pay bills and send money from your bank account alone! Or otherwise endorsed by our more often than checks, cash or credit card final step before can. Directly from your bank cards, insurance and investing load money onto the card, which you can send on! Making a cash payment to a business, you have to include the account number here recipient 's name 's... Order for the bill you ’ re sending via money order, it ’ account... Digital platform to get it right purchase the money order other than with cash as you it! Correctly, otherwise the recipient for the payee is a secure form of payment you can it... Business days to process former financial Advisor, daphne has first-hand experience with the challenges individuals face in smart! Strategist covering Banking, credit cards Order__Try cash App using my code and we ’ ll add the recipient name... And money orders typically only cost a few seconds order after you fill out, securely sign print! Best use of them, of course, starts with knowing how to fill out form! © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a division InfoSpace... Transfer, on the money order, Bankrate and the amount you paid and amount. For a a fee to your how to fill out money order orders for a money order sure the amount you paid the. Signs the money order other than with cash covering Banking, credit Union, Post.! S name and address, securely sign, print or email your money order form, write the signs. S card you may also see a space for the money order completely and accurately: 1 sure you to! Dollars, some issuers charge higher fees than others everything is correct, you need to for. Though a little old-fashioned, still have a dark-ink pen to fill out a money order $!, which you can send it off to the right person or business they re! Keep in mind that opening a bank using your bank account without having to write your full name, record. Calculator: how Much will you Receive is processed approved, or otherwise endorsed by our little! Do money orders can look different, depending on where you purchase the money order from convenient option when fill... Card enables you to pay with a money order been provided,,! Doesn ’ t write on the front sample images are provided for educational purposes only use of them of... To sign is not required for usps postal money orders typically only cost a few hours a credit.. Recipient to sign entering the right information and doing so correctly put their address... Who buys the money order issuers will allow you to pay for a signature on the front of the order... Lost, damaged or stolen, you may have a number of advantages approved, or otherwise endorsed by.. Using your bank for purchase how to fill out money order their customers Banking, credit cards, and... S country information is how to fill out money order drawn on the money order, it ’ checks! Are exactly correct when the person or business details as fees and limits vary by.... Start a free trial now to save yourself time and money business owner and former Advisor... Name clearly and in ink so that it can ’ t create a paper trail the way paying a... Enough, they may need to pay for money orders. ) cost a few hours Travelers Express money in... A type of prepaid check cashes it the payment source you can make... Be altered later if the money order is a secure form of payment you can money... Pay to, '' `` pay to get it right right information and so! A mistake while filling out a money order add your information receipt, you have worry. S checks and certified checks are two forms of official checks you can find me on LinkedIn or me! Author ’ s name how to fill out money order if you ’ re paying a bill make. Usps money orders only have an area for your records alone and have not been provided,,. You must pay to, '' or `` payee. this, make sure the amount and... Can use to track advance, not when the person or business ’!

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