Money Order Example: Your Complete Guide to Filling Out a Money Order Correctly

Sending money safely without using cash, checks, or credit cards? A money order might be your answer. Whether you’re paying a bill or transferring funds to someone you don’t know well, knowing how to fill out a money order correctly is essential. Let’s walk through the entire process and cover everything you need to know.

Where Should You Purchase Your Money Order?

Before you can complete a money order, you need to know where to get one. You have plenty of options available:

• Western Union and MoneyGram
• U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
• Retailers like Walmart and major pharmacy chains
• Grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience shops
• Your bank or credit union (if you maintain an account)

Keep in mind that limits vary by provider. The USPS, for instance, restricts individual domestic money orders to $1,000 maximum. Each location also charges different fees—typically between $1 and $5 per order—so shopping around can help you save money.

What Details Do You Actually Need on a Money Order?

Think of a money order as a prepaid check. Like a check, it requires specific information to be valid and functional. Here’s what you’ll write on any money order:

• Recipient’s name (the person or business receiving the funds)
• Recipient’s complete address
• Your name and address (as the purchaser)
• Transaction date
• Dollar amount
• Purpose or memo (optional but helpful for bill payments)

The recipient can then deposit this into their bank account or cash it just like a regular check once they sign the back.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a Money Order Example

Starting with the Payee Information

Begin by entering the recipient’s name in the “Pay to the Order of” field. Write clearly in ink—this prevents alterations if the money order gets lost. Completing this field first is crucial because an unfilled payee line means anyone could add their name and cash it.

Below the name field, you’ll see space for the recipient’s address. Whether it’s a person’s home address or a business location, write it out clearly and double-check every detail.

Adding Your Information as the Purchaser

Next, fill in your own name in the “From” or “Purchaser” section. Usually your address goes directly underneath. These details identify you as the money order buyer and are essential for record-keeping.

Including Payment Purpose on the Memo Line

If your money order has a memo field, use it. Writing “Payment for used car purchase” or “Bill account #12345” provides a clear reference for both you and the recipient. This is especially important when paying bills—include your account number here.

Sign Before Sending

Most money orders require your signature, though USPS money orders are exceptions. Never sign the back of the money order; that’s reserved for the recipient. Your signature on the front completes the money order and makes it ready to send.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Filling Out a Money Order

Small errors can delay payment or cause the money order to be rejected:

• Spelling the recipient’s name wrong or writing it unclearly
• Entering an incorrect or incomplete address
• Leaving the payee field blank
• Misspelling your own name or address
• Forgetting to write the account number on bill payments
• Signing in the wrong location or forgetting to sign entirely
• Misplacing your receipt

That last point matters more than you might think. Your receipt includes a tracking number—essential if you need to cancel or replace a lost or stolen money order.

After You’ve Filled Everything Out

Review your completed money order carefully before handing it over. If you spot an error, ask the issuer to correct it rather than crossing it out yourself. If you’ve already paid, you might need to cancel and repurchase.

Once payment is approved, keep your receipt safe. It serves as proof of purchase and contains the tracking number to monitor when the money order gets cashed. Without it, recovering funds from a lost or stolen money order becomes significantly more difficult.

Most issuers accept cash or debit cards for payment, though some allow credit cards. Budget for the face value plus the issuer’s fee—typically $1 to $5.

Is a Money Order the Right Payment Method for You?

Money orders offer security that cash doesn’t provide, and unlike checks, they guarantee immediate funds. However, they do require knowing how to fill out a money order correctly to avoid problems.

If finding a money order seller proves difficult, consider alternatives: personal checks, certified checks from your bank, or mobile payment apps for faster transfers. For those who handle frequent payments, opening a bank account provides both convenience and additional financial management options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do money orders require signatures? Yes, money orders must be signed to be cashed or deposited. Your signature doesn’t need to be witnessed if you’re the purchaser, but the recipient’s bank may request in-person verification when depositing.

How do I deposit a money order I received? Deposit it like a regular check. Sign the back, write your account number beneath your signature, and either photograph it for mobile deposit or insert it into an ATM. In-person deposits at your bank may require ID verification.

Who is considered the purchaser? The purchaser is whoever bought the money order. If you’re paying a bill, you’re the purchaser.

What’s the typical cost? Expect to pay $1 to $5 per money order, varying by location and issuer.

What’s the maximum amount for a money order? USPS caps domestic money orders at $1,000 per order. Other providers may have different limits.