How to Fill Out a Money Order

A money order is a safe, convenient alternative to sending someone cash or personal checks. Money orders are widely available at many different locations, including Advance America stores, post offices, banks, and retailers. But what do you need to know to fill out a money order? 

Requirements to fill out a money order 

When buying a money order, you’ll need to know the following details: 

• The name of the recipient 
• The recipient’s address 
• The amount of money you’d like to send 
• Your name and address 
• The purpose of the payment 
• The account or order number 

How to fill out a money order in 5 steps 

1. Fill in the name of the recipient 

You’ll notice a “PAY TO” or “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” field on a blank money order. This is where you need to write down the name of the recipient. The recipient may be a person or business who will be authorized to receive the money. 

After filling out the field, double-check to make sure you spelled the name correctly. 

2. Write your address 

Write down your address in the purchaser’s address field. Include your street number and name as well as your city, state, and zip code. 

Depending on the issuer, there may be another place to add the recipient's address. 

3. Fill in the account or order number 

There may be a memo line for you to write down the purpose of the money order. Include an account or order number if the recipient provided you with one. 

4. Sign your name 

Sign your name in the field that says “PURCHASER,” “PURCHASER’S SIGNATURE,” “SIGNER,” or “FROM.” 

Don’t sign the back of the money order, as this area is for the recipient to sign once they receive it. 

5. Keep the receipt 

Once you fill out a money order and pay for it, keep your receipt. It can help you track the status of the money order to find out when it gets delivered to the recipient. There will likely be a printed code for tracking your order online, over the phone, or in person. 

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Money orders vs. cashier’s checks 

Money orders and cashier’s checks are both secure forms of payment, but they have some key differences. 

A money order is a prepaid paper document or electronic transfer. You pay for the value of the money order, plus a fee, with cash, debit, or credit card. Since they’re prepaid, money orders can’t bounce like personal checks can. Money orders are useful for smaller transactions because they’re often limited to a maximum of $1,000. 

A cashier’s check is a check issued by your bank or credit union. They’re commonly used for large transactions like buying a car or making a down payment on a home. Cashier’s checks are backed by funds deposited into your bank account, making them less likely to bounce. 

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Money order FAQs 

Is a money order safe? 

A money order can be a very safe way to send and receive money. The recipient must show ID when they cash a paper money order or pick up an electronic money order you send them. 

Can I buy a money order with a debit card? 

Most money order issuers allow you to pay for a money order using a debit card from a major card network, such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. 

How do you track a money order? 

You can track a money order you’ve sent over the phone, online, or in person at the issuer's location. The easiest way to track a money order is by providing the tracking number on the receipt you were given when you purchased the money order. If you’ve lost your receipt, you can provide recipient information or other details to get the status of the money order. 

Get a money order with Western Union Western Union 

offers a safe and reliable way to send money to just about anyone and you don’t need a bank account to get a money order. Easy tracking online or over the phone keeps you informed about the status of your order, giving you confidence it will reach the intended recipient. 

Western Union money orders are available at over 500,000 locations in 200 countries and territories. You can send one online 24/7 or stop by any Advance America store near you.