Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, then your information

A money order has five main blanks: who you are paying (the payee), how much money, who the money is from (you), your address, and sometimes a memo line. You fill these in with a pen — not pencil — in the order they appear on the form. The payee line is usually at the top or marked "Pay to the Order of." The amount goes in two places: once in numbers (like $50.00) and once written out in words (like "Fifty dollars"). Your name and address go in the purchaser or sender section, usually at the bottom left.

Money order blanks vary slightly by issuer — banks, post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing services all print their own versions — but the layout is always similar. Before you start writing, read the labels on your specific money order so you know which blank is which. Some money orders have a stub or receipt attached; that part is for your records and you keep it after you hand over the money order itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, the amount in both numbers and words, and your name and address in the purchaser section.
  • Use a pen, not pencil, and write clearly so the payee can read the amount and cash the money order without confusion.
  • The memo line is optional and is for your own note about what the money is for — the payee does not have to see it.
  • Keep your receipt or stub until the payee confirms they received and cashed the money order.
  • Do not sign the money order unless the issuer's instructions tell you to; most money orders are not signed by the sender.

Where each piece of information goes

Pay to the Order of: Write the name of the person or business that will receive the money. Use the exact legal name if you know it — for example, "John Smith" rather than "J. Smith," or "ABC Plumbing LLC" rather than "ABC Plumbing." If the payee is a business and you are not sure of the legal name, ask them before you buy the money order.

Amount in numbers: Write the dollar amount in the box marked for numbers, usually in the upper right. Write it as $50.00 or $150.25 — include the dollar sign and two decimal places. Do not leave blank space before the number; write it close to the left edge of the box so no one can add digits in front of it.

Amount in words: On the line that says "Dollars" or has a blank after the word "Pay," write out the amount in words. Write "Fifty dollars" or "One hundred fifty and 25/100 dollars." The fraction at the end (25/100) represents cents. If the amount is a whole dollar with no cents, write "and 00/100" or just leave that part blank, depending on what the form shows. This line protects against fraud because it is harder to alter words than numbers.

Your name and address: In the section marked "From," "Purchaser," or "Sender," write your full name and mailing address. This is how the issuer tracks who bought the money order, and it is also how the payee can contact you if there is a problem. Some money orders ask for a phone number or email in this section too.

Memo line (optional): Many money orders have a small blank labeled "Memo" or "For." You can write a note here — for example, "Rent for March" or "Invoice 2024-001" — but this is not required. The memo is for your records and the payee's reference; it does not affect whether the money order works.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is writing the amount in numbers and words differently. If you write $50 in numbers but "Sixty dollars" in words, the payee and the bank will see conflicting information. Most banks honor the amount written in words, so the payee might receive $60 instead of $50. Double-check both before you hand over the money order.

Do not use pencil. Pencil can be erased and altered, which is why money orders require pen. Use blue or black ink. Do not cross out mistakes and write over them; if you make an error, ask the issuer for a new money order. Most issuers will void the incorrect one and issue a replacement at no extra charge, though some may charge a small fee.

Do not sign the money order unless the issuer's form specifically instructs you to. Most money orders are not signed by the sender — only by the payee when they cash it. Signing it yourself can create confusion or make it harder for the payee to deposit it. If the form has a signature line for the purchaser, check whether it is required or optional.

Do not leave the payee line blank or write "Cash." A money order made out to "Cash" can be cashed by anyone who holds it, which defeats the security purpose of a money order. Always write a specific name.

What happens after you fill it out

Once you have filled in all the required blanks, you hand the money order to the issuer (the teller, cashier, or clerk) along with cash or a debit card to pay for it. The issuer will check that the amount in numbers and words match, verify that the payee name is filled in, and then process the transaction. You will receive a receipt or stub — keep this until the payee tells you they have cashed the money order. The receipt shows the money order number, the amount, and the date, and it is your proof that you sent the money.

The payee receives the money order and can deposit it at their bank or cash it at a check-cashing service, grocery store, or bank. They may need to sign the back of the money order and provide identification. If there is a problem — for example, if the money order is lost or the amount is unclear — you can use your receipt number to trace it or request a replacement.

Money order forms from different issuers

The U.S. Postal Service money order form has the payee line at the top, the amount boxes to the right, and the purchaser section at the bottom. Western Union money orders (sold at many retailers) have a similar layout but may ask for additional information like a phone number. Bank money orders often include a memo line and sometimes a signature line. Check-cashing services and grocery stores use their own versions, which may be slightly different in appearance but follow the same basic structure.

Regardless of the issuer, the information you write is the same: payee, amount (numbers and words), your name, and your address. If you are unsure about any blank on a specific form, ask the person selling you the money order before you start writing. They can point out which lines are required and which are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign a money order?

Most money orders do not require the sender to sign. Only the payee signs the back when they cash it. If your money order form has a signature line for the purchaser (sender), check the instructions — it may be optional. Signing it yourself is not wrong, but it is usually not necessary.

What if I write the wrong amount in words or numbers?

Do not cross it out or write over it. Ask the issuer to void the money order and issue a new one. Most issuers do this for free if the mistake is their error or if you catch it before you leave. If you catch it later, you may be charged a small fee for a replacement.

Can I make a money order out to two people?

Some issuers allow you to write two names on the payee line — for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith" — but both people must sign the back when they cash it. Ask the issuer whether this is allowed before you fill it out, because policies vary.

What if I lose the money order before I send it?

Contact the issuer with your receipt number. They can cancel the original and issue a replacement. If you do not have the receipt, the issuer may still be able to help, but it will take longer. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Can the payee change the amount after I fill it out?

It is difficult but not impossible. Because the amount is written in words as well as numbers, altering it requires changing both. This is why writing clearly and filling in both blanks correctly protects you. If you are concerned about fraud, use a money order only with people or businesses you trust.