How to fill out a check or money order correctly

A check is a written instruction to your bank to pay someone from your account. A money order is a prepaid payment slip you buy at a store or bank — the issuer guarantees the money, not your personal account. Both work the same way from the receiver's perspective: they deposit or cash it at their bank. The steps to fill them out are nearly identical, and mistakes in either one can delay payment or make it uncashable.

The physical layout is the same on most checks and money orders. At the top left is a space for your name and address (the payer). The date goes in the top right. The "Pay to the order of" line is where you write the recipient's name. The dollar amount appears twice — once in a box on the right in numbers, once on a line below in words. At the bottom are routing and account numbers (checks only) and a signature line. Money orders have a stub on the left that you keep as a receipt.

Fill in every field in black or blue ink — never pencil. Write clearly and press firmly so the ink goes through. Do not use correction fluid or cross things out; if you make a mistake, void that check or money order and start over. The recipient will not cash a document with visible corrections.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the recipient's full name on the "Pay to the order of" line, and write the dollar amount in both numbers (in the box) and words (on the line below).
  • Sign the check or money order in the signature box at the bottom right; it will not be cashed without your signature.
  • For a money order, keep the stub as your receipt and record the confirmation number in case you need to track it later.
  • If you make a mistake, do not use correction fluid; void the document and write a new one instead.
  • The recipient deposits or cashes the check or money order at their bank; you do not need to do anything else once you hand it over.

Filling in the date and payer information

Write the date in the top right corner in the format your bank or the money order issuer expects — usually MM/DD/YYYY. Use the date you are writing the check or money order, not a future date. Post-dating (writing a future date) is legal, but the recipient can deposit it before that date, and your bank may honor it. If you need payment to arrive on a specific date, discuss that with the recipient instead of post-dating.

Your name and address go in the top left corner. On a personal check, this is usually pre-printed. On a money order, you write it in the space labeled "From" or "Purchaser." Include your full name and a mailing address. The recipient may need to contact you if something goes wrong with the payment, so use an address where you can receive mail.

Writing the recipient's name and amount

On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the full legal name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the name exactly as they have given it to you — if they say "John Smith" rather than "Jonathan Smith," write "John Smith." If you are paying a business, write the business name as it appears on their invoices or receipts. Do not abbreviate or use nicknames. If the name is long, write it clearly and stay within the line; if it does not fit, use the next available line.

Write the dollar amount in two places. In the small box on the right side, write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign — for example, $150.00. On the longer line below, write out the amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars." Start at the far left of the line and fill in the rest with a line or dashes so no one can add digits. If the amount in words and the amount in numbers do not match, the bank will contact the payer (you) to clarify, which delays the payment.

Signing the check or money order

Sign your name in the signature box at the bottom right of the check or money order. Use the same signature you use on your bank account and official documents — the bank compares signatures to prevent fraud. Sign in black or blue ink, not pencil. Do not sign until you have filled in all the other information and you are certain the amount and recipient name are correct. A blank check or money order with only a signature is as good as cash to anyone who finds it.

If you are writing a check from a joint account, only one signature is usually required — check your bank's rules. If you are writing a money order, only the purchaser (the person buying it) needs to sign. The recipient does not sign until they deposit or cash it at their bank.

What to do with the money order stub

Money orders come with a stub attached to the left side. Tear it off and keep it as your receipt. The stub shows the amount, the date, the recipient's name, and a confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number in a safe place — if the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can contact the issuer with this number to stop payment and request a replacement.

The stub is also proof that you sent the payment. If a dispute arises later about whether you paid, the stub with the date and amount is your evidence. Keep stubs for at least one year, or longer if the payment is for something important like rent or a loan.

How the recipient cashes or deposits the check or money order

Once you hand over the check or money order, your job is done. The recipient takes it to their bank and either deposits it into their account or cashes it for bills and coins. The bank processes it, and the funds appear in their account within one to three business days for a check, or when ready for a money order (since the money is already may provide by the issuer).

You do not need to do anything else. Do not contact your bank or the money order issuer unless the recipient tells you the payment was not received. If a check bounces (your account does not have enough money), your bank will notify you and charge a fee. If a money order is lost before the recipient cashes it, the issuer can issue a replacement if you have the confirmation number from the stub.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the dollar amount differently in numbers and words — for example, $100 in the box but "Fifty dollars" on the line. The bank will contact you to clarify, which delays payment by several days. Always double-check that both amounts match before you sign.

Another mistake is writing an incomplete or unclear recipient name. If you write "John S." instead of "John Smith," the recipient may not be able to cash it, or the bank may ask for clarification. Use the full legal name every time.

Signing before you fill in the amount or recipient is also risky — a blank check or money order with a signature can be cashed by anyone. Always fill in all the information first, review it for accuracy, and sign last.

Do not use a check or money order to pay for something illegal, and do not write one for more money than you actually have (for a check) or more than you paid for (for a money order). The recipient will discover the problem when they try to deposit it, and you may face legal consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check or money order to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the order of" line, sign it, and deposit it at your bank like any other check or money order. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from a business account. Some banks may ask why you are doing this, but it is legal.

What if I make a mistake after I have already signed?

Do not use correction fluid, cross it out, or try to erase it. Write "VOID" across the front of the check or money order in large letters and set it aside. Start over with a new one. A bank will not cash a document with visible corrections, and voiding it prevents anyone else from trying to use it.

How long does it take for a check or money order to clear?

A money order usually clears the same day or within one business day because the issuer has already collected the money. A check typically takes one to three business days, depending on the banks involved and whether it is deposited in person or through a mobile app. The recipient's bank will tell them when the funds are available.

What if the recipient says they never received the check or money order?

If you mailed it, contact the post office to see if it can be traced. If you gave it in person, ask the recipient to check with their bank — it may have been deposited but not yet processed. If you have the money order confirmation number from the stub, contact the issuer to see if it has been cashed. For a check, contact your bank to see if it has cleared.

Can someone else cash a check or money order I wrote?

Only the person named on the "Pay to the order of" line should cash it. However, many banks allow the recipient to sign the back and give it to someone else to deposit (called a third-party check). Money orders are harder to transfer this way — most issuers require the named recipient to be present. If you are concerned about this, ask the recipient how they plan to deposit it.