What you write on a Chase money order and where

A Chase money order has five lines you need to fill in: the payee name, the amount in numbers, the amount in words, your name as the purchaser, and your address. You write the payee name (the person or business receiving the money) on the line labeled "Pay to the Order of." The amount goes in two places — once as numerals in the box on the right side, and once spelled out in words on the long line below it. Your name goes on the line marked "From" or "Purchaser," and your address goes in the smaller box below that.

The money order itself has a stub attached — that's your receipt. Before you hand over the money order, write the same information on the stub so you have a record of what you sent and to whom. Keep the stub until the money order clears, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and spell it exactly as the recipient's name appears on their account or business registration.
  • Enter the amount twice: once as numerals in the box and once spelled out in words on the longer line, and both must match.
  • Fill in your name and address on the "From" or "Purchaser" lines so the recipient knows who sent it.
  • Complete the attached stub before you submit the money order, and keep it as your proof of payment.
  • Use black or blue ink only; do not use pencil, marker, or other writing instruments.

Getting the payee name exactly right

The payee name must match how the recipient's name appears on their bank account or business license. If you're paying a business, use the exact legal name — not a shortened version or nickname. For example, if the business is registered as "ABC Plumbing Services LLC," write that full name, not just "ABC Plumbing." If you're unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient before you fill out the money order.

Do not leave the payee line blank. A blank money order can be cashed by anyone, and Chase will not replace it if it's lost or stolen. If you make a mistake on the payee name, do not cross it out or use correction fluid — ask Chase for a replacement money order instead.

Writing the dollar amount correctly

The amount in numerals goes in the small box on the right side of the money order, and it should include cents even if there are none (for example, $50.00). The amount in words goes on the longer line and must match exactly. Write out the dollars as words and the cents as numerals — for example, "Fifty and 00/100 dollars" for $50.00, or "One Hundred Twenty-Five and 50/100 dollars" for $125.50.

If the two amounts do not match, the money order may be rejected or delayed. If you make an error, do not try to fix it — contact Chase and request a new money order. Most Chase locations will issue a replacement at no extra charge if the error was made during purchase.

Filling in your information as the sender

Your name goes on the line marked "From" or "Purchaser," and your address goes in the box below it. This information tells the recipient who sent the money order and gives them a way to contact you if there's a problem. Use your current address, not a previous one.

Some recipients may ask for a phone number or email as well. If there's space on the money order, you can add it, but it's not required. The stub should have all the same information so you can match it to the money order if you need to track it later.

Using the right pen and avoiding common mistakes

Write with black or blue ink only. Do not use pencil, which can be erased, or marker, which can bleed through the paper. Do not use correction fluid, cross-outs, or erasures — these make the money order invalid. If you make any mistake, ask Chase for a replacement.

Do not write in the boxes marked "Memo" or "For" unless the recipient specifically asks you to. These fields are optional and are meant for notes about what the money order is for (for example, "rent for March" or "invoice #12345"). Keep your note brief if you use it.

Keeping your receipt and tracking the money order

The stub attached to the money order is your receipt and proof of purchase. Write all the same information on the stub before you give the money order to the recipient or mail it. Keep the stub in a safe place until the money order has been cashed and cleared, which usually takes one to two weeks.

If the money order is lost or the recipient says they never received it, you'll need the stub to file a claim with Chase. The stub shows the amount, the payee, the date, and your confirmation number. Without it, Chase cannot help you recover the money or issue a replacement.

What to do if you make a mistake before purchasing

If you fill out the money order and then realize you made an error before you pay for it, ask the Chase employee to void it and start over. Most locations will do this at no charge. If you've already paid for it and then noticed the mistake, ask for a replacement money order — Chase will usually issue one without charging you again if the error happened during the purchase process.

If you discover the mistake after you've left the branch, contact Chase as soon as possible. Bring your receipt and explain what happened. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of getting a replacement before the money order is cashed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a money order to pay bills online?

No. Money orders are physical documents and must be mailed or delivered in person. If you need to pay a bill online, use Chase's bill pay service through your online banking account instead. Money orders are best for payments to individuals, small businesses that don't accept electronic payments, or situations where the recipient needs a physical proof of payment.

What if I write the wrong amount in words but the numbers are correct?

The recipient or their bank may reject the money order because the two amounts don't match. Do not try to fix it — contact Chase and request a replacement. It's faster and safer than trying to correct it yourself.

Do I need to sign a Chase money order?

Chase money orders do not require a signature from the purchaser. However, some recipients may ask you to sign the back of the money order before they cash it, similar to a check. Ask the recipient if they need your signature before you send it.

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

Most money orders clear within one to two weeks, depending on the recipient's bank and how quickly they deposit it. Keep your stub during this time in case there's a problem. If the recipient says they didn't receive it after two weeks, contact Chase with your receipt and stub number.

Can I get my money back if I change my mind after buying a money order?

Yes, but only if the money order hasn't been cashed yet. Bring the money order and your receipt to Chase, and they can issue a refund or replacement. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot get the money back — you would need to contact the recipient and ask them to return it.