Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, then sign it
A money order has four blanks that matter: the payee (who gets the money), the amount in numbers, the amount in words, and your signature. Fill the payee line with the exact name of the person or business receiving the money — no abbreviations, no nicknames. Write the dollar amount twice: once in the box marked for numbers (like $50.00) and once spelled out in words (like "Fifty dollars and 00/100"). Sign the back or the line marked "purchaser signature" only after you have filled in the payee and amount. Do not sign a blank money order.
The order matters because the payee line and amount are what the recipient will cash. If you leave the payee blank, anyone who gets the money order can cash it. If you misspell the payee's name or get the amount wrong, the recipient may refuse it or you will have to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Write the payee name exactly as the recipient expects it — ask them first if you are unsure whether to use a business name, a person's full name, or a shortened version.
- Enter the amount in both numbers and words; if they do not match, the money order may be rejected or the lower amount will be honored.
- Sign only after the payee and amount are filled in, and sign on the line marked for the purchaser or sender, not the payee line.
- Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed the money order, because you will need it to file a claim if the money order is lost or stolen.
Where to write each piece of information
Most money orders follow the same layout, though the exact label placement varies by issuer. The payee line is usually at the top left and is labeled "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." Write legibly in pen, not pencil. The amount in numbers goes in a box on the right side, usually near the top. The amount in words goes on a longer line below the payee, often labeled "Dollars" — write out the full amount and fill any remaining space with a line or the word "only" so no one can add digits.
Your signature goes on the back of the money order or on a line labeled "Purchaser Signature," "Sender," or "From." Some money orders also have a memo line where you can write what the payment is for (like "rent" or "invoice #12345"), though this is optional. The issuer's information and a tracking number are printed on the money order itself — you do not fill these in.
What to do before you hand it over
Write down the money order number, the amount, the payee name, the date, and where you bought it. Keep this information and your receipt together until the recipient tells you they have cashed it. If the money order is lost, stolen, or never reaches the recipient, you will need the receipt and tracking number to file a claim with the issuer and get a replacement.
Do not mail a money order in a regular envelope without tracking. Use certified mail with signature confirmation, or hand it to the recipient in person. If you are mailing it, consider taking a photo of the completed money order before you send it — this is not a substitute for a receipt, but it can help you remember what you sent if there is a dispute later.
How to correct a mistake
Do not cross out or white-out a money order. If you make a mistake on the payee name, the amount, or any other field, most issuers will not accept it. Instead, ask the issuer for a replacement. Bring your receipt and explain the error. Some issuers will void the original and issue a new one at no charge; others may charge a small fee. This is why it is worth taking a moment to double-check the payee name and amount before you sign.
If you have already signed the money order and realize the payee is wrong, do not use it. Contact the issuer immediately with your receipt. The sooner you report the error, the easier it is to stop payment and get a replacement.
Sending the money order safely
Hand delivery is the safest method. If you must mail it, use the U.S. Postal Service's Certified Mail service with Return Receipt Requested. This gives you proof that someone signed for the envelope. Write the recipient's address clearly, and do not write "money order" on the outside of the envelope — just address it like any other piece of mail.
Never send a money order through an unsecured method like regular mail without tracking, and never send it to someone you do not know or trust. If a stranger asks you to buy a money order and send it to them, this is a common scam. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not ask for payment by money order.
What happens after the recipient gets it
The recipient will take the money order to a bank, check-cashing service, or retail location that cashes money orders and sign the back. They will receive cash or a deposit to their account. Once they have cashed it, the transaction is complete on their end, but you should still keep your receipt for your records.
If the recipient tells you they never received the money order, or if you realize weeks later that it was never cashed, contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number. You can file a claim to stop payment and request a replacement. This process usually takes two to four weeks, so do not assume the money order was lost immediately — give it time to arrive and be processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I write the amount in numbers but spell it out differently in words?
The recipient or the cashing location may reject the money order, or they may honor the lower of the two amounts. To avoid this, always make sure both versions match exactly. If you catch the error before you sign, ask for a replacement. If you have already signed it, do not use it.
Can I make a money order out to "Cash"?
Some issuers allow it, but most do not. A money order made out to "Cash" is as risky as carrying cash — anyone who finds it can cash it. If you need to send money to someone and do not know their exact name, ask them first or use a different payment method.
Do I need to fill in the memo line?
No, the memo line is optional. It is useful for your own record-keeping (writing "rent" or an invoice number) but does not affect whether the money order can be cashed. The recipient does not have to fill it in or reference it.
What if the recipient loses the money order before they cash it?
Once the money order is cashed, the money is gone and cannot be recovered. If the recipient loses it before cashing, they should contact you immediately so you can file a claim with the issuer. You will need your receipt and the tracking number. The issuer will investigate and may issue a replacement, but this takes time.
Can I cancel a money order after I have bought it?
Yes, if you have not given it to the recipient yet. Contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number and ask to stop payment. Most issuers will refund your money minus a small fee, usually between $1 and $5. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of a quick refund.