The basic steps for each payment method

A check is a written instruction to your bank to pay someone a specific amount from your account. A money order is a prepaid document you buy at a store or bank, already funded, that the recipient can cash or deposit. Both work similarly from the recipient's perspective — they receive a document they can take to a bank or check-cashing service to get cash or deposit the funds.

The steps differ because you own the money in a check (it comes from your account) but you've already paid for a money order upfront. This means filling them out requires different information and carries different risks if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • A check requires your bank account information printed on it, while a money order is prepaid and needs only the recipient's name and the amount.
  • Both documents need the date, the payee's name, the amount in numbers and words, and your signature or the purchaser's signature.
  • Money orders are safer for sending cash through the mail because they can be replaced if lost, while a check can be cashed by anyone who has it.
  • Checks take three to five business days to clear; money orders typically clear within one to three business days.

How to write a check

Start in the top right corner where you see a blank line or box labeled "Date." Write today's date in the format your bank uses — typically MM/DD/YYYY. This date tells the bank when you authorized the payment.

On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the full name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the name exactly as they would write it — if it's a company, use their legal name. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations unless that's how the account is registered.

On the line to the right of "Pay to the order of," write the amount in numbers. Use a dollar sign and include cents: $150.50, not $150.5. If the amount is a whole number, write $150.00. Write the numbers close to the dollar sign so no one can add digits in front.

On the line below "Pay to the order of," write out the amount in words. Write "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars" for $150.50. The fraction represents cents — the numerator is the cents, the denominator is always 100. If it's a whole dollar amount, write "One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars." This written version is the legal amount; if the numbers and words don't match, the bank may refuse the check.

In the memo line (usually at the bottom left), you can write what the check is for — "rent," "invoice #2024-05," or leave it blank. This is optional and for your records.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner with your regular signature. Do not print your name — a signature is required. The bank will compare this signature to the one on file with your account.

How to fill out a money order

You buy a money order at a bank, post office, grocery store, or check-cashing business. You pay the amount you want to send plus a small fee — typically 50 cents to $2 depending on the amount and where you buy it. The cashier will hand you a blank money order form.

On the line labeled "Pay to the order of" or "Payee," write the recipient's name. Use their full legal name, the same way it appears on their ID or bank account. This is the only person who can cash or deposit the money order.

Write the amount in the box labeled "Amount" in numbers only — $150.50. Do not write the amount in words on a money order; the form is already prepaid, so the amount is fixed.

Fill in the date on the line provided. Use today's date or the date you want the recipient to receive it.

On the line labeled "From," "Sender," or "Purchaser," write your name and address. This identifies who bought the money order. Some money orders ask for a phone number as well.

Sign the money order in the space provided. Your signature authorizes the purchase and prevents someone else from cashing it if it's lost.

Keep the receipt the cashier gives you. It contains a tracking number that lets you confirm the money order was cashed and by whom. If the money order is lost or stolen, you can use this receipt to report it and request a replacement.

Differences in security and risk

A check is only as secure as the person holding it. If you mail a check and it's lost, stolen, or intercepted, anyone can forge your signature or alter the amount. Once someone cashes it, recovering the money is difficult and slow. For this reason, do not mail checks to strangers or for large amounts.

A money order is safer because it's prepaid and the recipient's name is printed on it. If it's lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you can contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number to report it and request a replacement. The original money order becomes void once you report it. However, if the recipient has already cashed it, you cannot reverse the transaction.

Money orders are also useful when you don't want to share your bank account number. A check shows your routing number and account number on the front, which a dishonest recipient could use to attempt unauthorized withdrawals. A money order reveals nothing about your finances.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not post-date a check (writing a future date) expecting it to clear later. Banks may cash it immediately regardless of the date, and if your account doesn't have enough money, it will bounce. If you need to delay payment, use a money order or wait to mail the check closer to the date you want it to clear.

Do not cross out or white-out information on a check or money order. Banks and check-cashing services will reject altered documents. If you make a mistake, throw it away and start over.

Do not sign a blank check or money order. If you lose it or it's stolen, anyone can fill in an amount and cash it. Only sign after all other information is complete.

Do not write the amount differently in numbers and words. If you write $150 in numbers but "One hundred sixty dollars" in words, the bank will reject it or use the written amount, which creates confusion and delays.

How long checks and money orders take to clear

A check typically takes three to five business days to clear after the recipient deposits it. The bank must verify your signature, confirm you have sufficient funds, and transfer the money. During this time, the funds are still in your account but marked as pending.

A money order usually clears within one to three business days because it's already funded — the bank doesn't need to verify your account or wait for funds to transfer. The recipient's bank simply confirms the money order is legitimate and deposits the amount.

If you mail a check or money order, add two to three days for postal delivery. A check mailed on Monday might not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday, and then take another three to five days to clear — meaning the full process could take up to two weeks.

When to use a check versus a money order

Use a check when you're paying someone you know and trust, when you have a checking account, and when timing is not urgent. Checks are free (beyond your account fee) and leave a clear record in your bank statement for your records.

Use a money order when you're sending cash through the mail to someone you don't know well, when you don't have a checking account, when you want to keep your bank account information private, or when you need faster clearing. Money orders cost a small fee but offer better protection against loss or theft.

For bills and recurring payments, checks are standard and expected. For one-time payments to unfamiliar recipients — such as a private landlord, a seller on a classifieds site, or a contractor you've just hired — a money order is safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write the amount wrong on a check?

If the written amount and the number amount don't match, the bank will typically use the written amount as the legal amount. If you catch the error before mailing it, void the check and write a new one. If the recipient has already deposited it, contact your bank immediately — they may be able to stop payment, but this depends on whether the check has cleared.

Can I use a money order to pay bills online?

No. Money orders are physical documents and cannot be used for online payments. You would need to mail the money order to the biller's address, which takes several days. For online bills, use a debit card, bank transfer, or electronic check payment through your bank's website.

What if the recipient's name on a money order is spelled wrong?

If the name is misspelled, the recipient may have difficulty cashing it. Some banks will accept it if the recipient can show ID proving they are the person intended, but others will refuse. Contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number to request a replacement with the correct spelling.

Can I get my money back if I send a check and change my mind?

If the check hasn't been cashed yet, you can contact your bank and request a stop payment, which costs a fee (typically $25 to $35). The bank will attempt to prevent the check from clearing. If the check has already been deposited, you cannot reverse it — you would need to contact the recipient and ask them to refund you.

Is it safe to mail a check or money order?

Mailing a money order is safer than mailing a check because it's prepaid and can be replaced if lost. Mailing a check is riskier because anyone who intercepts it can attempt to cash it. If you must mail either, use a secure mailbox or hand it to a postal worker directly rather than leaving it in an unsecured mailbox.