Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, then sign it

A money order has four blanks you need to complete: the payee (who receives it), the amount in numbers, the amount in words, and your signature. Start with the payee line — write the name of the person or business you're paying in the "Pay to the Order of" field. Use the exact legal name if you know it; if you're unsure, ask the recipient how they want it written.

Next, write the dollar amount twice: once in the box marked for numbers (like $50.00) and once spelled out in words on the longer line (like "Fifty dollars and 00/100"). The two amounts must match exactly. If they don't, the money order may be rejected or the recipient might not cash it. Write clearly and use a pen, not pencil — money orders are legal documents and pencil can be erased.

Sign the money order in the space marked "Purchaser's Signature" or "From." This is your authorization to send the money. Some money orders also have a line for a memo or reference number — you can use this to note what the payment is for (like "Rent — March" or "Invoice #1234"), but it's optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee's exact legal name on the "Pay to the Order of" line so the recipient can cash it without problems.
  • Enter the dollar amount in both numbers and words, and make sure they match or the money order may not be accepted.
  • Sign the money order with a pen in the purchaser's signature field to authorize the payment.
  • Keep your receipt until you confirm the money order was received and cashed, in case you need to trace it.
  • Do not fill in the money order until you are ready to send it, and do not leave blank spaces that someone else could fill in.

Where to write each piece of information

Money order forms vary slightly by issuer — the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, and banks all have slightly different layouts — but the core fields are the same. The "Pay to the Order of" line is usually at the top left. The amount box (for numbers) is typically in the top right corner. The line where you spell out the amount in words runs across the middle of the form.

Your signature goes in a box labeled "Purchaser's Signature," "From," or "Drawer's Signature," usually near the bottom. Some money orders also have a field for your address or phone number; fill this in if it's present, because it helps the issuer track the money order if it's lost. The memo line, if there is one, is optional and sits near your signature.

Before you hand over the money order, double-check that you've filled in every required field. An incomplete money order may be rejected by the recipient's bank or the recipient themselves. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use white-out — ask the issuer for a replacement and they will usually reissue it at no charge.

How to write the payee name correctly

The payee name is the most important line because it determines who can cash the money order. Write the name exactly as the recipient tells you, or as it appears on their business license or official documents. If you're paying a business, use the legal business name, not a nickname. For example, write "ABC Plumbing LLC" rather than "ABC Plumbing" if that's the registered name.

If you're paying a person, use their full legal name if possible. Avoid abbreviations or nicknames unless the recipient specifically asks for them. If the name is long or you're unsure of the spelling, ask the recipient to write it down for you. A money order made out to the wrong name or a misspelled name may not be cashable, and the recipient will have to contact the issuer to correct it — a process that can take weeks.

Do not leave the payee line blank and plan to fill it in later. A blank money order can be cashed by anyone, and if it's lost or stolen, the finder can write in their own name and cash it. Always complete the payee line before the money order leaves your hands.

Writing the amount in numbers and words

The amount in numbers goes in a small box, usually in the top right corner, and should include the dollar sign and cents. Write it as clearly as possible: $50.00, $125.50, $1,000.00. Use a pen and write large enough to read easily. If the amount is less than a dollar, write it as $0.50 or $0.75.

The amount in words goes on a longer line and must spell out the full amount. Write "Fifty dollars and 00/100" for $50.00, or "One hundred twenty-five dollars and 50/100" for $125.50. The format is: [Amount in words] dollars and [cents]/100. The "/100" is standard on all money orders because U.S. currency is based on hundredths of a dollar. If the amount is a whole dollar with no cents, write "and 00/100."

If the two amounts do not match — for example, if you write $50.00 in numbers but spell out "Forty dollars" — the money order may be rejected. The recipient's bank will not cash it, or the recipient may refuse to accept it. If you make an error, do not try to correct it; ask the issuer for a replacement money order.

Signing the money order

Your signature authorizes the money order and proves you purchased it. Sign in the space marked "Purchaser's Signature," "From," or "Drawer's Signature" — the exact label varies by issuer. Use the same signature you use on checks and other legal documents. Sign with a pen, not pencil, and make sure your signature is legible.

Do not sign a blank money order. If you sign it before filling in the payee and amount, anyone who finds it can complete it and cash it. Always fill in the payee name and amount first, then sign. If someone asks you to sign a money order before the payee is filled in, do not do it — that is a red flag for fraud.

Some money orders also require a second signature or authorization, particularly for large amounts. Check the form to see if there is a second signature line and ask the issuer if you need to fill it in. For most personal money orders under $1,000, one signature is sufficient.

What to do with your receipt

When you purchase a money order, the issuer gives you a receipt. Keep this receipt until you confirm that the money order was received and cashed. The receipt contains a tracking number that allows you to trace the money order if it goes missing or if the recipient claims they never received it.

If the recipient says they did not receive the money order, or if you need to cancel it, contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number. The issuer can tell you whether the money order has been cashed and, if it has not, can stop payment and issue you a refund or replacement. Without the receipt and tracking number, you have no way to prove you sent the money or to recover it if something goes wrong.

Keep the receipt in a safe place for at least 30 days after you send the money order, or longer if you are paying for something important like rent or a utility bill. Once the recipient confirms they received and cashed it, you can discard the receipt.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is leaving the payee line blank or writing it incorrectly. A money order made out to the wrong person or business cannot be cashed by the intended recipient without going through a correction process with the issuer. Always verify the payee name with the recipient before you fill it in.

The second most common mistake is mismatching the amount in numbers and the amount in words. If you write $50.00 in numbers but spell out "Forty dollars," the money order will be rejected. Take time to double-check that both amounts are the same before you sign.

A third mistake is signing the money order before filling in the payee and amount. An unsigned money order cannot be cashed, but a signed blank money order can be completed by anyone and cashed fraudulently. Always complete the payee and amount fields first, then sign.

Finally, do not lose your receipt. Without it, you cannot trace the money order or stop payment if it is lost or stolen. Keep the receipt in a safe place until the recipient confirms they have cashed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a money order to myself?

Yes, you can write a money order to yourself, though it is uncommon. Write your own name on the payee line and sign as the purchaser. You can then cash it at a bank or the issuer's location. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to have a record of a transaction, but a bank transfer is usually faster and easier.

What if I make a mistake after I've signed the money order?

Do not try to cross out or correct the mistake. Ask the issuer for a replacement money order at no charge. Most issuers will void the incorrect one and issue a new one if you ask within a reasonable time. Bring your receipt and explain the error.

Can someone else cash a money order if my name is on it?

No. A money order is made out to a specific payee, and only that person or business can cash it. If you write "John Smith" as the payee, only John Smith can cash it. This is one reason money orders are safer than cash for sending money through the mail.

Do I need to include my address on the money order?

Only if the form has a field for it and the issuer requires it. Some money orders ask for your address or phone number so they can contact you if there is a problem. If the form has these fields, fill them in. If not, you do not need to provide them.

What happens if the money order is lost in the mail?

Contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number. They can tell you if the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed, they can stop payment and issue you a refund or replacement. This is why keeping your receipt is important.