Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, then sign it
A money order has five blanks you need to complete: the payee (who gets the money), the amount in numbers, the amount in words, your name and address, and your signature. Start with the payee line — write the exact name of the person or business receiving the money, spelled correctly. Then write the dollar amount in the box marked for numbers (usually on the right side). Next to it, write out that same amount in words — for example, if you're sending $50, write "Fifty dollars" on the line that says "Amount in words."
Sign the money order in the space marked for your signature. Do not sign it before you fill in the payee name — if you sign a blank money order, anyone can cash it. Your signature is what proves you authorized the payment. Some money orders also have a line for your address or phone number; fill that in if it's there. Once everything is complete, the money order is ready to send or deliver.
Key Takeaways
- Write the payee name on the "Pay to the order of" line using the exact spelling the recipient uses for their name or business.
- Enter the dollar amount twice — once as a number in the box and once spelled out in words — and they must match.
- Sign the money order only after you have filled in the payee and amount, never before.
- Keep your receipt or stub until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it as sent or trace it later.
Where to write each piece of information
Money order forms vary slightly by issuer, but the layout is almost always the same. The "Pay to the order of" line is at the top left — this is where you write the recipient's name. The amount box is usually on the right side, divided into two parts: a small box for numbers and a longer line for words. Write neatly in both places so the recipient and the bank can read it clearly.
Below the payee line, you will see a space for "From" or "Purchaser" — this is where you write your own name and address. This tells the issuer who bought the money order and gives the recipient a way to contact you if something goes wrong. At the bottom, there is a signature line. Some money orders also have a memo or reference line where you can write what the payment is for — for example, "Rent for March" or "Invoice #12345." This is optional but helpful for record-keeping.
Writing the amount in words correctly
The amount written in words must match the number amount exactly. If the number says $75.50, write "Seventy-five dollars and fifty cents" or "Seventy-five and 50/100 dollars" — both formats are correct. Start with a capital letter and write out the whole dollar amount, then add the cents. If there are no cents, you can write "and no cents" or just leave that part blank, depending on the form.
Write clearly and use standard spelling. Avoid abbreviations or shorthand. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use correction fluid — most issuers will not cash a money order with visible corrections. Instead, ask the issuer for a new form or contact them about how to fix the error before you send it.
Keeping your receipt and stub
When you buy a money order, you receive a receipt or stub that shows the amount, the date, and a tracking number. Keep this receipt until you know the money order has been cashed. The tracking number is how you can trace the money order if it gets lost in the mail or if the recipient says they never received it. If you need to report the payment to a landlord, employer, or court, the receipt is your proof that you sent it.
Write down the tracking number in a safe place or photograph the receipt. If the money order does not arrive or is not cashed within a reasonable time (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the issuer), you can contact the issuer with the tracking number and ask them to investigate or issue a replacement.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is writing the payee name wrong. If you spell the recipient's name incorrectly or use a business name they do not use, they may not be able to cash it. Double-check the spelling before you write it. Another mistake is mismatching the number and word amounts — if you write $50 in numbers but "Forty dollars" in words, the bank may refuse to cash it or may use the word amount instead.
Do not leave the payee line blank or write "Cash" — a money order is not the same as cash and cannot be cashed by anyone. Do not sign the money order before filling in the payee and amount. Do not use a pen that smudges or fades, because the bank needs to read all the information clearly. If you make a mistake, ask for a new money order rather than trying to fix it.
What happens after you send it
Once you send or deliver the money order, the recipient takes it to their bank or a check-cashing location to deposit or cash it. They will need to sign the back of the money order, just like a check. The funds are usually available within one to three business days. If the recipient loses the money order or it is damaged, they may be able to contact the issuer with the receipt information to get a replacement, but this process can take time.
If you need to cancel a money order before it is cashed, contact the issuer as soon as possible with your receipt and tracking number. Some issuers charge a fee to cancel, and the process may take several weeks. This is why keeping your receipt is important — it is your only way to prove you bought the money order and to track what happens to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a money order to myself?
Yes, you can write a money order to yourself, though it is unusual. Write your own name on the payee line, sign it, and then endorse the back with your signature. You can then deposit it into your bank account. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to create a record of a transaction.
What if I write the wrong amount?
Do not try to fix it. Ask the issuer for a new money order. If you have already sent it, contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number to cancel it and request a replacement. Some issuers charge a fee for this service.
Can someone else cash a money order I wrote?
No, not if you filled in the payee name correctly. Only the person or business named on the payee line can cash it. If you wrote it to "John Smith," only John Smith can take it to the bank and cash it. This is what makes a money order safer than cash.
Do I need to write anything on the back of the money order?
You should not write on the back before sending it. The recipient will sign the back when they cash it. If you need to note something for your own records, write it on your receipt instead, not on the money order itself.
What if the recipient says they never got the money order?
Contact the issuer with your receipt and tracking number. They can tell you whether the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed after 30 to 90 days, you can request a replacement or refund. If it was cashed by someone else, the issuer can investigate.