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 and words, your name and address, the date, and your signature. Fill them in that order, using a pen with dark ink so the writing is clear. The payee line is the most important — if you leave it blank or write it wrong, the person you're sending it to won't be able to cash it.

Write the payee name exactly as the person or business expects it. If you're paying a utility company, use their legal name from your bill. If you're paying a person, use their full name as they would sign a check. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations unless that's how they actually identify themselves.

Write the dollar amount twice: once in the box labeled "Amount" using numbers (like $50.00), and once on the line that says "Dollars" or "Pay to the order of" using words (like "Fifty and 00/100"). The written-out version is the legal amount if the two don't match, so get it right. Use the format "Fifty and 00/100" — the numbers after "and" represent cents as a fraction of a dollar.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name on the "Pay to the order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash the money order.
  • Write the amount in both numbers (in the box) and words (on the line), because the written version is legally binding if they differ.
  • Sign the money order in the space marked "Purchaser's Signature" or "From" — an unsigned money order cannot be cashed.
  • Include your name and address on the back or on the line marked "Purchaser" so the issuer can contact you if there's a problem.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, because you'll need the serial number to report it lost or stolen.

Where to write your own information

Most money orders have a line for your name and address, usually labeled "From," "Purchaser," or "Sender." Write your full name and mailing address here. This is how the issuer (the bank, post office, or store where you bought it) can reach you if the money order is lost or needs to be cancelled.

Some money orders also have a space on the back for your information. If the front is crowded, you can write there instead, but check the money order's layout first — some issuers have a specific place they want it.

Sign and date the money order

Sign your name in the space marked "Purchaser's Signature," "From," or "Signature." This is your authorization that you're sending this money. An unsigned money order cannot be cashed by anyone, so this step is not optional.

Write the date on the line provided. Use the format that matches the money order's layout — usually month/day/year or day/month/year depending on the issuer. The date doesn't have to be today; you can post-date a money order (write a future date), and the recipient won't be able to cash it until that date arrives.

Write the amount in words correctly

The "Dollars" line requires you to spell out the amount. Write the dollar amount as words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100. For example: "Fifty and 50/100" or "One Hundred Twenty-Five and 75/100." If there are no cents, write "and 00/100."

Start at the left side of the line and write large enough to fill the space — this makes it harder for someone to alter the amount after you've written it. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use correction fluid. Ask the issuer for a new money order; most will replace it at no charge if you haven't left the location yet.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaving the payee line blank is the most common error. If you do this, anyone who has the money order can cash it, and you've lost control of your money. Never hand over a blank money order or one with an incomplete payee name.

Writing different amounts in numbers and words will cause problems. The recipient may refuse to cash it, or the issuer may put a hold on it while they verify which amount is correct. Double-check both before you hand it over.

Forgetting to sign the money order means it cannot be cashed. Some recipients will ask you to sign it in front of them, but others will refuse an unsigned one outright. Sign it before you send or deliver it.

Using pencil instead of pen makes the money order easier to alter. Always use a dark pen — blue or black ink. Pencil can be erased, and the money order can be changed after you've sent it.

What to do with your receipt

The issuer will give you a receipt when you buy the money order. Keep it until the money order is cashed. The receipt has the serial number, the amount, the payee name, and the date — information you'll need if you have to report the money order lost or stolen.

If the recipient says they never received it, you can use the receipt to file a claim with the issuer. Most money order issuers will replace a lost or stolen money order if you can provide the receipt and proof that it wasn't cashed. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

Money orders from different issuers look slightly different

A money order from the U.S. Postal Service has a different layout than one from Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank. The blanks are in different places, and some issuers ask for more information than others. Read the money order before you start writing — the labels will tell you where each piece of information goes.

Regardless of the issuer, the core information is always the same: payee, amount (in numbers and words), your name and address, date, and your signature. If a blank is labeled differently or in a different spot, the purpose is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a money order to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line, fill in the amount, sign it, and include your address. You can then cash it at the issuer's location or deposit it into your bank account. Some banks will deposit a money order made out to you without requiring you to sign the back, while others ask you to endorse it first.

What if I make a mistake while writing the money order?

Do not cross out, erase, or use correction fluid. Ask the issuer for a replacement money order. If you've already left the location, contact the issuer with your receipt and ask about their correction or replacement policy. Most will issue a new one at no charge.

Can someone else cash a money order I've written?

Only the person or business whose name is on the payee line can cash it. If you write "John Smith" as the payee, only John Smith can cash it. If someone else tries, the issuer will refuse. This is why money orders are safer than cash for sending money through the mail.

Do I need to write anything on the back of the money order?

Usually not. The back is for the recipient to sign if they're depositing it into a bank account (called an endorsement). However, some issuers ask you to write your account number or reference information on the back. Check the money order's instructions or ask the issuer before you buy it.

What happens if the amount in numbers and words don't match?

The written-out amount is legally binding. If you write "$50.00" in numbers but "Sixty and 00/100" in words, the money order is for sixty dollars. The recipient or issuer may refuse to cash it until you clarify, or they may contact you. To avoid this, always write both amounts the same way and double-check before handing it over.