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

A money order has five main blanks: the payee (who gets the money), the amount in numbers, the amount in words, your name and address, and your signature. Fill them in that order, using a pen with dark ink. Write clearly and stay inside the lines. Do not use pencil, marker, or crayon — the issuer may refuse to cash it if you do.

The payee line is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use their legal name if you know it — "John Smith" rather than "J. Smith" or "Johnny." If you are paying a business, write the business name as it appears on their invoices or website. Leave this blank if you do not know who will cash it yet, but understand that anyone with a blank payee line can cash it like cash, so do not mail it until you fill it in.

The amount in numbers goes in the box marked with a dollar sign. Write it as you would on a check: $50.00, $125.75, and so on. The amount in words goes on the line below or beside it — write out "Fifty dollars" or "One hundred twenty-five dollars and seventy-five cents." If the two amounts do not match, the issuer will reject the money order or cash it for the smaller amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name, dollar amount in numbers, amount in words, your name and address, and your signature in pen with dark ink.
  • The payee name should match the legal name on the recipient's ID or the exact business name they use.
  • The amount in numbers and the amount in words must match exactly, or the money order may be rejected.
  • Sign the money order only after you have filled in the payee and amount — a blank signature line is a security risk.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it as lost or request a refund.

Where to write your name and address

Most money orders have a line for the purchaser or sender — that is you. Write your full name and mailing address on this line. This is how the issuer tracks who bought the money order if there is a problem, and it is also how the recipient can contact you if they have questions about the payment.

Some money orders have a separate "memo" or "for" line. This is optional and is meant for a note about what the money is for — "rent," "invoice #2847," or "car payment." Write it in if it helps the recipient know what the payment covers, but it is not required.

Sign the money order in the right place

The signature line is usually at the bottom. Sign it only after you have filled in the payee and the amount. Use the same signature you use on checks and legal documents — do not print your name or use initials. If you sign it before filling in the payee, anyone who has the money order can fill in their own name and cash it.

Some money orders have two signature lines: one for you and one for the recipient. If yours has this, sign only your line. The recipient signs their line when they cash it, not before.

Common mistakes that get money orders rejected

The most common error is writing different amounts in numbers and words. If you write "$50" in the box but "Seventy-five dollars" on the line, the issuer will not cash it. Double-check both before you hand it over or mail it.

Writing in pencil or using a marker also causes problems. Pencil can be erased, and markers bleed through the paper. Stick to a ballpoint or gel pen with black or blue ink. Do not use white-out or cross things out — if you make a mistake, ask the issuer for a new money order or start over.

Leaving the payee line blank is risky if you plan to mail it. Anyone who intercepts it can fill in their own name and cash it. If you do not know the exact name yet, wait to mail it until you have filled in the payee.

Signing before you fill in the amount and payee is a security risk for the same reason. Sign last, after everything else is complete.

What to do with your receipt

When you buy a money order, you get a receipt. Keep it until you know the money order has been cashed. The receipt has a tracking number that matches the money order itself. If the money order is lost in the mail or the recipient says they never got it, you can use the receipt to file a claim with the issuer and get your money back.

Write down the tracking number and the amount somewhere safe, separate from the receipt. If the receipt gets damaged or lost, you will still have the number to reference when you contact the issuer.

Money orders from different issuers have slightly different layouts

Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and banks all issue money orders, and the blank lines are not always in the same place. Before you start writing, read the labels on the form. Look for "Pay to the order of" (the payee), "Amount" (numbers and words), "From" or "Purchaser" (your name), and "Signature." If a line is not labeled, ask the cashier which blank is which.

Some money orders have a stub or receipt section on the left side that you tear off and keep. Others have the receipt printed on the back. Either way, do not write on the receipt — it is for your records only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a money order if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. Money orders are designed for people without bank accounts. You buy one with cash at a store, post office, or bank, fill it out, and mail it or hand it to someone. The recipient can cash it at most banks and check-cashing services without needing an account either.

What happens if I make a mistake after I have already signed it?

Do not try to fix it. Ask the issuer for a new money order. Most will issue a replacement if you show them the damaged one and your receipt. You may have to pay a small fee, usually $1 to $3, depending on the issuer.

Can I write a money order to myself?

Yes, but it is unusual. Write your own name on the payee line and your name and address on the purchaser line. You can then cash it at a bank or check-cashing service. This is sometimes done to convert cash into a form that is easier to track or mail.

Do I have to fill in the amount in words if I already wrote it in numbers?

Yes. Most money orders require both. If you leave the words blank, the issuer may refuse to cash it or will cash it for $0. Always fill in both the numbers and the words, and make sure they match.

What if the payee name is a business with a long name?

Write it exactly as the business uses it on their official documents or website. If it is too long for the line, ask the issuer if you can abbreviate it or use a shortened version. When in doubt, write the full legal name — the recipient can still cash it even if the name is slightly different from what they expected.