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

A money order has six main blanks. You fill them in this order: the name of the person or business getting the money (the payee), the dollar amount in both numbers and words, your name and address, the payee's address, and your signature. The order matters because some fields depend on others — you cannot write the amount in words until you know the number, and you should not sign until everything else is complete.

Money orders from different sellers (banks, post offices, grocery stores, check-cashing places) have slightly different layouts, but the fields are always the same. The blank labeled "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee" is where you write the recipient's name. Write clearly in pen — not pencil — and use the full legal name if you know it. If you are paying a business, write the business name exactly as it appears on their invoice or website.

Next to or below the payee line, you will see a box or line for the dollar amount in numbers. Write this first, before you fill in the words version. Use the format $XX.XX, and stay within the printed box so the amount is easy to read. Most money orders have a maximum value (often $500 to $1,000, depending on where you buy them), so check the limit before you fill in the amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name, dollar amount in numbers, amount in words, your name and address, payee address, and your signature — in that order.
  • Use pen, not pencil, and write clearly so the amount and names are easy to read.
  • The amount must match in both the numbers box and the words line, or the money order may be rejected.
  • Keep your receipt stub until the money order is cashed, so you can track it or stop payment if needed.
  • Do not sign the money order until all other fields are filled in, and never leave it blank for someone else to complete.

Write the amount in words on the designated line

Below or beside the numbers box, there is a line that says "Dollars" or has a blank space for words. Write out the dollar amount in words here — for example, if the amount is $50.00, write "Fifty and 00/100" or "Fifty Dollars." The cents are usually written as a fraction over 100, so $50.25 becomes "Fifty and 25/100."

The words and numbers must match exactly. If they do not, the recipient or their bank may reject the money order, and you will have to get a refund and start over. Double-check both before you move forward. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — ask the seller for a new money order, because alterations make the order invalid.

Fill in your name, address, and signature

Most money orders have a line labeled "From," "Sender," or "Purchaser" where you write your name and address. This is how the recipient knows who sent the money and how to contact you if there is a problem. Use your current mailing address, not a P.O. box, because some recipients cannot deposit money orders sent from a box.

Your signature goes on the line marked "Signature" or "Authorized Signature," usually near the bottom. Sign it the same way you sign checks and other documents. Do not sign until you have filled in the payee name, amount, and your own information — a blank signature line is a security risk.

Add the payee's address if there is space

Some money orders have a line for the payee's address. This is optional in most cases, but it helps if the recipient needs to verify the order or if there is a dispute. If the payee is a business, use their mailing address. If it is a person, use their street address if you have it.

If there is no address line on the money order, you do not need to add one. The payee name is the only required field for the recipient to cash or deposit it.

Keep your receipt and never leave blanks

When you buy a money order, you get a receipt stub that stays with you. Write down the money order number, the amount, the payee name, and the date on this stub or in a notebook. Keep it until the money order has been cashed and cleared — usually one to three weeks. If the money order is lost or stolen, you can use the number to stop payment and get a refund.

Never hand over a money order with blank lines. If you are not sure about the payee name or amount, wait until you have the correct information. A blank money order can be filled in by anyone who has it, and you will have no way to recover the money if it is misused.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing different amounts in numbers and words. A money order with "$50" in the numbers box and "Forty Dollars" in the words line will be rejected. The second mistake is using pencil instead of pen — pencil can be erased and altered, so banks and businesses will not accept it.

Do not cross out or white-out errors. If you make a mistake, take the money order back to where you bought it and ask for a replacement. Some sellers charge a small fee for a replacement, but most will exchange it for free if you have your receipt. Never try to fix a money order yourself — alterations make it invalid.

Another common problem is forgetting to sign it. An unsigned money order cannot be cashed by the recipient, and you cannot cash it yourself once you have given it away. Check that your signature is on the line before you hand it over or mail it.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you fill out a money order incorrectly, do not try to fix it. Take it back to the place where you bought it with your receipt. Most sellers will issue a replacement money order at no charge if you have the receipt and the original order is unused. Some may charge a small fee, usually $1 to $3, depending on their policy.

If you have already given the money order to someone and then realize there was an error, contact the recipient right away and ask them not to cash it. If they have already cashed it, you will need to contact the seller or issuer to see if you can stop payment. This process varies by seller, but it usually requires the money order number and proof of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pencil to fill out a money order?

No. You must use pen because pencil can be erased and altered. Banks and businesses will reject a money order filled out in pencil. Use a ballpoint or gel pen in black or blue ink.

What if the payee name and amount do not match?

The money order will likely be rejected by the recipient's bank. The amount in numbers and the amount in words must be identical. If they do not match, take the money order back to the seller with your receipt and ask for a replacement.

Can I cash a money order that someone else filled out with my name as the payee?

Yes, if your name is written on the "Pay to the Order of" line, you can cash or deposit it. You will need to sign the back of the money order and show a photo ID. Some banks may ask additional questions if the sender is unknown to you.

What if I lose the money order before I send it?

Contact the seller where you bought it with your receipt and the money order number. You can stop payment and get a refund or replacement. This usually takes a few business days. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the money order is cashed.

Do I need to fill in the payee's address?

It is optional on most money orders. The payee name is the only required field. An address can be helpful for verification, but it is not necessary for the recipient to cash or deposit the money order.