How To Fill Out A Money Order (Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, more)

Despite a sea of change in the payment industry toward fintech, money orders still have their place in the digital era. For instance, in Q1 of 2021, shows that over 18 million money orders totaling $5.1 billion were processed. 

Money orders offer a secure payment alternative to cashing personal checks, cash, and Chip-enabled debit and credit cards when making purchases or sending and receiving money. Also, money orders show your checking account info, unlike personal or third-party checks that carry your banking details like a routing number and account number. That helps reduce check fraud or PINless debit card fraud, where someone may try to take advantage of a stolen debit card.

Money orders guarantee payment to the payee and function similarly to prepaid checks. As a result, they protect your checking account against costly overdraft fees for inadequate cash.

They’re widely accepted, and you’ll find many places you can cash or pay with a money order. So whether you want to buy used furniture, secure an apartment lease, a used vehicle, pay unknown merchants, or buy income-producing assets by sending money via mail, a money order makes it easy.

That said, the internet and cutting-edge financial technology have given us ultramodern payment methods like Venmo, Zelle, mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and other online e-wallets like PayPal. Throw unexpired debit cards and credit cards into the mix, and you’ll see why money orders and paper checks are vanishing as a common form of payment. 

It’s not surprising that many members of Generations Y and Z are illiterate in money order filling. The youthful generation in particular is interested in learning how to fill out a money order because of this.

It brings up the important query of the day: How do you complete a money order?

Short Answer: It’s fairly easy to fill out a money order. You must at the very least write your name and address, the address of the recipient, and your signature on the front. The memo, Note, and Pay for/account fields are extra fields that certain money orders include. If you’re paying a bill, you can specify the bill’s payee’s account number as well as the money order’s intended use. Additionally, the date and the amount are already pre-printed on money orders, so you don’t need to fill them out.

You can purchase and fill out money orders at a bank, credit union, nearby 24-hour check-cashing stores, money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram, and grocery stores. For instance, Purchase Western Union money orders at Publix. up to $500 each, while Walmart and MoneyGram money orders are sold by CVS..

Most locations that offer money orders allow you to pay with cash, check, debit card, or Reliacard debit card. However, you’ll rarely find stores that accept credit cards for money order purchases.

It’s also not a good idea to buy money orders with credit cards. Such a purchase might be seen as a cash advance by your credit card company, in which case you would be assessed cash-advance fees or a penalty APR until the debt was paid in full.

What are the General Steps To Fill Out a Money Order?

No matter where you bought the money order, filling it out generally follows the same steps. There are only a few minor differences in the number of fields to fill out. Hence, depending on whether you bought your money order from a bank, the US Postal Service, or a money transfer firm like Western Union or MoneyGram, it can appear slightly different.

Typically, the following details are required to purchase a money order:

Payee Information

You want to pay this individual, firm, or organization. Their contact information must be entered, including their full legal name and home or place of business address. On the front of the money order, in the space designated Pay To The Order Of, write that information. This field may be marked with Pay To or Payee on some money orders.

There is a field for the recipient’s address on some money orders, such as those made out to USPS.

Avoid leaving the Payee section empty, according to frugal reality. Anyone can enter their information and cash the money order if it is lost or stolen. Make sure to immediately fill out the recipient information to avoid money order fraud.

Purchaser Information

You are the buyer. Simply include your entire name and address in the “From” column. Additionally, the field could be labeled as Purchaser, Sender, or Remitter. You should enter your current mailing address in the separate address field on USPS money orders. That enables the recipient to get in touch with you if they have any inquiries about the payment.

Additional In Notes

Some money orders include extra spaces where you can provide notes about the transaction’s goals or the payee’s account information. When making a bill payment, enter the information in the fields marked Memo, RE:, Note, or Payment For/Account number. If these fields are absent, you can also fill in the information in any empty place on the document’s front (but only if necessary).

Sign The Front

To make the money order legally binding, you must sign it. Simply add your signature in the space designated for Purchaser/Signer, Signature, or Drawer. Don’t sign the back of the money order because that is where the payee will sign to endorse it.

Double-Check Everything

Spend a moment checking the information for accuracy and typos. Don’t attempt to fix any errors you find yourself. Inform the clerk instead so they may print a new one for you.

If all is well, send the money order to the receiver by mail just like you would a personal or company cheque. If the recipient’s information is filled out, security or fraud concerns are not necessary.

Keep The Receipt

Since the receipt serves as proof of purchase, don’t throw it away. You can use the receipt to request a refund if your money order is lost, stolen, or if you decide to cancel the transaction for any other reason. Once more, the receipt contains tracking data that enables you to keep track of and verify if the payee has cashed the money order.

It’s finished! That is how simple the money order form is to complete. To discover how to fill out several money order formats, including MoneyGram, Western Union, and USPS money orders, continue reading below.

How To Fill Out a Money Order for MoneyGram?

You can purchase MoneyGram money orders at Walmart, Publix, Check-cashing services open 24/7, and other places. Most places have MoneyGram money order limits of $500 to $1,000 per each. Once you buy one, you need to make sure that you properly fill out a MoneyGram money order so that the recipient won’t experience difficulties cashing or depositing it.

Here is an example of how to complete a money order with MoneyGram:

1. Details about the recipient: Find the line that says “Pay To The Order Of:,” and type the name of the person or business you are making the payment to.
2. Write your full name and sign your name where it says “Purchaser/Signer For Drawer” on the document.
3. Fill in your address: Type your home or business address, along with the city, state, and zip code, in the Address line.

Frugal Reality Tip: MoneyGram money orders just require your physical address on the address line; they do not require the address of the recipient.

Where’s the MoneyGram Money Order Check Number?

A 10 or 11-digit number serves as the MoneyGram money order check number. The number is required to check the money order’s payment status on the MoneyGram website. On the purchase receipt or often printed in red in the left-hand margin is the MoneyGram money order serial number.

How Much Does a MoneyGram Money Order Cost?

At supermarkets and other retail locations, MoneyGram money orders are less than $2. The precise cost of a MoneyGram money order, however, varies depending on the quantity and the store where you purchase it. For instance, Walmart sells $1,000 MoneyGram money orders for around 70-88 cents each, whereas CVS sells $500 MoneyGram money orders for $1.25 apiece.

Customers typically receive free money order purchases from banks and credit unions as a benefit; however, non-customers may be charged $5 to $10 each money order.

Find a place to get a .

How To Fill Out a Money Order for Western Union?

It’s a good idea to purchase and fill out Western Union money orders at Publix. Together with many other grocery stores and retail establishments, Western Union money orders are available at Meijer, Kmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Hy-Vee, and many other places. The average limit for Western Union money orders is $500, but some locations have greater restrictions up to $1,000.

Following these instructions will ensure that your Western Union money order is properly filled out and that the recipient doesn’t have to deal with payment issues.

1. Write the complete name of the person or business you wish to pay on the Pay To The Order Of: line to complete the payee information.
2. Give the buyer’s information here: I’m the buyer. Simply type your full name and postal address in the space designated for purchasers’ addresses. Make sure you only write your address because Western Union doesn’t require the recipient’s address like MoneyGram money orders do.
3. State reason for payment: Locate the field marked “Payment For/Acct. #” and state the reason for the money. For example, utility payment, rent payment, or services for clearing out an estate. Then include the account name where the money should be deposited.
4. Find the Purchasers Signature line and add your signature there to complete the front. Avoid signing the back. Allow the payee to sign that. It’s finished!

Where’s the Western Union Money Order Check Number?

An 11-digit check number is required for Western Union money orders in order to verify the status of payments on the Western Union website. On the top right of the money order, just above the amount, is displayed the Western Union check number. Above the barcode on the purchase receipt, you may also find it there.

How Much Does a Western Union Money Order Cost?

The price of a Western Union money order varies depending on the quantity and the location of issue. The cheapest rates are available at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. For instance, while Meijer charges 65 cents for a $500 Western Union money order, Kmart sells $500 money orders for about 69 cents. A $500 money order typically costs less than $1, and a $1,000 money order typically costs less than $2.

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How To Fill Out a Post Office Money Order?

A USPS money order is available for purchase at the post office. The typical USPS money order maximum is $500 or $1,000 per order. Money orders purchased at the US Postal Service must have both your address and the recipient’s address filled out, unlike money orders sent via Western Union or MoneyGram. Surprisingly, however, they don’t ask you to sign the front.

Fill out a money order from the Post Office by following these steps.

1. Name of the payee: Write the payee’s complete name in the Pay To line. Typically, that is who or what business the money order is made out to.
2. Address of the recipient: Postal money orders have an Address line located under the Pay to line. Put down the person’s or business’s street address.
3. Your name: Fill out the From line with your name.
4. Your address: Below the From line, you’ll see another Address line. Include your full address there.
5. Reason for the money: Locate the “Memo” line and state the reason for the money order on it, such as “Deposit” in a state with unclaimed land.

Where’s the USPS Money Order Check Number?

In order to track whether the recipient has cashed or deposited a US Postal Service money order, the money order has an 11-digit long check number. Between the USPS log and the Pay to line in the top left corner is where you may find the postal money order check number. The bottom left corner of the purchase receipt is where you can also find it.

How Much Does a USPS Money Order Cost?

The cost of a postal money order is $1.25 for a $500 order and $1.75 for a $1,000 order. The least expensive military money orders are also those produced at a military postal facility; they only cost about 40 cents.

Find a to get a money order.

How To Fill Out a Chase Money Order? 

Chase is one of the big four national banks in the United States. It has over 4,700 branch locations and about 16,000 Nearby ATMs that print $10 bills. Chase is a convenient place to buy money orders up to $1,000 or free notary public as a customer.

Fill out a Chase money order by doing the following:

1. Type in the payee information: On the Pay To The Order of: line, type the recipient’s name and address.
2. Put your name in the box: Type your name in the Remitter line.
3. Add your signature to the dotted Drawer Line and sing the front.

Where’s the Chase Money Order Check Number?

The Chase money order check number is located on the MICR line, close to the bottom. It is the final 11-digit group displayed in the bottom right.

How Much Does a Chase Money Order Cost?

Money orders up to $1,000 are offered by Chase. Depending on the kind of checking account you have, Chase charges anywhere from $0 to $5 in fees.

Find a to get a money order or an ATM with $100, $50, $5, and $1 notes on it.

Related Read: Your Chase routing number location.

How To Fill Out a Money Order from Walmart?

Walmart sells MoneyGram money orders at all customer service or Locations of Money Service Centers. Filling out a money order at Walmart is basically the same as filling out a MoneyGram money order. Follow these steps:

1. Fill in the payee information: Find the line that says “Pay To The Order Of:,” and type the name of the person or business you are making the payment to.
2. Write your full name and sign your name where it says “Purchaser/Signer For Drawer” on the document.
3. Your home or business address, along with the city, state, and zip code, should be entered in the Address line.

Where’s the Walmart Money Order Check Number?

The Walmart money order serial number is printed in red at the left-hand margin or above the barcode on the purchase receipt, just like MoneyGram. You’ll need this 10 or 11 digit number to check the money order’s payment status on the MoneyGram website.

How Much Does a Walmart Money Order Cost?

Walmart sells $500 and $1,000 MoneyGram money orders for about 70-80 cents. Its cost depends on the amount and the specific Walmart location you visit.

You cannot use Apple Pay or Pay using Venmo at Walmart for your money order.

Recommended Read: What location on the check contains your Wells Fargo routing number?

How To Fill Out a CVS Money Order?

MoneyGram money orders are available at CVS. Hence, filling up a money order at CVS is the same as doing so at Walmart and MoneyGram.

You can finish it at a CVS location by simply following these steps:

• Details about the recipient: Find the space designated for Pay To The Order Of: and enter the name of the person or business you wish to send the money order to.
• Write your full name there and sign your name on the line labelled “Purchaser/Signer For Drawer.”.
• Fill in your address: Type your home or business address, along with the city, state, and zip code, in the Address line.

Where’s the CVS Money Order Check Number?

Like Walmart, MoneyGram money orders are offered by CVS.. Thus, you’ll find the CVS money order serial number printed in red at the left-hand margin or above the barcode on the purchase receipt.

To check the status of the money order on the MoneyGram website, you’ll need the 10 or 11 digit number.

How Much Does a CVS Money Order Cost?

$500 MoneyGram money orders are available at CVS for $1.25 apiece. If you require more than $500 at once, you’ll need to buy more than one.

Find to get money orders.

How To Fill Out a Money Order for Apartment Rent?

A money order for apartment rent can be purchased from your neighborhood post office, bank, or any grocery and convenience businesses that sell them. To fill out a money order for your apartment rent, follow the same steps regardless of where you got it—at the bank, the post office, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

To fill up a money order for your rent, just adhere to these simple steps:

1. Payee information: In the Pay to the Order of: field, enter the name of your landlord or the name of the organization that oversees the unit.
2. Your information: In the From field, enter your full name and address.
3. Write the purpose of the money order, such as “Rent payment for September,” on the Memo line of the money order. Next, enter the account number for your landlord.
4. Fill out the Purchaser/Signer For Drawer field on the front of the document to sign it. The money order will have your landlord endorse it by signing the back.

It’s finished! Save the receipt as evidence of your payment, please.

How To Fill Out a Money Order to the IRS?

Unbanked taxpayers who need to pay their taxes have a safe option with money orders for the IRS. Nonetheless, you must make sure that an IRS money order is properly filled out before mailing it.

Fill out an IRS money order by following these instructions:

1. Your name, address, daytime phone number, SSN or EIN, tax year, and the relevant tax form or notice number should all be filled out. The From line is where the information should go.
2. Indicate the purpose of the payment: Indicate the purpose of the money order, such as Tax payment for 2021.
3. Sign and mail: Use Form 1040-V to mail the money order after adding your signature to the Signature section. Before sending, make sure the envelope is addressed with your state’s address.

See the for taxpayers in 50 states.

Money Order Mistakes to Avoid

Although completing a money order is simple, you must make sure all the information is accurate and there are no spelling errors. The payee would find it challenging to cash the money order due to minor errors.

While completing a money order, common errors to avoid include:

Incorrect Details

Don’t misspell your name, the recipient’s name, or the address. When filling out, always use legal names and the entire physical address. Verify everything a second time to make sure there are no spelling errors.

Don’t Leave the Recipient’s Field Blank

To avoid fraud in the event that the money order is taken or misplaced, always fill out the recipient information right away.

Don’t Skip the Account Number

If it’s for bill payment, include the reason for payment and the account number on the “Memo” line, such as hotel booking without using a credit card.

Never Forget to Sign

Unless they are from the Postal, all money orders require your signature. Therefore, be sure to sign the document to make it official.

Keep the Receipt

To monitor the money order’s payment status or to reverse the payment later, you will need the receipt. Till the money order is cashed, keep it as a record of your purchases.

Mind the Fees

The cost of a money order ranges from a few cents to a few dollars each. Therefore, frugal consumers should try purchasing from issuers with the lowest fees to slash the cost.

Review the Issuer’s Policies

Recognize the procedure used by the issuer to cancel or replace a stolen or lost money order. In the event that something unforeseen occurs, it might help you avoid stress.

Don’t Overpay

The least expensive money order can be obtained through local banks, although they are closed on Sundays. The next most affordable options are grocery stores and retailers, while check cashing services are the most expensive.

See our guide on ways to save $10,000 every year for fast money-saving tips.

FAQs

Money orders can be purchased and filled out in a variety of ways, and there are a number of different ways they can be made. The most frequently asked questions about money orders are addressed in this section.

What are the money order purchase restrictions?

The purchasing restrictions vary depending on the type of money order you send. The most you can spend on a domestic money order within the United States of America is $1,000.

Depending on the country you are sending the international money order to, it may have various buying restrictions. You may send up to $700 in total. The good news is that money orders don’t have a daily restriction, so you can always use several money orders to send more money.

Are there any restrictions on how many money orders can be bought?

Absolutely, you are unable to buy an infinite number of money orders without first providing some information. For sums greater than $3,000, you must submit a form and carry a form of identification. This applies to how many money orders are bought in a day.

Passports, university IDs, drivers licenses, and permanent resident ID cards are just a few examples of acceptable forms of identification.

What is a valid form of payment for a money order?

Cash, coins, ATM cards, and debit cards are all acceptable payment methods for money orders. You must use a terminal where you may type in your PIN to verify your identity. As long as the money order is worth at least half as much as the travelers check, you may also utilize one. No credit cards are accepted here.

Where may a money order be cashed?

All post offices and a number of banks in the United States accept local money orders for cashing. You might need to contact the local banking facility to inquire about international money orders. The nation in which you reside will determine this.

Can you exchange a money order?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) does indeed offer money order exchange services. You may request a replacement if your money order was incomplete or defective when you purchased it. When requesting a replacement, you must present the money order and the customer receipt. It’s free to do this.

Should I be concerned about a money order’s expiration date?

No. Money orders have no expiration date and can be cashed at any time. Depending on the state you live in, there may be some service fees associated with keeping a money order for a specific period of time without using it, but the longest time you may go without paying a fee is three years.

What are Money Order Alternatives?

Money orders are excellent options for paying without disclosing your financial information. However, they also have lower limits, so if you need to pay more than $500 or $1,000, you might need to buy several money orders.

You may occasionally be better off choosing a different payment option. Excellent money order substitutes include:

Cashier’s Check and Certified Check

These checks are available from your bank if you have a checking account. They make excellent substitutes for personal checks and money orders. Because there is a lower chance of fraud and inadequate funds with certified and cashier’s checks, many locations accept them. Additionally, they have higher limits than money orders, making them perfect for big purchases and payments.

Keep in mind that banks are one of the few establishments that accept cheques without identification, as long as they’re the issuing institution.

ACH Transfer

You can avoid money order fees through ACH transfers. Money is transferred electronically from your account to the payee’s account at no extra cost. You can even set ACH transfers for direct deposit for bill payments, like rent payments, extensive excavating contractor work, cheap gym membership on subscription, monthly massage deals, or monthly Comcast bills. The trade-off is that ACH transfers are slow, and you may have to wait for 3-5 days for the transaction to clear.

Wire Transfer

If you want to send money fast, consider wire transfers. Just like ACH transfers, money is sent electronically between financial institutions. But unlike ACH routing number transfers, wire funds are processed quickly, and money is usually available within a few minutes or hours for the recipient to withdraw.

Though, such convenience comes at a price. Banks typically charge $15-$60 for wire transfers. However, it’s definitely worth paying wire transfer fees if you’re moving six-figures or seven figures at a time.

Prepaid Debit Cards

You can load money on a prepaid debit card, like an active gift card for American Express. Buy a prepaid debit card if you don’t have a bank account or want to avoid exposing your debit or credit card details when shopping online or in-store.

In addition, you can also opt for personal checks and cashing third-party checks, though you won’t find many places that accept it due to the risk of fraud and “insufficient funds” associated with them.

Modern payment methods like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and e-wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are convenient ways to send and transfer money online or through mobile devices.

How to Fill Out A Money Order Summary

Money orders provide a safe method of making payments and purchases without disclosing one’s financial details. Banks, credit unions, the post office, local retail establishments, and money service facilities that offer MoneyGram or Western Union as a payment option all allow you to purchase money orders.

Most places have limits of $500 to $1,000, and the costs range from free money orders to a few dollars based on the amount and the place you visit.

You must write the recipient’s name and address as well as the buyer’s full name and address on a money order. When paying bills using a money order, some have a Note line where you should write the reason for the money and the payee’s account number.

To guarantee that the information about the sender and the recipient is accurate, always double-check every detail.

Save the receipt as evidence of purchase, once more. If your money order is stolen or lost, you’ll need it to request a refund. The receipt also has a serial number that you can use to check the progress of your payment on the issuer’s website.