Sending money through a money order is a convenient and secure way to transfer funds, especially if you don't have a bank account or want to avoid using your debit or credit card.
You can send a money order at a variety of places, such as at the post office or at locations like Western Union and MoneyGram. However, filling out a money order can seem daunting if you've never done it before. Below, we'll guide you through the process of filling out a money order step-by-step and cover the different processes for the top locations people use.
How to fill out a Western Union money order
Western Union is one of the most popular and widely used money order providers. To fill out a Western Union money order, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write the name of the recipient or payee
The first step is to write the recipient's name in the "Pay to the order of" field first. Be sure to double-check that the spelling and information you submit are all correct because you can't change it once the money order is processed.
Any errors could cause delays, which could prove problematic if you are making a payment to a business, as this could result in late payment penalties.
Step 2: Fill in your name and address in the "Sender" section
Next, you will need to fill in the details of the "purchaser," which is you. It may say "purchaser," "from," "sender," or "remitter." Whichever one it says, put your full name and address here.
Step 3: Sign the money order
To complete the money order, you will need to sign the front of it. Make sure you're signing the front as the back is for the receiver when they cash the money order.
Step 4: Keep your receipt
Money orders come with a detachable section for your receipt so you can keep it for your records. This acts as proof of purchase and also provides tracking information so that you can confirm that the money order has been received and cashed.
How to fill out a MoneyGram money order
MoneyGram is another popular provider of money orders. To fill out a MoneyGram money order, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write the name of the recipient
The first step is to write the name of the recipient in the space that says "Pay to the order of."
Step 2: Sign the money order
Below the section with the recipient's name, you will need to sign the money order. Look for the line that says "purchaser's signature" or "purchaser, signer for drawer."
Step 3: Fill in your address in the "purchaser" section
As the purchaser or sender of the money order, you will need to write your name and address in the section labeled "purchaser." This is so that the recipient has your contact details if there are any questions about the money order.
Step 4: Include an account number (if applicable)
In some cases, when making a bill payment, you will need to use your account number to ensure you're making payments from the correct account. If your money order has a section called "payment for/account number," this is where you will need to enter the details.
Step 5: Pay the processing fee
If your money order requires a processing fee, you will need to pay this when you submit your money order.
Step 6: Keep your receipt
Once you have submitted the money order, be sure to keep your receipt. This will help if your money order gets stolen or lost because it has a tracking number for you to check.
How to fill out a money order at the post office
Another option is to use your local post office to fill out a money order. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Include the payee's name
Fill in the recipient's name in the "pay to" or "pay to the order of" section. You may also have the option to include an address below for the recipient.
Step 2: Include your address in the purchaser field
Post office money orders typically have a field for the payee's address and the purchaser's address. If both are present on your money order, you will want to fill them both in.
Step 3: Write your account or order number
In the memo field at the bottom, you can write any order or account numbers relevant to the payment. It may not be necessary unless you're paying a bill or a business.
However, if that is the case, you will need to add a note that explains what the money order is for. You could say that it's a "payment for X" or a "payment towards a debt." Some money orders will say "account number" or "payment for" instead of "memo," which you can use to enter any account details.
Step 4: Sign the money order
In the purchaser's signature section on the front of the money order, you will need to sign it. This may be described as "purchaser," "from," "signer," or "drawer."
Make sure this signature is only on the front, as the back is reserved for the recipient.
How to fill out a money order at Walmart
Walmart money orders are another popular and accessible option. Walmart money orders essentially work as MoneyGram orders, so the process explained above will apply to this as well. You will need to fill in the following:
- The payee's name in the "pay to the order of" section
- Your signature in the "purchaser" section
- Your address in the address section at the bottom
Where to purchase money orders
Money orders can be purchased in various places, depending on the type of money order you want.
For Western Union money orders, you will need to visit any participating Western Union agent location. You can find your nearest location on the Western Union website.
MoneyGram money orders can be purchased at any MoneyGram location, which you can find on their website.
Alternatively, you could purchase a MoneyGram/Walmart money order from any Walmart Supercenter or Neighborhood Market at the customer service or money service desks.
You can purchase USPS money orders at any post office location, which you can find on the USPS website.
Money orders made simple
While filling out a money order might seem daunting, in reality, it's usually a straightforward process. By following the above steps at your chosen location, you can ensure that your money order is filled out correctly and arrives at its intended destination.
Remember to purchase a money order from a trusted provider, double-check all the information before signing, and keep the receipt in a safe place.
