Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF® and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jonathan DeYoe is a Financial Advisor and the CEO of Mindful Money, a comprehensive financial planning and retirement income planning service based in Berkeley, California. With over 25 years of financial advising experience, Jonathan is a speaker and the best-selling author of "Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend." Jonathan holds a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Montana State University-Bozeman. He studied Financial Analysis at the CFA Institute and earned his Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) designation from The Investments & Wealth Institute. He also earned his Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) credential from Fi360. Jonathan has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Money Tips, Mindful Magazine, and Business Insider among others.
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Money orders are a great way to get money where it needs to go quickly—but the front has a lot of blanks and can be confusing at first. What information do you need to fill out and where do you sign? Read on to find out exactly how to fill out a money order so the recipient will have no problem getting the money you sent them.
Filling Out a Money Order
- Double-check to make sure the money order amount is correct.
- Print the name and address of the recipient on the "Pay to" and "Address" lines.
- Print your full name and address on the "From" and "Address" lines.
- Copy your account number or write the purpose of the money on the memo line.
- Sign your name on the front of the money order.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionDo l have to enter my address when I am the purchaser/sending a money order?
Michael R. LewisMichael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Business AdvisorAs the purchaser, there is no legal requirement that your address be included on the order. However, failing to do so might complicate the process of refunding the order if you decide not to use it or it is lost. - QuestionWhat if it just says address? Do I put my address or the address of the person I am sending it to?Michael R. LewisMichael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Business AdvisorMost money orders have spaces for the addresses of the person buying the money order as well as the person who will receive the money order. If you are unclear which space should be used for each party, ask the person selling the money order for assistance.
Video
Tips
- You can buy money orders at the post office, banks, money transfer services, check-cashing businesses, and many supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and big box stores.[10]Thanks
- Bring cash or a debit card to buy your money order—most places, including the post office, won't take credit cards.[11]Thanks
- Most places will charge a small fee for money orders. It's usually only a few bucks, but it can vary depending on the amount of the money order you're buying.[12]Thanks
Warnings
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about money orders, check out our in-depth interview with Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF®.
References
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/sites/www3.erie.gov.socialservices/files/2021-10/instructions-on-filling-out-a-money-order.pdf
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://dpscs.maryland.gov/parole_and_probation/Helpful-Tip-How-to-Fill-out-a-Money-Order.pdf
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://moneyservices.kroger.com/blog/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- ↑ https://global.upenn.edu/isss/tips-writing-check-or-money-order
About This Article
1. Buy a money order for the desired amount.
2. Fill in the "Pay to the Order Of" line.
3. Write your name in the “From,” “Purchaser,” “Sender,” or “Remitter,” field.
4. Sign the front of the money order.
5. Leave the endorsement signature blank.
6. Fill in the address fields and memo line.
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