How to Fill Out a Money Order: Step-by-Step

A money order is a prepaid payment instrument issued by the U.S. Postal Service, banks, credit unions, and retail outlets such as Walmart and convenience stores. When you purchase a money order, you pay the face value plus a small fee upfront — so the money order is guaranteed to the payee up to the stated amount. Because there is no risk of the payment bouncing, money orders are widely accepted in situations where personal checks are not.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders are available at any post office and are backed by the federal government. USPS domestic money orders have a maximum value of $1,000 per money order. Money orders from other issuers — banks, Walmart, Western Union — may have different limits and fees. Keep your receipt after purchase, as it is the primary way to trace or replace a lost or stolen money order. For context on money order limits from various issuers, see our guide on money order limits.

The layout of a money order varies slightly by issuer, but all money orders share the same essential fields. Complete them in this order to avoid mistakes:

1. Pay To (Payee Name): Write the full legal name of the person or business you are paying in the 'Pay To' or 'Pay To the Order Of' field. Fill this in immediately after purchasing the money order — a money order with a blank payee line can be cashed by anyone who finds or steals it.
2. Purchaser's Name and Address: Fill in your full name and mailing address in the 'From,' 'Purchaser,' or 'Remitter' field. This identifies you as the sender and allows the payee to contact you if needed.
3. Memo or Account Number: In the 'Memo,' 'For,' or 'Account Number' field, write the purpose of the payment — such as a rent account number, invoice number, or a brief description like 'July rent.' This helps the payee apply your payment correctly and gives you a paper trail.
4. Sign the Front: Sign your name on the purchaser's signature line on the front of the money order. Do not sign the back — the back is reserved for the payee's endorsement when they deposit or cash it.
5. Keep Your Receipt: Detach and retain the purchaser's receipt that comes with the money order. This receipt contains a serial number needed to trace or replace the money order if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.

If you are also managing other paper payment instruments, see our guide on how to write a check with thousands and cents for handling larger payment amounts correctly.

Money orders are available from several types of locations, each with its own fee structure and issuer limits:

• U.S. Post Office (USPS): Domestic money orders up to $1,000; international money orders up to $700. Fees are typically $2.35 or less per money order as of 2026.
• Banks and credit unions: Most financial institutions sell money orders to account holders, often for fees ranging from $0 to $10 depending on the institution and account type.
• Walmart and other retailers: Many major retailers sell money orders through Western Union or MoneyGram at low fees, often under $1.
• Convenience stores and grocery stores: Many offer money orders through third-party providers, though fees and limits vary.

Before purchasing, consider whether a direct bank deposit or electronic payment through services like Zelle might be a more convenient alternative for your situation.

Several errors can cause a money order to be refused or create complications for the payee:

• Leaving the payee line blank: A money order without a payee name can be cashed by anyone. Fill in the payee's name immediately at the purchase counter.
• Signing the back: The back of a money order is reserved for the payee's endorsement. Sign only the designated signature line on the front. For a refresher on endorsements, see how to endorse a check.
• Using pencil or erasable ink: Always use permanent blue or black pen. Pencil marks can be erased, creating fraud risk — the same rule applies when you void a check.
• Losing the receipt: Without the receipt's serial number, tracing or replacing a lost money order is difficult or impossible. Keep receipts in a safe place until payment is confirmed.
• Making it out to the wrong name: Confirm the exact name of the individual or business before writing it. Money order payee names generally cannot be changed after purchase.

If a money order is lost or stolen before it is cashed, contact the issuer using the serial number from your purchase receipt. USPS money orders can be traced and replaced through a USPS Money Order Inquiry, which requires a completed PS Form 6401 and may take 30 days or longer to process. Replacement fees typically apply.

For money orders from other issuers — Walmart (MoneyGram), Western Union, or banks — contact the issuer directly using the contact information on your receipt. The issuer can place a stop payment on the serial number if the money order has not yet been cashed. Always act quickly, as cashed money orders cannot be reversed. Understanding how long a money order is good for is important — expired money orders may incur service charges. You should also know how long money orders remain valid before purchasing one far in advance of payment.