How to Fill Out a Money Order

Money orders are a safe, easy way to send money, and you can get one at your local Advance America. But how do they work, and what do you need to fill one out? 

How money orders work 

Think of a money order as a paper payment — like a check, but safer. You prepay the amount you want to send, and the money order is made out to your recipient. It’s a trusted alternative to cash or personal checks. 

You can buy a money order at Advance America, as well as many post offices, grocery stores, and other retailers. 

Requirements to fill out a money order 

When buying a money order, make sure you have: 

• The full name and address of the person or business you’re sending money to
• Your own information (full name and address) and government-issued identification
• The payment amount in cash, plus the money order fee 

We’ll walk you through the rest in the store. 

5 steps to fill out a money order 

1. Fill in the name of the recipient 

You’ll notice a “PAY TO” or “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” field on a blank money order. This is where you need to write down the name of the recipient. The recipient may be a person or business who will be authorized to receive the money. After filling out the field, double-check to make sure you spelled the name correctly. 

2. Write your address 

Write down your address in the purchaser’s address field. Include your street number and name as well as your city, state, and zip code. 

Depending on the issuer, there may be another place to add the recipient's address. 

3. Fill in the account or order number 

There may be a memo line for you to write down the purpose of the money order. Include an account or order number if the recipient provided you with one. 

4. Sign your name 

Sign your name in the field that says “PURCHASER,” “PURCHASER’S SIGNATURE,” “SIGNER,” or “FROM.” 

Don’t sign the back of the money order, as this area is for the recipient to sign once they receive it. 

5. Keep the receipt 

Once you fill out a money order and pay for it, keep your receipt. It can help you track the status of the money order to find out when it gets delivered. There will likely be a printed code for tracking your order online, over the phone, or in person. 

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Money orders vs. cashier’s checks 

Money orders and cashier’s checks are both secure forms of payment because they’re prepaid. 

A money order is a paper document that acts like a guaranteed form of cash. You pay the amount you want to send — plus a small fee — with cash to back its value. Because it’s prepaid, the money order can’t bounce like a personal check. 

A cashier’s check is issued by your bank or credit union and backed by funds in your account. It’s often used for larger transactions like buying a car or making a down payment on a home. 

Need to send money electronically? You’ll want a money transfer. 

➢RELATED: Need Money Now? 6 Ways to Find Cash

How to purchase a Western Union money order 

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1. Have all your information ready 

Make sure you have everything you’ll need to fill out a Western Union money order, including your recipient’s full name, their address, and how much money you’d like to send them. You’ll also need your government-issued ID. 

2. Visit a participating location 

Stop by a Western Union partner, like Advance America. Find a store near you to get started. 

3. Buy your money order 

Purchase a money order for any amount (up to $1,000) using cash. Then fill it out and sign it. 

4. Send and save your receipt 

Send your money order and hold onto the receipt in case you need to track or replace it later. 

Money order FAQs 

Is a money order safe? 

A money order can be a very safe way to send and receive money. The recipient must show their valid ID when cashing a paper money order. 

Can I buy a money order with a debit card? 

It depends on where you purchase your money order. Advance America currently only accepts cash. 

How do you track a money order? 

You can track a money order you’ve sent over the phone, online, or in person at the issuer's location. The easiest way to track a money order is by providing the tracking number on the receipt you were given when you purchased the money order. If you’ve lost your receipt, you can provide recipient information or other details to get the status of the money order. 

Why get a Western Union money order 

Western Union offers a safe and reliable way to send money to just about anyone and you don’t need a bank account to get a money order. Easy tracking online or over the phone keeps you informed about the status of your order, giving you confidence it will reach the intended recipient. 

Western Union money orders are available at over 500,000 locations in 200 countries and territories. Visit your nearest Advance America to get one today.