How do you fill out a money order?

To fill out a money order: (1) In the 'Pay to the Order of' line, write the recipient's full name or business name; (2) In the 'Purchaser/From/Sender' field, write your full name; (3) In the 'Address' field, write your address (required for some issuers); (4) In the 'Memo' or 'Account/Reference' field, write what it's for (rent, invoice number, etc.); (5) Sign the front where it says 'Purchaser's Signature.' Do NOT sign the back — that line is for the recipient's endorsement when they cash it. Keep your detachable receipt stub.

Where can I buy a money order?

Money orders are available at: US Postal Service (USPS) post offices ($1.65–$2.10 fee, max $1,000); Walmart Money Centers ($0.88 fee, max $1,000); Western Union at convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores (fees vary, $0.70–$1.50+); MoneyGram at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens (fees vary); Banks and credit unions (often free for account holders, $5 for non-customers); 7-Eleven (fees vary by location). USPS money orders are the most trusted and widely accepted because they are government-issued. Walmart is the cheapest at $0.88.

What is the maximum amount for a money order?

Money order maximums by issuer: USPS: $1,000 per money order (can buy multiple); Walmart/MoneyGram: $1,000; Western Union: $1,000 (domestic); Banks: often $1,000 per money order. If you need to pay more than $1,000, buy multiple money orders. For amounts over $3,000–$5,000, consider a cashier's check instead — banks issue cashier's checks for larger amounts. For very large amounts (real estate), wire transfers are standard.

What do I do if I lose a money order?

If you lose a money order before it's cashed: (1) Find your receipt stub — you need the money order serial number; (2) Contact the issuer (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram) with the serial number to request a refund or replacement; (3) Pay the replacement/tracing fee ($5–$15 depending on issuer); (4) Wait — USPS takes 30–60 days to investigate; Western Union is faster. If the money order has already been cashed by someone else, you must file a claim and provide evidence. This is why you should always keep your receipt stub and fill in all fields immediately when you buy it.

Can a money order be traced?

Yes. Money orders can be traced using the serial number on your receipt. Go to the issuer's website or call customer service with the serial number to check if the money order has been cashed. USPS: usps.com or 1-800-275-8777; Western Union: westernunion.com; MoneyGram: moneygram.com. If it hasn't been cashed, you can request a stop payment and replacement. USPS charges $6.70 to trace a money order. Always keep your receipt stub — without the serial number, you cannot trace or replace a lost money order.

How to Fill Out a Money Order 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide

To fill out a money order: write the recipient’s name on “Pay to the Order of,” your name on the purchaser line, add your address, note the purpose in the memo field, and sign the front. Keep your receipt stub — it’s the only way to trace or replace a money order if it’s lost. Do not sign the back; that space is for the recipient.

Quick answer: Fill in the payee name, your name, your address, memo/purpose, and sign the front. Never leave the payee line blank (it becomes cashable by anyone). Keep the receipt stub. The cheapest place to buy a money order is Walmart ($0.88); most trusted is USPS ($1.65).

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

Step 1: Fill in the “Pay to the Order of” or “Payee” Line

Write the full name of the person or business receiving the money. Be precise:

Paying a landlord: write their full legal name (as on the lease) or business name
Paying a company: write the exact company name as shown on your bill
Never leave this line blank — a blank money order can be cashed by anyone

Step 2: Fill in the “From,” “Purchaser,” or “Sender” Line

Write your full legal name. This is typically directly below the payee line or on a separate line labeled “From,” “Purchaser’s Name,” or “Sender.”

Step 3: Fill in Your Address

Many money orders have an “Address” or “Purchaser’s Address” field. Write your full address here. This helps identify you as the sender and is required on USPS money orders.

Step 4: Fill in the Memo or Reference Line

Write the purpose of the money order in the “Memo,” “Payment For,” or “Re:” field. Examples:

Rent for May 2026
Invoice #1042
Utility deposit
Car sale — 2018 Honda Accord

This creates a record of why the money was sent.

Step 5: Sign the Front

Sign on the line labeled “Purchaser’s Signature,” “Sender’s Signature,” or “Signature.” This is usually at the bottom front of the money order.

Step 6: Keep Your Receipt Stub

The detachable stub at the bottom or side of the money order is your proof of purchase. It contains:

The serial number (needed to trace or replace the money order)
The amount
Date of purchase
Issuer information

Store it until you confirm the money order was received and cashed.

Money Order Fields — Visual Guide

Field	What to Write
Pay to the Order of / Payee	Recipient’s full name or business name
Purchaser / From / Sender	Your full name
Address	Your home address
Memo / For / Reference	What the payment is for
Purchaser’s Signature (front)	Your signature
Endorsement (back)	Leave BLANK — recipient signs when cashing

Where to Buy a Money Order (2026)

Location	Fee	Max per MO	Notes
Walmart	$0.88	$1,000	Cheapest; MoneyGram-issued
USPS post office	$1.65–$2.10	$1,000	Most trusted; government-issued
Western Union	$0.70–$2.00+	$1,000	Available at pharmacies, grocery stores
MoneyGram (CVS, Walgreens)	$0.99–$1.50	$1,000	Widespread availability
7-Eleven	$1.00–$1.50	$500	Convenient but lower limit
Bank or credit union	Free (account holders) / $5+ (non)	$1,000+	Most accepted; may issue larger amounts

Best value: Walmart at $0.88 per money order up to $1,000. Most trusted: USPS, which is government-issued and widely accepted (including courts, landlords, government agencies).

What Happens After You Send a Money Order

Deliver the money order to the recipient (mail or in person)
Recipient fills in their name on the back (endorsement) and cashes it at their bank, USPS, or check cashing location
Check the trace status after 5–7 business days to confirm it was cashed
If it hasn’t been cashed, contact the issuer

Money Order Security Tips

Always fill in the payee line immediately — a blank money order is like cash
Keep the receipt stub — it’s your only proof and needed to trace/replace
Never make a money order out to cash — it can be used by anyone
Verify the money order at the issuer before buying — cashier should give it to you unwritten
Beware of money order scams: If someone sends you a money order for more than the agreed amount and asks you to wire back the difference, it’s a scam. The money order will bounce (even days later) and you’ll be out the cash you returned

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy