How to Fill Out a Money Order [2024]

Money comes and money goes. When you learn how to fill out a money order, you can exercise a more organized and credible way to cover expenses that you may be responsible for managing. Are you tired of exchanging large amounts of cash? A money order is a coinless and pain-free way for you to send money to your loved ones outside of the country. If you know how to fill out a money order correctly, it can also help you leave a paper trail for a more secure transaction that can offer peace of mind.

Discover how learning to complete a money order can help you save on monthly expenses, such as your insurance. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates today.

How to Fill Out a Money Order for Rent

According to the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Americans make over $21 billion worth of money order payments per year. These payments can go toward anything from your car note to the monthly cost of your apartment. One of the most common reasons to complete a money order is to cover your rent.

If your landlord accepts money orders, you may be curious to know the correct way to fill out a money order for rent. Before getting started, there are a few things you should take note of.

Where to Add The Business Name When Filling Out a Money Order

Filling out a money order is not as intuitive as it seems. Including the business name sounds simple, but if this is your first time ever seeing a money order, you are likely unsure of its placement. There should be a section on your money order that says “Pay to” or “Pay to the Order Of.” In this area, you should include the name of the business that will be receiving your payment.

Where to Add Your Signature When Filling Out a Money Order

Since money orders don’t clearly label the signature line as “Name,” it can be nerve-racking to have the responsibility of correctly completing a physical money order. Upon first sight, you may notice a field on the check that says “Purchaser’s signature,” “Purchaser,” “From,” “Signer,” or “Drawer.” This is where your signature can be added. You do not have to print your name. A signature is the distinctive identification marker that certifies your confirmation or approval of the check before it is sent. 

Where to Add The Address When Filling Out a Money Order

Do you know where you can add the address to a money order, and are you aware of which address you should be adding? If you take a good look at your money order, you should see a section that says “Purchaser’s Address.” This area is the location where you should add your own address, since you are the one that purchased the money order.

If you recently moved, or if the address that is associated with your card and your physical address are different, always utilize your billing address. This information may be used to process the payment for your money order, and it may not go through successfully if it is incorrect.

Some checks may include a second address field where you can insert the address of the business or the individual to whom you are sending money.

What is a money order used for?

A money order can be used to send money to your loved ones internationally, to pay rent, or to cover monthly expenses, such as a utility bill. Some auto insurance companies may even allow you to pay your car insurance bill with a money order. Similar to a check, a money order is an alternate form of cash that can be used to cover expenses. However, there are a couple of differences between a check and a money order. Unlike a check, a money order requires accessible account funds in order to be purchased.

Where can I get a money order from?

There are several convenient places where a money order can be purchased. Its price, however, will depend on many factors, such as the amount of the money order itself and the store from which the money order was purchased. While money orders are offered at almost every single bank, they are used by a combination of both bankers and non-bankers. When it comes to money orders, every location has its own fees and regulations.

If an individual requires more money than money order restrictions will allow, in most instances, they are able to purchase multiple money orders. However, there will still be limitations and cutoff budgets that must be adhered to.

According to Forbes, if you were to purchase more than $3,000 worth of money orders in a single day, you would be required to complete a special form and produce a government-issued photo ID. And if you are looking for the cheapest place to purchase a money order, there is no easy way to make the distinction. As some locations require a flat rate fee, the cost you will ultimately end up paying can fluctuate depending on the actual amount of your money order.

Show Me How to Fill Out a Money Order

In regard to completing a money order, every piece of information has its own specific place where it belongs. If even one area is missed or filled out incorrectly, it could have an impact on the success of your check being delivered.

If you are more of a visual learner, looking at a sample of how to complete a money order may help you grasp the important details much quicker.

If you notice a space on your money order that is labeled “Memo,” it can serve a few different purposes. If you will be paying a utility bill with your money order, you can add the account number that is associated with your bill to the “Memo” section. If you will not be using your money order to pay a bill — but instead, to pay a friend — the “Memo” section can also double as an area for adding a useful note or message. 

Final Thoughts on How to Fill Out a Money Order

Filling out a money order may sound like a simple task, but in reality, one slight mistake could flush your hard-earned money down the drain. If your money order will not be going to another individual, but possibly toward your rent or another important expense, a lot is riding on your ability to complete it correctly. Despite the risk involved with completing a money order for beginners, a money order is typically a safe and secure payment option that is more credible than a regular check. Mastering the art of filling out a money order is a life strategy that can make sending money to your loved ones, your friends, or your landlord even easier.

Now that you know how to complete a money order, it’s time to learn how it can help you save money. Enter your ZIP code to begin comparing insurance rates today.