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A money order is the best and most secure way to transfer payments. Since money orders are prepaid they don’t have the possibility to bounce, like checks do. But how to fill out a money order?
You need to complete a money order correctly, in order to avoid a cancellation or refund. In this guide to completing a money order, we’ll walk you through all the steps involved in filling out and completing a money order. Read on.
Guide to Completing a Money Order: How to Fill Out a Money Order?
To fill out a money order, you need to carry out the following steps.
Note: These steps are the same regardless of whether you purchase the money order at a bank, a money transfer service, or US Postal Service.
1. Fill out the payee’s name
In the “pay to the order of” or “pay to” field, write the name of the payee. It can be the name of a person or a business. This person will be the only one authorised to cash this pay order.
2. Fill in your address
In the field where you are asked for the purchaser’s address, fill in your address. If there is a second field for the payee’s address, fill that out as well.
3. Write the memo line
Fill out the memo field with a memo line to specify what the payment is for. For instance, it can be a purchase of a debt payment. You can write an account or order number in this field.
4. Sign your name
In the front of the money order in the “purchaser’s signature”, “purchaser”, “signer”, “from”, or “drawer” section, sign your name.
Make sure not to sign the back of the money order as that section is reserved for the payee’s endorsement.
5. Make sure to keep your receipt
Your receipt contains a tracking number that you can use to find out who cashed the money order. You can also use this receipt to cancel the money order. So make sure to keep it with you.
For more clarity, check out this money order template to see what goes in which field on your money order:
Field 1: Payee’s Name
Field 2: Your Name and Address
Field 3: Memo Line
Field 4: Your Signature
This money order template can serve as an instrument to help you complete your money order accurately.
How to Fill a Western Union Money Order?
The process to fill out Western Union money orders is pretty much the same as filling out any money order.
Just follow these steps:
Write the name of the payee in the “pay to the order of” or “pay to” field. Make sure to write the correct spelling.
Fill in your address in the purchaser’s address field with your address and full name, where it says “Sender”, “From”, “Remitter”, or “Purchaser”.
Sign your name in front of the money order.
Keep the receipt with you in case your money order is lost or damaged.
Where Can I Cash a Money Order?
You can cash a money order at most banks, U.S. Postal Services, many grocery stores, check-cashing stores, retailers, and U.S. Postal Services.
Some banks even let you cash your money order at an ATM or by using an app. However, you may be charged a small fee to cash your money order at a bank or a grocery or retail store.
If you are cashing your money order from the U.S. Postal Service, there’s no fee. However, you will need to head to your bank to deposit it into your account.
Where to Get a Money Order?
You can get a money order at banks, check-cashing businesses, credit unions, retailers, big-box stores, grocery stores, and the U.S. Postal Service.
However, there may be a limit on the money order amount you are allowed to purchase. For instance, the U.S. Postal Service may only let you purchase a money order of up to $1,000 if you are using it for transfer within the U.S.
There may also be a fee of $1-$10 to get a money order. When buying a money order, do not use a credit card as your bank or credit card company may consider it as a cash advance. In this case, you will be charged hefty fees.
Can You Cash Money Orders At Walmart?
Yes, you can cash money orders at Walmart. If you can’t determine where to cash a money order, go to your local Walmart. If they have a MoneyCenter, you can easily cash your money order.
Make sure to take your government ID with you to prove your identity and that the money order is in your name.
The customer service representative at Walmart will check your ID and cash your money order right away. However, there is a $1 fee for cashing a Walmart money order.
Conclusion
A money order is the safest way to make or receive payments. They are accepted everywhere, have the least liability, can be replaced, and never expire. You can securely pay your debts, send money in the mail, or make purchases using a money order.
However, you should know how to fill out a money order properly and correctly. Otherwise, your money order will be returned.
We hope this guide to completing a money order answers all your concerns. Now that you know how to fill a Western Union money order or a regular one, go ahead and complete your money order without any confusion.