The world as we know it has moved on from traditional cash transactions to digital mode in recent times. No matter the convenience it offers, dependency on digital transactions does have its share of risks and threats. However, there are safe ways to transact money like money orders, which are still in vogue today.

So, Where to Get a Money Order?

Leave alone filling money orders, the average human today doesn’t know where to find them in the first place! Money orders are easily available almost anywhere – banks and post offices being the most popular zones.

Purchasing a Money Order

While purchasing a money order from the bank or post office clerk, you need to specify the amount you intend to send to the receiver. The same will be printed in the money order. You will have to pay the amount to the clerk. Once you receive the printed money order, just cross check whether the amount you paid and the amount printed are the same. This is to rule out any mistakes.

Now that you have purchased a money order, you need to fill it out right so that the money you send, reaches the destined person. We will take it step by step to ensure that you understand it best.

How to fill out a Money Order?

Form Filling Etiquette

Before filling out the money order, it is pertinent that you know the color of ink to be used to fill a money order. Never use multi-colors. A money order needs to be filled with either blue or black ink. Also, do not change the ink color in-between. Stick to any one of the mentioned and ensure that the entire form is filled with the same color.

Step 1: Name it Right

On the money order you will find a line mentioned “Pay to the Order Of” or “Pay To” – This is the space where you mention the name of the person or business you are sending the money to. Ensure that you spell the name right. If you are unsure of the spelling or the name, check with the payee before filling this space.

Step 2: Let them Know Who Sent it!

Now that we are done with the receiver’s details, we need to mention the ‘Payee’ – that is you. In the form there will be field that has any of these mentioned – ‘From’, ‘Purchaser’, ‘Payee’, ‘Remitter’, or ‘Sender’. All of these refer to the person who is sending the money to the recipient. Mention your full legal name; it is best to use the same name as that of your bank account. Ensure your name is loud and clear on the form so that the receiver knows that it is from you.

Step 3: Autograph Please!

We love signing autographs don’t we! Here is your chance! On the front of the money order you will find a field labeled ‘Signature’ or ‘Signature of Drawer’ or ‘Signature of Purchaser’. Sign on this field.

Step 4: Do not Tread into the Endorsement Space!

The back of the money order belongs to the payee. The recipient will sign it before cashing the money order.

Step 5: Address the Address Fields

Money orders have address fields where you need to mention your address. Ensure it is your current address. If in case you find a 2^nd field marked as ‘Payee Address’ mention the address of the recipient.

Step 6: Memo Line

This field will not be necessarily mentioned as ‘Memo’; it can also read as ‘Reason’, ‘Payment For’ or ‘Re:’. The Memo Line is for you to fill the Reason for sending the money order to the recipient. If it is for a bill, mention the bill number, date and account number in this space. If it is for a birthday gift or simple amount transfer, mention the same.

This concludes the money order filling process. Now that you know how to fill out a money order, you can sure send money orders to anyone in no time.

Note: Safeguard Your Receipt

Money orders will have either carbon copies or a detachable portion that has all the details you have written. This is your receipt. Ensure that you keep it safe. This will be your proof in case the recipient denies receiving it. The receipt has a tracking number, which will help you troubleshoot in case problems arise.