How to Get a Money Order

Co-authored by Gina D'Amore

Last Updated: December 2, 2023 References

Money orders are used instead of checks or cash when you need to make a payment. Unlike checks, money orders can never bounce, making them a safer option for large payments. This wikiHow will teach you how to get a money order for your next payment!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Obtaining a Money Order

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Many establishments will ask you to pay for the money order in cash. In some cases you will be able to pay with a credit or debit card.
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Go to your bank. If you have a bank account, the easiest way to obtain a money order is to go to the teller and ask for one.
- Some banks may charge a small fee, but many offer money orders for free.
- Some banks offer cashier's checks, which are similar to money orders. Make sure the recipient will accept a cashier's check before buying one instead of a money order.
- Banks offer the benefit of keeping a record of your money order purchase, which could come in handy in the event that the money order gets lost.
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Try local businesses. Drugstores, grocery stores, and places like Walmart offer money orders for a fee. Visit a few different places and choose the one with the lowest fee.
- Some establishments have a limit on the amount of the money order. If there is a cap, simply purchase more than one money order until you have the total amount you need.
- This is a good option if you need to transfer the money and there's no bank open or nearby.
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Try the post office. Money orders issued by the United States Postal Service are usually replaceable if they are lost, stolen or damaged.^{[1]
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Research source} The following benefits also apply to money orders purchased from the USPS:
- They can be purchased with debit cards.
- They are cashable in 29 other countries.
If you'd rather not purchase a money order in person, an online vendor might be a convenient choice. However, online companies usually charge steeper fees than local establishments. The leading online money order company is Payko, which caps daily money order purchases at just $200.
Western Union, credit unions, and other places that handle money usually issue money orders.^{[2]
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Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Filling Out the Money Order

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The establishment that issued your money order will have printed the amount on the money order slip. Double check to make sure it's right before you end the transaction.
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Decide where to fill out the money order. You may want to fill out the money order on the spot, rather than carrying it to another location. If the money order lands in someone else's hands before it is filled out, that person could fill in their own name and cash it.
- If you do carry the blank money order to another location, keep it in a safe place on your person. When you get home, put it in a place where it won't get lost.
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Fill in the "payee" blank. The first blank to fill in will say "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." This is where you write the name of the person or company to whom you are giving the money order.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Use black or blue non-eraseable ink to fill out the money order.
Some money orders will have a space for you to fill in your name and address or other information.^{[4]
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Research source} If you wish to fill this out, do so in blue or black ink.
You may want to add details about the nature of the transaction, such as the name of the item you are paying for.
If there's a space for you to sign the money order, you may do so, although it can still be cashed without your signature.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Paying With a Money Order

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Since money orders are often used to pay people you may not know well, it's good to keep a personal record of the money order in case a problem arises. Make a copy of the money order and file it with your financial records. Keep it with the receipt that came with your money order.
The best way to pay with a money order is to give it directly to the recipient. This eliminates the chance that it will get lost or tampered with by a third party.
If you're mailing a money order, make sure it's in a security envelope, rather than a letter envelope. Packaging it discreetly will prevent someone else from getting curious and attempting to tamper with the money order.

Community Q&A

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Question

If I make a mistake, can I change the name of whom I made the money order out to?

Community Answer

No. Call the money order in -- go to the store where you purchased the money order and have them replace it for new one.

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Question

Do I need an ID?

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Many times, banks will require you to bring an ID as proof you are the account holder. The person/institution you are paying may not require this ID for payment.

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Question

Can I use a credit card to get a money order?

Community Answer

Yes. Any debit, credit, or prepaid debit cards are accepted by the post office as long as they still have sufficient chargeable credit left on them.

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Make sure you spell the name of the recipient correctly, because they won't be able to cash it if that name doesn't match their bank account.

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Some agents will write in the recipient's name and other information for you.

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Warnings

Fill out the money order carefully; if you make a mistake and have to void it, there will be an extra fee to buy a new one.

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