How to Fill Out the Remitter on a Money Order

Money orders offer a secure method for sending payments without using a bank account or cash directly. They function similarly to a prepaid check, where the funds are guaranteed by the issuer at the time of purchase. This makes them a reliable option when a personal check might not be accepted or when sending cash carries too much risk.

Locating and Completing the Remitter Information

The remitter section on a money order identifies the sender, who is the individual purchasing the money order. This field is typically labeled as “From,” “Purchaser,” “Sender,” or “Remitter,” and is usually found on the front. Write your full legal name in this designated space.

Beneath your name, accurately provide your current mailing address. This information allows the recipient to identify the source of payment and provides a way for them to contact you if any questions arise. Use a black or blue pen and print clearly for legibility.

Providing your information in the remitter section also serves as a record-keeping component. Your details will be readily available if there is a need to track the money order or address a problem later. This helps maintain a clear transaction trail for both parties involved.

Completing Other Essential Money Order Fields

After filling in your remitter details, focus on the recipient’s information. Locate the line typically marked “Pay to the order of” or “Pay to,” and write the full legal name of the person or business receiving the money. This is important because only the named individual or entity can cash or deposit the money order. Complete this field immediately upon purchase to prevent unauthorized cashing if the money order is lost or stolen.

Next, the monetary amount must be written in two forms: numerically and in words. First, write the dollar amount using numbers, including cents, such as “$100.00.” Then, on the designated line, write out the amount in words, for example, “One hundred and 00/100.” Ensuring both amounts match helps prevent fraud and clarifies the exact payment value.

Sign the money order in the purchaser’s signature section, usually found on the front near the bottom. This signature validates the money order and makes it official. Avoid signing the back of the money order, as that area is reserved for the recipient’s endorsement when they cash it. Some money orders may also have a space for the date, which should be filled in with the current date of purchase.

An optional but helpful field is the memo line, sometimes labeled “Re:” or “Payment For.” This space allows you to add a brief note explaining the purpose of the payment, such as an account number for a bill or a description of goods purchased. Including this detail can assist the recipient in properly crediting the payment and provides a personal record of the transaction.

Finalizing and Protecting Your Money Order

Once all the necessary fields on your money order are accurately completed, detach and carefully keep the receipt or stub provided by the issuer. This receipt contains a unique serial or tracking number, essential for tracking status, confirming cashing, or initiating a refund or replacement if lost or stolen.

As an additional safeguard, consider making a photocopy of the entire completed money order before sending it. This personal copy serves as a comprehensive record of the transaction, useful for dispute resolution or for your financial records.

If you make an error while filling out the money order, it is generally not possible to correct it directly. Altering a money order, such as by erasing or scribbling out information, can render it invalid and raise suspicions. In cases of significant errors, you may need to cancel the original money order and purchase a new one. Cancellation requires your original receipt, may involve a fee (often $5-$30), and can take 30 days or more for a refund.