What is a Money Order?
Money orders can also be referred to as a moneygram or a Western Union money order. Money orders are like a certified check or cashier’s check. Instead of writing out your own personal check, you can buy a money order at a place like Check City who has Western Union and they’ll write the check.
This secure, prepaid check can then be used to make secure payments, or send money to someone. A money order is a great way to ensure that you are able to make a secure payment. It’s also a way to use the security of a check to pay for something without having to wait for the payee to deposit the check later.
A money order is also more secure than sending or delivering cash. Like a check it names a specific recipient so no one can just take it and run because that person will have to endorse the money order (check) and show ID to prove that it’s really them who is supposed to receive it.
Money orders are commonly used to send funds rather than doing a digital money transfer, or sending cash or checks in the mail. Money orders are even more secure than personal checks because a personal check will have your account number on them. This is fine for some payments, but sometimes you’ll want to keep your payments more separate from your personal accounts.
How Do I Fill Out a Money Order?
When you need a money order you should make sure you know how to fill it out properly. Filling out the money order properly will ensure that you are able to make a secure payment via a money order without any hang ups from filling it out wrong. The way you fill out a money order is very similar to how you fill out a check.
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Item #1: PAY TO THE ORDER OF
First, you have to get the money order. You can do money orders anywhere there is a Western Union. After you have your money order, you will want to write the name of the person or company that you wish to pay on the line that is labeled “Payee” or “Pay to the order of.”
Item #2: PAYMENT FOR/ACCT.#
Some money orders will also include this section. If you have a specific account that you want credited for the payment then you’ll want to put that information here. Filling out this section will ensure that, when using money orders to pay your bills, the proper accounts get accredited.
Item #3: PURCHASER’S ADDRESS
You are the purchaser that the money order form is referring to on this line. Here is where you will put your address and any other important identifying information so that the recipient of your payment knows best how to contact you if necessary.
Item #4: PURCHASER’S SIGNATURE
You will need to sign the front of the money order. Some money orders have spaces to sign while other money orders to do not. You will not want to sign the back of the money order, instead you will want to make sure that you leave that space open for the individual or the company that has received the money order to endorse it.
Item #5: DOLLAR BOX
In the box with the dollar sign before it you will write the amount you want on the money order in numerical form.
*Keep the Receipt!
You should also make sure that you keep your receipt. You want to keep the receipt to make sure that the transaction is as secure as possible. The more secure your transaction is, the more you will be able to trust the money order as a secure form of payment.
Common Questions About Money Orders
When do you use a money order?
Money Orders are accepted by almost any business, government agency, or bank. You can use a money order to pay bills like rent, or utilities, or to send money to someone you know. If you are interested in another convenient, low cost alternative to Checks or Money orders you might consider a Prepaid Debit Card.
Where can I get a money order?
You can obtain a money order at any Western Union location. Walmart, USPS, and convenience stores are some common places where you can get a money order, and many stores will also have Western Union services like Check City does. If you receive a money order, it is at these same places where you can cash a money order. Just stop by one of our conveniently located stores for any of your Western Union needs.
What information do I need for a money order?
You’ll need whatever information you need to properly fill out the money order. You’ll need to know the name of the person or business you are paying and how much you want to put on the money order. In some cases it is also helpful to know the address of the person or business you are writing the money order for.
How should I deliver the money order?
You can deliver the money order by mail or in person, depending on how the recipient would like to receive your payment. You can also transfer money through Western Union directly and then the recipient can pick up the money at their own Western Union location.
Money orders are a great way make a secure form of payment. They’re easy to use and provide another level of safety and security for some of your more important payment needs. Stop by any Check City location to pick up your free money order!
