What You Should Know

• 66% of individuals reported receiving a money order that was not from a bank
• All money order locations do not accept credit cards as an acceptable payment method
• Instructions on how to fill out a money order for USPS may differ slightly for a MoneyGram

Learning how to fill out a money order sounds simple, but there are many crucial details that go into it. For starters, will it be a USPS money order or a MoneyGram? One of the major factors that determine how much you may end up having to pay for a money order is the location it was purchased from.

Although money orders are available at most major banks, 66% of consumers that purchase a money order do so from a non-bank location, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) or Western Union.

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What You Should Know About How to Fill Out a Money Order

According to the United States Postal Service, the Postal Service issues over 254,000 money orders a day. Filling out a money order sounds simple, but there are many crucial details that go into it. While it may be possible to pay for a money order with a credit card or debit card, it can be challenging. Many merchants do not accept money order payments via credit card.

Money orders can be purchased at your financial institution, and other common places.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven has over 9,522 convenience stores in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these stores, you can expect to pay a fee consisting of one to three percent of the total amount. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $500.

CVS

CVS has over 9917 locations in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these locations, there is a fee of $1.25. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $500.

Kroger

Kroger has over 2,742 stores in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these stores, there is a fee of $0.69. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $1,000.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart has over 4,743 stores in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these locations, you can expect to pay a fee of $1.00 or less. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $1,000.

Publix

Publix has over 1,264 stores in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these locations, you can expect to pay a fee of $0.89–$0.99. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $500.

Meijer

Meijer has 254 stores in the United States. If you purchase a money order at one of these locations, there is a fee of $0.65. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $500.

Western Union

There are more than 42,000 Western Union locations in the United States. If you decide to purchase a money order at one of these locations, you can expect to pay a fee of around $1.25–$1.50. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $500.

MoneyGram Locations

There are over 22,273 MoneyGram locations in the United States. If you decide to purchase a money order at one of these locations, you can expect to pay a fee of around $0.70. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $1,000.

The United States Postal Service (USPS)

There are over 31,330 Postal Service offices in the United States. If you decide to purchase a money order at one of these locations, you can expect to pay a fee of around $1.45–$1.95. The maximum amount of money that can be assigned per money order is $1,000.

If you will require a money order that exceeds the maximum amounts listed per money order at each location, many of these merchants will allow you to purchase multiple money orders that can total in the amount needed.

Step One on How to Fill Out a Money Order

Fill out the recipient's name and or payee on the pay to the order of the line. Before having your money order prepared, it's recommended to confirm the recipient's name and its proper spelling first. Once your signature has been written in ink, and the check has been submitted, it cannot be undone.

Step Two on How to Fill Out a Money Order

If you were to view a sample of how to fill out a money order, one thing that may require further clarification is the area that says "Purchaser" or "Sender". This is the area where you can insert your address. The "Purchaser" section is one of the most commonly incorrectly filled out sections of a money order. Confirming that this is done correctly can also ensure a smooth and safe delivery.

Step Three on How to Fill Out a Money Order

Last but not least, all money orders will require a signature. You will have to take this final and critical step before submitting it for delivery. A signature is your distinctive identification marker that certifies your confirmation or approval.

How to Fill Out a Money Order for USPS

According to Federal Soup, money orders are one of the Postal Service’s most profitable products, with an average profit margin of 35%. Once it is correctly filled out and submitted, a USPS money order can be delivered to over 28 countries. When filling out a money order for USPS, there may be a few slight differences from filling out a money order from another establishment. For starters, you may have noticed a space labeled “Memo” that you probably haven't seen on other money orders.

The "Memo" section is used to insert the account number associated with the bill you might be paying, or you can insert a note in this section, similar to how you would on a check.

How to Fill Out a Money Order for MoneyGram

A MoneyGram can be purchased at places such as Wal-Mart and CVS. It is commonly used for international money transfers. When filling out a money order for MoneyGram, one of the first steps should be to make sure you have an acceptable form of payment available. To pay for a MoneyGram, cash, debit cards, credit cards, or checks are usually accepted.

Once you receive the check, enter the recipient’s name in the “Pay to the Order Of “section. Next, you will have to add your signature in the “Purchaser, Signer for Drawer” section. Lastly, you must add your address to the “Address” section.

Be sure you remove the detachable receipt on the check and keep it for your own personal records.

What are money orders used for?

A money order is a cash alternative. Like a physical paper check, it can predetermine a specific amount of money to be removed from your account. However, a check and a money order typically differ in a few ways. Unlike a check, the funds must be available in your account to purchase a money order, for starters. This establishes money orders as a more credible payment method than a paycheck.

Are money orders right for you?

Are you learning how to fill out a money order to pay a bill, or safely send money to your loved ones in another country? A money order can help you achieve both. However, if you don’t have any cash and would like to purchase your money order with your debit or credit card, a MoneyGram would be your best option.

If you would like to save money on your money order, be mindful of the fees that each location will typically charge for a money order purchase.

Grasping how to complete a money order for the first time may be challenging, but saving money doesn't have to be. Enter your ZIP code to find and compare rates today.