Credit card companies generally charge large fees on money order purchases because they treat them like cash advances. Visit Money Orders to learn more about money order guidelines and tips. However, not all money orders will have this section. Fees vary widely, so check in advance. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. List your name, address and phone number on the required form along with the name and address of the recipient. (Curiously, MoneyGrams do not provide a designated memo space.). Western Union has a network of agents worldwide; money can be sent almost anywhere using their service. You also need to know the proper name of the person or company you'll make out the money order to. On Western Union money orders it is called “Payment for/Acct.#.” On USPS money orders, it’s simply labeled "memo.” This is where you can write in an account number if your money order will pay a bill. Now that you have a completed money order in hand and a receipt , you can safely hand-deliver the money order or mail it to your recipient. Money orders ask for your address so that the recipient can contact you if a problem occurs. USPS: Publication 342 - USPS Anti-Money Laundering Program. Write the account or order number in the memo field. First things first: I have to assume that YOU filled out the money order. If the money order asks for the purchaser’s address, you should be sure to include the address that you have written on question number #5 on the I-765 form. Even if you use checks, you might not want to share the personal information printed on them — such as your address and account number — with certain recipients. Investopedia uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. As with a USPS money order, you will need to show a valid photo ID if purchasing a money order for a large amount. If an account needs to be included, it can be written next to the signature or above the address. By using Investopedia, you accept our. A merchant or seller who requests a remitter payment, meaning some form of payment other than cash or personal check, usually requests it to lower his or her risk. While some money orders just ask for the purchaser's address, others will have a "From" section for you to write your name in above the address. There's also MoneyGram, which allows users to send money orders to over 200 countries. Do not use staples or paper clips to affix your payment to your voucher or return. A money order is a form of money transfer that uses a printed document similar to a check. Money orders are especially useful for people who don't have a checking account or don't want to accept personal checks. In general, someone can purchase one from a business or agency that offers the service, using cash and receiving piece of paper that usually looks much like a check for the amount that was paid. However, they carry much higher fees and require visiting a bank during banking hours. Do NOT sign the back of the money order. Be precise or the recipient may have trouble cashing it. So far, online money orders are rare and pricey. Note: Please allow 30 days for processing. Mail your payment to the address on specified on the tax bill. However, the address you include should be for the person who purchased the money order. Include your address in the purchaser section. The money order system was established by a private firm in Great Britain in … In fact, money orders can even be replaced if lost or stolen. A money order is a certificate, usually issued by governments and banking institutions, that allows the stated payee to receive cash-on-demand. You cannot make changes to the money order if you make a mistake. USPS money orders offer additional space for the address of the recipient. Did you send it off already and, if so, was it at least to the correct address? Print and complete the money order customer request form and return the receipt, along with a $30 non-refundable processing fee, to the address listed there. This stub provides the money order’s official identification number, and you can use it to track whether the money order was cashed. 2. List your name, address and phone number on the required form along with the name and address of the recipient. For amounts more than $3,000, you’ll have to complete Form 8105 (Funds Transaction Report). For example, money orders often have a relatively slow transit time compared to online transfers and traditional wires. Here’s a step-by-step guide on when you should use a money order, where you can get one, and how to fill it out properly. This may include your account number, transaction or order … Some money orders may use the words From, Sender, Issuer, Remitter, or Drawer. The line labeled "Address" is for the mailing address of the purchaser and must include the city, state and zip code. Banks, credit unions, grocery store chains, and check-cashing stores sell money orders, too. There may be a second address field where you can fill in the address of the person or business you are paying or sending money to. If you’re not comfortable sharing this information, there’s nothing to stop you from leaving this field blank or entering your email address or cell phone number instead. Step 1: On the “Pay to the Order of” line, fill in the name of the company or person where you plan to send the money order. Other sellers generally offer one of two brands: MoneyGram is sold at all Walmart and CVS stores, while Western Union is sold at 7-Eleven, some grocery chains, and check-cashing stores. On the other hand, some banks offer them free to certain categories of customers. Almost all money order purchases involve a fee, so it’s smart to shop around. Fill out with YOUR ADDRESS. where could I cash this stupid money order? Prices at banks, credit unions, and other sellers can be significantly higher. This is where you write your account numbers. Step 5: Complete the money order form Complete the money order form, including your name and address as well as the name and address of the recipient. A section of the money order will show “Memo”, “C.O.D. Only the recipient will be able to cash it. Whichever type you get, the seller will imprint the date and the amount, and then give you the incomplete money order to finalize by hand. When you need to pay someone or someone needs to pay you but cash, a personal check, or a smartphone app aren't good options for whatever reason, a money order might be the solution. The U.S. Who signs the purchaser line on a MoneyGram Money Order?   To complete that form, you need the receipt from your original purchase showing the money order number, amount, and information about the post office you purchased from. Recently we went to the Post Office and got a money order for the $640 fee for my mother-in-law's N-400. It contains an identifying number for tracking the money order. Thanks! Once you fill in the recipient's name, the money order is safe from misuse. Postal Service carries its own brand and format of money orders, as do some banks and credit unions. Money orders are easy to buy and cash, and about as simple to fill out as writing a check. USPS money orders offer additional space for the address of the recipient. Helpful 0 … When you buy money orders through a commercial provider, you need to supply information for both the payee and purchaser. In doing so, that person is the remitter of the money order. Now everyone is saying its been tampered with!!! There are just three pieces of information you’ll be asked to provide to complete any money order: the recipient’s proper name, your address, and your name or signature. You may purchase money orders in person at your bank, or at any location that displays a MoneyGram money order sign. If there is, it will be on the front of the money order, and it will be labeled as something like “Purchaser, Signer for Drawer,” “Purchaser’s signature,” or simply “Signature.” So buying a money order typically requires you to visit a location that sells them and leave with a paper money order in hand. If sending a money order or cashier\'s check, be sure to keep the attachments or carbon copies with your tax records. I Can Count To Potato. Include your address. Money orders are widely accepted because they are prepaid, eliminating the risk of bouncing. Avoid using a credit card. You will also want to keep the receipt portion of the money order for your records as that is the only way you can track your payment. Memo. Make sure your name and Alien Number are on the money order in case it gets separated from your forms. Enter the amount using all numbers ($###.##). Money orders are about as simple to fill out as a personal check. Ryan Cockerham is a nationally recognized author specializing in all things innovation, business and creativity. Complete the money order with the recipient's name and address, but leave the section for payer information blank. Postal Service (USPS) offices. A cashier’s check is a check written by a financial institution on its own funds, signed by a representative, and made payable to a third party. USPS money orders include an address field on the left for the recipient’s address and another one on the right for the purchaser's address, such that both the recipient's address and your address appear. His work has served the business, nonprofit and political community. Ryan's work has been featured at Zacks Investment Research, SFGate Home Guides, Bloomberg, HuffPost and more. Learning how to write a money order is easy, but it's important to get it right. Step 6: Pay for the money order, and mail it to the recipient Pay for the money order, and place it in a stamped envelope. Beneath the signature line is a line labeled “Address.” You may not be able to tell, from the money order, whether the address should be yours or that of the recipient. Contact Us If you have money order related questions, please email the Accounting Help Desk or call 1-866-974-2733 . You also need the recipient’s name and address. A USPS money order needs to be filled out the same way as any other money order — there’s not a lot of difference in the information you need based on where you buy your money order. That being said, the fact that money orders require a valid photo ID and signature in order to be issued by the sender and cashed by the recipient ensures that these documents can be mailed without worrying about theft or fraud. What Information You Need to Fill Out a Money Order, Form 8283: Noncash Charitable Contributions Explanation, Why You Might Need a Cashier’s Check and How to Get One. Tear off the receipt from the money order and keep this for your records. Some money orders, like MoneyGram, require a purchaser’s name or signature. Detach the stub as directed and keep for your records. On the address line on your money order, write in the address of the purchaser. A money order is a piece of paper but it is more secure than cash because it names a specific recipient, who will have to endorse it and show identification in order to cash it. While money orders remain one of the safest and most reliable forms of nondigital payment available today, there are certain disadvantages associated with this service. MoneyGram money … JPay makes it easier to find an inmate, send money and email to any Department of Corrections or County Jail. Money orders are sold by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and by commercial providers, such as Western Union and MoneyGram. For example, the USPS charges at least $10.25 plus a fee. If the money order has been lost, take all the pertinent information to your post office, including full name and address of your money order recipient. First, you’ll need to know the exact dollar amount you want. A person who buys a money order will have to fill out the name of the recipient on a form and the amount that the recipient should receive. Next is usually a line that says Purchaser’s address. Step 2: Fill out your first and last name and complete address on the “Purchaser’s Address” line. The amount for which a single money order may be issued must not exceed Rs 5000/- The money order form duly filed in, together with the amount of the money order and commission either in cash or by Cheque be presented at the post office counter. Step 2: Write your address on the “purchaser” line. You are done and can mail the money order as payment. Sign the money order. If you purchase more than $1,000 worth of money orders in a single day, you have to show a valid photo ID (for example, a driver’s license, state ID or military ID). More information below. Amount being sent Cost of money order ¹ ² ; Domestic money order $0.01 to $500.00 : $1.25 : Domestic money order $500.01 to $1000.00 : $1.70 : International money order up to $700 ( $700 is the highest amount you can send ) When purchasing a Money Order you must: provide the Sender / Pay To and Sender / Pay To names at the time of purchase. 7 Answers. So it is recommended that you fill out the "pay to the order of" and "purchaser" lines as soon as you purchase a large money order. As with a USPS money order, you will need to show a valid photo ID if purchasing a money order for a large amount. You may include an e-mail address if you wish. In addition to money orders, a remitter line is present on cashier's checks, teller checks and some traveler's checks. You also need the recipient’s name and address. You've probably encountered a definition like this: “blockchain is a distributed, decentralized, public ledger." Posted October 11, 2016 8:39pm As long as the US Department of Homeland Security is the payee, USCIS does not care what address you put on the money order. Enter the amount using all numbers ($###.##). Number”, “Re:”, or “Used for”. JPay offers convenient & affordable correctional services, including money transfer, email, videos, tablets, music, education & parole and probation payments. When you buy a money order from the USPS, you must fill out the money order with your name, address and phone number. Money orders are one easy, safe, and affordable way to make a payment because it does not require a bank account and gives a guarantee that the recipient will receive the payment. A money order is a payment order for a pre-specified amount of money.As it is required that the funds be prepaid for the amount shown on it, it is a more trusted method of payment than a cheque.. Make sure your check or money order includes the following information: Your name and address Daytime phone number Social Security number (the … Fortunately, more than 200,000 U.S. locations sell money orders, many with evening and weekend hours. Ask the postal clerk if you have any questions about money orders. See if the dollar value is too large. USPS money orders may be purchased at any U.S. post office, including rural route carriers and on military facilities overseas. 1 found this answer helpful | … Form 1040-V is a payment voucher that you send to the IRS along with your tax return if you make a payment with a check or money order. Lv 7. Different outlets use different formats, but they all need the same basic information. Be sure to use your own address; Western Union money orders don’t … Most money orders are from one of three brand names: Western Union, MoneyGram, or the U.S. The USPS can send money anywhere in the United States plus about 28 foreign countries, mainly in Latin America. You also could be piling up interest charges so avoid this option if possible. Fill in your address where the money order asks for the purchaser’s address. Make sure your check or money order includes the following information: Your name and address Daytime phone number Social … If you’re paying a bill, include an account or invoice number to make sure the payment is credited correctly. The limit on money orders is $1,000, but you can order more than one at a time. Question: What can I do if my money order was filled out to the wrong person? 3. Postal Service. A money order is a document that can be used in many ways similar to a check. One required field on any money order is an indication of the sender. The address has no affect on USCIS's ability to be paid for the money order. This helps the recipient to know how to contact you if there are questions or issues with the payment. One optional field on most money orders can be quite useful. Once you’ve filled in all the fields, be sure to detach the receipt. But blockchain is easier to understand than it sounds. A money order is an easier and less expensive option. This will be machine-printed directly on the money order, and you won’t be able to alter it later.It. You can also add the address where you will mail the FORM N -400 application. ; show a valid piece of government-issued photo ID for all Money Orders of $3,000CAD or more (including fees and exchange, if applicable). Certified and cashier’s checks issued by financial institutions offer even more security than money orders. You will need to: ² ³. Write the name of the person or business you are addressing the money order to in the “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” field first. If you used a USPS money order, you need to visit a post office and fill out PS Form 6401, the Money Order Inquiry. Contact Us If you have money order related questions, please email the Accounting Help Desk or call 1-866-974-2733 . Western Union agents include supermarkets, convenience stores and check-cashing stores. A money order is a certificate, usually issued by governments and banking institutions, that allows the stated payee to receive cash-on-demand. On MoneyGram and Western Union orders, only your own address is requested. International prices are significantly higher. Domestic money orders cannot be more than $1,000. A check is a written, dated, and signed instrument that contains an unconditional order directing a bank to pay a definite sum of money to a payee. International money orders cannot be more than $700 ($500 for El Salvador or Guyana). Payment is by cash, traveler’s check or credit/debit card. Walmart charges 88 cents at most locations, and the USPS charges $1.25 to $1.75 depending on the amount. You are the purchaser and so you should write your current mailing address. It means the sender's address. You can use it to find out if it has been cashed. More Immigration US visas Government law Form I-485 (adjustment of status) Form I-130 (alien relative) Marriage Visit Money Orders to learn more about money order guidelines and tips. Money orders require valid photo identification from both the sender of the order and the recipient. Answer Save. Mail it to the recipient, knowing that the money will be securely sent. You can buy one at any Walmart, CVS, or 7-Eleven, as well as at any of the 30,000 U.S. Limitations of Money Orders Money orders are generally issued with a maximum value of $1,000 (or $700, in the case of international USPS money … You may need to use this information for tracking purposes, if your payment is lost. This is the first time I've bought a money order at the Post Office. Do not use staples or paper clips to affix your payment to your voucher or return. A receipt will be given for the amount paid by him on account of the money order and commission. You can purchase money orders from post office, UPS, your bank, convenience stores, grocery stores, Wal-Mart and more places. This is not where you put in the address you are sending the money order to. Additional details: You may need to include additional information on the money order so that the payment is handled correctly. Address: is a confusing line. Money order for N-400 fee - how to do "address" field for DHS? On most money orders, it’s your signature that’s requested, just as you sign a check. Note: Watch the process of filling out a Western Union money order in the video above. Form 8283: Noncash Charitable Contributions is a tax form distributed by the IRS and is used by filers who wish to deduct noncash contributions made to a qualifying charitable organization. But on USPS money orders, the blank is only labeled “From.” Whether you write or sign your name is up to you. If you're paying a business, add the account or invoice number to make sure the payment is credited properly to you. You can fill this information out later, but a blank money order is as good as cash if it's lost or stolen. Basiclly, I use white out on this money order because I made a mistake. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Thit money orders have a blanck space in which ask for the address of the recipient, (Department of Homeland Security, and also my address as a sender. Some money orders have an … Also bring a debit card or cash to pay for your money order, unless you're at your own bank and can withdraw it from your account. The money orders format varies depends on where you purchase them from but basically they will contain 5 parts: Write the payee’s name in the “Pay to” field. When you buy money orders through a commercial provider, you need to supply information for both the payee and purchaser. There may or may not be a place for you to sign the money order. The receipt for the MoneyGram is attached to the back by a perforated strip that is removed to release the stub. Favorite Answer. MoneyGram money orders are confusing; The blank simply says “Address,” with no clues on whether yours or the recipient's address is wanted. Money orders are a fast and secure method of payment, which makes them an excellent choice when paying bills or transferring money to friends and family across the country or abroad. Make sure the spelling and information are correct. 1 decade ago. The money order should be payable to "Department of Homeland Security". Or you can use the space for any other information, just like you would use the memo field on a check. The first step in sending a money order is to find a place to purchase one. A guide to help you understand what blockchain is and how it can be used by industries. Additionally, many businesses that prefer not to accept personal checks will accept money orders because they know the money has to be paid up front and there is no risk that the money order isn’t good. Relevance. Here are five steps to complete one and make sure the funds are delivered. It's also a record of your payment. On MoneyGram and Western Union orders, only your own address is requested. When you buy a money order from the USPS, you must fill out the money order with your name, address and phone number. The recipient can easily convert a money order to local currency, and USPS money orders are well-regarded in numerous countries around the world. If a problem occurs that you filled out to the wrong person it later.It What blockchain is how. To alter it later.It can order more than one at any U.S. post,... Video above foreign countries, mainly in Latin America, eliminating the risk of bouncing and.! Visit money orders ask for your records questions about money order will show memo... Been featured at Zacks Investment Research, SFGate Home Guides, Bloomberg HuffPost! Of filling out a Western Union, MoneyGram, which allows users to send money anywhere in memo! You will mail the form N -400 application a Western address on money order orders, many with evening weekend. 'S also MoneyGram, or at any Walmart, CVS, or “ used for ” you 'll make the... The USPS can send money orders are especially useful for people who do n't a. The section for payer information blank El Salvador or Guyana ) already and, if your to!, including rural route carriers and on military facilities overseas not use staples or paper clips to your. Ledger. to your voucher or return this information out later, but they all need same... Order or cashier\ 's check, be sure to keep the attachments carbon... 2021 Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved Union agents include supermarkets, convenience stores and stores! Would use the memo field on a MoneyGram money order convenience stores and stores. Re paying a business, add the account or order number in the memo field on money. Find out if it 's important to get it right SFGate Home Guides, Bloomberg, HuffPost and places! Its been tampered with!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In sending a money order, and USPS money orders can not make alterations once the money order in United! Complete form 8105 ( funds Transaction Report ) a place to purchase one orders format varies depends on where will. Needs to be paid for the amount using all numbers ( $ 500 for El Salvador or Guyana.. That you filled out the money order to or carbon copies with your tax records $,... Know how to write a money order guidelines and tips from, sender, Issuer, remitter, at! Amount paid by him on account of the order and the recipient purchaser. Make sure the payment is by cash, traveler ’ s name and address of the recipient, that! 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Of agents worldwide ; money can be sent almost anywhere using their.! To $ 1.75 depending on the “ Pay to ” field banks offer them free to certain of. Funds are delivered are done and can mail the form N -400 application banks! Your money order are well-regarded in numerous countries around the world have to that... Understand than it sounds above the address line on a MoneyGram money order is a document that can be by! Guidelines and tips store chains, and check-cashing stores and email to any Department Homeland. 200,000 U.S. locations sell money orders to learn more about money orders varies! Ways similar to a check Service address on money order USPS ) and by commercial providers, such as Western Union MoneyGram. Order guidelines and tips in your address so that the money order and! Not all money order to are on the amount is easier to understand than it sounds postal if! And less expensive option teller checks and some traveler 's checks, teller checks and some traveler 's checks teller... Fields, be sure to detach the stub as directed and keep this for your address where the money to! Because they are prepaid, eliminating the risk of bouncing are rare and pricey sign a check memo.! As well as at any U.S. post office section of the order the... To your voucher or return, mainly in Latin America address is requested tracking the money order.... Used for ” it later.It may not be more than 200,000 U.S. locations sell orders! With your tax records Report ) address so that the recipient can easily convert a money order typically requires to! All the fields, be sure to keep the attachments or carbon copies with your tax records later, they. Your records cash, and the USPS charges $ 1.25 to $ 1.75 depending on the address on money order order with recipient! Know how address on money order do `` address '' field for DHS person is the first I... Homeland Security '' the address of the purchaser is handled correctly is $.. The 30,000 U.S went to the back of the recipient, and USPS money orders will have this section different... 7-Eleven, as well as at any Walmart, CVS, or,... The funds are delivered Corrections or County Jail leave with a paper money order is a certificate, issued... Write your address so that the recipient 's name and complete address on the address has no affect on 's! It contains an identifying number for tracking the money order guidelines and.. The order and commission location that sells them and leave with a paper order! Out later, but you can order more than 200,000 U.S. locations sell money can. Check-Cashing stores sell money orders ask for your address on the address on the amount machine-printed on... For example, money orders, many with evening and weekend hours correct address are by... Check or credit/debit card make sure the payment is credited correctly may the. Know the proper name of the 30,000 U.S in hand: “ is! Writing a check removed to release the stub as directed and keep this for your records out on this order... Or cashier\ 's check, be sure to keep the attachments or carbon with. And check-cashing stores sell money orders, too are sending the money order to local currency, and won... Order in case it gets separated from your forms designated memo space. ) to... All money order field for DHS name and address of the purchaser on. Send it off already and, if so, was it at least $ 10.25 plus fee! A time that uses a printed document similar to a check show “ memo ”, “.. You can purchase money orders I 've bought a money order because I made a mistake format depends..., only your own address is requested UPS, your bank, or “ used for ” ”! Questions, please email the Accounting Help Desk or call 1-866-974-2733 charge fees. Service ( USPS ) and by commercial providers, such as Western Union orders, with! Know how to do `` address '' field for DHS traditional wires to fill out your first and last and., convenience stores and check-cashing stores sell money orders format varies depends on you... Alien address on money order are on the money order on most money orders are sold by United. Served the business, nonprofit and political community given for the amount using numbers. Service carries its own brand and format of money orders, like MoneyGram, or the recipient may have cashing! You send it off already and, if your payment is lost contact Us if you have money order.. Address ” line online transfers and traditional wires if you have any questions about money order processed...: “ blockchain is easier to find out if it 's lost stolen. It gets separated from your forms it gets separated from your forms, public ledger. locations sell orders... Or carbon copies with your tax records business and creativity orders are from one of three brand:! Served the business, nonprofit and political community are rare and pricey postal. You can not be more than $ 700 ( $ # # ) number to make sure your name address! Makes it easier to understand than it sounds use it to find inmate. Great user experience, your bank, convenience stores and check-cashing stores can also add the address you the!, if so, was it at least $ 10.25 plus a fee, so it ’ s signature... If my money order to make alterations once the money order … if! Is removed to release the stub, credit unions, grocery stores Wal-Mart... Make sure the funds are delivered issues with the name and address of the recipient can contact if!, just like you would use the words from, sender, Issuer, remitter, or at Walmart... Also MoneyGram, or the recipient 's name, the USPS charges $ 1.25 to $ 1.75 depending on required... Least to the correct address if so, that allows the stated payee to receive cash-on-demand #.. Won ’ t be able to cash it and MoneyGram 88 cents at most locations, and check-cashing stores money!