What goes in each blank on a Chase money order
A Chase money order has six main blanks: the amount, the payee name, your name as the purchaser, your address, the payee's address, and a memo line. You fill them in order from top to bottom, using a pen (not pencil), and the bank teller will handle the serial number and official stamp. The payee name is the person or business who will cash or deposit the money order — this is the most important blank because the money order cannot be cashed by anyone else.
The amount goes in two places: once in numbers (like $150.00) and once written out in words (like "One hundred fifty dollars"). If these do not match, the money order may be rejected. Write clearly and do not use abbreviations. The memo line is optional and is meant for a note about what the money order is for — for example, "rent payment" or "invoice 2847" — but it is not required.
Key Takeaways
- Write the payee name (who will cash it) in the "Pay to the Order of" line, and only that person or business can deposit or cash the money order.
- Write the dollar amount in both numbers and words, and they must match or the money order may be rejected.
- Use a pen, write clearly, and do not cross out or erase — if you make a mistake, ask the teller for a new form.
- Bring your ID and the cash or funds to pay for the money order plus the Chase fee, which varies by location.
- Keep your receipt until the payee confirms they received and cashed the money order.
Where to write your information and the payee's address
Your name and address go in the "From" section, usually in the lower left of the form. This tells the bank who purchased the money order. The payee's address goes in the "Pay to the Order of" section next to or below the payee name — this is optional but helpful if the payee is a business or if the money order is being mailed. If you do not know the payee's address, you can leave it blank, but having it reduces the chance of delivery problems if the money order is lost or delayed.
Do not write in the boxes marked for bank use only — these are for Chase staff to complete. The serial number, bank routing information, and official stamp are all added by the teller after you pay. If you accidentally write in a bank-only section, ask for a new form rather than trying to correct it.
How much the money order costs and what payment methods Chase accepts
Chase charges a fee for each money order, and the fee amount depends on your account type and branch location. Customers with certain Chase checking accounts may have lower fees or no fee at all, while others typically pay between $5 and $10 per money order. You can pay for the money order and its fee using cash, a debit card, or funds from your Chase account. You cannot pay with a credit card.
Ask the teller what the fee is before you hand over payment, so you know the total cost. If you are sending money to someone else, remember that the payee will receive the full amount you write on the money order — the fee comes out of your pocket, not theirs. Some people add the fee amount to the total they write on the form so the payee gets the full sum they expected.
What to do if you make a mistake while filling it out
Do not cross out, erase, or use white-out on a money order form. If you write something wrong, tell the teller when ready and ask for a new blank form. The bank will not charge you for the replacement form, but you will have to pay the fee again. This is why it helps to fill out the form slowly and double-check the payee name and amount before handing it to the teller.
If you realize the mistake after the teller has already completed the money order (added the serial number and stamp), you can sometimes request a refund or replacement, but policies vary by branch. It is faster and easier to catch errors before the teller processes it. If the money order has already been cashed by the payee and you discover an error, contact Chase customer service — they may be able to help, but recovery is not may provide.
How to send the money order once it is completed
After the teller finishes, you will receive the completed money order and a receipt. The receipt shows the serial number, amount, and fee paid. Keep the receipt until the payee tells you they have received and cashed the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen in the mail, you will need the serial number from the receipt to file a claim with Chase.
If you are mailing the money order, send it through the postal service with tracking, or use a courier service that provides proof of delivery. Do not send cash in the mail. Write the payee's address clearly on the envelope. If the money order is for a local payment, you can hand it to the payee in person, which eliminates the risk of it being lost in transit.
What happens if the payee loses the money order or it never arrives
If the money order is lost or never reaches the payee, you can file a claim with Chase using the serial number from your receipt. The bank will investigate and may issue a replacement or refund, but this process can take several weeks. During that time, the payee will not have the funds, so contact them as soon as you realize there is a problem and let them know you are working on a replacement.
To speed up a claim, bring your receipt to a Chase branch in person. Have the serial number, the amount, the date of purchase, and the payee name ready. The teller will file the claim and give you a reference number. Chase will then contact the payee's bank to see if the money order has been cashed. If it has not been cashed within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 90 days depending on the state), Chase can issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else cash a money order if I write their name on it?
Only the person or business whose name is on the "Pay to the Order of" line can cash or deposit the money order. If you write the wrong name, the money order cannot be used. This is why it is important to get the payee name exactly right before the teller processes it.
What if I write the amount in words wrong but the numbers are correct?
If the written-out amount does not match the number amount, the money order may be rejected by the bank or the payee. Some banks will honor the number amount, but others will not. Ask the teller to issue a new one rather than risk the payee being unable to cash it.
Do I need to sign a money order?
Chase money orders do not require your signature as the purchaser. The payee may need to sign it when they cash it, depending on where they are cashing it. Check with the payee's bank or business to see if they have any signature requirements.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after buying the money order?
Yes, if the money order has not been cashed, you can return it to Chase with your receipt and request a refund. The bank will refund the amount of the money order but may keep the fee. Policies vary by branch, so ask at the time of purchase what their refund policy is.