What goes in each blank on a Chase money order
A Chase money order has six main blanks to fill in. Start at the top left with the Pay to the Order of line — write the name of the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Use their full legal name if you have it, and write clearly in pen so there is no question about who should receive the money.
The Amount section has two places: one for numbers and one for words. Write the dollar amount in numbers in the box on the right (for example, $150.00). On the line below it, write out the same amount in words (for example, "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100"). This double-entry prevents someone from changing the amount after you fill it out.
Next is the Memo line, which is optional. Use this space if you want to note what the money is for — for example, "rent payment" or "invoice 2024-001". This helps both you and the recipient keep track of what the money order covers.
Key Takeaways
- Write the recipient's full name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and write the dollar amount in both numbers and words to prevent tampering.
- Sign the money order in the bottom right corner only after you have filled in all other blanks and are ready to hand it over.
- Keep your receipt stub, which shows the money order number and amount — this is your proof of payment if there is ever a dispute.
- Do not fill in the "Purchaser" section yourself; Chase fills this in when you buy the money order at the branch or ATM.
- Money orders from Chase cost a small fee, which varies by whether you buy it in person or through an ATM.
Where to sign and when
The Purchaser/Signer line at the bottom right is where you sign. This is the last step — sign only when you are about to give the money order to the recipient or mail it. Do not sign it ahead of time. Your signature proves you authorized the payment and makes the money order valid.
The Purchaser section on the left side of the money order is filled in by Chase when you buy it, not by you. This shows who bought the money order and when. You will see this information printed on your receipt stub.
Using pen, not pencil
Always use a pen with black or blue ink. Pencil can be erased, which means someone could change the recipient's name or the amount after you have filled it out. Pen makes the money order harder to alter and shows that you took care in filling it out correctly.
Write clearly and stay within the lines. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use correction fluid — ask Chase for a new money order. Most branches will issue a replacement at no extra charge if you catch the error before you leave.
The receipt stub you keep
When you buy a money order from Chase, you receive a receipt stub. This stub shows the money order number, the amount, the date, and the fee you paid. Tear it off carefully and keep it in a safe place — do not throw it away.
The receipt stub is your proof that you bought the money order and sent the money. If the recipient says they never received it, or if there is a dispute about the amount, you can use this stub to trace the money order through Chase's system. Hold onto it for at least 60 days after you send the money order.
How to buy a money order at Chase
You can buy a money order in person at any Chase branch during business hours, or through a Chase ATM if your account is set up for it. At a branch, go to the teller and ask for a money order. Tell them the amount you need. They will print a blank money order and show you where to fill in the blanks.
At an ATM, insert your debit card, select "Withdraw Cash," then look for a "Money Order" or "Other Services" option. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the amount. The ATM will print the money order and dispense it along with your receipt. The fee for an ATM money order is often lower than the fee at a branch, though this varies by location.
Chase charges a fee for each money order, usually between $5 and $10 depending on the amount and whether you buy it in person or at an ATM. This fee is deducted from your account when you buy the money order.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the "Pay to the Order of" line blank and plan to fill it in later. If you lose the money order or someone finds it, they could write in their own name and cash it. Always fill in the recipient's name before you leave the bank.
Do not write an amount in numbers but forget the words version, or write them differently. If the two amounts do not match, the bank may refuse to cash the money order until the discrepancy is cleared up. Take a few seconds to make sure both versions say the same thing.
Do not sign the money order until you are ready to hand it over or mail it. A signed blank money order is as good as cash to whoever holds it. If you sign it early and then misplace it, someone else could cash it in your name.
What to do if you make a mistake
If you notice an error before you leave the bank, tell the teller right away. They can usually cancel the money order and issue a new one without charging you an extra fee. Keep both the original receipt and the new receipt so you have a record of what happened.
If you discover a mistake after you have left the bank, contact Chase as soon as you can. Bring your receipt stub and explain the error. Chase can place a stop on the money order if it has not been cashed yet, though this process takes time. If the money order has already been cashed by the wrong person, the situation becomes more complicated, which is why it is important to fill it out correctly the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a money order to myself?
Yes, you can write a money order to yourself. Put your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line. This is sometimes done when you need to move money between accounts or when you want a paper record of a payment. You will still need to sign it and can cash or deposit it at any bank.
What if I lose the money order before I send it?
Contact Chase when ready with your receipt stub. They can place a stop on the money order to prevent someone else from cashing it. You will likely have to wait a set period (often 30 to 90 days) to confirm it was not cashed, then Chase can issue a replacement. Keep your receipt stub in a safe place for this reason.
Can someone else sign the money order for me?
No. You must sign the money order yourself. The signature proves you authorized the payment. If someone else signs it, the money order may be considered invalid or fraudulent. If you cannot go to the bank in person, ask the recipient to pick up the money order on your behalf, or mail it to them unsigned and have them sign it before cashing it.
Is a money order safer than a personal check?
Yes, in most ways. A money order is prepaid, so the bank has already confirmed the money exists. A personal check can bounce if there is not enough money in your account. Money orders also have a tracking number, so you can trace them if they go missing. However, both require the recipient to deposit or cash them, so neither is when ready.
How long does it take for a money order to clear?
Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order, it usually clears within one to three business days, depending on the bank. Money orders are treated like checks in the banking system. Keep your receipt stub until you see the money has arrived on the recipient's end.