How to Fill Out a Chase Bank Money Order

What you write on a Chase money order and where

A Chase money order has six main blanks you need to fill in. Start with the Pay to the Order of line — this is where you write the name of the person or business that will cash the money order. Write clearly in pen, using the full legal name if you know it. Do not use abbreviations or nicknames.

Next, fill in the Amount field. You will see two places for this: one with a dollar sign and one that says "Dollars." Write the dollar amount in numbers in the first box (for example, 150.00), then write out the same amount in words on the "Dollars" line (One Hundred Fifty and 00/100). The written-out version must match the number version exactly — if they do not match, the money order may be rejected.

On the Memo or For line, you can write a brief note about what the money order is for — for example, "Rent" or "Invoice #1234." This line is optional but helpful for record-keeping. Keep it short and factual.

The Purchaser or From line is where you write your own name and address. This identifies who bought the money order. Chase will print your information here automatically if you purchase the money order at a branch, but if you buy one elsewhere, you will need to fill this in yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Write the recipient's full name on the "Pay to the Order of" line in pen, using their legal name without abbreviations.
• Enter the dollar amount twice — once in numbers and once written out in words — and make sure both versions match exactly.
• Your own name and address go on the "Purchaser" or "From" line so the money order can be traced back to you if needed.
• Do not sign the money order until you are ready to give it to the recipient, and never sign it blank.
• Keep your receipt from the Chase teller or ATM, which shows the money order number and amount paid.

Where to sign and when

The Signature line is at the bottom of the money order. This is where you sign your name — the same way you sign checks or other documents. Do not sign the money order until you are about to hand it to the person who will cash it. Signing it early or leaving it blank creates a security risk, since anyone who has the unsigned money order can fill in their own name and cash it.

If you make a mistake while filling out the money order, do not cross anything out or use white-out. Money orders with alterations are often rejected by banks. Instead, ask the Chase teller or ATM for a replacement and discard the incorrect one.

How to buy a money order at Chase

You can purchase a Chase money order at any Chase branch during business hours or at a Chase ATM that offers this service. At a branch, go to the teller window and tell them you want to buy a money order. They will ask you for the amount and may ask who it is being paid to, though you can fill that in yourself if you prefer.

At a Chase ATM, look for the "Services" or "More" menu and select the money order option if available. Not all Chase ATMs offer money orders, so you may need to visit a branch instead. The teller or ATM will charge you a fee for the money order — this fee varies by location and account type, so ask before you complete the transaction.

After you purchase the money order, the teller or ATM will give you a receipt. Keep this receipt. It shows the money order number, the amount, and the date of purchase. If the money order is lost or never cashed, you will need this receipt to file a claim with Chase.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the amount in numbers and words differently. If you write "$100" in the number field but "Fifty Dollars" in the words field, the money order will be rejected or the recipient will have to contact Chase to clarify which amount is correct. Always double-check that both versions match before you hand over the money order.

Another frequent mistake is leaving the "Pay to the Order of" line blank or writing it in pencil. Banks will not cash a money order without a clear, permanent name in this field. If you are not sure of the exact spelling of the recipient's name, ask them before you fill it in.

Do not write a money order to yourself or to "Cash." Chase money orders must have a specific payee name. If you need cash, withdraw it from your account instead of buying a money order.

What to do if you lose the money order or it is not cashed

If your money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, contact Chase as soon as possible with your receipt. Provide the money order number, the amount, and the date of purchase. Chase will place a stop on that money order and issue you a replacement, though this process can take several weeks.

If you gave the money order to someone and it was never cashed, you can also contact Chase to check the status. They can tell you whether it has been presented for payment. If it has not been cashed after a certain period of time (usually one to three years, depending on your state), you may be able to get a refund.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it has a specific payee and a tracking number. Unlike a personal check, a money order is prepaid — the recipient knows the funds are already set aside. However, money orders cost more than checks and take longer to process than electronic transfers.

If the recipient has a bank account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer is usually faster and cheaper. If you need to send money to someone without a bank account or who does not accept electronic payments, a money order is a good choice. Some landlords, utilities, and government agencies still prefer or require money orders over checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chase money order online?

No, Chase does not sell money orders online. You must purchase them in person at a Chase branch or at a Chase ATM that offers the service. Visit your nearest branch during business hours or check the Chase website to find an ATM near you that has money order capability.

What if I write the wrong amount on the money order?

Do not cross it out or use white-out. Ask the teller or ATM for a replacement money order and discard the incorrect one. The fee you paid covers one money order, so you should not be charged again for the replacement if the error was made during the purchase process.

How long does it take for a money order to be cashed?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order at their bank, it typically clears within one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank. The money order itself is not delayed — the time depends on how quickly the recipient takes it to their bank and how fast their bank processes it.

Do I need an account at Chase to buy a money order?

No, you do not need a Chase account. You can walk into any Chase branch with cash and purchase a money order. However, if you have a Chase account, you can also buy one using funds from your account at the teller window or at an ATM.

What happens if the recipient loses the money order before cashing it?

The recipient should contact Chase with the money order number and receipt information. Chase can place a stop on it and issue a replacement. If the recipient does not have the receipt, they will need to provide the amount, date of purchase, and your name as the purchaser so Chase can track it down.