What you write on a Walmart money order and where
A Walmart money order has five main blanks you need to fill in: the payee name, the amount in numbers, the amount in words, your name as the sender, and your address. You fill these in with a pen (not pencil) before you hand the money order to the cashier. The order itself is a pre-printed form — Walmart provides it at the register when you ask for one.
The payee is the person or business who will cash the money order. Write their name clearly on the line marked "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." If you're paying a business, use the exact legal name — for example, "ABC Electric Inc." rather than "ABC Electric." If you're unsure of the exact name, ask the person or check a recent bill.
The amount goes in two places: once as numbers (like $45.50) in the box marked "Amount" or "$," and once written out in words (like "Forty-five dollars and 50/100") on the longer line. The written-out version is the legal version if the two don't match, so take time with this line. Write the dollars in words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100 — so 50 cents becomes "50/100."
Key Takeaways
- Write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — use the exact legal name of the person or business cashing the money order.
- Fill in the amount twice: once as numbers in the dollar box, and once written out in words on the longer line, with cents as a fraction over 100.
- Sign the money order in the space marked "From" or "Purchaser" — your signature is required for the money order to be valid.
- Write your address and phone number on the back or in the space marked "Sender" so the payee can contact you if there is a problem.
- Keep your receipt until the payee confirms they received and cashed the money order.
Where to sign and what your signature means
You sign the money order in the box marked "From," "Purchaser," or "Sender" — the exact label depends on which Walmart form you receive, but it is always on the front. Your signature proves you authorized the payment. Do not sign it before you hand it to the cashier; sign it at the register after you have filled in the payee and amount.
The signature line is not optional. A money order without a signature from the person who bought it cannot be cashed. If you make a mistake on the signature line, ask the cashier for a new money order — do not cross out and initial.
Your name and address: why they matter
Write your full name and address on the line marked "Sender," "From," or "Purchaser Address." Walmart money orders also have a space for a phone number — fill this in if you have one. This information lets the payee contact you if the money order is lost, damaged, or if they have a question about the payment.
Your address is also used if you ever need to file a claim for a lost or stolen money order. Walmart keeps a record of the money order number, amount, payee, and sender address. If the money order never reaches the payee, you can contact Walmart with your receipt and the money order number to start a replacement process, which usually takes 30 to 60 days.
The amount line: numbers versus words
The two-part amount is a safety feature. Write the dollar amount in the box first — this is the quick-read version. Then write it out in words on the longer line. If someone tries to alter the money order after you fill it out, the written version is what the bank or cashier will honor, so accuracy here protects both you and the payee.
For the written line, use this format: write the whole dollar amount in words, then add "and" and the cents as a fraction. So $120.75 becomes "One hundred twenty dollars and 75/100." If the amount is a whole dollar with no cents, write "and 00/100" at the end. Do not use decimals on the words line — always use the fraction format.
Common mistakes to avoid when filling out
The most common error is writing the payee name wrong or incompletely. If you write "John Smith" but the payee's legal name is "John Michael Smith" or "John Smith Jr.," the money order may be rejected or delayed. Call ahead or check a bill if you are unsure.
The second common mistake is leaving the amount line in words blank or writing it incorrectly. Some people write "$45.50" in words as "Forty-five dollars fifty cents" instead of "Forty-five dollars and 50/100." The fraction format is required. If you make a mistake, ask for a replacement — do not cross out.
A third mistake is forgetting to sign the money order. Many people fill in the payee and amount, then hand it to the cashier unsigned. The cashier will catch this, but it slows down the transaction. Sign it before you leave the register.
Do not write anything in the spaces marked "For," "Memo," or "Reference" unless Walmart's form specifically asks you to. These fields are optional and can confuse the payee if filled incorrectly.
What happens after you hand it to the cashier
After you fill out the money order and sign it, you hand it to the cashier along with cash for the amount of the money order plus the fee. Walmart charges a fee for each money order — the amount varies by location and the money order amount, typically between $0.70 and $1.50. The cashier will not process the money order if you do not pay this fee.
The cashier will verify that all the blanks are filled in correctly. If something is missing or wrong, they will ask you to correct it before they process it. Once they accept it, they will stamp it and give you a receipt. Keep this receipt. It shows the money order number, amount, payee, and the date. If the payee says they never received it, you will need this receipt to file a claim.
How to send the money order to the payee
Once you have the completed money order and receipt, you need to get it to the payee. If you are paying someone in person, hand it to them directly. If you are mailing it, put it in an envelope with a letter explaining what it is for, seal it, and mail it through the U.S. Postal Service. Do not send a money order through an unsecured method or leave it in a mailbox unattended.
If you are mailing the money order, consider using Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you have proof of delivery. This costs extra but protects you if the payee claims they never received it. Keep your receipt and the return receipt together until the payee confirms they cashed the money order.
What to do if you make a mistake
If you fill out the money order incorrectly before handing it to the cashier, tell the cashier when ready. They will void it and issue you a new one. You will not be charged twice — the fee applies to the completed money order, not to voided ones. Do not try to cross out, white out, or write over mistakes. A money order with alterations may be rejected by the payee's bank.
If you realize the mistake after you have left Walmart, contact Walmart customer service with your receipt and the money order number. Depending on the error and whether the payee has already cashed it, Walmart may be able to issue a replacement or refund. This process takes time, so catching mistakes at the register is much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pencil to fill out a money order?
No. Use a pen with black or blue ink. Pencil can be erased, which creates a security risk. If you make a mistake in pen, ask the cashier for a new money order rather than trying to correct it.
What if the payee's name is a business with a long legal name?
Write the full legal name as it appears on official documents or bills. If the name is too long for the line, write as much as you can in the correct order, starting with the first word. Ask the cashier if you can use the back of the form to complete the name, or ask the business which shortened version they accept on money orders.
Do I need to fill in the memo or reference line?
Only if the payee asks you to. Some businesses request a reference number, invoice number, or account number in this space so they can match the payment to your account. If they do not ask for it, leave it blank.
What if I lose the money order before the payee cashes it?
Contact Walmart with your receipt and the money order number. Walmart can place a stop on the money order and issue a replacement, though this process typically takes 30 to 60 days. This is why keeping your receipt is important.
Can the payee cash a money order that someone else filled out?
Yes, as long as the payee name matches their name and the money order is not altered. The sender's signature does not prevent the payee from cashing it — it only proves the sender authorized the payment. The payee will need to sign the back of the money order when they cash it.