What You Write on a Western Union Money Order
A Western Union money order has two sides: the front (where you write the recipient's name and address) and the back (where you sign). You fill in the recipient's name, their address, and the amount in dollars and cents. Western Union prints the serial number and your receipt number automatically — you do not write those. The cashier fills in the issue date and the amount in words (like "Fifty Dollars") when you pay.
The money order itself does not ask for your name on the front, but Western Union will record your name and ID when you buy it at the counter. This record stays with Western Union, not on the money order. The recipient will see only their name, address, and the amount you are sending.
Key Takeaways
- Write the recipient's full name and complete mailing address on the front of the money order in blue or black ink.
- Write the dollar amount in numbers in the box labeled "Amount" — the cashier will write it in words on a separate line.
- Sign the back of the money order in the "Purchaser's Signature" box before you leave the counter.
- Keep your receipt stub, which shows the serial number and amount — you will need it if the money order is lost or never cashed.
- Do not write anything in the "Payee's Endorsement" box on the back; the recipient signs there when they cash it.
The Front: Recipient Information and Amount
On the front of the money order, locate the line that says "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." Write the recipient's full name here in clear, legible handwriting using blue or black ink. Use the name exactly as it appears on their ID or bank account — if they go by "Robert" but their account says "Bob," use "Bob." Misspelled names can delay or prevent the recipient from cashing the money order.
Below the payee line, you will see a box or line for the address. Write the recipient's complete mailing address: street address, city, state, and ZIP code. This address is not required for the money order to work, but it helps the recipient know who sent it and gives them a place to contact you if there is a problem.
Find the box labeled "Amount" (usually on the right side of the front). Write the dollar amount in numbers only — for example, write "150.00" for one hundred fifty dollars. Use a dollar sign and include cents, even if the amount is a whole number. The cashier will write the amount in words on a separate line below this box (for example, "One Hundred Fifty Dollars and 00/100"). Do not write the amount in words yourself; that is the cashier's job.
The Back: Your Signature
Turn the money order over to the back. You will see a box labeled "Purchaser's Signature" or "Drawer's Signature." This is where you sign. Sign your name the same way you sign checks or other documents — your signature does not have to match any particular format, but it should be consistent with your other signatures. Sign in blue or black ink.
Do not write anything in the box labeled "Payee's Endorsement" or "Recipient's Signature." That box is for the person who cashes the money order, not for you. If you write in that box, you may invalidate the money order or create confusion when the recipient tries to cash it.
Some Western Union money orders have a memo line or "For" line on the back. You can write a brief note here if you want — for example, "Rent for March" or "Birthday gift" — but this is optional and not required.
What the Cashier Fills In
When you hand the money order to the cashier to pay for it, they will fill in information you do not write. The cashier stamps or prints the issue date (the date you bought the money order), writes the amount in words, and may add their initials or a teller number. They will also give you a receipt stub that matches the money order — this stub has the same serial number as the money order itself.
Check that the amount the cashier wrote matches what you asked for before you leave the counter. If there is an error, ask the cashier to void that money order and issue a new one. Once you leave, you cannot change the amount or the payee name.
Keeping Your Receipt and Tracking Information
Western Union gives you a receipt stub when you buy the money order. This stub shows the serial number, the amount, the issue date, and the payee name. Keep this receipt in a safe place until the recipient tells you they have cashed the money order. The serial number is how you track the money order if it gets lost in the mail or if the recipient says they never received it.
If the money order is lost or not cashed within a certain time period (usually one to three years, depending on your state), you can contact Western Union with your receipt and request a refund or replacement. Without the receipt, Western Union cannot help you locate or replace the money order.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use pencil — use only blue or black ink. Pencil can smudge or fade, and some banks will not accept a money order written in pencil. Do not cross out or erase anything on the money order. If you make a mistake, ask the cashier to void it and start over with a new one.
Do not leave the "Pay to the Order of" line blank and plan to fill it in later. A blank money order can be cashed by anyone, and you will have no way to recover the money. Always fill in the recipient's name before you leave the counter.
Do not sign the back before you hand it to the cashier. Some sources say to sign after the cashier finishes, but Western Union policy typically allows you to sign before or after — the important thing is that your signature is on the back before the recipient receives it. If you are unsure, ask the cashier when they want you to sign.
Sending the Money Order to the Recipient
Once you have filled out the money order and signed it, you can mail it or hand it to the recipient in person. If you mail it, use a tracked mailing method (like USPS Certified Mail or Priority Mail with tracking) so you know when it arrives. Regular mail does not provide proof of delivery, and if the money order is lost, you will have a harder time proving you sent it.
Write the recipient's address on the envelope the same way you wrote it on the money order. Include a return address on the envelope so the post office can return it to you if there is a delivery problem. Do not write the amount on the outside of the envelope — this is a security risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I make a mistake writing the recipient's name?
Stop and ask the cashier to void the money order. Do not cross out or try to correct the name yourself — a corrected money order may not be accepted. The cashier will issue a new one at no extra charge, and you can fill it out correctly the second time.
Can I write a money order to myself?
Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, sign the back, and you can cash it at any bank or Western Union location. This is sometimes done to transfer money between accounts or to get cash from a store that sells money orders.
What if the recipient loses the money order before they cash it?
They can contact Western Union with the serial number (from your receipt) and request a replacement or refund. If they do not have the serial number, you can provide it from your receipt stub. Western Union will verify that the original money order was not cashed and issue a new one or refund the amount.
Do I need to include a return address on the money order itself?
No. Your name and address are recorded by Western Union when you buy the money order, but they do not go on the money order itself. If you want the recipient to know who sent it, you can write a brief note on the memo line on the back, or include a separate note in the envelope.
Can someone else cash a money order I wrote to a specific person?
Not easily. The money order is made out to a specific person by name, so most banks and check-cashing services will ask that person to sign the back and show ID. However, the recipient can sign the back and give it to someone else to cash on their behalf — this is called endorsing the money order. The person cashing it will need to show ID, but the name on their ID does not have to match the payee name.