What goes in each blank on a Chase money order

A Chase money order has six main blanks: the amount in numbers, the amount in words, the payee name, your name as the purchaser, your address, and a memo line. You fill them in order from top to bottom, using a pen (not pencil). The amount in numbers goes in the box marked with a dollar sign; the amount in words goes on the long line next to it. The payee is the person or business receiving the money. Your information goes in the purchaser section so the recipient knows who sent it. The memo line is optional and typically holds a reference like an account number or invoice number.

Money orders from Chase come in two formats: one you purchase at a branch and fill out there, or one you order by mail. Both use the same layout. Chase money orders are typically available in amounts up to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you can purchase multiple money orders.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the dollar amount in both numbers (in the box) and words (on the line) to prevent alteration or rejection.
  • The payee name must match exactly how the recipient's bank or business has their account registered, or the money order may be rejected.
  • Your name and address as the purchaser go in the bottom section and serve as proof of who bought the money order.
  • Money orders from Chase cost between $5 and $10 depending on the amount and your account type, and the fee is charged when you purchase.
  • Do not sign the money order until you are ready to hand it to the recipient or mail it; signing it early makes it payable to whoever holds it.

Where each piece of information goes

Amount in numbers: Look for the box with a dollar sign ($) symbol, usually in the upper right corner. Write the amount using numerals only—for example, 250.00 for two hundred fifty dollars. Do not use commas. If the amount is less than one dollar, write it as 0.50 for fifty cents.

Amount in words: On the line next to the dollar box, write out the amount in words. For $250, write "Two Hundred Fifty Dollars" or "Two Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars." This line protects against fraud because if the numbers and words do not match, the money order is typically rejected. Write clearly and use capital letters for the first letter of each word.

Payee name: This is the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Write their name exactly as it appears on their bank account or business registration. If you write "John Smith" but their account says "John Michael Smith," the recipient's bank may reject it. Ask the recipient to confirm the exact name if you are unsure.

Purchaser information: Write your full name and current address in the section marked "From" or "Purchaser." This identifies you as the buyer and is required by federal law for money orders over $3,000. Chase keeps a record of this information.

Signing and timing

Do not sign the money order until you are about to give it to the recipient or place it in the mail. A signed money order with no payee name is treated as cash—anyone who holds it can cash it. If you sign it early and then lose it, you cannot stop payment the way you can with a check.

Your signature goes on the line marked "Purchaser Signature" or "From Signature," usually at the bottom of the form. Sign in pen, not pencil. If you are mailing the money order, sign it just before sealing the envelope.

Common mistakes that cause rejection

The most frequent reason a money order is rejected is a mismatch between the amount in numbers and the amount in words. If you write $100 in the box but "Fifty Dollars" on the line, the recipient's bank will refuse it. Double-check both before handing it over.

Writing the payee name incorrectly is the second most common problem. Banks match the name on the money order to the account name exactly. Misspellings, missing middle initials, or using a nickname instead of a legal name will cause a rejection. If you make a mistake on the payee line, do not cross it out—ask Chase for a replacement.

Signing the money order before you know who the payee is, or signing it and then changing your mind about who receives it, creates a security problem. Once signed, the money order is difficult to cancel. If you need to void it, contact Chase immediately with your receipt.

Cost and where to buy at Chase

Chase charges a fee to issue a money order, typically between $5 and $10 depending on the amount and whether you are a Chase customer. The fee is deducted from your account at the time of purchase. Some Chase checking accounts waive the fee for a limited number of money orders per month—check your account benefits or ask a teller.

You can purchase a money order at any Chase branch during business hours. Bring your debit card or checkbook to identify yourself. You do not need to have a Chase account to buy a money order, but you will need a valid ID. If you prefer not to visit a branch, you can order money orders by mail through Chase's website, though this takes longer and you will not receive them immediately.

What to do if you lose or damage a money order

If you lose a money order before it is cashed, contact Chase as soon as possible with your receipt. Chase can place a stop on it, similar to stopping payment on a check, but only if the money order has not already been cashed. You will need to provide the money order number, the amount, the payee name, and the date of purchase. There is usually a fee for a stop-payment request, and the process takes several business days.

If the money order is damaged—torn, water-damaged, or with ink smeared across it—do not attempt to tape it or repair it. Take it to a Chase branch with your receipt and ask for a replacement. Chase will issue a new one at no additional charge if the damage is not your fault.

Money orders versus other payment methods

A money order is safer than sending cash through the mail because it has a tracking number and can be replaced if lost. It is also more secure than a personal check because the funds are may provide—the recipient does not have to worry about the check bouncing. However, money orders cost more than checks and take longer to process than electronic transfers like ACH or wire transfers.

If the recipient needs the money quickly, a wire transfer or same-day ACH through Chase may be faster. If you are paying a bill to a business, ask whether they accept electronic payment first. Money orders are most useful when the recipient does not have a bank account, when you are mailing payment to an address you do not fully trust, or when you need a paper record of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back if I fill out a money order wrong?

If you have not handed it to anyone, take it back to Chase with your receipt and ask for a replacement. Chase will void the incorrect one and issue a new one, usually at no charge. If the money order has already been cashed by the recipient, you cannot reverse it—money orders do not have a dispute process like credit cards do.

What if the payee name has a suffix like Jr. or III?

Write it exactly as the recipient tells you. If their legal name is "James Smith Jr." and you write "James Smith," the bank may reject it. Ask the recipient to confirm the exact spelling and any suffixes before you fill out the money order.

Do I need to show ID to buy a money order at Chase?

Yes, you must show a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. This is a federal requirement for money orders. You do not need a Chase account, but you do need to identify yourself.

How long does it take for a money order to clear?

Money orders typically clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits or cashes them. Some banks process them faster. The recipient should check with their bank for their specific timeline.

Can I cancel a money order after I have signed it?

Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Contact Chase immediately with your receipt and the money order number. There is usually a fee, and the process takes several business days. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot cancel it.