What goes in each blank on a Chase money order

A Chase money order has six main fields: payee name, amount in numbers, amount in words, your name and address, the recipient's address, and a memo line. You fill them in order from top to bottom, using blue or black ink only. The payee name is who will cash or deposit the money order — write it clearly and spell it exactly as the person or business has told you. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out; ask the teller for a new form.

The amount goes in two places: once as numerals in the box marked with a dollar sign, and once spelled out in words on the line below. These must match exactly. If you are sending $150, write "150.00" in the number box and "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100" on the words line. The cents always go as a fraction over 100, even if there are no cents — so $150 flat is "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100".

Your name and address go in the "From" section, usually in the lower left. This is how the recipient knows who sent the money order if there is a problem. The recipient's name and address go in the "Pay to the order of" or "Payee address" section. Write the street address, city, state, and ZIP code clearly — the postal service will not deliver a money order with an incomplete address.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name, dollar amount in numbers, and amount in words before you hand the form to the teller.
  • The amount in numbers and the amount in words must match exactly, with cents written as a fraction over 100.
  • Include your full name and address in the "From" section so the recipient can contact you if the money order is lost.
  • Use blue or black ink only, and ask for a replacement form if you make a mistake — do not cross anything out.
  • Keep your receipt and the money order number until the recipient confirms they have received and cashed it.

Where to write your signature and memo

Do not sign the money order yourself. The person who cashes or deposits it signs on the back, in the endorsement section. Your signature does not go on a Chase money order. If you see a signature line on the front, leave it blank.

The memo line is optional and appears near the bottom of the form. Use it to note what the money order is for — "Rent for March," "Invoice #4521," or "Birthday gift" — so the recipient knows the purpose at a glance. Keep this brief; you have only a small space. This memo is for your records and the recipient's; it does not affect how the money order works.

How to buy a money order at Chase and pay for it

Go to any Chase branch during business hours with cash or a debit card. Tell the teller you want to buy a money order and hand them the completed form. Chase charges a fee for each money order; the amount varies by state and branch, typically between $5 and $10. Ask the teller what the fee is before you hand over payment. You pay the teller the amount of the money order plus the fee — so a $500 money order with a $7 fee costs you $507 total.

The teller will print the money order, assign it a tracking number, and give you a receipt. Write down the money order number from your receipt and keep it in a safe place. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you will need this number to file a claim and get your money back. The teller will also tell you how long the money order is valid — Chase money orders are typically good for one year from the date of issue, though some states allow longer.

What happens if you make a mistake before you pay

If you notice an error before you hand the form to the teller, ask for a new blank form. Do not try to erase or cross out the mistake; money orders are designed to be tamper-resistant, and corrections make them invalid. The teller will give you a fresh form at no extra charge if you have not yet paid for the first one.

If you have already paid for the money order and then spot a mistake, tell the teller immediately. Some mistakes — like a misspelled payee name or wrong amount — mean the recipient may not be able to cash it. The teller can sometimes issue a replacement, but policies vary. It is faster and easier to get it right the first time by reading the form carefully before you pay.

How to track a money order and what to do if it does not arrive

Keep your receipt with the money order number written on it. Give a copy of the receipt to the recipient so they know the tracking number. They can use this number to check whether the money order has been cashed. If the recipient says they never received it, you can contact Chase with the money order number and receipt to file a claim.

Chase will investigate whether the money order was cashed. If it was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, Chase can help you dispute it. If it was never cashed, Chase can issue you a replacement money order or refund. This process usually takes two to four weeks. Until it is resolved, ask the recipient to let you know the moment they receive a replacement or refund so you can confirm the money reached them.

Money orders versus other payment methods from Chase

A Chase money order is safer than cash because it has a tracking number and can be replaced if lost. It is also safer than a personal check because the funds are may provide — Chase has already taken the money from your account. A money order works when the recipient does not have your bank account number or does not trust a check.

If you are sending money to someone you know well and who has a bank account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer is often faster and cheaper. A wire transfer moves money the same day but costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer is free but takes three to five business days. A money order takes one to three business days to arrive by mail and costs $5 to $10. Choose based on how fast you need the money to arrive and how much you want to spend on the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chase money order online or by phone?

No. Chase money orders must be purchased in person at a branch. You cannot order them online or by phone. Go to your nearest Chase branch with cash or a debit card, fill out the form with the teller's help, and pay the fee at that time.

What if the payee name has a middle initial or suffix like Jr. or LLC?

Write the name exactly as the recipient has told you or as it appears on their business documents. If they say "John Q. Smith Jr.," write it that way. If they say "ABC Company LLC," include the LLC. Spelling and punctuation matter because the recipient has to sign or endorse the money order with a matching name.

Can I get my money back if I change my mind after buying the money order?

Yes, but only if the money order has not been cashed. Bring the receipt and the unused money order to a Chase branch. The teller can cancel it and refund your money, though some branches may charge a small fee for the cancellation. If the money order has already been cashed, you cannot get the money back unless it was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient.

What if I lost the receipt with the money order number?

Contact Chase with the date you bought the money order, the amount, and the payee name. The branch can look up the money order number in their records. You will need to verify your identity and may need to show ID. Keep this information handy so you can file a claim if the money order goes missing.

How long does a Chase money order stay valid?

Chase money orders are typically valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, the recipient may have trouble cashing it, and you may not be able to file a claim for a replacement. Check your receipt or ask the teller for the exact expiration date when you buy it.