A money order is a secure way to send money from one person to another, similar to a check. You may be required to use a money order for an official transaction because the money is guaranteed. As a recipient, you may request a money order so you know the transaction is secure and the money is available.
MoneyGram is a company that assists with money orders, money transfers, and bill payments. While the company is not a bank that offers money orders, MoneyGram does have several locations around the United States. Customers may purchase money orders at participating locations.
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How to Send a MoneyGram Money Order
Ensure you have the money you want to send available in your account or as cash. Find a MoneyGram location that participates in the money order process. Provide payment for your money order, as well as additional fees, if needed. Complete all fields on the money order and keep your receipt. Deliver your money order to the recipient by mail or in person.
After you’ve sent your money order to the intended recipient, you can check the status of your MoneyGram money order. You may also call the automated line at 1(800) 542-3590 to check the status. Provide the money order serial and dollar amount, available on your receipt, to access the status. You’ll find out if the money order has been cashed yet and if so, the date the transaction took place.
Filling Out a MoneyGram Money Order
It’s important to fill out your money order with a blue or black ink pen and complete all fields as soon as you receive it. This may prevent fraudulent money order transactions. The amount is already completed but you must fill out the following additional fields:
- Recipient: This is the person or business you’re sending the money to and this field should be completed first. Ensure you spell the name correctly and write it clearly.
- Sender: You’re sending the money order, so your name should be placed in this area. In some cases, you may need to provide your phone number and address as well.
- Signature: As the sender, you must sign the money order. Your signature authorizes the transaction and allows the recipient to legally cash a money order.
Once you’ve sent the money order, keep the receipt.
How to Cash in a Moneygram Money Order
If you’re the recipient of a money order, the document should be treated similar to a check. Once you’ve received the money order, you may choose to cash it at a MoneyGram location. You must provide acceptable identification, which may be one of the following:
- Driver’s license;
- Identification card;
- Passport;
- Other government-issued identification.
You may receive cash for the money order amount or provide your banking information to have the amount distributed directly into your account.
MoneyGram Money Order Fees
The fees associated with your money order depend on the amount and the location you visit. MoneyGram offers money orders with fees as low as 89 cents. These fees are comparable to other money order providers. If you need a copy of the cashed money order after it’s been processed, you must submit a Service Form and $25 transaction fee.
How to Avoid Money Order Scams
To avoid money order scams, it’s important to:
- Only send money orders to people you know.
- Research offers or “prizes” to ensure they’re valid.
- Never send money to receive money.
If you believe you’ve been scammed, contact your local police department immediately. Submit a report through the National Consumers League’s Fraud Center and call the Federal Trade Commission at 1(877) FTC-HELP to file a claim.
Replacement Money Orders
You may request a replacement money order through MoneyGram if you misplaced the original. You must provide an $18 processing fee if requesting an online replacement or $25 if requesting a paper replacement. Your request takes about seven business days to complete and additional mailing time may apply for paper requests.
A money order through MoneyGram is a good solution if you don’t have a bank account or need to complete a secure transaction. Fill out your money order right away and track its status to ensure the transaction is completed correctly.
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