This article is originally posted on Sigue.

Money orders are a reliable, secure, and efficient way to pay for rent or goods and services. They provide an audit trail of payments made for tax or governance purposes. Also, unlike cash, if lost you can register a claim to get reimbursed for your hard-earned cash. 

A money order is a negotiable instrument with a cash value prepaid for an amount by a customer or sender. Both the sender and the business entity receiving the money order must sign for the money order to be redeemed, making it a reliable way to make traceable payments to the intended parties.

Here are the steps to complete a money order and how to file a claim and get reimbursed in case your money order is lost, misplaced or stolen.

How to Fill Out a Money Order

Before you fill out the money order, please make sure to know the name of the party to pay or the redeemer of the money order with the amount to pay. Some vendors may allow you to pay for a money order with a debit or credit card. However extra fees may apply if paying for the money order other than with cash.

Then, head to a Sigue location near you – here’s where to find one – and follow these steps. 

1. Fill in the recipient’s name. Look for the line, “Pay to the order of," "Pay to," or "Payee." In this field, write the full name of the party to pay or to redeem the money order. It is very important not to leave the payee field blank in case the money order is lost or stolen. A blank money order can be cashed by anyone, deposited into anyone’s bank account, and you may lose money if you misplace or lose the proof of purchase receipt attached to the money order when you purchased the money order.

2. Write your name: Please ensure to provide your name and account number where the sender information goes within the money order so the recipient knows who is sending the money order, the account number to credit once redeemed or cashed and who to get a hold of if there are any issues with the payment or the posting of the payment by the intended receiver.

3. Write your address. Sigue money orders’ ask for the purchaser’s address. As the purchaser, this would be your home address. The reason you need to add your address is for the recipient to know who sent the money order, how to get in touch with you if there are any issues with the payment, and to ensure proper credit to account.

4. If you are paying a bill, make sure to include your account number. Some people pay their utility bills with money orders. If you are making a payment for something associated with an account number, please ensure to add the account number to receive proper credit on time.

5. Add your signature under “purchaser’s signature”. Do not sign the back of the document because this is where the recipient signs to endorse the money order for payment. This signature makes the money order official!

6. Keep the receipt. Your receipt is your proof of payment, and you’ll need it if there’s an issue with your money order, gets lost or misplaced.

That’s it! Filling out a money order is straightforward. However, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to the money order center. They’ll be more than happy to assist you. Track your money order using the issuer’s customer service number or searching through their website. 

How to Cancel a Money Order

What happens if you incorrectly fill out the money order, get lost or stolen?  With proof of purchase and proper valid identification you can recover your funds.  There may be a processing fee for the administrative expense to process the refund. 

Before you cancel your money order, make sure it isn’t still in route to the recipient by tracking the order. Please follow the instruction for reimbursement on your proof of purchase receipt, submit the requested information including a copy of valid identification along with a check for payment of the administrative fee if applicable. 

Then, submit the cancellation request and pay the fee. Some services, like Sigue, allow you to download the cancellation form and mail it in from home. Others will ask you to email or fax your request. Refunds typically take around 60 days.

Alternatives to Money Orders

If you’re not sure a money order is the right payment instrument for you, consider some alternatives. Many companies, such as utility, telephone, and credit card companies, accept electronic bill payments. Sigue Bill Pay is one way to make sure your bill gets paid securely on time. It’s especially handy if the payment or credit to your account has to be done by a certain day to avoid additional fees, disconnection, or other adverse consequences for not paying the bill on time. Your payment will not get delayed by mail delivery.

Alternately, wire transfers are a relatively safe alternative, as are peer-to-peer transfers like SiguePay. Plus, these options let you avoid standing in line and you can conveniently make your transfer from your home or wherever you are. Learn more about SiguePay and sign up here.