MoneyGram provides its own brand of money orders that are a convenient alternative to checks when you need to send money or pay a bill. Before you can use your money order, you must fill out a form with some basic information about the sender and recipient. MoneyGram advises customers to complete this process as soon as possible. Anyone can cash a blank money order if it is misplaced or stolen.
Completing the Money Order
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Complete the "Pay to the Order of" line with the name of the recipient. This could be an individual or an organization. Write your full name on the line labeled "Purchaser, Signer for Drawer." The next line, "Address," is for your street address, city, state and zip code. Include an apartment or suite number if applicable.
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Tearing off the Stub
The stub attached to the money order is your proof of purchase and receipt. It displays your money order number. You will need it if your money order gets lost and you need a replacement or if you need a refund. Detach the stub from the money order and keep it with your records. Also, copy the number of the money order for your records in case the stub is misplaced.
Errors on the Money Order
You cannot make corrections on the money order if you make a mistake writing the payee's name. However, you can cash or deposit the money order instead and maybe purchase a replacement. MoneyGram advises customers to write "Not used for purpose intended" at the back and sign it in front of a check-cashing or depository agent. You could also request a refund. To do this, complete a MoneyGram claim card, which you can download from the website. Send the stub with this form as proof of purchase.
Additional Considerations
Complete the money order with black gel ink to make it difficult for anyone to copy. Avoid leaving blank spaces that make it easy for fraudsters to alter what you have written for their benefit. If possible, deliver the money order in person instead of using drop boxes, which are vulnerable to theft.
MoneyGram money orders don't expire but recipients have a limited time to cash or deposit them for the full amount. This period is three years in California and one year in the other 49 states. When the recipient is ready to cash it, MoneyGram will deduct a service fee for each month after the grace period. You cannot use the MoneyGram to pay a bill because it is no longer worth the face value and the payee will likely return it to you.