What Do You Need for a Money Order?
What do you need for a money order? Payment, the payee name and the amount. Our Torrance store sells low-cost money orders.
- Low-cost money orders
- As good as cash
- Accepted widely
Approval is not guaranteed. Licensed by the California DFPI.
What do you need for a money order? Three things: payment for the money order, the exact name of the person or business you are paying, and the amount you want to send. Payment types vary by store, so ask the store which payment types it accepts before you visit. Our Torrance store sells low-cost money orders, and you can ask the counter for the current fee.
Below you will find how to fill out a money order, when to sign it, whether you need an ID, and who it should be made out to. Our store is at 1223 W Carson Street in Torrance, and you can call (310) 787-7587 with questions.
How it works at our counter
- 1Gather your payment and ID
Bring your payment and a photo ID, and ask the store which payment types and ID it accepts.
- 2Fill out the payee and amount
Write the exact payee name and the amount on the money order, then check each line.
- 3Sign it and keep the receipt
Sign the money order in the signature space, and keep your receipt in case it is lost.
When people use money orders instead of cash
Paying a bill by mail
A money order is a set amount in a form many payees accept. Ask the payee whether it takes money orders.
Paying rent
Many landlords accept money orders. Ask your landlord first, and make sure the payee name matches your lease.
Sending a fixed amount
A money order sends a set sum to the payee without carrying cash.
A low-cost option
At our Torrance store, money orders are low-cost, which keeps the cost of a fixed payment down. Ask the counter for the current fee.
Paying without a bank account
People without a bank account can still send a fixed payment with a money order.
Money order vs personal check or bank check
| Option | When it fits | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Money order from our Torrance store | Low-cost, and as good as cash. | Ask which payment types and ID the store needs. |
| Personal check | You keep your cash in your account. | The payee may not accept a personal check. |
| Bank or cashier's check | Issued by your bank for a set amount. | Depends on your bank's fees and hours. |
Our Torrance store
CC California Cash
1223 W Carson Street
Torrance, CA 90502
Across from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, in the Starbucks parking lot.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
More details
What you need to buy a money order
- Payment: ask the store which payment types it accepts.
- The payee: the full name of the person or business you are paying.
- The amount: how much the money order should be for.
- Photo ID: ask the store which ID it requires before you visit.
How to fill out a money order
- Write the name of the payee, the person or business you are paying, on the payee line.
- Write the amount of the money order in the amount space.
- Fill in your own name or sender information if the form asks for it.
- Check every line before you leave the counter, since a money order with a mistake can be hard to fix.
Keep your receipt. It is your proof of purchase if the money order is lost.
Signing and who to make it out to
Sign the money order in the signature space before you hand it to the payee. An unsigned money order may not be accepted, so ask the store which signature line applies to your money order.
Make it out to the exact name of the person or business you are paying. If the name is wrong or left blank, the payee may not be able to cash it. Double-check the spelling before you pay for it.
Money orders at our Torrance store
Our money orders are low-cost at our store on W Carson Street, so ask the counter for the current fee. Money orders are as good as cash and are accepted widely.
Bring your payment and ID, and ask the store which payment types and ID it accepts before you come. You can see our other counter services on the services page.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for a money order?
You need payment, the name of the person or business you are paying, and the amount you want. Ask the store which payment types it accepts and which ID it requires.
Do you need cash for a money order?
That depends on the store. Ask the store which payment types it accepts before you come in.
How do you fill out a money order?
Write the payee's name, the amount, and your own information where the form asks. Check every line before you leave, and keep your receipt.
Do money orders need to be signed?
Yes. Sign the money order in the signature space before you give it to the payee. An unsigned money order may not be accepted.
Do you need an ID for a money order?
Bring a photo ID to be ready. Ask the store which ID it requires before you visit, since each store sets its own rules.
Does a money order need to be made out to someone?
Yes. Make it out to the exact name of the person or business you are paying. A blank or misspelled payee can cause problems when the money order is cashed.
Are money orders as good as cash?
Money orders are as good as cash and are accepted widely. They are low-cost at our Torrance store, so ask the counter for the current fee.
More ways we can help
Helpful guides
Visit us or call before you come
Visit us at 1223 W Carson Street in Torrance, CA 90502, or call (310) 787-7587 (Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-4 PM). Ask the store which payment types and ID it accepts so you come prepared. For our check cashing services, see the check cashing page. If you need a payday loan, start your request online at /apply/.
Payday loans are meant for short-term emergency needs, not a long-term financial solution. CC California Cash is licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law. Approval is not guaranteed; the amount and cost depend on your information and California law.