What does pay to the order of mean on mail

A common question!

"Pay to the order of" is a phrase that appears on checks, money orders, and other types of negotiable instruments. It's a way of specifying who the payment is intended for.

In simple terms, "Pay to the order of" means that the payment is being made to the person or entity named on the instrument. This person or entity is referred to as the "payee."

Here's an example:

Let's say you write a check to your friend, John, for $100. The check would look something like this:

"Pay to the order of: John"

This means that the check is being made payable to John, and he is the intended recipient of the $100.

In the past, it was common for checks to be written "Pay to the order of Cash" or "Pay to the order of bearer," which meant that the check could be cashed by anyone who presented it. However, this practice is no longer recommended, as it can increase the risk of fraud.

Today, it's generally recommended to write checks "Pay to the order of" the specific person or entity you intend to pay, as this helps to ensure that the payment is made to the correct person and reduces the risk of fraud.