Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (2024)

Whether you received a money order or bought one to pay someone else, losing it doesn’t always mean saying goodbye to your funds.

» Want more detail on money orders? See our money order guide

Here’s how to cancel and replace a money order or get a refund.

Can you cancel a money order?

You can cancel a money order that hasn't been cashed. (If it’s already been cashed, skip ahead.) If you're not sure about your money order's status, you can track it by calling the issuer's customer service number or using the tracking feature on its website.

How to cancel a money order

Here are the steps to cancel a money order.

Step 1: Contact the issuer, who will ask you to start the cancellation process by completing a request form.

Step 2: Provide details on the request form, such as the money order’s purchase date, location and amount, as well as its tracking number. You’ll find this information on the money order receipt, which the buyer gets at the time of purchase. If you don’t have the receipt, fill in as much information as you can.

You might also be asked for the name of the person or company you were paying and a brief description of how the money order was lost.

Step 3: Attach a copy of the receipt, if you have it.

Step 4: Submit the cancellation request form and pay a fee. Depending on the provider, you don’t have to return the form to the same location, or even in person. Some issuers, including Western Union, let you email or mail the request.

AD

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (1)

Learn More

Member FDIC

SoFi Checking and Savings

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (2)

APY

4.50%

Min. balance for APY

$0

EverBank Performance℠ Savings

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (4)

APY

5.05%

Min. balance for APY

$0

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (5)

Learn More

Member FDIC

Barclays Tiered Savings Account

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (6)

APY

4.50%

Min. balance for APY

$0

Fees for canceling a money order

Here’s what some of the larger money-order issuers charge for a cancellation or replacement:

  • MoneyGram: $18 (available at Walmart).

  • U.S. Postal Service: $18 to replace a missing money order.

  • Western Union: $15 if you have your receipt, up to $30 if you don’t.

Once the issuer accepts payment, it will verify your information and research whether the money order was cashed. If all goes well, the issuer will cancel the old money order and send a new one. The entire process varies by issuer, but it often takes about 20 to 30 days if you provide a receipt. If not, it can take around eight weeks.

Money order refunds

Instead of receiving a new money order, you can ask for your money back, usually on the same form. The fees and time to process are generally the same as if you canceled and asked for a replacement money order to be sent.

» Learn more: How to fill out a money order

What if the money order was cashed?

If the money order has already been cashed, you probably won’t get your cash back or a replacement money order. But you might still be able to collect.

The provider might give you a photocopy of the cashed money order. If you think it was cashed fraudulently, alert your local law enforcement. The copy could help authorities catch the criminal and make sure the money is returned to you.

To help protect yourself against fraud, write a name in the “payee” field as soon as you buy the money order and give one only to people or businesses you trust.

What to do if you receive a money order

If you receive a money order, cash it or deposit it in a checking or savings account before you have a chance to lose it. But if your money order does disappear, follow these steps for a decent shot at reclaiming your cash.

» Need to send money to family or friends? See NerdWallet’s picks for the best ways to send money domestically and internationally.

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Lost Money Order? How to Cancel It and Get Your Cash - NerdWallet? ›

To cancel a money order, contact the issuer, provide details, attach a copy of the receipt, submit the cancellation form and pay a fee. Margarette Burnette is a NerdWallet authority on savings, who has been writing about bank accounts since before the Great Recession.

Is there a way to cancel a lost money order? ›

Lost or Stolen Money Orders

You cannot stop payment on postal money orders, but a lost or stolen money order can be replaced. Money order loss or theft may take up to 30 days to confirm. Investigating a money order's lost or stolen status may take up to 60 days.

How do I get a refund for an uncashed USPS money order? ›

Complete all blocks, sign, and present your customer receipt to the Post Office employee. The employee will verify the information you provide. We will issue a refund 60 days or later from the issue date of the money order, or provide a copy of the money order if it has been cashed.

Can you get your money back from a money order? ›

Note: Receipts are referred to as "Customer Receipt".

This receipt is your guarantee for a refund of your money order if it is lost or stolen, provided you fill in the Pay To and From Information on the money order in the space provide.

Can a money order be cancelled after cashed? ›

If the Money Order Has Been Cashed

(In most cases, you can also check yourself, by calling the customer service number on your receipt or entering the money order serial number at the issuer's website.) If the money order has been cashed, the issuer will not replace it or refund the purchase amount.

Can a lost money order be traced? ›

Money orders can be tracked using the receipt and details provided at the time of purchase. Tracking methods vary by issuer, but typically involve using a tracking or serial number. If the receipt is lost, a request can be filed with the money order issuer, but fees may apply.

Can you cash a money order that's already been written out? ›

What if I already filled out the money order but no longer need it for the payment I was going to make? If the money order is not altered and in good condition, you may try to cash the money order at your bank or a check cashing store.

What can I do if my money order was stolen and cashed? ›

If the money order has already been cashed, you probably won't get your cash back or a replacement money order. But you might still be able to collect. The provider might give you a photocopy of the cashed money order. If you think it was cashed fraudulently, alert your local law enforcement.

Can I get a refund on an uncashed Postal Order? ›

If your Postal Order is stolen, please report it to the police and get a Crime Reference Number. They'll need to contact us with this number. If the order hasn't already been cashed, contact us using our contact form and we can issue a refund.

Can I cash a money order I bought? ›

You may be able to cash your money order at banks and other retailers (grocery stores, check-cashing locations or other stores where you've been able to cash checks in the past). In some circ*mstances, the bank or retailer may charge you to cash your money order.

Can you cash a money order you found? ›

If someone finds a blank money order with a specified value amount on it, it can be filled out and cashed.

Can you mobile deposit a money order? ›

The following are not eligible for Mobile Deposit: international checks, U.S. savings bonds, U.S. postal money orders, remotely created checks (whether in paper form or electronically created), convenience checks (checks drawn against a line of credit), non-American Express traveler's checks, cash, checks that are ...

Can I cash a money order to myself? ›

You can make a money order payable to yourself, if you want to transfer your money or cash.

Can you cancel a lost money order? ›

You might be able to request a stop payment, though not all money issuers offer cancellation. You can ask the issuer to issue a replacement check or refund your money. Most issuers will require a fee and will have a waiting period for replacing or refunding a money order.

How do I cash a money order made out to someone else? ›

The original payee must sign the money order over to you before you can cash a money order that's made out to someone else. The process is the same as signing over a check. The payee must sign their name and write "Pay to the order of [your first and last name]" on the endorsem*nt line on the back of the money order.

What to do if you accidentally rip a money order? ›

Can a money order be reprinted? Money orders can be replaced if they are damaged, lost or stolen, but fees are associated. Please contact Western Union for assistance.

Can a sender cancel a money order? ›

The longer you hold on to the money order, there's a chance it can be lost, damaged, or misplaced. Plus, cashing a money order quickly is a way to protect yourself against possible fraud, since the sender can cancel their money order. If you've already cashed it with the issuer, the sender won't be able to cancel.

Can you refund a money order at Walmart? ›

Can I get a refund for my money order if I no longer need it? If the money order is not damaged or altered, please visit your local Walmart store with your original sales receipt & a valid ID to obtain a refund. Refunds are available up to 10 days after purchase.

Can I get a new money order if I made a mistake? ›

No, you cannot make changes to a completed money order. Any form of alteration or correction will make it ineligible for cashing. Alternatively, you may submit a refund request through our office.

Can I cancel a Western Union money order? ›

4-Apr-2024Knowledge

Yes, you can request a money order refund only if your money order hasn't been cashed. However, the refund process can take up to 8 weeks to be completed.

Top Articles
Discover thousands of collaborative articles on 2500+ skills
How Do I Get Rid of My Home Equity Loan?
Was ist ein Crawler? | Finde es jetzt raus! | OMT-Lexikon
Danatar Gym
Crocodile Tears - Quest
Kansas Craigslist Free Stuff
Flixtor The Meg
Txtvrfy Sheridan Wy
Devotion Showtimes Near Mjr Universal Grand Cinema 16
Wild Smile Stapleton
Ou Class Nav
Cvs Devoted Catalog
Ave Bradley, Global SVP of design and creative director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | Hospitality Interiors
4Chan Louisville
Jasmine Put A Ring On It Age
MindWare : Customer Reviews : Hocus Pocus Magic Show Kit
Socket Exception Dunkin
Kaomoji Border
Baywatch 2017 123Movies
Byte Delta Dental
Keurig Refillable Pods Walmart
Dover Nh Power Outage
Webcentral Cuny
Clare Briggs Guzman
Form F-1 - Registration statement for certain foreign private issuers
SOGo Groupware - Rechenzentrum Universität Osnabrück
FAQ's - KidCheck
Democrat And Chronicle Obituaries For This Week
Bend Missed Connections
Downloahub
Wheeling Matinee Results
'Conan Exiles' 3.0 Guide: How To Unlock Spells And Sorcery
Average weekly earnings in Great Britain
Shiftwizard Login Johnston
Green Bay Crime Reports Police Fire And Rescue
SF bay area cars & trucks "chevrolet 50" - craigslist
Leena Snoubar Net Worth
Sabrina Scharf Net Worth
888-822-3743
Isabella Duan Ahn Stanford
Cocaine Bear Showtimes Near Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20
Parent Portal Pat Med
Copd Active Learning Template
20 Mr. Miyagi Inspirational Quotes For Wisdom
What is a lifetime maximum benefit? | healthinsurance.org
N33.Ultipro
La Qua Brothers Funeral Home
Mlb Hitting Streak Record Holder Crossword Clue
Evil Dead Rise - Everything You Need To Know
Tenichtop
211475039
Intuitive Astrology with Molly McCord
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5626

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.