How to Get Money Back From a Money Order

A money order serves as a prepaid financial instrument, offering a secure alternative to cash or personal checks for sending payments. Individuals often use money orders when a recipient does not accept personal checks, or when a sender does not have a traditional bank account. Circumstances may arise where retrieving funds from a money order becomes necessary, such as when it is lost, stolen, never cashed by the intended recipient, or sent to an incorrect address. The process of getting money back involves specific steps tailored to the issuer of the money order.

Identifying the Money Order Issuer

To recover funds from a money order, identify the issuing entity. The issuer’s name is printed on the money order, alongside any logos. Common issuers include Western Union, MoneyGram, the United States Postal Service (USPS), and various banks or credit unions.

Determining the issuer is important because each company maintains its own unique procedures for handling refund or trace requests. If the money order has been lost, the purchase receipt becomes the primary document for identifying the issuer. This receipt contains details, including the issuer’s name, which guides the refund process.

Gathering Required Information and Documentation

Before initiating a refund or trace request, gather specific information and documentation. The purchase receipt serves as primary proof of purchase. This receipt typically contains the money order number, the date and amount of the transaction, the names of the sender and recipient, and details about the purchase location. Without the original receipt, the process can become more challenging, potentially requiring additional steps or incurring higher fees, though some issuers may still assist with less information.

If the physical money order is still in your possession—perhaps it was never sent or was returned—extract the money order number, the exact amount, and the intended recipient’s name from it. Issuers require personal identification, such as a government-issued ID, to verify identity. Additionally, if the money order was sent but not cashed, the recipient’s name and address can assist the trace process. You will also need to articulate the reason for your request, whether it is due to loss, the money order remaining uncashed, or being sent to the wrong party.

Submitting a Refund or Trace Request

After gathering all necessary information, submit a refund or trace request to the money order’s issuer. Submission methods vary by issuer but commonly include online forms, phone calls to customer service, or mail-in forms. For online submissions, navigate to the issuer’s website and locate the appropriate section for money order inquiries or refunds. You will then input the previously collected details, such as the money order number, purchase date, and amount, into the designated fields.

When contacting customer service by phone, be prepared to verbally provide all the gathered information. If mailing a form, ensure it is completely filled out and includes any required supporting documentation or copies. Some issuers charge a fee for processing a trace or refund request, which can range from a few dollars to $20 or more, depending on the provider and whether the original receipt is available. This fee might be paid upfront or deducted from any refund issued.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Request

After submitting your refund or trace request, you should receive a confirmation, such as a confirmation number, an email, or a reference number. This confirmation is important for future inquiries. The processing time for money order refunds or traces can vary significantly by issuer and the complexity of the case, ranging from a few weeks to several months. For instance, some issuers may complete refunds within 20 to 30 days, while others might take up to 60 days.

During this period, the issuer will investigate the money order’s status to determine if it has been cashed or remains outstanding, with updates occurring via mail, email, or phone calls. If the money order was never cashed or was lost, a refund is issued, often in the form of a check sent by mail. If the trace reveals the money order has already been cashed, the issuer may provide details such as the date and location it was cashed, and potentially a photocopy of the cashed money order. The issuer might request additional information or documentation to complete their investigation. If you do not receive communication within the stated timeframe, following up with the issuer, referencing your confirmation number, is advisable.