William Lipovsky
It’s possible to get a money order refund from the issuer, whether you originally purchased the money order from a bank, credit union, post office, Amscot branch, MoneyGram agent, or Western Union agent.
The process varies by the issuer but usually involves either visiting the issuing location or filing a claim by mail, email, or fax.
Before requesting a money order refund, you should make sure the money order hasn’t been cashed by someone else; you can do this by tracking the money order.
Note that if the money order you have is still blank, you can make it out to yourself or write “not used for intended purpose” on the endorsement line, and then sign it. You can then deposit the money order into your bank account or cash it at a business that cashes money orders.
Since requesting a money order refund usually requires you to pay a fee, cashing the money order is a better option when available.
However, if you already gave the money order to someone else, filled it out, or lost it, you’ll have to go through an issuer-specific refund request process.
You shouldn’t attempt to alter or correct it before requesting a refund. If you filled the money order out but no longer plan to give it to the recipient, don’t cross out their name and write your own; this will make the money order ineligible for cashing.
Refund Process by Issuer
Below, we detail the refund process for each major money order issuer. Find out more about money orders and how they work in our money order FAQ.
MoneyGram
- Receipt required? Generally, a copy of the money order stub or the store purchase receipt is required.[1]
- Refund method: You’ll receive a reference number by email which you can take to a local MoneyGram agent for a replacement money order.[2][1]
- Processing time: Seven to 10 business days[2][3]
- Cost: $18[2]
- How to request a refund: Fill out a Money Order Replacement form online using the serial number found on the money order.[3] Be sure to make copies of any documents you submit for your records.
Western Union
- Receipt required? No[4]
- Refund method: Check[5]
- Processing time: Up to 30 days[4]
- Cost: $3 for money orders under $20; $15 for money orders $20 and above[4]
- How to request a refund: Fill out a Money Order Customer Request online by filling in your information and uploading a copy of the original money order or the receipt.[4][6] Be sure to make copies of any documents you submit for your own records.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
- Receipt required? Yes[7]
- Refund method: Replacement money order[7][8]
- Processing time: Up to 60 days[7][8]
- Cost: $14.60[7][8]
- How to request a refund: Fill out a Money Order Inquiry — which can be printed at home or requested from any post office — and take it along with your money order receipt to your local post office. A postal worker will begin the inquiry process.[7][9] You can check your money order’s status at any time online.
Amscot
- Receipt required? Yes[10]
- Refund method: Replacement money order[11]
- Processing time: Up to six weeks[11]
- Cost: $12[11]
- How to request a refund: At least 30 days after the original purchase date, submit a Money Order Claim Form along with the money order stub and the $12 processing fee as a money order or cashier’s check. Visit an Amscot branch to submit your request or send all materials to Amscot Money Order Company at PO Box 25137, Tampa, FL 33622.[11][10]
Banks & Credit Unions
Individual banks and credit unions that sell money orders set their own policies and processes for refunds, so it’s best to contact the institution where you bought the money order for instructions.
Receipt requirements, refund methods, processing time, and costs vary by institution.
As noted above, if you have the original, uncashed money order and it isn’t filled out, you can fill it out to yourself and cash it.
Otherwise, you’ll need to visit the issuing bank or credit union, bringing your receipt and any other proof of purchase (if available), and ask a teller to issue a stop payment for the money order.[12][13]
I bought a money order from the neighborhood Circle K and I no longer want to use it for that purpose. Will they give me my money back?
Hello, Colletter! As noted in Circle K’s money order policy, Circle K itself will not refund your money order; you will need to follow the instructions for a MoneyGram refund. Best of luck!
There should be a link or directions to check to see if a MO refund has been mailed.
Hello, Sherian! Unfortunately, refund tracking is typically not available online. You can contact the customer service department of your money order issuer for an update on the status of your request. We have updated our article to include this information. Best of luck with your refund!
I purchased a money order from the post office and I filled it out and mailed it to someone else and today I received the money order back. So is there a way I can get a refund back from the money order?
Hello, Carolyn! Do you have the receipt from when you originally purchased the money order? Since you have the money order and the recipient did not cash it, you should be eligible for a refund; however, USPS will not issue a refund without the receipt.
I have a money gram money order I wrote it out for my rent, but no longer need it, can I return it to where i purchased it from and get a refund or can I deposit it into my account by signing the back. Or do i have to file a claim and go through the long process of a refund?
Hi Samone,
You should be able to write “not used for intended purpose” and endorse the back of the money order, then deposit it into your bank account. You may be asked to show a photo ID when you deposit it. While some places will let you return a money order, many won’t, so your better option is probably to deposit it.
I wired money thru western union. It did not go thru. I was told I would receive a refund in the mail. It must be lost. I have no receipt now. The customer rep at western union was no help. What can I do?
Hi Diana,
You’re in luck — Western Union will issue refunds even if you don’t have the original receipt. Unfortunately, the process will take a bit of time and cost you some extra money. To request a refund, follow these steps:
1. Print and fill out the Money Order Research Request form. When using the Money Order Research Request form: signature is required and you must have it notarized.
2. Include processing fees ($15.00, with receipt or $30.00, without receipt).
3. Make and keep copies of all the paperwork and payment for your own records.
4. Return the signed claim card, receipt and payment to Western Union by mail, email (RMO@westernunion.com), or fax (1-720-864-0477).
Hope this helps!
Hola compre un moneyorder de 57 dolare para pagar el dentista pero luego me informaron que ya no era nesesario elpago pero yo ya había llenado el money order que puedo hacer que opciones tengo.
Hi Karen,
Each money order issuer (the Post Office, MoneyGram, and Western Union) has its own process for getting a refund. If you have the receipt, you can try going back to the store where you bought the MoneyGram and asking to return it. For MoneyGram, use this tarjeta de reclamo de giro postal. It costs $18. For Western Union, use this Money Order Customer Request form. It costs $15. For the Post Office, go back to the Post Office to ask for a refund. It costs $6.
Because your money order is small and there are significant fees to get refunds, I wonder whether you could ask the dentist to accept the money order and credit it towards future dental services. That way you wouldn’t loose any money.
Buenos días Karen,
Traduzco lo que ha escrito mi colega Laura para que le sirva mejor. Si usted ha llenado el money order pero ya no lo va a usar, puede pedir un reembolso — el proceso es más fácil si tovadía tiene usted el recibo.
Si viene el money order de MoneyGram, llene esta tarjeta de reclamo . Le costará $18.
Si viene el money order de Western Union, hay que llenar este formulario – el Money Order Customer Request. Le costará $15.
Si viene el money order de la oficina postal, puede regresar a la oficina y pedir un reembolso directamente. Le costará $6.
Si usted ya no tiene el recibo que debía haber recibido cuando compró el moneyorder, favor de decirme y puedo ayudarle y darle unos formularios diferentes.
Dado los precios altos ($6-$18) que se debe pagar para recibir el reembolso, quizá sería mejor preguntarle al dentista si pudiera aceptar este moneyorder y acreditar su cuenta para el futuro. De esta forma, no perdiría ningun dinero.
I purchase a western union money order made the money order out to Riverwood apartments for a deposit. The money order was return back to me I have the original money order but I lost the receipt.
Hi Tracey,
You must apply for a refund through Western Union. Go this page of their website for instructions on how to do so.
USPS money order was lost in the mail. 🙁
Sent the letter with money order certified signature required tracking on the letter and once it left the post office nothing was scanned.
Today I filled out the USPS money order form 6401 inquiry. How long does take to get a refund issued?
Hi. I purchased a money order today at our local Stripes and it is a Western Union money order. I wrote it out for payment for my rent in front of person and accidentally tore the bottom right side of it where the numbers are. They said they would not accept it torn. How do I go about in getting a refund? There is a local western union where I live. Please advice. Thank you
Hi Leticia,
I assume you still have the money order and the receipt then? First, I would recommend calling your local store or going back there to ask whether they can refund, or if they have a lost or stolen money order form you could use to get a refund. They might be able to help you if you still have the money order and receipt. Otherwise, you can request a refund through Western Union. Use this form if you still have the receipt, or this form if you do not. There’s a $15 fee if you have the receipt and a $30 if you do not. Good luck!