William Lipovsky
Most of the major money order issuers will replace a lost or stolen money order if they can verify that the recipient has not yet cashed the money order.
The issuer will then stop payment on the original money order and provide a replacement, charging a processing fee of up to about $35.
Verifying the money order’s status usually requires the serial number. If you do not have a receipt or stub containing the money order serial number, the issuer can try to locate the order using other information.
For more about getting a replacement money order from each of the major issuers, see below. Or, for more details about how money orders work, see our full money order FAQ.
MoneyGram Money Order Replacement
You can request a replacement for a lost or stolen MoneyGram money order either on MoneyGram’s website or by calling MoneyGram.
We spoke with customer service and contacted several MoneyGram agent locations; all representatives confirm that you will not be able to request a replacement in person at a MoneyGram agent location.
With the Receipt Stub
First, to ensure that the money order has not been cashed, you should check its status. If the money order has not been cashed, you can request a replacement online.
MoneyGram charges an $18 fee for online replacements and will process your request within about seven business days, with additional days for mail delivery.
You can also request a replacement using MoneyGram’s paper form. To request a paper form, call MoneyGram’s automated line at (800) 542-3590 and press zero to speak to a representative.
MoneyGram charges a $25 fee for mailed requests. It will take about 20 business days for MoneyGram to process your mailed request, with a few additional days for mail delivery.
Depending on the amount of the lost money order, MoneyGram may charge additional processing fees for replacement.
Without the Receipt Stub
MoneyGram does not issue replacements for money orders without the receipt stub.
If you complete the money order search form and MoneyGram finds that the recipient has not cashed your money order, it can issue a stop payment and a refund (as previously reported). You can then purchase a new money order.
Western Union Money Order Replacement
Western Union generally does not replace money orders.
Still, if your money order is lost or stolen, Western Union will issue a stop payment and a refund, and you can then purchase a new money order. Find out more about canceling a Western Union money order.
USPS Money Order Replacement
For lost, stolen, or damaged U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders, you must visit your local post office and file a PS Form 6401 (Money Order Inquiry). USPS will try to track down the status of the money order, a customer service representative said.
Once you start the inquiry, you can check its status with the USPS Money Order Inquiry System.
USPS will take up to 60 days to investigate the status of your money order. If it determines that the order has not been cashed, USPS cannot stop payment on the original money order, but it will reissue the money order. There is a $6.25 processing fee to replace a lost money order.
Amscot Money Order Replacement
Amscot will not replace lost or stolen money orders, but you can request that the company cancel it and issue a refund.
To replace a lost or stolen Amscot money order, you must wait at least 30 days after purchase, and you must have the receipt stub. Our related research explains how to cancel an Amscot money order.
Bank Money Order Replacement
Most large U.S. banks issue money orders, and while exact policies may vary by bank or individual branch, most have similar processes for replacing lost or stolen money orders.
We spoke with representatives from Citibank, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo to confirm their money order replacement policies.
All bank representatives we spoke with told us that to replace a money order, you will need to bring the receipt stub (if you have it) to your local branch. You may also be required to show a photo ID.
The bank can verify whether or not the money order has been cashed and issue a stop payment if necessary. We were also told that the process is easiest if you visit the branch from which you originally purchased the money order.
Once the bank confirms that the money order has not been cashed and issues a stop payment, it will provide you with a replacement; the stop payment and replacement process can take up to 30 days.
The branch may charge a processing fee (Citibank typically charges $35, for example), but most banks will waive the fee for account holders.
If you do not have the receipt or serial number but you are an account holder at the bank, the bank can usually use your account information to trace the money order; then, it will follow the same process listed above.
Correcting Mistakes on Money Orders
If you’ve made a mistake on a money order, you may also need a get a replacement; our research explains how to correct a mistake on a money order.
