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 and mailed it to pay a car note. Turns out the address I sent it to was the wrong address. I called to track it and it said it hasn’t been cashed.
I would like to get a refund to resend it to the correct address. I have the receipt.
The article talks about a $15 fee. Does that need to be a check, money order, or exactly how can that be paid??
Hi Zu,
Is this in regard to a Western Union money order? If so, the Western Union website states that you can pay the processing fee in the form of a money order or check only, payable to Western Union Financial Services, Inc. I hope this helps!
I made a mistake on my Western Union money order, so I used a corrector to fix the error, but people told me that it may not be accepted by the person who’s going to get it, so I went to the location where I got it and I paid a fee of 17 dollars and they gave me a new one with the same amount. How do I know is valid? Does it have a different tracking number or something?
Hi Alexa,
I’m not sure I quite understand the situation. Did you receive a brand-new, reprinted money order with the correct information on it after you took the first one back? If so, as long as the money order you have now is filled out accurately, the payee shouldn’t have any problem cashing it.
I purchased a money order to put as a security deposit on an apartment. Ended up getting a different apartment. Was given back the money order by the leasing office. Can i deposit the money order into my checking account or do i have to go through the western union miserably long refund process? The money order is made out to the leasing company.
Hi Kevin,
You should be able to avoid the Western Union refund process by writing “Not used for purpose intended” on the endorsement line of the money order, followed by your signature. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to deposit the money order in your checking account like a normal deposit. While some ATMs may be set up to accept money orders, to be on the safe side I would recommend visiting a branch in-person and depositing it with a teller; this minimizes the risk of later having the funds withdrawn from your account if the bank identifies an issue with the deposit after it’s been made. I hope this helps!
I filled out refund request online…how do I send the $30 fee?
Hi Ira,
Are you trying to secure a refund for a Western Union money order? If so, the Western Union website provides the following information about obtaining a refund without a receipt:
“On your computer or mobile device, go to Money Order Research Request form.
Print the form, and then complete and sign it.
Take the form to be notarized.
Submit it with all available documents* showing you as purchaser, and the $30 USD nonrefundable processing fee to the address listed on the form.
Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.
*These documents could include the original store cash register receipt, copies of other money orders or their receipts purchased at the same time.
Please send forms and supporting documents to:
By mail: Western Union Financial Services Inc., PO Box 7030, Englewood, Colorado 80155-7030
By fax: 1-720-864-0477
By email: RMO@westernunion.com.”
You may have gone through a different process, since it sounds like your request form wasn’t printed or notarized, so it may be worth contacting a Western Union agent to be sure that everything is in order with your request form (the Western Union customer service number is 1 (800) 325-6000). If the form has been filled out online but not actually submitted, you can mail the $30 fee (money order or check only, payable to Western Union Financial Services, Inc.), a printed version of the form, and all supporting documents to the address provided. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
I send a money order to my HOA they claim they never received it what can I do to get the money back
Hi Jhojama,
The answer depends on which issuer provided the money order. If it was a MoneyGram money order, you’ll need the receipt to pursue a refund. If it was a Western Union money order, you can have the issue investigated with or without a receipt. In any case, you’ll need to get started by contacting the appropriate customer service to begin an inquiry, so that it can be determined whether the money order has been cashed. Unfortunately, there will be a processing fee for the inquiry, regardless of which company is involved. We’ve provided the relevant phone number or web form for each company to help you begin this process. I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any further questions!
I just purchased several money orders for a security deposit on an apartment, after seeing the actual apt. (Not the model I was shown beforehand) I changed my mind and requested a refund, I gave them my money orders blank but when I requested my refund a few hours later they were all filled out in the apartments name. I have the money orders the original receipts the stubs from the money orders as well. Can I get my money back???
Hi Kay,
As long as you have the receipts and the money orders have not been cashed, you should be able to get them refunded (or reissued as a blank money order, so you can fill it out to yourself), but you will need to go through the process described in the article for doing so. There will typically be a fee associated with getting the refund. We’ve provided the steps for pursuing a refund for either a MoneyGram, Western Union, USPS, or bank/credit union-issued money order. Best of luck!
My name is james.i bought a money order from canada post and emailed it to a friend in the united ted states. He deopisted the money order at tha bank.it takes 2 weeks before the money order reflect. I change my mind and i want to cancel the transaction.i have the receipt of the money order.but he as the original money order but deposited at the bank can i still get a refund
Hi James,
Once a money order has been cashed, you can no longer request a refund. Depositing is essentially the same as cashing, so you won’t be able to request the refund either. If you want to confirm this with Canada Post or ask for more info, you can call (800) 563-0444.
Money order was cashed by a person I don’t even know…what’s my next step here?? Ive paid fees for photo copies and they asking for more fee if I still want to track down who endorsed the money order.. the agent said it’s gonna take 3 to 6 months for the whole process…I need some advice thanks
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear about the issues with your money order! You can take the photocopies that you’ve received of the cashed money order and submit it as part of a police report, and you may be able to submit the police report to the money order issuer to assist in their investigation as well. Unfortunately, this process is extremely slow and can be rather expensive with any money order issuer. Was it a Western Union money order? If so, Western Union does advise customers who have experienced fraud to file a report with their local law enforcement agency, and Western Union will work with law enforcement directly regarding your case. You can read more on the Western Union Fraud Awareness page. MoneyGram has a similar policy. The general rule for either of these companies is that they will not refund a money order that has been cashed under any circumstances, so unfortunately, the odds of recovering your funds are low. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
Hi I purchased a Moneygram money order over the thanksgiving holiday in 2014 for my December rent. It was stolen from a post office drop box and I found out about a week later as my apartment manager was asking me when I was going to pay the rent. I filed a police report and called moneygram to report it as well. I payed the $25.00 fee per money order as there were 2 in total for $1050.00 only to be told by Money Gram that there would not be a refund. The name of purchaser on the copy is not my name and the address leads to no where. Any help?
Hi Robert,
Unfortunately, MoneyGram’s policy is not to refund or reissue money orders that have been cashed under any circumstances. You can submit the photocopies you obtained from MoneyGram to the police to add to their report file, but MoneyGram does not provide other avenues for getting the money back. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news!
Thank you that is not a good policy as I told them when this all happened they lost me as a customer. Would I have any recourse legally? I have heard rumors from people who say they were refunded after getting a newspaper involved or by sending them a copy of police report.
Hi Robert,
I agree that it is a terribly frustrating policy. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any accounts of customers being refunded after getting a newspaper involved or sending MoneyGram a police report. However, it may be worth a try to continue working on MoneyGram for a refund — particularly since the purchaser in the photocopy was not your own name, meaning that the money order was altered after you purchased it. After filing the police report, there’s little legal action that can be taken, since MoneyGram itself isn’t liable for the money order being stolen. I’m sorry that I can’t give you more concrete advice, except to say that it couldn’t hurt to try going after a refund with the police report — but brace for plenty of frustration if you do decide to go that route. Best of luck!
Wow. Great site. Great information. Great resources. You’re awesome. Thank you for responding to these questions. We appreciate your time you give to help others out.
Hi, I bought a USPS money order for $300 to pay three months worth of pool cleaning bills and sent it out in mid October and just today found out from my pool guy (who has been my pool guy for years and is very trustworthy) just told me today that he never received it. I can’t find my customer receipt (the part that rips off the top off the money order) but I did find the regular long white receipt the post office gave me with my transaction that has the date and time and location along with the serial number of the money order and the amount. The USPS website is absolutely worthless and tells me nothing about the status of the money order when I enter the serial number and apparently I need the customer receipt to begin the 30-60+ day process of trying to retrieve the information about the status of the money order such as whether it has been cashed or lost or whatever but all I have is the long white one which still has the serial number and amount listed on it.
Is there any way I can have my money refunded to me or even just find out the status of it without actually having the “Customer Receipt” rip-off part that comes attached to the money order since I DO still have the regular long white receipt with all of the important information on it still?
Please help!!!!
Hi Kara,
I’m sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with your USPS money order. Without the customer receipt, you can still request an inquiry online through the Secure Order Form, which will cost $10 in processing fees (and an additional $4 if you want the results physically mailed to you). If the inquiry determines that the money order was not cashed or was cashed fraudulently, USPS can issue you a replacement money order. Best of luck getting this resolved!
Hi a bought a money order for my mom two days later the store called me and said they put the wrong Amount on it they put more then what I paid but the money order had already been chased at the bank now she has a overdraft because the store canceled the money order how do we get the money we paid back
Hi Bre,
That sounds like a very unusual situation. Unfortunately, I can’t offer too much specific advice, because it will really depend on the store where you made the purchase and where exactly the error occurred in issuing the money order. I would recommend that you contact the store directly with your receipt and proof from the bank that the money order was cancelled, and see if the store manager is able to refund what you paid. That will likely be the most direct and easiest way of getting the money back. Depending on the issuer of the money order (MoneyGram, Western Union, etc.), the store may direct you to contact the issuing company for further steps. Best of luck getting this resolved!
I have a money order that has Brenda Godejohn on it need to cash it but i d has Brenda Riggins on it and do not have to get new i d . Want can I do
Hi Brenda,
Different places will have different ID policies, but if you have proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.), you may be able to bring that along with your current ID to have the money order cashed. I strongly recommend calling ahead to anywhere you’re planning to try and cash it to ask if an ID plus proof of name change will be acceptable. You can read our article on where to cash a money order for some ideas of places that may be willing to cash it. If you’re not able to find somewhere to cash it with the mismatching name, unfortunately, you may have to wait until you have a new form of identification that matches the name on the money order. I hope this helps!
I received a money order as a gift. I have a account where you can upload a check or money to my card. Following the directions to upload the money order I had to write void on it. Some how the process was wrong and the money wasn’t loaded on my card and then won’t take the money order. So now it has void written on it but not cashed. The person that sent the money order can’t find the receipt. Will I still be able to cash it anywhere?
Hi Yvette,
It’s very unlikely that anywhere will cash a money order marked “Void” (legally, nowhere should do so). Depending on the issuer, the person who gave you the money order may be able to request a new one. Western Union will accept refund requests without a receipt, while MoneyGram will not. Unfortunately, the only option will be to have the payer pursue a refund.
Invaluable suggestions . I loved the insight , Does someone know where my company could possibly get access to a fillable IRS W-9 example to use ?
Hi Anthony,
It looks like the IRS offers a number of fillable forms as PDFs, including a W-9 form. I hope this helps!
I payed A Bill with may money Order, Misolaced the Reciept But have the Money Order . The Moneh order was 2 months ago.
Hi Emmanuel,
Depending on which company issued the money order, you may be able to get a refund without the receipt. MoneyGram does not allow refunds on money orders without receipts, while Western Union does (although the process is slower than it would be with a receipt). You should be able to tell from the logo on the top of the money order which provider issued it. Then you can find the right instructions in the article to help you pursue a refund. Best of luck!
Hello I work at an apartment complex and I had a tenant fill out a western union money order wrong. She filled it out to herself and not to us. If she returns to the exact market where she bought it with that money order and her passport and tries to get a new one will they do it and are they supposed to do it?
Hi Kelly,
It’s difficult to say if the place where your tenant bought the money order will let her exchange it for another one. Some customers have reported that they’ve been able to do this with photo ID and the original receipt for the money order, but ultimately it will depend on the policies of the place where she purchased it and there’s definitely no guarantee that the issuer will do so. Since the money order is made out to herself, the tenant could also cash it like any other money order. She can do this at her bank or anywhere else that will cash a Western Union money order. I hope this helps!
I mailed 3 money orders since it was a large amount .. and they got lost in the mail, so I sent the original money order stubs to western union just today but i made a copy for my self, I just realized where it said to write full amount(each stub says that in the back) I wrote the complete amount of all 3 instead of writing the amount of each..in other words I filled it out wrong .. …would they still accept that ? If they don’t can I claim it online ?
Hi Mari,
It’s hard to say what Western Union will do with an incorrect form. If all three stubs are all together, it’s possible that Western Union will realize the mistake and process it appropriately — but the form might not be accepted at all. I would suggest calling Western Union customer service (1-800-999-9600) and asking what your next move should be. It can take a long time to process requests, so if you call soon, WU may be able to handle the situation without you having to start the request process over again. Best of luck!
I bought a money order to pay a bill filled it out now no longer need to pay it. I have the money order and reciept can they give me the money back
Hi Tamsen,
If you still have the receipt, you should be able to get your money back without much of a problem, but you will have to pay applicable fees. Was the money order purchased with Western Union? If so, you can print and complete the Western Union money order customer request form, include a $15 nonrefundable processing fee and mail to:
Western Union Financial Services Inc.
P.O. Box 7030
Englewood, CO 80155-7030
If it was purchased through MoneyGram, you’ll need to submit a claim card. Additional details can be found on the MoneyGram FAQs page.
Additional information on each of these steps is available in the post above, including the customer service phone numbers for both companies. I hope this helps!
I sent in a money order for the incorrect amount and it was returned to me with “void” written on it. Now when I bring it back to where I purchased it, they will not cash it as it says void. What can I do?
Hi Beth,
Bring the receipt and offer to give them the void money order and you should be able to get a refund.
What if the word void wasn’t written on the MO but it was sent back to me because it was an incorrect amount. What can I do to get a refund?
Christina,
The money order does not need to have void written on it in order to be returned for a refund. Since you have the original money order, that makes it that much easier to get a refund. You can follow the specific instructions in this article to get your money order refunded, depending on where you originally purchased it. I hope this helps!
My grandmother sent me money through western union in 2009. I have misplaced the receipt eventhough I have already cashed the money. I need the receipt to provea case that indeed my granny sent me money that particular year. Is it possible for me to get a receipt replacement after all this years. ?
Hi Linda,
There’s an undisclosed retention time period, after which WU does not keep personal transaction information. Use this link and see if you can fill out any of the information in order to track it down. Likely though, you will not still have/know any of this information. In which case, contact customer support either via chat or phone on the right side of the page.
My money order was damaged and would not be accepted by the company I sent it to so they returned it,so do I need to send a copy or the original money order back to you to receive a refund?and do I need to send the orginal cash register reciept?
Hi Joy,
The actual receipt itself isn’t necessary but you’ll need to get information from it so if you need a refund, the receipt is ultimately necessary. No need to send any place the original money order. It will be made null and void.