If you’ve lost a money order, act quickly: contact the issuer with your original receipt and they can check whether it has been cashed. If it hasn’t been cashed, you can file a replacement claim — though it takes 30–90 days. Without your receipt, replacement is extremely difficult.
The most important thing to do right now: Find your original receipt. The serial number on the receipt is how issuers verify and track the money order.
Step 1: Check If the Money Order Has Been Cashed
Before filing a replacement claim, find out whether your money order has already been processed:
- USPS: Visit usps.com/money-orders or call 1-800-868-2443. You need the serial number, post office number, and dollar amount from your receipt.
- Western Union: Visit westernunion.com or call 1-800-999-9660. Provide the serial number and amount.
- MoneyGram: Visit moneygram.com or call 1-800-926-9400. Provide the serial number.
If the money order has not been cashed, you can proceed with a replacement claim. If it has been cashed and you didn’t cash it, that’s a potential fraud situation — see the fraud section below.
Step 2: File a Replacement Claim
USPS Money Orders
- Go to any post office and ask for Form 6401 (Money Order Inquiry)
- Fill in the serial number, date of purchase, dollar amount, and payee name (from your receipt)
- Pay the $7.45 processing fee
- Submit the form — USPS will investigate and issue a replacement if the original is uncashed
- Timeline: 30–60 days
What if you don’t have the receipt? USPS can sometimes look up a money order by approximate date, location, and amount — but this is not guaranteed. Keep all money order receipts until you confirm the instrument has been cashed.
USPS money order limits: Each USPS money order is a maximum of $1,000. If you bought multiple money orders, you’ll need a separate claim for each one.
Western Union Money Orders
- Call 1-800-999-9660 or visit a Western Union agent location
- Provide the serial number from your receipt, the dollar amount, and the date of purchase
- Pay the $15 processing fee
- Western Union investigates within 30 days
- If uncashed, a replacement check (not a new money order) will be mailed to you
MoneyGram Money Orders
- Call 1-800-926-9400 or visit moneygram.com
- Complete the Money Order Claim Card (they’ll mail or email it to you)
- Pay the $18 processing fee
- Timeline: 30–90 days
Grocery Store / Retailer Money Orders
Some retailers issue money orders under their own name or via third-party processors. Check the issuer name printed on the money order or your receipt — then contact that company directly. Walmart money orders are processed by MoneyGram; use the MoneyGram process above.
What Happens While You Wait
During the investigation period (30–90 days), the original money order is flagged. If someone tries to cash it, the issuer will typically put a stop on it — though this is not guaranteed immediately.
Don’t cancel payment to the payee: If you gave someone the money order as payment, do not instruct them to stop waiting for it while you file a replacement claim. Coordinate with your payee — if they find the original and cash it, you may have a problem if a duplicate replacement has been issued.
No Receipt: What Are Your Options?
Without a receipt, your options are limited:
- USPS: You can still file Form 6401, but without a serial number USPS cannot easily locate the instrument. Recovery is possible but not guaranteed.
- Western Union / MoneyGram: Without a serial number, they cannot trace or replace the money order.
- Going forward: Always keep money order receipts until you confirm delivery and cashing.
If you purchased the money order with a credit or debit card (some locations allow this), check your card statement — it may show a reference number that can help the issuer trace it.
If Someone Cashed Your Money Order Fraudulently
If your money order was cashed but you did not receive payment — or someone forged your endorsement — take these steps:
- File a police report — document the fraud with your local police department
- Contact the issuer — provide the police report number; issuers will open a fraud investigation
- Request the cashed image — issuers can usually provide an image of the cashed money order showing who endorsed it
- Work with your issuer — if fraud is proven, you may be entitled to a refund, though the timeline is typically 90+ days
Unlike a cashier’s check or personal check, money orders are bearer instruments once signed — which makes fraud recovery harder. This is one reason why cashier’s checks are preferred for large amounts.
How to Avoid Losing a Money Order
- Fill it out immediately — write in the payee name the moment you purchase it; a blank money order is as dangerous as cash
- Keep the receipt separate from the money order itself
- Take a photo of the money order (front and back) before handing it over
- Send via certified mail if mailing, so you have a delivery confirmation record
- Consider a cashier’s check for amounts over $500 where security matters
Worked Example
You bought a $750 USPS money order to pay a landlord. You lost your wallet including the money order before delivering it. You still have the receipt (serial number visible).
- Day 1: Check usps.com — money order shows uncashed
- Day 2: Visit post office, file Form 6401, pay $7.45
- Day 35: USPS confirms the original has not been cashed; issues a replacement check by mail
- Day 40: Replacement check arrives — you can now pay your landlord
Total cost: $7.45 + the original $2.35 purchase fee = $9.80 to protect $750.
Related Guides
- Money Order vs. Cashier’s Check — Which to Choose?
- How to Fill Out a Money Order 2026
- Cashier’s Check: How It Works, Cost & Where to Get One
- How to Cancel a Check 2026
- What Happens If You Write a Bad Check?
- Checks & Money Orders Hub
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