Yes, you can return a money order if lost or stolen. However, it can take some time to get a refund.
In case you have lost a money order or have an unused one then you might be wondering, can you return a money order?
Well, it’s possible and quite easy to return if it’s an unused one. However, if it’s lost or stolen then things can get quite complicated. That’s why in this post on Can you return a money order, I will talk about an efficient method of returning money orders. Moreover, I will also add fees, refund time, and everything related to this topic. So, stay with me.
Find out Can You return a Cashier’s check
Can You Return A Money Order
Yes, you can return a money order, but only if it has not been cashed.
Money orders are secure forms of payment like cashier’s checks or certified checks. However, unlike cashier’s checks, money orders are not as difficult to return. The refund time is also low. However, there can be some complications.
There can be two situations when you would want to return a money order. They are
- The money order is unused and you don’t need it anymore.
- The money order is lost or stolen.
For the first situation, returning the money order will be easy. You will just require the purchase slip or your ID card. The money order issuer will either offer a new money order in your name which you can easily cash or will provide a cash refund. This will require fewer fees too.
On the other hand, if the money order is lost or stolen then it can be difficult to get a refund and you will only get a refund if the money order is not cashed. This will require fees and a lot of time. Depending on your money order issuer the fees and method will change.
Can You Return A Money Order To The Post Office
Yes, you can return a money order to the post office. But the money order must be a USPS money order.
Like other money order issuers, USPS also allows to return a money order and get a refund. You don’t need to return it to the same post office you have purchased it from. You can return it to any post office. You can even return a damaged money order to any post office and get a new one.
However, to return a money order you must have the money order purchase slip. In case the money order is lost then you might need to wait for a month to get the refund and you will get a refund only if it’s not cashed yet.
Before finding out how to return the money order, let’s look at what you will require.
Requirements for Returning A Money Order
You will need to provide them with the following information before you submit a return request
- The money order purchase slip.
- A government-verified ID.
- Fees depending on the issuer
- Reason for returning.
In case, you have lost both the purchase slip and the money order then you will need to provide the below information
- The serial number of the money order.
- The date the money order was purchased.
- Purchase location.
- The amount of the money order.
- The name of the payee.
- The reason for the return.
Without this information, it will be very hard to return the money order.
However, if you have the money order in possession, then you will only require the money order and an ID to return it. Some issuers might also ask for the purchase slip, so it’s better to keep it.
How To Return A Money Order
Although the method of returning the money order might vary depending on the issuer. However, the basics are almost identical. Here is how you can return a money order if it’s stolen or lost
- Go to the location you have purchased it from with the required things.
- File a lost claim by filling in a form. You can also do it online.
- Pay the fee for processing the claim.
- After an investigation from the money order issuer, you will get your refund.
Usually, it takes 30-60 days to get the refund. So, you have to be patient. Also remember, you won’t get a refund if the money order is already cashed.
On the other hand here is how to return an unused money order
- Go to the money order issuer with your money order and the purchase slip.
- Tell the customer service representative you want to return it.
- Pay the fees.
- After checking everything you will get your refund.
Keep in mind that you will require an ID to get it returned.
Money Order Return Form For Different Issuers
Here is a chart containing the money order return form link along with fees and refund time
| Money Order Issuer | Form Link | Fees | Refund Time |
| USPS | Form PS 6401 | $6.95 | 60 days |
| Western Union | Western Union money order refund request form | $15$3 for money orders less than $20 | 30 Days |
| MoneyGram | MoneyGram Claim Card | $18 | 30-60 days |
The fees and policy might vary depdning on the agent’s location.
By now we have found the answer to can you return a money order. Now, let’s look at some of the related queries.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked queries related to this topic.
Can you get a refund for your money order?
Yes, you can get a refund for your money order in case the money order is not cashed. There will be additional fees if the money order is lost, stolen, or severely damaged.
Can I return my money order if I don’t need it anymore?
Yes, you can return a money order if you don’t need it anymore. However, depending on the issuer there might be some additional fees and requirements.
Can you cash a money order after written to someone else?
No, you can not cash a money order after written to someone else. Only the recipient can cash the money order. But you can get a refund if you still have the money order in possession along with the purchase slip.
In Summary
Although, it’s easier to return a money order than it’s alternatives. However, things can get complicated if you have lost the purchase slip. So, always keep the purchase slip until the money order is cashed or returned. Moreover, if your money order is lost then contact the issuer ASAP.
