Frequently Asked Questions

Money Orders

Can I request a refund if I don’t have the money order or the receipt?

Money Orders are anonymous products, neither our customer service team nor the store where it was purchased is able to verify the money order details without proof of purchase. Each Money Order includes a detachable receipt and/or top when money order is not given, specifically for your records that is required for a refund request. If you plan to mail the Money Order to your receiver as payment, it’s important to keep that receipt—it serves as the only proof of purchase and tracking.

You may still submit a Money Order refund request if you possess other proof of purchase, such as a store receipt with a police report. However, please be aware that the review process may take longer.

 

Can I cash my money order purchased in the US outside the US?

No, if you purchase a money order in the US, you can only cash it there.

Do money orders have an expiration date?

No, money orders do not have an expiration date. However, depending on the state of purchase, if you do not use or cash the money order within 1-3 years of the purchase date, a non-refundable service charge will be deducted from the principal amount according to the terms conditions of the money order.

You can find the terms and conditions on the back of your money order.

How can I get a refund for a money order?

You can request a money order refund only if your money order hasn’t been cashed. You can review the status of your money order by asking our chatbot Eve.

To request a refund, follow the steps below:

  1. Access the Money Order refund request form by clicking this link.
  2. You will receive an email confirmation after submission.

The following refund processing fees will apply:

  • 0 USD for money orders equal or smaller than 5 USD.
  • 5 USD for money orders between 5.01 USD and 99.99USD.
  • 15 USD for money orders 100.00 USD and above.

Processing times:

  • Up to 5 business days.

Payout:

  • If the refund request is approved, you will receive an email confirmation with a Money Transfer Confirmation Number (MTCN) and detailed instructions on how to pick up your refund in cash.

Where can I cash a money order?

You may be able to cash your money order at banks and other retailers (grocery stores, check-cashing locations or other stores where you’ve been able to cash checks in the past). In some circumstances, the bank or retailer may charge you to cash your money order. You may also be able to deposit the money order into your bank account.
Please note, not all Western Union locations, including where you buy a money order, are able to cash them.

Can I request a money order refund on behalf of my friend, family member, etc.?

Only the payee or the purchaser listed on the money order receives the refund. To avoid any fraudulent claims, we do not provide a refund or a photocopy of the money order to a third party.

When is the refund processing fee not required?

A processing fee is not required in the following cases:
  • A service charge has been applied because the money order has not been cashed within a year from the purchase date. In the case of Canada, it is 3 years. You can find the terms and conditions behind your money order receipt.
  • The money order has been presented for payment and returned by Bank of First Deposit (“Refer to Maker” notice received).

When can I initiate a forgery claim?

A forgery claim can be initiated by the purchaser of the money order when:

  • The purchaser receives a copy of the cashed money order that appears to be forged or altered. For this scenario, fill the Purchaser Affidavit form

OR

  • The payee claims to have never received the funds even to the money order. For this scenario, fill the Payee Affidavit form.

For both scenarios, the forgery process needs to be started by the Purchaser of the money order.

Where can I buy a money order?

You can buy a money order at a participating Western Union Agent location. Follow the steps below to find a location near you:
1. Enter the required location information within the Western Union Services filter, check the Money Order option.
2. Click Go.
3. A list of Agent locations nearest you will display.

Where do I claim my money order if I have obtained a copy of the cashed money order but never received the funds?

As a courtesy, Western Union is willing to act on your behalf to collect the funds from the BOFD. Western Union does not guarantee that payment will be recovered from the BOFD as the BOFD will make the final determination after conducting its review.

If your money order qualifies for a forgery claim, do the following:

  2. Send us the completed, signed, and notarized affidavit by the intended payee to the following address:
    Western Union Financial Services, Inc.
    PO Box 6033, Mail Stop: M13-M
    Englewood, CO 80155
Note: Complete a separate affidavit for each money order. For forgery claims, you don’t need to pay any fees.

What should I do if I’ve received a copy of a cashed money order that appears to be forged or altered?

Alteration and forgery claims are ultimately the responsibility of the Bank of First Deposit (BOFD). As a courtesy, Western Union is willing to act on your behalf to collect the funds from the BOFD. Western Union does not guarantee that payment will be recovered from the BOFD as the BOFD will make the final determination after conducting its review.
If you think your money order qualifies for a forgery claim, please do the following:
  1. Download the Purchaser’s Affidavit
  2. Complete the forms, notarize, and return the original Affidavit to:Western Union Financial Services, Inc.
    PO Box 6033, Mail Stop: M13-M
    Englewood, CO 80155
Note: Complete a separate affidavit form for each Money Order. For forgery claims, you don’t need to pay any fees.

Will I be reimbursed after initiating a forgery claim?

Western Union does not guarantee money order funds can be recovered from the bank where it was first deposited (“BOFD”)*. The Western Union Forgery Department acts on your behalf to collect the funds from the BOFD and will ensure you are copied on all correspondence between WU and the BOFD.
*BOFD means the bank that accepted the money order and presented it to Western Union for payment.

Can I change my payee’s name after I’ve purchased the money order?

No, you cannot make changes to a completed money order. Any form of alteration or correction will make it
ineligible for cashing. Alternatively, you may submit a refund request through our office.

Do I have to pay a fee for processing a forgery claim?

No. This is free of charge.