Money orders might seem a bit old-school, but they’re still a popular way to send money, especially when you need a secure, paper-based option. Maybe you’re buying something online and the seller doesn't want to deal with credit cards, or you’re sending money to a friend who doesn’t have a bank account. Whatever the reason, money orders are a reliable way to make payments without using a personal check or electronic transfer.
But what happens if you change your mind? Can you cancel a money order? Perhaps you’ve had second thoughts, or the situation changed after you bought an item. The short answer is yes, a money order can be canceled, but the process isn't always straightforward.
In this article, we’ll explain how to cancel a money order, how to get a refund on a money order, and other crucial aspects about this topic, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
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So, can I cancel a money order?
The ability to cancel a money order—and how easy it is to get a refund—depends largely on where you bought it. Different companies have different rules, so let’s break it down by provider:
- United States Postal Service (USPS): If you purchased your money order from the post office, you’re in luck because USPS allows cancellations. However, you will need to fill out a form and pay a processing fee. They’ll also ask you to wait a bit; it can take several weeks to process your request. And keep in mind, the refund will only be issued if the money order hasn’t been cashed yet.
- Western Union: Western Union also allows for money order cancellations, but like USPS, there’s a process to follow. You will need to provide the original receipt, and they charge a fee for canceling. If the money order hasn’t been cashed, you should eventually get your money back. If it’s already been cashed, you’re out of luck.
- MoneyGram: Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram requires you to submit a cancellation request along with the original receipt. They’ll investigate to see if the money order has been cashed. If it hasn’t, you’ll get your money back minus a fee. But if it has, you’ll likely need to report it as lost or stolen to see if there’s any other recourse.
Some banks offer money orders as a service to their customers. To find out if they offer refunds, check this information at a branch or on their website.
Can you refund a money order?
It's possible under certain conditions. If your money order is lost or stolen, some issuers might offer a refund or replacement, but this often requires an extended waiting period and additional fees.
If your money order hasn’t been cashed yet, you’re more likely to get a refund. You’ll typically need to provide the original receipt and fill out a cancellation or refund request form with the issuer. Most companies will charge a processing fee for this service, and the refund may take several weeks to process.
However, if the money order has already been cashed, getting a refund becomes much more complicated. In this case, the funds are likely unrecoverable, as the money has already been transferred to the recipient.
It’s important to note that different issuers have different rules for refunds. Therefore, don’t forget to review the refund policies before purchasing a money order, especially if you think there’s a chance you might need to cancel it.
How can you cancel a money order?
Follow these steps and you will have a better chance of getting your money back. (Remember, it may take a few weeks, and there may be a fee involved.)
Step 1: Verify the status of the money order
Before you start the cancellation process, check whether the money order has been cashed or deposited. You can do this by contacting the issuer or using their online tracking tools if available. If the money order has already been cashed, it’s too late to cancel it, and you may not be able to recover the funds.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documentation
To cancel a money order, you’ll need to have certain information and documents ready. This usually includes:
- The original receipt of the money order (often required)
- The money order number and the exact amount
- The name of the person or entity to whom the money order was issued
- Your identification (some issuers may require a government-issued ID)
Step 3: Submit a cancellation request
Once you’ve gathered your documents and confirmed the money order hasn’t been cashed, you will need to submit a cancellation request.
You can visit the location where you purchased the money order, such as a post office, bank, or retail outlet, fill out the cancellation form, and provide the necessary documents. Another option is submitting a cancellation request online, through the issuer’s website. The third option is requesting it by mail and sending copies of the necessary documentation.
Step 4: Follow up on your request
After submitting your cancellation request, it’s a good idea to follow up to ensure it’s being processed. Most issuers will give you a reference number or some way to track your request. Keep an eye on your email or mailbox for updates, and don’t hesitate to contact the issuer’s customer service if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
What happens if a money order is lost?
Losing a money order can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to recover your funds or get a replacement:
- Locate your receipt: The first to do is try to locate your receipt or any documentation you have related to the lost money order. This will include the money order number, the amount, and the recipient’s name. If you don’t have the receipt, try to recall where and when you purchased it.
- Reach out to the issuer: Inform them that the money order has been lost and give them all the information you have.
- Fill out a loss report: The issuer will guide you on the next steps, which typically involve filling out a claim form or loss report (with the order information) and paying a processing fee. Some issuers may also ask for a notarized signature or additional identification.
If the money order hasn’t been cashed, you can usually request a money order replacement. The issuer will void the original money order and issue a new one. This process can take from a few days to several weeks. If you prefer a refund instead of a replacement, you can request it during the claim process.
What happens if a money order is stolen or altered?
If you suspect your money order has been stolen or altered, it's essential to act quickly to protect your funds. Check your money order status with the issuer, providing all relevant details. The issuer will usually require you to fill out a claim form and may ask for a police report, especially in theft cases.
In many situations, you can request a refund or a replacement money order. This process can take time, often several weeks, as the issuer may need to investigate the claim to ensure the money order hasn't already been cashed.
If your money order was stolen and cashed fraudulently, you may need to pursue legal action, particularly if the issuer denies your claim. This can involve small claims court or working with a lawyer to recover the funds.
To avoid theft or alteration, always keep your money order receipt in a safe place and never leave the payee field blank. If possible, hand-deliver the money order to the recipient instead of mailing it. If you must mail it, consider using a trackable service.
Can I return a money order?
Returning a money order isn’t as common as cashing one, but there are situations where you might need to do so, such as:
- You purchased a money order, but later decided you no longer need it.
- The money order was filled out incorrectly, such as the wrong payee name or amount.
- The intended recipient is unable or unwilling to accept the money order.
- You found a different payment method and no longer need to use the money order.
Do you find yourself in any of these situations? Let's see how to return the money order.
How to return a money order to the issuer
Start by reaching out to the issuer of the money order for specific instructions on their return process. Be prepared to present the original money order and your receipt. This helps verify your purchase and proves the money order has not been cashed.
The issuer will likely have a form you need to complete to request a refund, with details like the money order number, amount, and reason for the return. Depending on the issuer, there may be different requirements or fees associated with returning a money order.
Some issuers might deduct a processing fee from the refund amount, while others may require you to exchange the money order for a new one. Be aware that some issuers have specific time frames within which you must return the money order to be eligible for a refund.
Where can I change a money order?
Sometimes you might need to change a money order, either because of incorrect details or because you need a different denomination. In these cases, visit the location where you purchased the money order and explain to the clerk why you need to change it—they might be able to correct it on the spot.
For more significant changes, like altering the payee or amount, you may need to cancel the original money order and purchase a new one. If changing the money order isn’t possible (especially in case of more significant changes, like altering the payee or amount), you’ll likely need to follow the cancellation process described in the previous section. This involves submitting a request, providing documentation, and potentially paying a fee.
FAQs
Can I cancel a money order and get my money back?
Yes, you can often cancel a money order and request a refund, but the process depends on the issuer's policies. You’ll need to check if the money order has been cashed or not, gather the necessary documentation, and follow the issuer's procedures to request a cancellation and refund.
Can I get my money back from a money order if I already filled it out?
If you’ve filled out a money order but it hasn’t been cashed, you may be able to cancel it and get a refund. You'll need to contact the issuer, provide proof that the money order hasn’t been used, and follow their specific cancellation and refund procedures.
How much is the cancellation fee for a money order?
Cancellation fees for money orders vary by issuer. For example, USPS and Western Union might charge a fee ranging from $5 to $15. Check with your money order issuer to find out their specific fee structure.
Can you get a refund on a money order from Walmart?
Walmart issues money orders through MoneyGram. To get a refund on a money order purchased from Walmart, you’ll need to contact MoneyGram directly. Follow their procedures for requesting a refund, which may involve completing forms and paying any applicable fees.
Can I void a money order?
Voiding a money order usually involves canceling it. If you’ve purchased a money order but need to void it due to errors or other issues, contact the issuer to understand their process for canceling and obtaining a refund.
Can you use whiteout on a money order?
No, you should not use whiteout or any correction fluid on a money order. If you need to make changes, it’s best to start with a new money order or follow the issuer’s instructions for handling errors. Using whiteout can invalidate the money order and create issues with processing.
Can you stop payment on a money order?
No, you generally cannot stop payment on a money order like you can with a personal check. Money orders are designed to be a guaranteed form of payment once issued. However, if your money order is lost, stolen, or you need to dispute it, you can request a replacement or refund by contacting the issuer.