How to Track a Money Order

Money orders are a secure, reliable way to send money almost anywhere in the world. When you're sending money for a bill payment, a gift, or any other purpose, you want to be confident it gets delivered to the recipient — but is there a way to know for sure? 

Yes, by tracking your money order! 

What is a money order? 

A money order is a prepaid and secure form of payment representing a specified amount of money. It can be either a paper document sent in the mail or an electronic transfer that’s often available within 24 hours. 

You can purchase one at many post office locations, banks, credit unions, grocery stores, and convenience stores. 

A money order is a convenient alternative to a check because it can’t “bounce,” and it clears almost immediately when cashed. 

How do money orders work? 

The money order process is straightforward. 

1. Pay for the amount of money you’re sending, plus any fees, with cash, debit, or credit (if the issuer accepts credit card payments). 
2. Sign the money order to complete your end of the transaction. 
3. The recipient receives, signs, and cashes the money order at their local bank, credit union, or retailer. 

You’ll need to select the delivery method that best fits your needs when you purchase a money order. 

For example, if you’re paying rent, you might need to hand-deliver a paper money order to your landlord. If a loved one overseas needs money, the money order issuer can wire the funds to a partner location near your recipient. 

Where to get a money order 

Money orders are widely available for purchase. You can get one at certain retailers, pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, lenders, and any bank, credit union, or post office. 

Here are some popular businesses that issue money orders: 

• Advance America 
• Western Union 
• MoneyGram 
• Walmart 
• Kroger 
• Safeway 
• CVS 
• Publix 
• Meijer 
• Rite Aid 
• 7-Eleven 

➢RELATED: How to Fill Out a Money Order

How to track a money order 

Tracking a money order involves contacting the issuer, either by phone or online. You’ll provide the tracking number from your receipt to check the status. Depending on the status, you may need to contact customer service for assistance or file a claim. 

Specific money order tracking options vary from one issuer to another, but you’ll follow some version of these steps. 

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Tracking a Western Union money order 

Here's how to track a money order from Western Union: 

Call Western Union 

1. Call Western Union’s automated help line at (800) 999-9660. 
2. You will get a series of prompts, including “Check the Status of a Money Order.” Select this option. 
3. Locate the 11-digit serial number on the upper right corner of your Western Union money order record stub. Enter it when prompted. 
4. The automated helpline will let you know the status of your money order and whether the recipient has cashed it. 

Track a money order online 

You can also check the status of your money order online or in the Western Union app. 

1. Go to Western Union's website 
2. Select the Track a Transfer option in the dropdown menu. 
3. Enter the Tracking Number, which is located on your transfer history page and on your printed or emailed receipt. 

Track a money order without the serial number 

If you misplaced your receipt and still want to check the status of your money order, you can submit a Western Union Money Order Research Request. You’ll need to include: 

• Your name, phone number, and full address. 
• The money order amount, date of purchase, and time of purchase. 
• The payee’s name (if you provided it on the money order). 
• The full address of the location where you purchased the money order. 
• The administrative fee. 

Benefits of Western Union money orders 

Western Union money orders offer the following advantages: 

Easy and reliable 

Not only are Western Union money orders easy to send, but they’re also trusted. Western Union has been around since 1871 and is one of the largest money transfer providers in the world. 

You don’t need a bank account 

If you don’t have a bank account, you can still send a Western Union money order and pay for it with cash. 

Get one at any Western Union agent location 

Money orders are available at any Western Union agent location. Western Union has more than 500,000 locations in 200 countries and territories, so you may be able to find one in your local area. 

Tracking money order FAQs 

What happens if my money order gets lost? 

Although rare, it's possible for money orders to get lost while in transit. If this happens with your Western Union money order, you can request a refund by completing the Money Order Customer Request form. 

You'll also need to send a photocopy of the money order receipt or the order itself, as well as the required processing fee. If you can't supply a photocopy of the receipt or the money order, you can follow the steps above to submit a Money Order Research Request. 

Can I cancel a money order? 

Yes, if the money order has not been cashed yet. How far the money order has gone through the sending process will determine how easy it is to cancel. 

• If you still have the money order, simply bring it back to the issuer for a refund. Be aware you might be charged a fee. 
• You can also cancel a sent money order that hasn’t been deposited or cashed yet by submitting a cancellation form. Again, there will likely be a fee plus a waiting period to get your money back. 

What can I do if a money order I sent was stolen? 

In the case of theft, request a copy of the money order from the location that cashed it and provide the copy to local law enforcement for an investigation. 

Track a Western Union money order purchased through Advance America Western Union 

When you send a money order, you want to be certain it reaches the right person. Following these steps to use the convenient phone and online systems makes Western Union money order tracking fast and easy. 

Stop by any Advance America location to purchase a Western Union money order – or send one online 24/7 through our website. You don’t need a bank account and can choose from a variety of payment and delivery options. 

Send and receive money anytime, anywhere, with Western Union and Advance America!