Yes, you can cancel a money order and recover your money, but the process depends on whether it has been cashed
A money order can be cancelled and refunded if it has not been cashed by the recipient. The issuer — usually a bank, post office, or check-cashing service — will reverse the transaction and return your funds, though you will pay a cancellation fee (typically $1 to $15) and the process takes one to four weeks. If the money order has already been cashed, cancellation is not possible; your only option is to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money.
The speed and ease of cancellation depend on where you bought the money order. Post office money orders are straightforward to cancel in person or by mail. Bank and Western Union money orders require you to contact the issuer directly. In all cases, you will need the money order number, the amount, the date of purchase, and proof of payment.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel an uncashed money order through the issuer and receive a refund minus a cancellation fee, which typically ranges from $1 to $15.
- The refund process takes one to four weeks depending on the issuer and whether you cancel in person or by mail.
- You will need the money order number, purchase date, amount, and proof of payment to start a cancellation.
- If the money order has already been cashed, cancellation is not an option; you must contact the recipient directly to request repayment.
- Cancelling at the point of sale (the same day you bought it) is faster than cancelling later, especially for post office money orders.
How to cancel a money order at the post office
The U.S. Postal Service allows you to cancel a money order in person at any post office location or by mail. If you cancel the same day you purchased it, bring the original money order receipt and the unused money order itself to any post office window. The clerk will verify the money order has not been cashed and process the refund on the spot, minus a $1.10 fee. You will receive your money back in cash or as a new money order.
If you are cancelling after the day of purchase, you must submit a form to the Postal Service by mail. Download or pick up Form 6401 (Application for Refund of Domestic Money Order) at your local post office. Fill in the money order number, the amount, the date of purchase, and your contact information. Attach the original receipt and mail the form to the address listed on the form. The Postal Service will investigate whether the money order has been cashed (this takes two to four weeks) and send you a refund check if it has not.
How to cancel a money order from a bank or credit union
Contact your bank or credit union directly by phone or in person. Have your money order number, purchase date, and receipt ready. The bank will check whether the money order has been presented for payment. If it has not, they will cancel it and refund your money minus their cancellation fee, which varies by institution but is usually $5 to $15.
If you purchased the money order in person at a branch, cancelling in person is often faster — you may receive your refund the same day or within one business day. If you purchased it online or over the phone, you will need to contact the bank by the same method to cancel. Refunds by mail typically take five to ten business days after the bank processes the cancellation.
How to cancel a Western Union or MoneyGram money order
Western Union and MoneyGram money orders can be cancelled through their customer service lines. Call Western Union at 1-800-448-1492 or MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400. Provide the money order number, the amount, the date of purchase, and the recipient's name. The company will verify that the money order has not been cashed.
If the money order is uncashed, the company will process a cancellation and issue a refund, minus a fee of $5 to $10. Refunds are typically issued as a credit to your original payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) within three to five business days. If you paid in cash, some locations will issue a cash refund at the point of sale, but most will mail a check.
What happens if the money order has already been cashed
Once a money order is cashed, the issuer cannot reverse the transaction. The money has been paid to the recipient, and the issuer has no authority to take it back. Your only recourse is to contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the money voluntarily.
If the recipient refuses or is unreachable, you may have legal options depending on the circumstances. If you sent the money order by mistake (wrong amount, wrong recipient), you can explain the error and request repayment. If you suspect fraud or theft, you can file a police report and provide the money order details to law enforcement. However, the issuer will not reverse a cashed money order based on your request alone.
How to check if a money order has been cashed before cancelling
Before you start the cancellation process, confirm whether the money order has been cashed. The issuer can tell you this information. Call the customer service number on the back of your receipt or visit the issuer's website. Provide the money order number and the amount. The representative will check the payment status and tell you whether it has been presented for cash.
For post office money orders, you can also check the status online at usps.com using the money order number and amount. Western Union and MoneyGram both offer online tracking through their websites as well. Checking the status first saves you time — if the money order has been cashed, you will know immediately that cancellation is not an option.
Fees and timelines for money order cancellations
| Issuer | Cancellation Fee | Refund Timeline | Best Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service (same day) | $1.10 | Same day (in person) | Visit post office with receipt and money order |
| U.S. Postal Service (after day of purchase) | $1.10 | 2–4 weeks | Mail Form 6401 with receipt |
| Bank or credit union | $5–$15 | Same day to 10 business days | Visit branch or call customer service |
| Western Union | $5–$10 | 3–5 business days | Call 1-800-448-1492 |
| MoneyGram | $5–$10 | 3–5 business days | Call 1-800-926-9400 |
What to do if your cancellation is denied
A cancellation may be denied if the issuer cannot locate the money order in their system, if the money order has been cashed, or if too much time has passed. If your cancellation is denied, ask the issuer for a written explanation. Request the date the money order was cashed and the location where it was presented for payment.
If you believe the money order was cashed fraudulently (someone else cashed it without your permission), file a dispute with the issuer and provide any evidence you have — such as proof you did not authorize the payment or that the recipient denies receiving it. The issuer will investigate, but recovery is not may provide. If the investigation confirms fraud, the issuer may refund your money, though this process can take several weeks or months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to cancel a money order?
There is no strict deadline, but the sooner you cancel, the better. Money orders do not expire, but the longer you wait, the greater the chance the recipient will cash it. Post office money orders can be cancelled years after purchase, but the Postal Service's investigation takes longer for older money orders.
Can I cancel a money order if I don't have the receipt?
You can still cancel without the original receipt, but the process is slower. You will need the money order number and the exact amount. Contact the issuer and provide this information. They may ask for additional proof of purchase, such as a bank or credit card statement showing the charge. Be prepared for the investigation to take longer.
Will I get the full amount back if I cancel?
No. You will receive the full amount minus the cancellation fee. For post office money orders, the fee is $1.10. For banks, Western Union, and MoneyGram, fees range from $5 to $15. The issuer will deduct this fee before sending your refund.
What if the money order was sent by mail and I want to cancel it before the recipient gets it?
Contact the issuer immediately with the money order number. They can check whether it has been cashed. If it has not been cashed yet, you can cancel it. However, if the recipient has already received and cashed the money order, cancellation is not possible. Cancelling does not stop mail delivery — you may need to contact the recipient separately to ask them not to cash it.
Can I get a refund if I lost the money order?
Yes, if the money order has not been cashed. Contact the issuer with the money order number and amount. They will verify it has not been presented for payment and process a cancellation. You will receive a refund minus the cancellation fee, even though you no longer have the physical money order.