How to Get Money Back From an Invalid Money Order

Usually you buy a money order for a specific purpose. You send it, the recipient cashes it and the transaction is complete. But sometimes an unexpected problem causes the transaction to be canceled, which means that the money order is invalid because you will no longer be giving it to the intended person whose name is on the money order as the payee. You can get your money back for that invalid money order by following some simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Original money order Receipt for the money order Photo identification

Instructions

Getting a Refund for an Invalid Money Order

1. Return the money order to the place where you purchased it. If you purchased it at a seller that is part of a chain, return to the store or branch where you made the original purchase.

2. Make your request for your money back and explain the circumstances that caused you to need a refund. A simple explanation will be sufficient, and you won't be required to provide concrete proof. The money order itself will be all that you need.

3. Present the money order and the receipt. The seller also will most likely ask you to provide photo identification, such as a driver's license, to prove your identity.

4. Fill out the required forms or other paperwork. Most money order issuers will require you to complete some type of paperwork to officially request your refund. The information requested typically includes your name, address and reason for seeking the refund, although it may vary by seller. Once you have completed your paperwork, you will get your money back.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the issuer of the money order, you may need to deal directly with the issuing company rather than the place where you made your purchase. Read the money order itself, as well as your receipt. Follow any refund instructions you might find. If you are required to mail in the money order and receipt, make photocopies first. You may also be able to obtain a refund for a money order that you purchased and gave to a payee who did not cash it. If you suspect that a money order you purchased was never cashed by the recipient, contact the seller for information on how to apply for a refund.

• You may find an advertisement on the Internet offering to help you search for uncashed money orders you may have purchased from the United States Postal Service or other sources. They require a fee to perform this search. You don't need to hire someone to do this search. If you suspect that a money order was never cashed, contact the issuer and they will let you know how to initiate a search at no cost.