How to Check to See If a U.S. Postal Money Order Was Cashed

You may be wondering whether not a money order you sent was cashed. Fortunately, you can check on the payment status of a United States Postal Service money order in person, online or by phone, mail or email. Online and phone inquiries provide instant verification and are free. However, you must pay a processing fee when submitting inquiries in person or by mail, and it usually takes a few weeks for these requests to be processed.

Visit your local post office and request PS Form 6401, Money Order Inquiry. The form requires such information as your name and contact details, money order serial number and amount, and your signature. Give the completed form and the processing fee of $6.25 to postal staff or mail it to the address on the form. The USPS will mail you a refund if the money order has not been cashed, and a copy of the cashed item if it was.

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Go to the Money Order Inquiry System page on the USPS website. Select "6401 Inquiry" and enter the money order's serial number in the field underneath. Typically, domestic money orders are 11-digits long and international money orders are 10-digits long. Click the "Go" button. The status of the money order, including whether it has been cashed, will appear on the next screen.

Call USPS at (866) 974-2733 to check the payment status. The automated system will ask whether you are a customer or an employee. State "Customer." It will then ask what it can assist you with. State "Money Order Inquiry" and enter the money order's serial number using your phone's keypad. Since you no longer have the money order in your possession, you can obtain the serial number from the purchase receipt. If you don't have the receipt, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455 to obtain it. You can call that same phone number if you suspect fraud. If you suspect you've received a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at (866) 459-7822.

To check payment status by email, send an inquiry to USPS by visiting the post office's homepage. Select the "Support" link at the top of the page. Next, click "Contact Us" and then "Send Email." When sending the email, make sure you include your name, phone number, address, and money order serial number and amount. Request the money order's payment status. Postal staff will respond in a follow-up email after researching your request.

Read More: How Do I Get Money Back From a Money Order I Didn't Use?