How to Track a Money Order

Tracking a money order is easy. Using the serial number from your receipt, you can check the status of a Western Union money order online or by phone. 

If you've lost your receipt, don't worry — you can still track your money order by submitting a Money Order Research Request with your purchase details.

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. 

Here are some popular businesses that issue money orders: 

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

A money order is a convenient alternative to a check because it can’t “bounce,” and the recipient can access the funds immediately after cashing it.

🔗 Related: How Do Money Orders Work?

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.

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

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'll 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. 

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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 

Western Union money orders are easy to send and widely trusted. The company 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 there's likely one near you. 

Ready to send a money order? 

Stop by your nearest Advance America to purchase a money order — no bank account required.

Find a store

FAQs about tracking a money order

Can I track a money order without a receipt?

Yes. If you've lost your receipt, you can submit a Western Union Money Order Research Request. You'll need your name, address, the money order amount, the date and time of purchase, and the address of the location where you bought it.

When can I start tracking my money order?

Most Western Union money orders are available to track within 24 hours of purchase. If you try to track it sooner and don't see results, wait until the next business day and try again.

How much does it cost to track a money order?

Tracking a Western Union money order by phone or online is free. However, if you need to submit a Money Order Research Request because you've lost your receipt, a processing fee applies.

How do I know if my money order has been cashed?

You can check whether your Western Union money order has been cashed by calling (800) 999-9660 or tracking it online. The automated system will confirm the status, including whether the recipient has already cashed it.

What happens if my money order gets lost? 

If your Western Union money order gets lost in transit, you can request a refund by completing the Money Order Customer Request form. 

You'll need to include a photocopy of your receipt or the money order itself, plus the required processing fee. If you don't have either, submit a Money Order Research Request instead.

Can I cancel a money order? 

The cancellation process depends on how far along the money order is. 

• 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? 

If your money order was stolen, request a copy of the money order from the location that cashed it, then provide that copy to local law enforcement to open an investigation.