How to track a USPS money order you've sent or received

You can check the status of a USPS money order by visiting the USPS Tracking website, calling USPS Customer Service, or visiting a post office in person. You will need the money order number, which is printed on the receipt you received when you bought it. The tracking system will tell you whether the money order has been cashed, the amount, and the date it was processed.

USPS money orders can be tracked for up to two years from the date of issue. If you're checking on a money order you sent to someone else, tracking confirms whether they have cashed it. If you're checking on one you received, you can verify it has cleared before depositing it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the money order number from your receipt to check status; this number is different from a tracking number.
  • The USPS Tracking website is the fastest way to check, and you can do it from home without waiting on hold.
  • A money order can be tracked for two years after purchase, but most are cashed within days or weeks.
  • If a money order shows as uncashed after 30 days, contact USPS or the recipient to confirm it was received.

Using the USPS Tracking website

Go to usps.com/tracking and enter the money order number in the search box. The number appears on your receipt in the upper right corner and is typically 13 digits long. Click "Track" and the system will display the status within seconds.

The tracking result will show one of three statuses: "Delivered and cashed," "Delivered but not cashed," or "Not yet delivered." If it shows as delivered and cashed, you will see the date the money order was processed. If it has not been cashed after a reasonable time (usually 10 to 14 business days for local delivery), you may want to follow up with the recipient.

Calling USPS Customer Service

Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and have your money order number ready. A representative can look up the status and tell you the same information available on the website. This method takes longer than online tracking but may be useful if you cannot access the internet or need to speak with someone about a problem.

Customer Service hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are typically shorter earlier in the day and on weekdays.

Visiting a post office in person

Bring your receipt to any USPS location and ask a clerk to check the status of your money order. They can look it up in the system and print a report showing whether it has been cashed. This is useful if you have lost your receipt but remember where you purchased the money order, since the post office can search by date and amount.

Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait in line. Post offices are usually busiest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

What to do if a money order is lost or never cashed

If tracking shows "Not yet delivered" after 30 days, the money order may have been lost in the mail or the recipient may not have received it. Contact the recipient first to confirm they did not receive it. If they confirm they never got it, contact USPS to file a claim.

To file a claim, visit a post office with your receipt or call 1-800-275-8777. USPS will investigate and either locate the money order or issue a replacement. The process typically takes 30 to 60 days. You will need to provide proof of purchase and the recipient's name and address.

Understanding money order delivery times

A USPS money order sent through regular mail typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days for local delivery and 7 to 10 business days for cross-country delivery. Once delivered, the recipient can cash it immediately at any post office, bank, or check-cashing location. Most recipients cash money orders within a few days of receiving them.

If you need faster confirmation, you can send the money order by Priority Mail Express, which guarantees delivery in 1 to 2 business days. This costs more but provides a tracking number and delivery confirmation separate from the money order tracking system.

Common reasons a money order shows as uncashed

A money order may show as uncashed for several reasons: the recipient has not yet deposited it, they lost it, they are holding it for a specific date, or they are waiting for something else before cashing it. If more than 30 days have passed, it is reasonable to contact the recipient and ask whether they received it and when they plan to cash it.

If the recipient says they never received it and the tracking system shows "Delivered," the money order may have been delivered to the wrong address or the recipient may have misplaced it. In this case, ask USPS to investigate the delivery. If the recipient confirms they received it but lost it before cashing, they cannot cash it—you will need to file a claim and request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my receipt and don't have the money order number?

Visit the post office where you purchased the money order with your photo ID. Provide the approximate date, amount, and recipient's name. The clerk can search the system and locate the money order number, then check its status for you.

Can I cancel a money order if it hasn't been cashed?

Yes. Contact USPS with your receipt and money order number. If the money order has not been cashed, USPS can cancel it and issue a refund or replacement. There is usually a small fee (typically $1 to $5) for this service. The process takes 30 to 60 days.

How long does USPS keep money order records?

USPS maintains records for two years from the date of issue. After two years, you cannot track the money order or file a claim. If you need to verify an old money order, do so within this window.

What does "delivered but not cashed" mean?

It means the money order reached the recipient's address, but they have not yet taken it to a bank, post office, or check-cashing location to cash it. The recipient may be holding it intentionally or may not have gotten around to cashing it yet.

Can I track a money order someone sent to me?

Only if you have the money order number. Ask the sender for their receipt or the number they were given. Once you have it, use the USPS Tracking website the same way. You can verify the money order arrived and was cashed before depositing it yourself.