You can track a USPS money order using the receipt number printed on your receipt at purchase

When you buy a money order at the post office, you receive a receipt with a tracking number on it. That number — usually 22 digits long — is what you use to find out whether the money order has been cashed. Go to the USPS Money Order Tracking tool on the USPS website, enter your receipt number and the amount, and the system will show you the status: whether it has been delivered, cashed, or is still in the mail.

This tracking works only if you kept your receipt. The receipt is the only proof you have that you bought the money order, and it contains the information USPS needs to look up your transaction. If you lost the receipt, you will need to contact USPS directly with the date and location of purchase, and they may be able to help — but it will take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • The receipt you get when you buy a money order contains a 22-digit tracking number that you enter on the USPS website to check status.
  • USPS shows whether your money order has been cashed, is still in transit, or has been delivered to the recipient's bank.
  • Tracking is free and available 24/7 on the USPS website; you do not need to call or visit the post office.
  • If your money order does not arrive or is not cashed within a reasonable time, you can file a claim using your receipt number.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is confirmed cashed; it is your only proof of purchase and your claim document if something goes wrong.

Where to track your money order online

The USPS Money Order Tracking tool is at usps.com/money-order-tracking. You will need two pieces of information: the receipt number from your receipt and the exact dollar amount of the money order. Enter both and click Track. The system will return the status within seconds.

The tracking page shows one of three statuses: Delivered (the money order reached the recipient's bank or financial institution), Cashed (the recipient has already withdrawn the funds), or In Transit (the money order is still on its way). If your money order shows as Delivered or Cashed, you know it arrived safely. If it shows In Transit after more than a week, contact USPS to investigate.

What to do if you cannot find your receipt

If you no longer have your receipt, you can still contact USPS, but the process is slower and less certain. Call the USPS Money Order Inquiry Line at 1-866-459-7822. Have ready the date you purchased the money order, the location (post office address or ZIP code), the amount, and the name of the recipient if you know it. USPS will search their records, but this can take several business days.

Without a receipt number, USPS cannot may provide they will find your transaction, especially if you bought it more than a few weeks ago or at a busy location. This is why keeping the receipt is critical — it is the fastest and most reliable way to track your money order and to prove you purchased it if a dispute arises.

How long tracking information stays available

USPS keeps tracking records for money orders for a limited time. Generally, you can track a money order for up to one year from the date of purchase. After that, the record may no longer be available in the online system, though USPS can sometimes retrieve older records if you contact them directly.

If your money order was supposed to arrive weeks ago and you have not seen it cashed, do not wait. Check the tracking status as soon as you suspect a problem, because USPS has time limits on how long they will investigate or replace a lost money order. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Filing a claim if your money order is lost or not cashed

If your tracking shows the money order is lost, or if enough time has passed that it should have been cashed but was not, you can file a claim with USPS. You will need your receipt number, the amount, the date of purchase, and the recipient's information. USPS Form 6401 is the official claim form, though you can also file by phone or in person at your local post office.

The claim process typically takes 30 to 60 days. USPS will investigate whether the money order was cashed or lost in the mail. If they confirm it was lost, they will either locate and deliver it or issue you a replacement. Keep copies of all documents you submit with your claim, and follow up if you do not hear back within the stated timeframe.

Why tracking sometimes shows no results

If you enter your receipt number and amount but the system returns no results, the most common reason is a typo in the receipt number. Money order receipt numbers are long and easy to misread — double-check each digit. If you are certain the number is correct, the money order may not yet be in the USPS tracking system, which can take a few hours to update after purchase.

Another possibility is that the receipt number format is different than you expected. Some older USPS receipts or money orders from certain locations may use a slightly different format. If the online tool still does not work after you have checked the number twice, call USPS at 1-866-459-7822 and read the number to a representative, who can verify it and look up the status manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a money order to show as cashed?

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the money order, it usually shows as cashed in the USPS tracking system within one to three business days. If it has been longer than a week and the status still shows In Transit, contact USPS to investigate.

Can I track a money order someone else sent to me?

No. Only the person who purchased the money order can track it using the receipt number. If you are the recipient and want to know the status, ask the sender to check their receipt and share the tracking number with you.

What if the tracking number is smudged or partially illegible on my receipt?

Try entering what you can read into the online tool. If that does not work, call USPS at 1-866-459-7822 with the date and location of purchase, the amount, and the recipient's name. A representative can search their records manually.

Is there a fee to track a money order?

No. Tracking a USPS money order online is free. You can check the status as many times as you want at no cost.

Can I cancel a money order if I see it has not been cashed yet?

Yes, but only if it has not been cashed. Contact USPS with your receipt number and request a cancellation. If approved, USPS will issue you a refund or a replacement money order. There may be a small fee for this service.