Q&A for How to Cash Money Orders

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  • Question
    I lost some money orders that weren't filled out. Is there any way to get them cancelled or my money back?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    If they were left blank, they may not be negotiable. Go to the institution where you bought them, tell them what happened. Show receipts, if you have them, and ask to cancel the orders.
  • Question
    Why do I have to pay to cash a money order?
    Community Answer
    It's because the institution is providing a service, whereas if there was no charge, there would be no way to make a profit. Who would even bother cashing it unless there was something to benefit? Alternatively, find one that doesn't charge to cash it but gives you a worse rate, meaning they're charging you invisibly.
  • Question
    I failed to deposit money order just about three years old. It was just found the other day. It was a rental payment, and be difficult to locate the tenant. Can I still deposit it?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The money order is still good unless it says otherwise on the face.
  • Question
    What if I wrote the wrong name, can I get my cash back?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Take it to the issuer. Tell them what happened. Show them your receipt (if you have it). You may have to cancel it and buy a new money order, which would cost you another fee.
  • Question
    How can I cash an old money order?
    Community Answer
    According to USPS, U.S. Postal money orders are "secure funds that never expire." However, your bank is probably used to treating personal and business checks over 1 year old as expired and may refuse to handle them. An expiration date may also be less than 1 year if imprinted on the check (e.g. "Void after 90 days"). If USPS ever changes it's policy about non-expiration of money orders, it will probably begin printing the expiration date on the money order as described above.
  • Question
    Does the sender have to sign the money order?
    Community Answer
    If it is a postal money order, no. The sender will receive a blank money order in the amount requested. They will write in the name of the recipient on the front. The recipient will have to sign the back in order to cash it.
  • Question
    Do I need the receipt to cash a money order?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    No. You'd need only proper ID.
  • Question
    Is $600 considered a lot of money for a USPS money order?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You can buy a USPS money order for up to $1,000.
  • Question
    How long does it take to receive money order?
    Community Answer
    A money order does depend on the day you send it. For example, if you sent it on Saturday, it'll arrive on a working day, which is probably Monday. If not, a day or two and it should arrive. (Western Union)
  • Question
    What is the cost of cashing postal money orders at a post office?
    Community Answer
    It's free. You just need to bring ID. The cost of the money order would have been paid by the person sending it, not the person receiving it.
  • Question
    What if the organization it was written to no longer exists? It was meant to be a donation for a political fundraiser, but was misplaced for 15 years.
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Assuming it's still valid, take the money order to the issuer and cancel it.
  • Question
    Can the one who bought the money order cash it if the payee's name is on it but doesn't want it?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You can cash it if the payee endorses it back to you, or you can cancel it where you bought it.
  • Question
    How can I get my $20 back from a money order I sent to pay for a subscription that was already paid for?
    Community Answer
    Prove to the company it was already paid for and demand they send you a check for the difference. However, the person who gave you the money order can't help you because a money order is basically a pre-approved check, so that means that once it's obtained and cashed, there are no failsafes like a normal check has. You need to get it canceled before it is cashed.
  • Question
    How do I cash a money order if it is for a child?
    Community Answer
    Have the child's parent(s) come with them and bring an I.D. And bring the child's birth certificate to show proof of guardianship.
  • Question
    Is there a way to cash an Australian money order in Australia if I am not the listed payee?
    Community Answer
    If you are not listed as the payee on the money order, then there are no legal ways to cash it.
  • Question
    How can I cash a money order that was purchased, but not needed?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Take it to the original issuer and cancel it. Take your receipt, if you have it.
  • Question
    What should I do if I am a minor ward of the state and do not have ID?
    Community Answer
    Bring a parent or legal guardian with you, and make sure that they bring their ID. You also want to bring your birth certificate or certificate of guardianship.
  • Question
    How do I cash a postal money order made out to someone else?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Have the payee endorse the money order over to you.
  • Question
    Can I cash a postal money order if date of the check is a month ago?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The date doesn't matter.
  • Question
    If the money order was purchased at Stripes, can I cash it at Stripes?
    Community Answer
    Yes, any institution that sells money orders by law has to cash them, especially if they are the issuing institution.
  • Question
    How do I cash a money order that is made out to me?
    Community Answer
    Sign the back and deposit it to your bank, or bring it to the place who issued it.
  • Question
    Where can I cash one older than 30 days old?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Cash it anywhere. 30 days is not old for a money order.
  • Question
    Can a money order be made out cash?
    Community Answer
    It can be, but then anyone could cash it. It's better to have it made out to yourself, then only you can cash it.
  • Question
    Can I give my money order to someone else as payment?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Endorse it as you would a check.
  • Question
    Does Rite Aid cash money orders?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Postal order got sent back to me. Will I be able to cash it even though it's not made out to me?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You should take it to where you bought it. You may have to cancel it. Having the original receipt and picture ID will help.
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