How to Track Money Orders?

A money order is a payment order where the individual named on the order receives a predefined amount of cash by the sender.

Money orders can be sent online and offline. Post offices and retail stores send money orders offline. Companies like Western Union and Moneygram send money orders online. Whichever way a money order is sent, it is important to keep the receipt for the purchase safely.

Whenever we fill the form to send a money order, it is important to keep safely the receipt for the purchase and the portion of the form that is torn off. This is to confirm the purchase of the money order. It also bears an 8-12 digit number on it. This is required to track the money order. The receipt also helps in finding whether the money was cashed or not.

Tracking Money Order Offline

When a money order sent through a retail store or a post office has to be tracked, the receipt has to be taken to the same place. There the serial number on it is researched. As soon as the money order has been cashed it is reported as fulfilled.

Some retailers and post office may charge a nominal fee for confirming the encashment of the money order.

The exact steps to track a Post Office Money Order (USPS) are:

1. For postal money orders, the receipt and tear off receipt has to be taken to the post office.
2. Form no 6401 has to be filled and a fee of $5.20 has to be paid.
3. The postal Service then runs the tracking. If the money order has been cashed, they tell you where. In case it is stolen or lost or not cashed, the amount of money order is refund.

How to Track Money Order in India?

The customers of India Post can now track the status of money order or speed post through SMS. It is a new service where the status of the order or the letter can be determined. An SMS is sent to 55352 and in response to this a message saying “Delivered” or “Not Delivered” is sent to the user.

The exact format is shown below

For Money Order:

Type <18 digit eMO PNR No> and send it to 55352

Tracking Money Order Sent Online

When money is sent online through companies, tracking is done through the money order serial number. The user has to visit the official website and fill in the serial number. The details of the transaction are given to the user. The search is generally free though some companies do charge a nominal fee.

Given below are the exact steps to track money orders of different companies:

Western Union Money Order

1. The serial number of the money is taken and Consumer Service Affidavit from Western Union is to be filled. It has to be signed and notarized.
2. The notarized form along with a payment of $15.00 is to be sent to Western Union at: Integrated Payment Systems, P.O. Box 7030, Englewood, CO 80155-7030.
3. If the money order has been cashed, a photocopy of the front and back of the money order is provided. If not they refund the amount of the money order. This process is time consuming and could take up to 30 days.

Moneygram Money Orders

Moneygram started its business in 1940 and have been quite popular since then. The reason for its popularity is it being very safe and trustworthy. It also maintains the records of money orders.

For tracking a MoneyGram Money Order

1. All Moneygram money orders have a specific identification number. This number is present on the detachable stub.
2. The user has to call the tracking line which is 1-800-542-3590. The service is available throughout the day and is free.
3. The money order number has to be entered. The automated system gives the details regarding the cashing of the money order.
4. In case the user wants a photocopy of the cashed money order, he has to fill out a MoneyGram Claim Card. This service costs $15 and has to be completed by mail.

In case the money order number is misplaced the user can contact the research service. They help to track the money order. The cost for it is quite high which is $40 and the time taken for it is 6 to 8 weeks. They offer no guarantee on tracking the money order. The processing fee is non- refundable. Hence this service is best used in case of urgent money orders.

When Money Order is not Cashed

When the money order has not been cashed and the sender wants to stop its payment, he can issue a stop payment order on it. He has to give the details with reference to the name, address and contact phone number and when the money order is printed. The money order is then stopped from being cashed. The fee for this service is insignificant.

Money order is a very convenient way to send money and keeping track of it has now become easy.