You can stop payment on a money order, but only before it's cashed—and the process depends on who issued it
Once a money order is cashed, it cannot be reversed. But if the money order has not been deposited or cashed yet, you can request a stop payment through the issuer. The issuer is the organization that sold you the money order: typically the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank. Each has different rules about how long you have to request the stop, what documentation they need, and whether they charge a fee.
The catch: you need proof you bought it. That means your receipt. Without the receipt, most issuers will not process the request, even if you remember the amount and the date. If you lost the receipt, you may still be able to stop payment, but the process takes longer and costs more.
Key Takeaways
- Stop payment requests only work if the money order has not been cashed; once it clears, the transaction is final.
- You must contact the issuer directly—USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank—not the recipient or their bank.
- Most issuers require your original receipt and charge a fee (typically $15 to $30) to process a stop payment request.
- Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on the issuer and whether you have your receipt.
- If the money order was already cashed, your only option is to dispute it with the issuer or pursue a civil claim against the recipient.
How to stop payment through USPS money orders
The U.S. Postal Service issues money orders at post offices nationwide. To stop payment on a USPS money order, you must visit the post office where you bought it or contact USPS Postal Inspection Service. Bring your receipt—the original receipt is required. If you do not have it, you will need to provide the money order number, the amount, the date of purchase, and the name of the post office where you bought it.
USPS charges a fee to process a stop payment request. The fee is typically around $6.50, though this can vary. The process takes up to 30 days. If the money order has already been cashed, USPS will tell you so, and you cannot reverse the transaction. If it has not been cashed, USPS will place a hold on it and issue you a refund or a replacement money order.
How to stop payment through Western Union or MoneyGram
Western Union and MoneyGram are private money transfer services. Both allow stop payment requests, but they operate differently from USPS. With Western Union, you can request a stop payment online through their website, by phone, or in person at a Western Union location. You will need your receipt or the money order number. Western Union typically charges $15 to $20 for a stop payment request.
MoneyGram also accepts stop payment requests online, by phone, or in person. Like Western Union, you need your receipt or the money order number. MoneyGram's fee is typically $15 to $30. Both companies process requests within one to three business days if you have your receipt. If you do not have your receipt, processing can take up to two weeks because they must search their records manually.
Both Western Union and MoneyGram will check whether the money order has been cashed before processing your request. If it has been cashed, they will inform you and cannot reverse it.
What happens if you do not have your receipt
Losing your receipt makes the stop payment process slower and more expensive. Without it, the issuer must search their system using only the information you remember: the amount, the approximate date, and possibly the recipient's name. This manual search can take two to four weeks instead of a few days.
Some issuers will charge a higher fee for a receipt-less stop payment request—sometimes $25 to $35 instead of the standard $15 to $20. You will also need to provide a detailed account of when and where you bought the money order. If you bought it at a chain store like Walmart or a grocery store, you may be able to retrieve a receipt from that store's transaction history if you used a debit or credit card.
What to do if the money order has already been cashed
If the money order has been cashed, the issuer cannot reverse it. The transaction is complete and the funds have been transferred to the recipient's account. At this point, your options are limited. You can file a dispute with the issuer, but they will likely tell you that the money order was used as intended and cannot be recalled.
If you believe the money order was cashed fraudulently—for example, someone forged your signature or stole it—you can file a fraud claim with the issuer and report it to law enforcement. Provide the issuer with a detailed account of what happened, including when you last had possession of the money order and when you discovered it was missing or used without permission.
If the money order was cashed by the intended recipient but they refuse to return the funds or you dispute the transaction for another reason, your recourse is a civil claim in small claims court or through your bank's dispute process if you paid for the money order with a credit or debit card.
Stop payment requests through your bank
If you purchased the money order from your bank using your checking or savings account, you may be able to request a stop payment through your bank instead of the money order issuer. Banks that issue money orders—such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or local credit unions—can sometimes halt payment if the money order has not been cashed.
Contact your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Provide your account number, the money order number, the amount, and the date of purchase. Your bank will charge a stop payment fee, typically $15 to $30, similar to what the money order issuer would charge. Processing time is usually one to three business days. If your bank cannot stop the payment, they will direct you to contact the money order issuer directly.
Timeline and fees for stop payment requests
| Issuer | Fee | Processing Time (with receipt) | Processing Time (without receipt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Around $6.50 | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Western Union | $15–$20 | 1–3 business days | Up to 2 weeks |
| MoneyGram | $15–$30 | 1–3 business days | Up to 2 weeks |
| Bank-issued | $15–$30 | 1–3 business days | Varies by bank |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop payment on a money order after it's been deposited but before it clears?
No. Once a money order is deposited into a bank account, it enters the clearing process and cannot be stopped. The issuer can only halt payment if the money order has not yet been presented to a bank for deposit. If you discover the problem after deposit, contact the issuer immediately to see if they can intercept it—but this rarely works.
What if I sent the money order through the mail and it never arrived?
If the money order was lost in the mail, you should file a claim with the postal service or the money transfer company. You will need your receipt. The issuer will investigate whether the money order was cashed. If it was not cashed within a certain period (usually 90 days to one year, depending on the issuer), you can request a refund. If it was cashed, you may need to file a police report for mail theft.
Can I stop payment if I sent the money order to the wrong person?
Yes, if the money order has not been cashed. Contact the issuer immediately with your receipt and explain that it was sent to the wrong recipient. Request a stop payment. If the money order has already been cashed by the wrong person, you will need to pursue a civil claim or contact law enforcement, depending on whether you believe it was fraud or an honest mistake.
Do I get my money back if the stop payment is approved?
You get your money back minus the stop payment fee. For example, if you stop payment on a $500 money order and the fee is $20, you will receive $480 as a refund or replacement money order. The fee is non-refundable.
How long do I have to request a stop payment?
This depends on the issuer. USPS allows stop payment requests for up to one year from the date of purchase. Western Union and MoneyGram typically allow requests for 90 days to one year. After that window closes, the issuer may refuse the request. Check with your specific issuer for their exact deadline.