Money orders have long been a trusted way to send and receive money, especially if you prefer not to use a bank account or you’re still finding your financial footing in a new country. They offer a safe, trackable, and predictable way to make payments without relying on cash, which can sometimes be risky. But if you’ve never used them before, you may be wondering, “How long is a money order good for?”
Though money orders are simple to use, timing does matter. Maybe you sent one and wanted to make sure it was cashed, or maybe you found an old one tucked into your wallet that you forgot to cash. However it happened, it’s completely understandable to want some clarity on where you stand.
In this Remitly guide, you’ll find everything you need to know. We’ll explain what a money order is, how long they last, what fees to expect over time, and how you can use them confidently, even older ones, without stress.
What is a money order?
A money order is a prepaid paper document that represents a fixed amount of money. At first glance, it may look like a check, but it works differently. When you buy a money order, you pay the full amount upfront, which means the money is guaranteed. The recipient doesn’t need to worry about whether it will clear—they’ll definitely get their money when they cash a money order.
This reliability is why money orders are commonly used for important payments like rent, deposits, or bills that require secure delivery.
Where to buy money orders
Money orders are widely available across the US. You can walk into a post office, a bank, a credit union, or even visit retail locations like Walmart or some 7-Eleven stores.
Their wide availability makes them easy to buy even if you work long hours, or you don’t have access to traditional banking services. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram operate inside many of these stores, giving people convenient access to money orders along with other financial services.
Why choose money orders
People choose money orders for different reasons:
- If you don’t have a bank account, a money order allows you to pay bills without carrying cash.
- Unlike personal checks, money orders are prepaid, meaning the funds are guaranteed.
- If you’re new to the country or unfamiliar with online banking, money orders may feel more straightforward than navigating unfamiliar online banking platforms. And if you haven’t even opened a bank account yet, no problem: you can still buy a money order to make your first rent payment, for example.
- If you need to send money to someone else, a money order offers a paper trail and the option to track it, which can offer you greater peace of mind.
In 2024, 13% of adults used non-bank check cashing or money orders in the US. That might not sound like a lot, but remember, that means roughly 34 million people. So it shows how widespread money orders are in everyday use for many people.
Overall, a money order offers both security and simplicity, providing a predictable way to make payments.
Do money orders expire?
Here’s the reassuring news: money orders do not generally have an expiry date. No matter how long ago you bought one, the money you paid is still tied to that document. But there’s an important detail to understand: many private issuers charge fees if a money order sits unused for too long. These fees don’t make the money order invalid, but they can reduce its value.
There’s no fixed, national timescale, and it might be a year or more before you have to worry about it. And the USPS, the national postal service, doesn’t charge fees on their money orders at all, no matter how old they may be.
In that sense, a money order works like a gift card. Under US law, the actual balance of the gift card doesn’t expire, but inactivity or dormancy fees can chip away at it over time if it’s not used by the recipient.
Why do some issuers charge fees?
Every issuer handles old money orders a little differently, so the exact experience can vary.Â
The main reason for fees is that when a money order remains uncashed for a long time, the company must keep reserve funds and continue tracking it. Over time, this ongoing administrative and regulatory could become a problem for the issuer if large numbers of money orders are uncashed. Service or dormancy fees help issuers manage that load and follow financial-tracking regulations.
Fees are generally assessed on a set schedule. For example, a few dollars are deducted each month or year after a specified dormancy period, depending on the issuer.
Expiration policies by issuer
| Issuer | Does it lose value? | Typical dormancy fee policy | Notes |
| US Postal Service (USPS) money order | Does not expire: value remains intact indefinitely. |
None, no inactivity fees. | Safest long-term option. |
| Western Union | Does not expire, but fees may apply after inactivity. | Service fees begin one to three years after issuance (varies by state). | Fees reduce payout value, but the order remains valid. |
| MoneyGram | Does not expire, but may lose value over time. | Service charges may begin after a year of inactivity. | Fees are deducted from the remaining balance when cashed or refunded. Read the back of the money order for details. |
| Bank-issued money orders | Generally do not expire, but policies vary by issuer. | May be subject to state unclaimed-property laws if uncashed for three to seven years. | Best to cash or deposit soon after receipt. |
What to do if you find an old money order
If you find an old money order, there are several steps you can take to understand how much value remains.
Step 1: Identify the issuer
Look at the front of the money order for the issuer’s logo. It will tell you whether it’s from USPS, MoneyGram, Western Union, or a bank, so you know whose rules apply.Â
Step 2: Check the date
Take a moment to look for a printed issue date, if there is one. Some money orders have a date listed prominently, while others only include a serial number. This helps you assess how old it is, and therefore whether fees might apply.
Step 3: Read the fine print
Flip the money order over and read the terms on the back. They often explain how much time can pass before fees apply, whether the money order can be cashed anywhere, and whether certain states have different policies. In some cases it may even lay out the fees to be applied after a certain period of inactivity.
Step 4: Contact the issuer
If you’re still unsure how much your money order is worth now, most major issuers print their contact details somewhere on the money order itself or the receipt. If not, you’ll find them online. You can call them to ask about whether fees apply, the current remaining value, whether the money order is still valid, and where you can cash or deposit it.
Step 5: Cash or deposit it
Once you know the value, you can deposit or cash the money order. Many banks will cash older money orders as long as they haven’t been voided or previously cashed, though some may request verification. Some stores that sell money orders will also cash them, and you can always go to one of the issuer’s own locations if you’re worried about somebody else cashing it.
Either way, cashing or depositing a money order as soon as possible is usually the best way to protect its full value.
What if I lost my order or receipt?
Losing a money order can feel stressful, especially when you need the money. But the replacement process is designed to be manageable.
Your receipt is key
Your purchase receipt plays the biggest role. It lists the serial number, the purchase amount, and the date and location of purchase. This information is essential for tracking or replacement. So keep that safe.
Contact the issuer
If you’ve lost both the money order and the receipt, the issuer may still be able to help if you contact them with purchase details. They may be able to look up the money order based on the date and location of purchase.
This process typically involves filling out a claim form and paying a processing fee. The issuer will then check their records to see whether the money order has been cashed. If you need to, you can usually cancel a lost, uncashed money order.
Wait for processing
Refunds or replacements might take weeks. While waiting can be frustrating, this timeframe helps issuers protect against fraud, such as cases where someone might try to cash the original.
Tips for keeping money orders safe until use
Money orders are only as safe as the precautions you take. Treat them like cash: lost, stolen, or damaged money orders can be difficult to replace, and having the right precautions in place reduces risk. Here’s how to protect your money order from when you purchase it to when it’s cashed.
- Fill in the payee immediately
Write the recipient’s name as soon as you purchase the money order. Leaving it blank creates an opportunity for someone else to cash it, if it’s lost or stolen.
- Keep your receipt in a separate, secure place
Your receipt is proof of purchase, lists the serial number, purchase amount, and date, and is required if you need to track or replace a lost money order. Avoid storing it with the money order itself.
- Store the money order securely
Use a locked drawer or safe if you have one, or an envelope dedicated to financial documents. Avoid leaving it in your car, purse, wallet, or an unsecured desk.
- Make a photocopy or digital record
Take a photo or photocopy of both the money order and the receipt. Store the digital copy in a secure location like a password-protected cloud folder.
- Avoid bending, folding, or marking the money order unnecessarily
Creasing, tearing, or writing extra notes can make it harder to cash or raise red flags with the issuer.
- When mailing, use a secure method
Use tracked or certified mail to prevent loss or theft during transit.
- Keep your records organized
Maintain a file for all money orders, receipts, and copies. This helps track outstanding money orders and resolve issues quickly.
- Double-check the information before sending
Ensure the amount, the recipient’s name, and all the other fields are filled in accurately. Errors can delay processing or require a replacement.
- Act promptly to cash or deliver
While money orders don’t expire, waiting too long increases the risk of lost documents, applied fees, or state escheatment—which is when the government claims property or cash it decides has been permanently lost or abandoned.
Use your money order with confidence
Money orders can be a reliable and secure part of managing your finances, especially if you’re getting settled in a new country or handling important payments without a bank account. The key thing to remember is that money orders generally don’t expire, but some may effectively lose value through fees over time, if they apply.
Cashing or depositing them as soon as possible helps ensure you get the full value. Keeping the receipt until the money order is cashed (or you receive confirmation) gives you a vital safety net.
With a bit of care and awareness of the issuer’s policies, you can use money orders confidently, knowing they offer a predictable way to send and receive money whenever you need them.
FAQs
How long is a USPS money order good for?
A United States Postal Service (USPS) money order stays valid forever and keeps its full value. It doesn’t matter when you cash or deposit it; no fees will be taken out.
Can a bank refuse to cash an old money order?
It’s unlikely they’ll refuse completely, but banks may want to confirm that the money order is still valid, especially if it’s several years old. This extra step is meant to protect both you and the bank. Often, a quick call to the issuer is enough to verify.
What happens if a money order has service fees deducted?
The amount you receive will simply be less than the original. For example, if a $100 USD money order had several months of inactivity fees, your actual payout will reflect what’s left after those deductions.
I lost my money order receipt. Can I still get a refund?
The short answer is “maybe.” Replacing a money order without a receipt is more challenging, but it’s still possible. The issuer may be able to look up the money order based on the purchase date and location, though they might charge a processing fee.