Western Union Money Order FAQs

We know readers have various questions regarding Money Orders from Western Union. We decided to set up this Western Union Money Order FAQs page to address the most common questions we get.

A Western Union money order offers the convenience of a check without the need for a checking account.

However, unlike a check, you need to buy a money order and you have to pay the amount of the money order upfront.

"Western Union Money Order FAQs"

Western Union Money Order FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Western Union Money Orders.

More questions will be added as and when we receive reader feedback.

How do I track my Western Union Money Order?

There are two ways to track your Western Union transaction.

Option 1 – Online

Click here to check your Western Union money order status online.

You will need your Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).

The MTCN number is a 10-digit number on the receipt you get each time you send money via Western Union. See an example below.

"Western Union MTCN Tracking Number"

This Western Union tracking number will allow you to check the status of your money transfer.

Once you locate your MTCN number, you can enter it in the space provided, as shown below.

"Track Your Western Union Transaction"

Option 2 – By Phone

Also, you can call the Western Union automated line at 1-(800) 999-9660.

Listen to the automated menu prompts and select the option to “Check the Status of a Money Order.”

You will need to enter your MTCN number

The MTCN number is a 10-digit number on the receipt you get each time you send money via Western Union.

I Cannot Find my Western Union MTCN Tracking Number. What Should I do?

If you have trouble getting your MTCN from the sender, or you have lost or forgotten your tracking number, you can still collect money.

You should call Western Union Customer Care at 1-800-325-6000 for help.

How much does a money order cost at Western Union?

Fees for a money order at Western Union vary. It is largely based on the money order amount.

For amounts between $0.01 – $100, the fee is $1.25.

Furthermore, for amounts between $100.01 – $1000, the fee is $1.50.

For example, if you purchase $1,000 in money order at Western Union, you will pay $1.50 in fees.

Where can I cash a Westen Union Money Order?

You may be able to cash your money order at banks and other retailer locations.

This includes grocery stores, check-cashing locations, such as Walmart, or other stores where you’ve been able to cash checks in the past.

The bank or retailer may charge you to cash your money order.

Furthermore, you may also be able to deposit the money order into your bank account.

However, it is important to note that not all Western Union locations, including where you buy a money order, are able to cash them.

Do Western Union Money Orders Have Expiration Dates?

No. However, depending upon the state of purchase, if you do not use or cash the money order within one to three years of the purchase date, there may be a fee.

Where applicable, this non-refundable service charge will be deducted from the principal amount.

How do I request a money order refund?

How you request a Western Union money order refund depends on whether you are the purchaser or page. Follow the steps below depending on your status.

If you are the Purchaser

If you have your original Western Union money order or your receipt, here’s what you need to do:

First, complete and sign and date the money order tracing-refund request on the back of the money order receipt.

Alternatively, you can complete the Money Order Customer Request form. Click here to be taken to the form.

Next, submit the documentation above and the $15 USD non-refundable processing fee payable to WU with a money order or personal check to the address listed on the form.

You can also send the documentation by fax at 1-720-864-0477, or by email [email protected].

Please allow 30 days for processing.

Without your original money order or your purchaser’s receipt:

If you do not have your original Western Union money order or your receipt, here’s what you should do:

First, get the Money Order Research Request form online. Click here to be taken to the form.

Next, Print the form, and then complete and sign it.

Once it’s completed and signed, take the form to be notarized.

Finally, once the form is notarized, Submit it with all available documents showing you as the purchaser, and the $30 USD non-refundable processing fee to the address listed on the form.

You can also submit it by fax at 1-720-864-0477, or by email [email protected].

If the money order was stolen, please provide a copy of the police report.

Note that processing can take as long as 6 – 8 weeks, and you may not be eligible for a refund.

If you are the Payee (person or company the money order was written to)

How you request a refund as a payee depends on whether you are a person or company. Follow the instructions below depending on your status:

If you are a Payee (Person)

Complete Page 1 of the Western Union Money Order Affidavit Form. Click here to be taken to the form.

The form must be completed accurately, unaltered, signed, and notarized.

If you are a “Company” (legal entity)

Complete Page 1 and 2 of the Western Union Money Order Affidavit Form. Click here to be taken to the form.

The form must be completed accurately, unaltered, signed, and notarized.

Documents Required for Both Payee and Company

For both payee and company, send the following information to the address listed on the form:

  • The completed form
  • $15 non-refundable processing fee (money order or check)
  • Proof of purchase (select one):
    – The original or a clear copy of the original money order
    ​- The original or clear copy of the original money order receipt

Allow 30 days for refund processing.

How can I initiate a forgery claim for Western Union Money Order?

A forgery claim can be initiated by the purchaser of the money order.

If you determine the money order may qualify for a forgery claim, please call the Customer Support Line at 1-800-999-9660 for assistance.

Here’s how the process works once you call customer service with a forgery claim.

During your call with Western Union, if it is determined you qualify for a forgery claim, Western Union will send the required forms to you to complete.

Complete the form, notarize it, and return to:

Western Union Financial Services Inc.
P. O. Box 7030,
Englewood, CO 80155-7030.

Note: WU is unable to accept copies of these documents via fax or email, as banks require original, signed forms.

Can I change the payee name on Western Union Money Order after the money order has been completed?

No, you cannot make changes to a completed money order.

In addition, any form of alteration or correction will result in your inability to cash your Western Union Money order.

Alternatively, you may opt for a refund. See above for instructions on how to request a refund or click here.

What is the maximum amount you can send with Western Union Money Order?

The maximum amount you can send in a single Western Union Money order is $1,000.00.

However, you can buy more than one money order.

Can I cash a Western Union money order that I bought from you but didn’t need?

Yes. Simply bring the money order with you to a Western Union location.

However, if the payee’s name has already been written on the money order, you may have to request a refund to get your money back.

Will the receiver get a notification when the money arrives?

No, Western Union does not send notifications to the receiver.

You should provide the receiver with the MTCN so they can check the status of a transfer and see if it’s ready for collection.

What are some alternatives to the Western Union Money Order?

While Western Union is one of the leading money transfer companies, there are other reputable competitors in the market, including Moneygram.

Here’s a list of other Money Transfer providers.

  • MoneyGram
  • Xoom
  • PayPal
  • WorldRemit
  • Ria Money Transfer
  • Remitly

Western Union Money Order FAQs Summary

We hope this post on Western Union Money Order FAQs was helpful.

If you have further questions about sending money with Western Union, please let us know in the comments section below.

Be sure to check out our other articles including Western Union Online Account Login, How to Create Western Union AccountGreen Dot MoneyPak, how to log in to MoneyPak Account, and how to Transfer Money from a Bank Account to a Prepaid Debit Card.