How Long Are Money Orders Good For? (2026)

USPS money orders do not expire — they remain valid indefinitely and can be cashed for their full face value regardless of how long you have held them. This makes USPS money orders one of the most reliable options if there is any chance you will not be able to deliver or cash the instrument promptly. The U.S. Postal Service does not charge inactivity fees or service fees that reduce the face value over time.

USPS money orders are available in amounts up to $1,000 per money order for domestic transactions. They can be cashed at any U.S. Post Office location or at many banks and check-cashing services. If you receive a USPS money order of uncertain age, you can verify its status and confirm it has not already been cashed by contacting the USPS Money Order Inquiry line.

Western Union money orders may be subject to an inactivity fee after an extended period of non-use, though the specific fee amount and the timing at which it begins to apply vary by state law. In some states, consumer protection laws limit or prohibit inactivity fees on money orders. You should review the terms printed on the money order itself and contact Western Union directly if you have an older instrument and want to confirm the current available balance.

Western Union money orders can typically be cashed at Western Union agent locations, many banks, and check-cashing retailers. If you have a Western Union money order that is several years old, calling Western Union's customer service to verify its status before attempting to cash it is a practical first step.

MoneyGram money orders may also be subject to inactivity fees after a period of non-use, with the specific terms depending on state regulations and the money order's issue date. Like Western Union, the fees are disclosed in the terms accompanying the money order. MoneyGram money orders can generally be cashed at MoneyGram agent locations and many retail banks at MoneyGram agent locations and many retail banks.

If you are unsure whether a MoneyGram money order has been cashed or whether fees have reduced the balance, MoneyGram offers a money order verification service. You will typically need the serial number, dollar amount, and purchase date from the money order itself to use this service.

If you lose a USPS money order, you can request a replacement by completing PS Form 6401 and paying a processing fee, which is typically around $20 as of 2026. USPS will conduct a money order inquiry to determine whether the money order has already been cashed. If it has not been cashed, a replacement will typically be issued, though the process can take 30 to 60 days. You should keep your receipt — much like you keep bank statements — when you purchase any money order, as the serial number is required to initiate a replacement request.

Western Union and MoneyGram also have replacement processes for lost or stolen money orders, and similar fees and processing times apply. In all cases, the original receipt is critical — without the serial number, the issuer may not be able to locate the record of your purchase and process a replacement.

If a money order is never cashed, it may eventually be subject to state unclaimed property (escheatment) laws. Under these laws, issuers are typically required to turn over the funds to the state government after a defined dormancy period — often three to five years depending on the state. Once escheated, you may still be able to claim the funds by filing with your state's unclaimed property office, but the process can be time-consuming.

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) provides a multi-state search tool at MissingMoney.com where you can search for funds that may have been escheated from uncashed money orders or other dormant financial instruments. Cashing or depositing money orders promptly after receiving them avoids this issue entirely.