How long is a money order good for depends entirely on who issued it. USPS money orders do not expire and remain valid indefinitely, while private issuers like Western Union and MoneyGram may charge inactivity fees after a period of non-use. Understanding issuer-specific rules before you purchase or cash a money order can save you from unnecessary fees or delays. This guide covers the key policies you need to know. Related guides include how long money orders are good for and how to fill out a money order.
USPS Money Orders: No Expiration Date
U.S. Postal Service money orders do not expire. You can cash a USPS money order at any post office location regardless of when it was purchased. The U.S. Postal Service is one of the most widely trusted issuers precisely because their money orders carry no expiration date and no inactivity fees.
USPS money orders are available in amounts up to $1,000 for domestic orders and $700 for international military money orders. The face value is guaranteed and the money order can be replaced if lost or stolen. For step-by-step instructions on completing one, see our guide on how to fill out a money order — you will need the original receipt to initiate a replacement claim.
Western Union Money Orders: Inactivity Fees Apply
Western Union money orders do not have a hard expiration date, but their terms and conditions typically allow for inactivity fees after a defined period of non-use — which may be as short as one to three years depending on your state's unclaimed property laws and the purchase date. These fees may reduce the face value if the money order sits uncashed for an extended period.
State unclaimed property laws often require Western Union to transfer the balance of dormant money orders to the state after a set number of years. Knowing business day timelines can help you act before inactivity fees accrue. If this occurs, you may be able to claim the funds through your state's unclaimed property office rather than through Western Union directly.
MoneyGram Money Orders: Similar Fee Structure
MoneyGram money orders follow a similar approach to Western Union — no set expiration date, but potential inactivity or service fees after a period of non-use. The specific fee schedule and timeline may vary by state and the terms at the time of purchase. Always check the fine print on the money order itself or contact MoneyGram directly to confirm current terms.
As a general rule, cashing any private-issuer money order promptly after receiving it is the safest approach. Holding a money order for months or years exposes you to the risk of fees, lost documents, and issuer policy changes.
Where to Cash a Money Order
You can typically cash a money order at: the issuing post office or retail location, your bank or credit union (keep your receipts), some grocery stores and check-cashing services. Banks and credit unions often cash money orders at no charge for account holders, though they may place a hold on funds for new customers.
Check-cashing services may cash money orders without a bank account but typically charge a fee — often a percentage of the face value. For large money orders, this fee can be significant. Comparing the cost of alternatives before visiting a check-cashing outlet is a prudent step.
What to Do With an Old or Lost Money Order
If you have an old money order and are unsure of its status, contact the issuer directly with the serial number and purchase receipt. For USPS money orders, you can request a photocopy to verify whether the order was cashed using PS Form 6401 at your local post office, though a fee may apply.
If a private-issuer money order has been turned over to the state under unclaimed property laws, search your state's unclaimed property database — and consider using bank statements to document the original purchase — typically available through your state treasurer or comptroller's office. Many states hold these funds indefinitely until claimed by the rightful owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a money order good for?
USPS money orders do not expire and are valid indefinitely with no inactivity fees. Western Union and MoneyGram money orders do not carry hard expiration dates but may have inactivity fees applied after one to three years of non-use, depending on the issuer and state law. Always cash or deposit money orders promptly to avoid potential fee deductions.
Can I cash an old money order from decades ago?
For USPS money orders, yes — they do not expire and the Postal Service will honor them regardless of age. For privately issued money orders that are many years old — and if you are unsure where to locate a money service location — , you may need to claim the funds through your state's unclaimed property office if the issuer has already remitted the funds to the state.
What happens if a money order is lost or stolen?
Contact the issuer immediately. For USPS money orders, a replacement or refund may be available if you have the original receipt; the process typically involves a fee and a waiting period to confirm the order was not cashed. Private issuers have their own replacement procedures, which may take several weeks.
Is a money order the same as a cashier's check?
No — they are similar but distinct. Money orders are prepaid by the purchaser and typically capped at $1,000 per order. Cashier's checks (also called bank drafts) are issued and guaranteed by a bank, often in larger amounts. Both are considered more secure than personal checks. The FDIC provides general consumer guidance on payment instruments.
Are money orders safe to use?
Money orders are generally considered a secure payment method because they do not require sharing your bank account information. However, money order fraud schemes do exist — never cash a money order from an unknown sender and send back the difference, as this is a common scam tactic. Understanding how pending transactions work can help you avoid delays. The CFPB provides resources on avoiding payment scams.
Sources & References
- USPS — Money Orders — https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm
- CFPB — Prepaid Cards and Money Orders — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-money-order-en-1646/
- FDIC — Consumer Assistance — https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/
- Treasury.gov — Unclaimed Assets — https://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/How-to-Find-Unclaimed-Assets.aspx
- CFPB — Consumer Tools: Fraud and Scams — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/
Last updated: April 28, 2026