After purchasing a money order and later wonder, “Can I return a money order if I write on it?” You may be able to obtain a refund on a money order purchased from Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, a bank, or a credit union. You have to be the original purchaser of the money order. Each issuer has a different process to receive a refund. You may need to visit the original issuer or at the post office obtain assistance by filing a claim for the refund.
Here is an overview of how the process of getting a refund for a money order you purchased.
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Steps to Take Before Inquiring About a Refund
Can I return a money order if I write on it? Yes but it can be time-consuming and costly to receive a refund for a money order. The first step to take is to be sure no one has cashed the money order. Whenever you request a refund and the money order has been made out to someone else, you are still responsible for the money order until a stop payment is issued.
Also, when you have the money order in your possession, do not change anything or mark anything out before requesting your refund. It’s important not to cross out the name of the original recipient to add your own. Crossing out information on a money order is a common mistake that makes the money order invalid, and you will not have the ability cash it.
Another factor to consider is the expiration date on the money order. While some money orders do not have the expiration date listed and others do, some issuers may still issue a refund with your receipt and original money order. Policies do vary, so you should check with the location where you purchased the money order to see if there are any restrictions.
Money Order Refund Process
When you are trying to recover a refund for a money order you purchased, be sure to have your money order receipt. It will make the refund process a lot easier. It also depends on the issuer as Western Union will often issue a refund even if you don’t have the original receipt. In contrast, MoneyGram and the post office will not give refunds without having the original receipt. Banks and credit union policies vary on money order refunds, so you will want to check with them.
If you still possess the original money order and receipt and your money order has not been altered, you can make it payable to yourself and cash in the money order at any bank or location that will accept money orders.
When the money order has been made payable for someone else, simply endorse the money order on the back of it “not used for intended purpose” and sign your name to endorse it. From here, you can quickly cash the money order or deposit it into your bank account.
If you made a mistake in completing the money order, don’t cross it out as this will invalidate it. Take it back to the store or bank where the money order was purchased and follow the claims process to request a replacement or a refund.
You might run into difficulty if you did not initially purchase the money order. Most issuers will not issue a refund. If you did not buy the money order, do not make it payable to yourself for cash because if the original purchaser files a lost or stolen claim on it, you could end up facing legal consequences. If you know the original purchaser of the money order, it’s best just to return it to them so that they can request a refund.