Money orders don’t technically expire, but that doesn’t mean you should hold onto them forever. Like many financial service tools, they come with terms you shouldn’t ignore. Over time, monthly service fees may be subtracted from the original amount, slowly reducing the total value. This means the longer you wait to cash or deposit a money order, the less money you might receive in the end.
It’s important to act early so you can keep every dollar you’re owed. Money orders are widely used because they’re secure, easy to use, and often more affordable than other payment methods.
Keep reading to learn how you can avoid losing value and make the most of your money order.
Key Takeaways
- Money orders don’t expire, but they can lose value over time if not cashed. Waiting too long may lead to service fees that reduce the amount you receive.
- Service charges may begin after 1–3 years of inactivity, depending on the issuer. These fees can significantly cut into your money order’s original value.
- State laws may come into play. In some areas, unclaimed money orders may be treated as abandoned property, which can affect whether or how you can recover the funds.
- Be aware of scams. Always verify the authenticity of a money order before accepting or sending one. Never send money orders to people you don’t know or trust.
- Act quickly to protect your money. Cashing or depositing your money order as soon as possible ensures you receive its full value without losing money to fees.
What You Need to Know About Money Order Expiration and Value
Money orders are a trusted payment method, but many people aren’t aware of what happens when they go uncashed for too long. While money orders don’t have a set expiration date, they can still lose value over time due to inactivity, service fees, or even state laws. In the sections below, you’ll learn how long a money order stays valid, how its value can decrease, and why it’s important to act before problems arise
Note: If you purchase a money order of $3,000 or more, or if your combined transactions total that amount within a 48-hour period, you’ll need to present a valid government-issued ID. This requirement supports compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and helps protect the integrity of all transactions. Order Express follows these procedures closely to promote financial transparency and safeguard our customers.
Do Money Orders Expire?
Money orders do not have a set expiration date, but that doesn’t mean you should let them sit unused. While they are considered a reliable and secure way to make payments, waiting too long to cash or deposit one can lead to a loss in value over time.
When you buy a money order, you’re paying the full amount upfront. This guarantees the funds, making it a safe alternative to personal checks, which can bounce. However, even though a money order doesn’t technically expire, time still matters.
Why Timing Is Important
If a money order remains uncashed for one to three years, service charges may begin to apply. These charges are deducted regularly from the original amount and can eventually reduce it to zero. While the exact time frame varies, the impact is often the same if left untouched.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Monthly fees may apply after a period of inactivity
- Unredeemed money orders may lose value gradually
- Terms and timelines depend on the original issuer
Unlike personal checks or other forms of payment that may become void after a set number of days, a money order stays valid indefinitely. However, the longer you wait, the more you risk losing due to these deductions.
To avoid complications, it’s best to take action early. Cash or deposit your money order as soon as possible to ensure you receive the full value and avoid unnecessary loss.
Do Money Orders Lose Their Value?
Yes, even though a money order doesn’t have an official expiration date, it can still lose value if not used in time. If you wait too long to cash or deposit a money order, the amount could be reduced through service fees that are gradually deducted over time.
In most cases, if a money order goes unclaimed for one to three years, monthly fees may begin to apply. These charges are subtracted from the original amount and can continue until the value is significantly reduced, or even depleted completely.
In addition to fees, some state laws treat long-unused money orders as abandoned property. If this happens, the remaining funds may be turned over to the state, and you might need to file a claim to try to get your money back.
To avoid these complications, it’s smart to cash or deposit your money order shortly after receiving it. Acting quickly helps ensure you keep the full value without losing money to fees or delays.
What Happens if a Money Order Goes Unused?
If a money order is left unused for too long, you may risk losing some or all of its value. While there’s no fixed expiration date, both time and inaction can lead to issues that affect your ability to recover the full amount.
Here’s what can happen when a money order goes unused:
- Monthly service fees may apply after one to three years of inactivity, reducing the original value over time.
- The full balance can be depleted if the money order remains unclaimed for an extended period.
- State laws may classify it as abandoned property, meaning the remaining funds could be turned over to the state.
- Reclaiming those funds may require a formal process, which could take time and effort.
To avoid these outcomes, it’s important to cash or deposit your money order as soon as possible. Acting promptly ensures you keep the full value and avoid delays or complications.
Need to Cash a Money Order? Visit Order Express
If you have a money order and want to avoid the risk of lost value or complications, don’t wait, take action now. Order Express offers a convenient and secure way to cash your money orders and get the funds you need without delay.
Order Express also provides money order sales as a safe alternative to cash or checks. This payment method is ideal for paying bills, sending funds through the mail, or remitting money internationally. It’s a smart choice when security, traceability, and reliability matter most.
Whether you need to send or cash a money order, visiting an Order Express location can help you handle the transaction with confidence and peace of mind.
Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe With Money Orders
Money orders are widely considered a secure and reliable way to send payments, but like any financial tool, they can still be targeted by scammers. Fraud involving fake or altered money orders is a real concern and can lead to serious financial trouble if you’re not careful.
If you unknowingly deposit a forged money order, your bank may initially accept it, only to discover the fraud days later. When that happens, the deposited funds will be removed from your account, possibly causing overdrafts, declined transactions, or non-sufficient funds fees. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself before cashing or sending a money order.
Note: Breaking up large money order purchases to avoid ID checks or reporting rules is called structuring, and it’s a federal crime under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Order Express must report suspicious activity, including structured transactions. Always handle your finances truthfully and transparently.
Don’t Send Money to Strangers
Avoid sending money orders to people you don’t know personally or haven’t verified. If someone you’ve never met asks for payment through a money order, especially if they’re rushing you, it’s a major red flag. Scammers often insist on secrecy, telling you not to discuss the transaction with others. This is a tactic to isolate you and reduce the chance of someone warning you it’s a scam.
They may also claim they can’t accept other forms of payment or push emotional stories to gain your sympathy. Be cautious of any situation that feels forced, urgent, or too good to be true.
Once a money order is cashed, it’s nearly impossible to recover the funds, making it a favorite tool for fraud. If you’re ever unsure about a person or transaction, it’s okay to walk away. Protecting your money starts with trusting your instincts and dealing only with people or businesses you can verify.
Confirm the Funds Before You Cash It
Before cashing or depositing a money order, take a few minutes to confirm that it’s legitimate. Start by examining the money order closely, check for correct spelling, clear printing, and any signs of alteration or damage. On the back, you’ll typically find instructions and contact details for verifying the funds with the issuer. Following those steps can help you confirm whether the money order is valid and backed by actual funds.
Skipping this step could lead to serious consequences. If the money order turns out to be fake, and you deposit it, the funds might initially appear in your account, but they can be reversed once the fraud is discovered. That could result in negative balances or rejected payments.
Verifying the money order before cashing protects you from scams and helps ensure you don’t end up losing money. When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable source or visit a trusted location to help with verification.
Check for Forgery or Tampering
Always inspect a money order carefully before accepting or cashing it. Look for obvious signs of tampering, such as erased or scratched-out amounts, smudged ink, mismatched fonts, or handwriting that looks unusual or inconsistent. These can be indicators that someone altered the document to change the payment amount or recipient details.
Also, check for missing security features. Most money orders include watermarks, security threads, or special ink that helps confirm authenticity. If any of these elements appear damaged, missing, or fake, it’s a strong warning sign.
When in doubt, don’t take chances. Bring the money order to a reliable location that can verify it on the spot. A trained representative can identify subtle signs of forgery that may not be obvious at first glance.
Taking a few minutes to double-check the money order can save you from a costly mistake and ensure you’re dealing with a valid form of payment.
Wait Before Using Deposited Funds
Even if a money order looks and feels legitimate, it’s wise to hold off on spending the funds right away, especially if the amount is large or came from someone you don’t personally know. While a deposit may show up in your account quickly, that doesn’t mean the money order has officially cleared.
In some cases, it can take several business days, or even longer, for a financial institution to detect a fake. If the money order turns out to be fraudulent, the funds will be removed from your account, which could leave you short or even in the negative.
To stay protected, wait at least 7 to 14 days before using the money, especially if the situation feels unusual or rushed. This waiting period gives time for verification and helps you avoid the risk of spending funds that could later be reversed.
Patience now can prevent a financial headache later.
Conclusion
While money orders don’t expire in the traditional sense, the value they hold is still at risk. Monthly service fees, state laws, and the passage of time can all chip away at your money if you don’t act quickly. Waiting too long can result in reduced payouts, extra hassle, or even lost funds altogether.
To protect your money, cash or deposit your money order as soon as possible. Don’t assume it will hold full value forever. Be proactive, verify authenticity, understand issuer rules, and avoid sending money orders to untrusted sources.
If you need a reliable place to cash or purchase a money order, Order Express is here to help. Fast, secure, and trustworthy, get the job done before time costs you.
FAQs
Do money orders expire?
Money orders don’t expire, but they can lose value over time due to inactivity fees.
When do service fees start on a money order?
Service fees usually begin after 1 to 3 years of no activity, depending on the issuer.
Can I recover a lost or stolen money order?
Yes, but you must contact the issuer, provide a receipt, and possibly pay a replacement fee.
What happens if I don’t cash a money order?
It may be classified as abandoned property, and the state could take possession of the funds.
How can I tell if a money order is real?
Check for security features and contact the issuer to verify the funds before accepting or cashing.
