Money orders are a secure, reliable way to send money almost anywhere in the world. When you buy a money order, you can track it to make sure it gets delivered to the recipient, making it a good alternative to mailing a check.
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you purchase a money order and how to track it.
- What is a money order?
- How do money orders work?
- How do I track a money order?
- How to track a money order online
- How to track a money order without the serial number
- What happens if my money order gets lost?
- Track a Western Union money order purchased through Advance America Western Union
- Steps to track a Western Union transaction
- What is a MTCN for Western Union?
- How to track a money transfer on the Western Union site
- Guide to different money transfer tracking statuses
- How to track your money transfer with our app
- How to track a money transfer made to a Western Union agency
- Trusted by customers around the world
- FAQs around tracking money transfers
- What is a Western Union MTCN
- Where can I find my
- With Western Union
- Can’t find your
- Benefits of an
- Send money internationally in just a few clicks
- Frequently asked questions
- How do I track the status of a money transfer with my
- How does the receiver use the MTCN?
- Make my transfer more secure?
- How long do international money transfers take?
What is a money order?
A money order is a prepaid and secure form of payment that represents a specified amount of money. It can be either a paper document that you send in the mail or a wire transfer.
You can purchase one at many post office locations, banks, credit unions, grocery stores, and convenience stores – but Western Union specializes in money orders. Since we partner with Western Union, you can visit any Advance America store to send money where you need it.
How do money orders work?
When you purchase the money order, you’ll need to select your delivery method. Money orders usually come with a variety of delivery options so that you can choose the best one for your needs.
For example, if you’re paying rent, you might need to hand-deliver a paper money order to your landlord. If a loved one overseas needs money, the money order issuer can wire the funds to a partner location near your recipient.
Money orders are kind of like a cross between cash and personal checks. You’ll have to pay the amount you’re sending with cash, debit, or credit and sign the money order. Once the recipient receives it, they sign and cash it at their local bank, credit union, or retailer.
How do I track a money order?
Tracking options will vary from one issuer to another. Here’s how to track a money order from Western Union:
How to track a money order online
You can also check the status of your money order online or in the Western Union app. To do this, simply go to Western Union’s website and select the Track a Transfer option in the dropdown menu. You can then enter the Tracking Number, which is located on your transfer history page as well as on your printed or emailed receipt.
How to track a money order without the serial number
If you misplaced your receipt and still want to know the status of your money order, you can submit a Western Union Money Order Research Request. You’ll need to include:
What happens if my money order gets lost?
Although rare, it’s possible for money orders to get lost while in transit. If this happens, you may be able to request a refund. For lost Western Union money orders, complete the Money Order Customer Request form.
Track a Western Union money order purchased through Advance America Western Union
makes money order tracking fast and easy. Stop by any Advance America location to purchase a Western Union money order – or send one online 24/7 through our website! You don’t need a bank account and can choose from a variety of payment and delivery options.
Send and receive money anytime, anywhere, with Western Union and Advance America!
How do I track a transaction in Western Union?
In this step-by-step guide, we will navigate the process of tracking a transaction in Western Union so you can have peace of mind throughout the process. Let’s dive in!
Steps to track a Western Union transaction
Visit the official Western Union website and navigate to the ‘Track Transfer’ page. Enter the tracking number (MTCN) provided when you initiated the transaction.
Next, input the sender’s name and country. This information helps locate your transfer in case you don’t have the MTCN handy.
After entering the required details, click on ‘Track Transfer’. The system will then display real-time updates on your transaction status, including whether it has been sent or picked up.
If you encounter any issues during this process, reach out to Western Union customer service for assistance. They are available 24/7 via phone or online chat to help resolve any problems promptly.
What is a MTCN for Western Union?
MTCN stands for Money Transfer Control Number. It’s a unique tracking number assigned to every money transfer transaction processed by Western Union.This 10-digit number is crucial when it comes to tracking your money transfer and ensuring that the funds reach the intended recipient.
To locate your MTCN, simply check your receipt or confirmation email provided by Western Union after initiating the money transfer. The MTCN will be clearly displayed on these documents along with other essential details like the amount sent and recipient’s information.
At Western Union, we believe there are few things more valuable than peace of mind.
We encrypt your money transfers
We are committed to keeping your data secure
The peace of mind that comes from knowing that there are no hidden costs with our money transfers, that they are fast and reliable transfers, and that you can monitor your money transfer every step of the way.
Not only will the sender be able to monitor the progress of the money transfer, but the recipient waiting to receive the money will also be able to monitor its progress.
We know the importance of sending money to a loved one and the ability to track its progress in real time. If you are looking forward to seeing a gift arrive in time for someone’s birthday or being able to provide financial assistance for a household expense, Western Union’s money transfer tracking can help you.
How to track a money transfer on the Western Union site
After registering with Western Union and sending money to a loved one, you will receive an online receipt to show that the transfer was approved and an e-mail with your Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
But what happens if you don’t have your MTCN on hand? We know that people can misplace their numbers or accidentally delete e-mails, so if that happens to you, you’ll be happy to know that you can still check the status of your money transfer in a few simple steps:
This way you will be able to monitor exactly how the transfer is progressing.
Learn about the various transfer monitoring options below.
Guide to different money transfer tracking statuses
Tracking an international money transfer with Western Union involves a number of statuses to give you useful information.These include:
We usually update the status of your money transfer within 2 hours to make sure you have the most up-to-date information possible.
How to track your money transfer with our app
The process of tracking a money transfer via the Western Union app is essentially the same as recording, sending and tracking the status of a money transfer.
Western Union’s app gives you the flexibility to make money transfers wherever you are. This means you can monitor the status of your transfer anytime, anywhere.
The recipient of the money transfer can also check the progress of the transfer with our app.
How to track a money transfer made to a Western Union agency
Make sure your loved one has the MTCN handy when he or she goes to pick up the cash transfer at a foreign agency.
Trusted by customers around the world
As specialists in international and multi-currency bank transfers, at Western Union® we aim to encourage economic growth and create a better world by keeping you connected with the people who matter most to you. The ability to track a money transfer is an important part of our commitment to providing a service you can trust.
Track your transfers for every special moment
Regardless of what you and your loved ones are celebrating, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, a new business or someone needing a little support, thanks to the ability to track transfers you’ll both know exactly where your money transfers stand.
FAQs around tracking money transfers
Can I track my money transfer through a serial number?
YES. The serial number used for money transfers with Western Union is called the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
A money transfer control number (MTCN) is a unique 10-digit tracking number assigned to your transfer and can be used to track your transfer within minutes1.
You can find the MTCN on the transfer receipt and on the transfer history page once you have registered and made a transfer.
Why has my money transfer been cancelled?
In the rare event that a transfer is cancelled, we apologize for the inconvenience caused.
If you have already received a charge, we will refund your money in the original form of payment within 5-7 business days from the date the refund is processed.
You will also receive a notification when the refund is credited to your bank account, credit or debit card, or when it is ready for pickup.
If your transfer is cancelled, you can always start another money transfer online or at one of our agencies.
2 If you’re using a credit card, a card-issuer cash advance fee and associated interest charges may apply. To avoid these fees or for reduced fees, use a debit card or check other payment methods.
When you make a money transfer with Western Union, you’ll receive a ten-digit Money Transfer Control Number (). You’ll get an however you send money with us, whether it’s online, on the app, or in-store.
But what is an and how can you use it to track your transfer? Here’s a handy guide to Western Union
What is a Western Union MTCN
When you send money with Western Union, your transfer is assigned a unique ten-digit number. This number is your (Money Transfer Control Number).
Where can I find my
Not sure where to find your ? You’ll have a tracking number whether you’ve sent a transfer online, in-store, or on the Western Union app.
You can find your on your transfer receipt. If you made your transfer on the website, the number will be on your online receipt and the confirmation email you receive. If you made a transfer in-store, your number will be printed on your receipt.
You get a unique for each money transfer. If you send multiple transfers at the same time, each one will have a different number.
With Western Union
It’s easy to s for Western Union transfers online and on the app. To track the status of your transfer, just head to our Track a Transfer page and enter your ten-digit number. You can then see the status of your transfer in real time.
is also available on the Western Union app. This is handy if you want to check the status of your money transfer on your smartphone when you’re out and about.
The tracking statuses for transfers include:
Can’t find your
number? Don’t worry, you can still check the status of your transfer.
Track a TransferDon’t know the You’ll then need to enter your phone number or the sender and receiver’s names. Select the receiver’s country, enter the transfer amount and the date the transfer was sent. You’ll then be able to see your transfer’s current status.
Benefits of an
Why do we give with our transfers? Here are just a few reasons why:
Send money internationally in just a few clicks
Need to send money to loved ones abroad? Western Union makes it easy to send and track money transfers around the world.
Send an online money transfer today in just a few clicks. Don’t forget to keep note of your to track your transfer’s status.
Frequently asked questions
Both you and your receiver will need the . You’ll use the Western Union tracking number to check the status of the transfer. The receiver will use the to pick up the money from an agent location if this is your chosen way to receive the transfer. You’ll also need the if you need to contact Customer Care about a money transfer.
How do I track the status of a money transfer with my
track your transfer, enter your 10-digit number on our website or on the app. You’ll be able to see the current status of your transfer.
How does the receiver use the MTCN?
If the receiver is picking up the money from a Western Union agent location, they’ll need to provide the alongside a government-issued form of ID upon collection.
Make my transfer more secure?
Western Union is a reliable way to transfer funds worldwide. While the helps verify that transferred funds are picked up in-store by the intended receiver, it is not a security measure. We have other measures in place as part of our commitment to security, like encrypted transfers and fraud prevention measures.
To protect yourself, we suggest you visit our Consumer Protection Center to learn how to recognise common scams and frauds.
How long do international money transfers take?
How long your transfer will take depends on a variety of factors, like your send method, how you choose to receive the money, the destination country, and the amount sent. It can take anywhere between a few minutes to four business days for the money to reach your receiver.
Find out more about international money transfers.
