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Money orders are a safe and secure way to send money. Whether you are paying a bill or sending funds to a loved one, money orders offer an alternative to cash or personal checks.
One important feature that helps in tracking and verifying money orders is the “check number.” This number is crucial for identifying and managing the money order, especially when it comes to USPS and Western Union money orders.
In this blog post, we will explore what the check number on a money order is, its significance, how to calculate it, and where you can find it.
What is the Check Number on a Money Order?
Before diving into the specifics of what a check number is, it’s essential to understand what a money order is. A money order is a prepaid financial instrument used to pay for goods or services.
It is a more secure alternative to a personal check because it is prepaid and guaranteed by the issuer. You buy a money order for a specified amount, and it can be cashed or deposited by the recipient at a later time.
While the exact format and details of a money order can vary depending on the issuer, there are a few common features, such as the payee’s name, the amount, the issuer’s name, and the check number. The check number is often used for identification and tracking purposes.
Understanding the Check Number on a Money Order
At first glance, you might wonder, “What is the check number on a money order?” The check number, in the case of USPS money orders, is not just any random number. It is a unique identifier that consists of an 11-digit serial number. This serial number helps distinguish one money order from another, making it easier to track and process.
The first 10 digits of this serial number are essential for identification, while the last digit is what is known as the “check digit.” The check digit is calculated using a simple formula, and its primary purpose is to ensure that the serial number is accurate and valid. Let’s take a closer look at the USPS money order identification system.
USPS Money Order Identification
The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses an 11-digit serial number to identify their money orders. This serial number is printed on the money order itself, and it serves as a unique identifier for each transaction. The check number or serial number is used by the USPS to track the money order’s journey from purchase to cashing or deposit.
The 11-digit serial number is broken down into two parts:
- First 10 digits: These represent the unique number associated with the money order. Each money order issued by USPS will have a different serial number.
- Last digit (Check digit): This is the check digit, which is calculated from the first 10 digits. The check digit is used as an error-checking mechanism to ensure the validity of the serial number.
How to Calculate the Check Digit
So, how exactly do you calculate the check digit? To calculate the check digit on a USPS money order, you need to add up the first 10 digits of the serial number. After you have the sum, you divide it by 9. The remainder of this division is the check digit.
Let’s go through an example:
- Consider the first 10 digits of a money order’s serial number: 1234567890.
- Add the digits together:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 0 = 45. - Now divide the sum by 9:
45 ÷ 9 = 5 remainder 0. - The check digit in this case would be 0.
It’s important to note that the check digit is just a simple way to verify that the serial number has not been altered or mistyped. If the calculated check digit doesn’t match the one printed on the money order, there is a problem with the serial number, and the money order is likely invalid.
Where to Find the Check Number
For USPS money orders, the 11-digit serial number, including the check digit, is typically found on the stub or receipt portion of the money order. This is the part you keep for your records when you purchase a money order. The serial number is printed clearly for easy reference and tracking.
If you are holding the money order itself, you will also see the serial number printed directly on the front, making it easy to find the check number when needed.
Western Union Money Orders
When discussing money orders, it’s worth noting that USPS is not the only issuer. Western Union is another prominent provider of money orders. While the concept of a check number or tracking number still applies, Western Union uses a slightly different system.
Instead of an 11-digit serial number, Western Union money orders come with a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), which is a 10-digit number.
The MTCN is used to track the money order from its purchase to its cashing or deposit. Similar to the USPS money order serial number, the MTCN serves the same purpose of identifying and tracking the money order.
If you are sending or receiving a Western Union money order, you will find the MTCN on the receipt that comes with the money order. This number can be used to track the status of the money order and ensure it has been processed correctly.
Why is the Check Number Important?
The check number (or serial number) on a money order serves several important purposes. Let’s break them down:
- Tracking: The check number makes it possible for the issuer (USPS or Western Union) to track the money order from purchase to delivery. If there is an issue, such as the recipient not receiving the money, the check number can be used to trace the order’s status and location.
- Verification: The check digit (the last digit in the serial number) acts as a simple method of verifying that the serial number is accurate. This helps prevent fraud or errors in handling money orders.
- Security: Money orders are more secure than cash, and the check number plays a key role in that security. If a money order is lost or stolen, the serial number can be used to stop payment or track the money order’s use. The serial number makes it easier to detect any fraudulent activity.
- Record-Keeping: For both the sender and the recipient, having the check number is essential for record-keeping. It allows both parties to refer to the exact money order for future inquiries or disputes.
What Happens If You Lose Your Money Order?
If you lose your money order, the first thing you will need is the check number (serial number). Whether it’s a USPS or Western Union money order, the check number is essential for filing a claim and stopping payment. For USPS money orders, you can use the serial number to request a refund or trace the money order.
If you lose the receipt, you may still be able to find the check number by checking your purchase records or contacting the issuer with any relevant information about the transaction. Keep in mind that losing a money order can lead to delays in resolving the issue, so always keep the receipt in a safe place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
What is a check number on a money order?
The check number on a money order is a unique 11-digit serial number used for identification and tracking. The last digit of this serial number is a check digit, calculated using the first 10 digits to verify the validity of the number.
How can I calculate the check digit on a USPS money order?
To calculate the check digit, add the first 10 digits of the serial number, divide the sum by 9, and use the remainder as the check digit.
Where can I find the check number on a USPS money order?
The check number (serial number) can be found on the stub or receipt portion of the USPS money order, as well as on the front of the money order itself.
Is the check number the same as the serial number on a money order?
Yes, the check number is essentially the serial number of the money order, which consists of 11 digits, with the last digit being the check digit used for verification.
What happens if I lose my money order and don’t have the check number?
If you lose your money order, you will need the check number (serial number) to file a claim or stop payment. You can typically retrieve the check number from your purchase records or contact the issuer.
What is the difference between a USPS and Western Union money order check number?
USPS money orders use an 11-digit serial number, including a check digit for verification, while Western Union money orders use a 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) for tracking purposes.
Why is the check number important on a money order?
The check number is important for tracking the money order, verifying its authenticity, preventing fraud, and keeping accurate records of the transaction.
Can the check number be used to track a USPS money order?
Yes, the check number (serial number) is used to track the money order’s journey, from purchase to delivery, and can be used to verify its status if needed.
How do I report a lost or stolen money order?
If your money order is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the issuer, providing the check number to help track or stop the payment. For USPS money orders, you can file a claim with the USPS using the serial number.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the check number on a money order, particularly a USPS money order, is an 11-digit serial number with the last digit being a check digit. This check number is used for identification, tracking, and verification purposes.
Calculating the check digit involves adding up the first 10 digits of the serial number and dividing the sum by 9 to find the remainder, which serves as the check digit.
The check number is located on the stub or receipt portion of the money order, and it is essential for tracking the money order’s status. Western Union money orders use a 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) for similar purposes.
Understanding the check number is important for ensuring the security, accuracy, and traceability of money orders. If you ever lose your money order, having the check number on hand will help you resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.