How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (Free, Official Search)
Type your name, pick your states, and in about a minute you'll see any matches from old bank accounts, uncashed checks and deposits.
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Before you start, know that state searches miss federal money like old savings bonds and pensions. For everything else, every U.S. state keeps a free, official database of unclaimed money, and MissingMoney.com lets you search most of them at once.
Type your name, pick your states, and in about a minute you'll see any matches from old bank accounts, uncashed checks and deposits, each with a link to the official page where you file the claim.
[Botão: Also check: federal money not in state searches → LINK-P2]
The reason states hold this money is simple. When a business can't reach you after an account sits inactive, it's required to turn the funds over to the state. That property is reported to the state where the company is based, so it's common to have money waiting in more than one state, especially if you've moved. The state holds it until the owner or an heir claims it, and these programs returned over 5 billion dollars to their rightful owners in fiscal year 2023.
Where to search: quick comparison
Where to searchWhat it coversCostWhat you needResultsMissingMoney.comMost U.S. states at onceFreeName, statesInstantYour state's official siteThat state onlyFreeName, sometimes cityInstantEach state you've lived inMoney reported where companies are basedFreePast addressesInstantOther names you've usedMaiden names, misspellings, business namesFreeName variationsInstantA deceased relative's nameMoney you may inheritFree to searchTheir name, last addressInstant; claim takes longer
Which search should you start with?
You've lived in one state your whole life: start with MissingMoney.com, then run the same search on your state's official site to confirm nothing was missed.
You've moved between states: MissingMoney.com covers most of them in one search, but check each state separately if something looks incomplete. Companies report to the state where they are based, not where you lived.
You already searched the states: there's a separate layer of money held by federal agencies, like savings bonds, tax refunds and old pensions, that no state site shows. See the federal sources the state search won't show.
The 5 ways to search, one by one
1. MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com is the multi-state search endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). The site has no ads and charges no fee to search. It's the best first stop because it checks many state databases at once.
How to use:
- Go to MissingMoney.com and click the search button.
- Enter your last name and first name.
- Leave the state field open, or pick the states you've lived in.
- Review each match and check whether the address listed is one you've used.
- Click the match to go to the official state site and start the claim.
At the time of writing, Hawaii is the only state not included, so Hawaii residents should search the state's own site.
2. Your state's official unclaimed property website
Every state runs its own program, usually under the state treasurer or comptroller. Searching is free when you use the official state government site, and NAUPA's website has a map linking directly to each state's program.
How to use:
- Open the state list on unclaimed.org and select your state.
- Confirm you're on the official site linked from that list.
- Search your full name, then just your last name.
- Narrow by city if you get too many results.
- Select your match and follow the state's claim steps.
Some state sites show a little more detail than MissingMoney.com, like the name of the company that reported the money.
3. Every state you've lived, worked or banked in
This is where most people miss money. An old paycheck from a job in another state, a security deposit from a college apartment, or a refund from a company headquartered elsewhere can all end up in a state you never think about.
How to use:
- List every state where you've lived, worked or had an account.
- Add states where companies you dealt with are headquartered, like your old bank or insurer.
- Search each state's official site, even if MissingMoney.com showed nothing.
- Use the address you had at the time in that state.
- Note each match and its claim number before moving on.
4. Names you've used
Records are stored exactly as the company typed them, often years ago. A maiden name, a missing middle initial or a typo can hide a match.
How to use:
- Search your name with and without your middle initial.
- Search any previous last names.
- Try common misspellings of your name.
- Search the name of any business or LLC you've owned.
- Search joint names, like "John and Mary Smith."
5. A deceased relative's name
Money belonging to a parent or grandparent who passed away stays on the books until an heir claims it. Families often find old life insurance payouts, bank balances or stock dividends this way.
How to use:
- Search the relative's full name on MissingMoney.com.
- Repeat on the official site of each state where they lived.
- Match the listed address to their last known addresses.
- Read the state's heir requirements before starting the claim.
- Gather the death certificate and proof of your relationship.
Heir claims require more paperwork and take longer than claims for your own property.
What the state search can't do
It helps to know the limits before you start.
It only shows state-held money. Federal agencies keep separate records for savings bonds, unfiled tax refunds, pensions from companies that closed, and FHA mortgage insurance refunds. None of that appears on MissingMoney.com or any state site. Those require their own searches, which we cover in federal places to look for money in your name.
Most matches are modest. Many findings are an uncashed refund check or an old deposit. Some are larger, but there's no way to know the amount until you search, and some states only show a range.
A name match isn't proof. If your name is common, many listings won't be yours. The address history is what tells you.
No one can guarantee you'll find something. Any site or letter that promises you have money waiting is a red flag.
Before you file a claim
- Never pay to search. Official state sites and MissingMoney.com are free.
- Be careful with "finder" letters. Companies may offer to recover your money for a percentage. In most cases you can file the same claim yourself for free.
- Ignore texts claiming you're owed money. States don't text you a link asking for your bank details.
- Keep your address history handy. Old addresses are how states confirm the money is yours.
- Have ID ready. Most claims require a photo ID and sometimes your Social Security number.
- Save your claim number. It's how you'll track the status later.
- Search again once a year. Businesses report new property to states regularly, so a search that finds nothing today may find something later.
Unclaimed money claims: cost and timeline
Searching: free and instant on official sites.
Filing a claim: free when you file directly with the state.
Documents: simple claims may only need ID and proof of address. Larger amounts, heir claims and business claims usually need more, sometimes notarized forms.
Processing time: it varies by state and by claim type. A straightforward claim for your own property can move quickly, while estate and heir claims can take months. Your state's site usually lists expected times.
If a third party files for you, they typically keep a percentage of what's recovered. Doing it yourself costs only your time.
FAQ
Is MissingMoney.com legit? Yes. It's the multi-state search endorsed by NAUPA, the association of state unclaimed property administrators, and it links to official state sites to complete claims.
Is there a deadline to claim? For state-held property, states generally hold the money for the owner indefinitely. Rules vary, so check your state's site.
Why would a state have my money? A company couldn't reach you after an account or payment went inactive, so it was legally required to turn the funds over to the state.
Will searching affect my credit? No. Searching is not a credit check and doesn't involve any account or loan.
Do I owe taxes on money I recover? It depends on what the money is. Interest or dividends may be taxable. A tax preparer can tell you for your situation.
I got a text saying I have unclaimed funds. Is it real? Treat it as a scam. Go directly to MissingMoney.com or your state's official site instead of clicking any link.
When was the last time you searched for unclaimed money in every state you've lived in?
