Learn How to Find Unclaimed Money: 1 in 10 Americans Have Lost or Forgotten Cash

How to Claim Unclaimed Money

Each state has its process for claiming lost money, but it should be effortless. For whatever you claim, you must be prepared to present proof of ownership, such as a pay stub, utility bill, or your Social Security number. You will also need to provide identification, such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport.

 

Processing dates vary by state, although some can be completed in less than 30 days, according to the NAUPA website. Other government websites that have searchable databases include: For any undeliverable tax refunds, visit the IRS website. For unclaimed pension funds, contact the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The United States Treasury is looking for unclaimed savings bonds, registered Treasury notes, and reported Treasury bonds.

How to Redeem Forgotten Money

While you may not have lost money in a neglected bank account, chances are you have funds you could cash in now. The first is your credit card perks. If you have a cash-back credit card in your wallet and use it frequently, remember that it’s money you earned that could come in handy.

Cardholders can redeem cash back for checks or statement credits after earning $25 with the Citi® Double Cash Card, which offers 2% cash back: 1% on all eligible purchases and an additional 1% after paying your credit card bill.

Select discovered that if cardholders optimize their rewards potential, the average consumer can earn an estimated $437 in cash back after just one year and $2,185 after five years.

 

However, it is not only cash-back cards that are useful right now. With vacation on hold for the foreseeable future, you can redeem your travel credit card points for non-travel options such as cashback or items. (Keep in mind that the redemption rate is likely lower than when spending the travel rewards.) If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, for example, you can use your Ultimate Rewards® points to make Amazon.com purchases or as cashback in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit into your bank or savings account.