How to find unclaimed money in your name
Billions of dollars in unclaimed money sit waiting for their owners — old bank accounts, uncashed checks, refunds, and deposits. Here's how to find money in your name and claim it for free.
Skip the search — let Reclaimd find it for free
We scan government databases and file every claim for you. 50 of 100 beta seats are drawn at random for a 0% first claim. Every other seat locks 9% for life.
Gather your details and former names
Write down your full legal name, any maiden or former names, your Social Security number, and every address you've lived at. Unclaimed money is matched by name and last known address, so former names and old addresses are the most important clues.
Search your state's official unclaimed property database
Each U.S. state runs a free unclaimed property program. Search the database for every state you've lived or worked in, using your full legal name and any former names. This is where most unclaimed money — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, deposits, and refunds — ends up.
Run a multi-state search on MissingMoney (NAUPA)
MissingMoney.com is the official multi-state search endorsed by NAUPA (the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). One search covers most participating states at once, which is ideal if you've moved around.
Check federal sources
States don't hold everything. Check the IRS for unclaimed tax refunds, the FDIC for failed banks, the NCUA for closed credit unions, the PBGC for unclaimed pensions, and TreasuryDirect for matured savings bonds. These cover money that never reached a state database.
Verify the match is really yours
Unclaimed records usually list a last known address and sometimes the holder or account type. Compare those details to your own history to confirm the money belongs to you and not a namesake before you file.
File your claim for free with proof of identity
Submit your claim through the official state or federal portal. You'll typically need a government-issued photo ID and proof of the associated address. Searching and claiming is always free — never pay a fee to recover your own money.
How do I find unclaimed money in my name?
To find unclaimed money in your name, search your state's official unclaimed property database and the multi-state site MissingMoney.com using your full legal name and any former or maiden names. Repeat the search for every state you've lived or worked in, then check federal sources such as the IRS (tax refunds), FDIC (failed banks), NCUA (closed credit unions), and PBGC (pensions). When you find a record that matches your name and a former address, file a free claim through the official portal with a photo ID. The entire process is free — you never need to pay anyone to recover your own money.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about finding and claiming unclaimed money.
Where to search: free vs paid
You can find unclaimed money for free through official channels. Paid services exist but are rarely necessary.
| Source | Cost | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| State database | Free | Dormant accounts, checks, deposits, refunds held by your state. |
| MissingMoney.com (NAUPA) | Free | Multiple participating states in a single search. |
| IRS / FDIC / NCUA / PBGC | Free | Tax refunds, failed banks, closed credit unions, lost pensions. |
| Third-party finder sites | $10 – $50+ | The same searches you can do yourself for free. Rarely worth it. |
| Heir / estate locator | Contingency fee | Complex inherited or probate claims only. |
Search unclaimed money by state
Start with the state where you lived when the money likely went dormant.
Find the money that's already yours.
Reclaimd scans government databases for unclaimed money in your name and files every claim for you. We're opening 100 founding seats. 50 of 100 are drawn at random for a 0% first claim. Every other seat locks 9% for life.
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