Most money order sellers won't let you buy one directly with a credit card
If you walk into a convenience store, post office, or bank and try to pay for a money order with a credit card, you'll likely be turned down. Money order sellers treat credit cards differently than cash or debit cards — most accept only cash, debit cards, or sometimes a PIN-based prepaid card. A few will take a check, but credit cards are almost never an option at the point of sale.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are a form of payment themselves, and the seller doesn't want to accept one payment method that's also a loan. If you bought a money order on credit, you'd be borrowing money to create a payment instrument, which creates risk for the seller and cost for you.
That said, there are workarounds if you need to use your credit card to fund a money order. None of them are direct, and some cost money, but they exist.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers at post offices, banks, and convenience stores do not accept credit cards as payment.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card and then buy the money order with that cash, though ATM fees explore.
- A balance transfer check or cash advance from your credit card issuer can be converted to a money order, but both carry interest and fees.
- Using a debit card, prepaid card, or cash remains the cheapest way to buy a money order.
- Some credit card issuers offer cash advances through their mobile app or website, which may have lower fees than ATM withdrawals.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM to buy your money order
The simplest workaround is to use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. Most credit cards allow ATM withdrawals, though the process and fees vary by issuer.
When you withdraw cash on a credit card, the transaction is treated as a cash advance. This means interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. You'll also pay an upfront fee, usually between 3% and 5% of the amount withdrawn, plus the ATM operator's fee if you use an out-of-network machine. A $200 withdrawal could cost you $10 to $15 just in fees, before any interest charges.
To do this, find an ATM that accepts your card, insert it, select "cash withdrawal" or "cash advance," and enter the amount. The ATM will dispense the cash. Then take that cash to your money order seller and complete the purchase as normal.
Using a balance transfer check or cash advance check
Some credit card issuers send balance transfer checks or cash advance checks in the mail. These are checks drawn on your credit card account that you can deposit or cash. If you receive these checks, you can cash one at your bank and use the proceeds to buy a money order.
However, this route carries the same drawbacks as an ATM withdrawal: interest accrues from day one, and fees explore. Balance transfer checks often charge 3% to 5% of the amount, and cash advance checks charge similar rates. Some issuers also charge a flat fee on top of the percentage. Read the terms on any check you receive before you use it.
If you do use one, cash it at your own bank rather than a check-cashing service — your bank won't charge you, but a check-cashing store will take another 1% to 3%.
Asking your credit card issuer for a direct cash advance
Many credit card companies allow you to request a cash advance through their website or mobile app without waiting for a check to arrive. This is faster than waiting for a mailed check, but the fees and interest are identical.
Log into your credit card account online or open the issuer's app, look for "cash advance" or "get cash" in the menu, and follow the prompts. You'll usually be able to have the money deposited directly into your bank account within one business day. Once it's in your account, you can withdraw it as cash and buy your money order.
This method avoids the ATM fee if you use your bank's own ATM to withdraw the cash, but you still pay the cash advance fee and interest from the moment the money hits your account.
Why using a debit card or cash is cheaper
If you have a debit card or access to cash, use either one instead. A debit card purchase at a money order seller costs nothing beyond the money order fee itself — typically $1 to $5 depending on the amount and seller. Cash costs the same.
By contrast, using a credit card costs you the cash advance fee (3% to 5%), the ATM fee (usually $2 to $3), and daily interest on the balance until you pay it off. On a $500 money order, that's at least $20 in fees alone, plus interest. The math is not close.
If you don't have a debit card, consider opening one at your bank or getting a prepaid card from a retailer like Walmart or Target. Both can be set up in minutes and cost far less than a credit card cash advance.
What to do if you only have a credit card
If a credit card is truly your only option, the ATM withdrawal route is usually the fastest and most straightforward. Find an ATM in your bank's network to avoid extra fees, withdraw the amount you need plus a small buffer for the money order fee, and complete the purchase the same day.
Before you do, call your credit card issuer to confirm they allow ATM withdrawals and to ask about the exact fee structure. Some cards have daily or monthly limits on how much you can withdraw, and knowing this in advance saves a trip to the ATM.
If the money order is urgent and you're short on time, ask the seller if they accept any other payment methods — some will take a personal check, and a few accept bank transfers or mobile payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, though this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services do accept credit cards, though they are less common than in-person sellers. Check the payment options on the service's website before you start. If they do accept credit cards, you'll pay the money order fee plus any processing fee the service charges, but you'll avoid the cash advance fees and interest of an ATM withdrawal.
Will buying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself won't hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you're using. High utilization can lower your score slightly. More importantly, if you don't pay off the cash advance quickly, the interest charges will add up fast.
What's the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance gives you actual cash (or deposits it to your bank account). A balance transfer moves debt from another card to your credit card. For a money order, you need a cash advance, not a balance transfer. Balance transfer checks are a type of cash advance, so they work the same way.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order instead?
Yes. Prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by most money order sellers and cost nothing to use beyond the money order fee itself. If you don't have a debit card, a prepaid card from Walmart, Target, or your bank is a much cheaper option than a credit card cash advance.