The short answer: almost never directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a store or post office and hand a cashier your credit card to buy a money order. Money order sellers — the post office, grocery stores, check-cashing shops, and banks — require cash, debit card, or sometimes a personal check. They will not accept credit cards at the counter.
The reason is straightforward: a money order is a may provide payment, and the seller takes on the risk that your card will be declined or reversed later. Credit card companies allow chargebacks, which means you can dispute a charge and get your money back months later. A money order seller cannot reverse a money order once it is issued, so they avoid that risk by refusing credit cards entirely.
But if you need to send money and only have a credit card, you do have paths forward — they just require an extra step or two.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers do not accept credit cards at the point of sale because they cannot reverse a money order if a credit card charge is disputed later.
- You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy a money order, though ATM cash advances usually charge a fee and higher interest.
- Some banks let you transfer money from a credit card to a debit card or checking account, which you can then use to buy a money order without a fee.
- If you need to send money urgently, a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal may be faster and cheaper than a money order route.
- Buying a money order with a credit card indirectly costs more than using cash or a debit card because of ATM fees or balance-transfer charges.
Using an ATM cash advance to get cash for a money order
The most straightforward workaround is to use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then buy the money order with that cash. Most ATMs accept credit cards, and you will have cash in hand within minutes.
The catch is cost. A credit card cash advance is not the same as a debit card withdrawal. Your credit card company will charge you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum of $5 to $10. On top of that, cash advances start accruing interest when ready, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. Interest begins the day you withdraw, not at the end of your billing cycle like a purchase does.
If you need $500 for a money order, a 5 percent cash advance fee costs you $25 right away, plus interest starting that day. By the time you pay off the cash advance, you may have spent $40 or more just to get the cash. A money order itself costs $1 to $2, so your total cost is now $41 to $42 instead of $1 to $2.
Transferring credit card balance to a debit card or bank account
Some banks and credit card companies offer a feature called a balance transfer or account transfer that lets you move money from your credit card into a linked debit card or checking account. This is different from a cash advance — you are moving funds within the same financial institution, and the fee structure is sometimes better.
Check with your bank or credit card issuer to see if this option is available. If it is, the fee is usually 1 to 3 percent, which is lower than a cash advance fee. You will still pay interest on the transferred balance, but at least you avoid the cash advance markup.
Once the money lands in your debit account or checking account, you can use your debit card to buy a money order at any post office, grocery store, or check-cashing location. This route takes a day or two for the transfer to clear, so it is not when ready, but it is cheaper than an ATM cash advance if you have time to wait.
When a peer-to-peer payment app makes more sense
If the person you are paying has a smartphone and a bank account, sending money through Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or a similar app may be faster and cheaper than a money order. Many of these apps let you link a credit card and send money for free or for a small percentage fee — often 1 to 3 percent if you use a credit card, compared to 3 to 5 percent for a cash advance.
The recipient gets the money in their bank account within one to three business days, and they do not have to go anywhere to pick it up or deposit it. If the recipient does not have the app, you can still send them a link to claim the money, and they can set up an account to receive it.
The downside is that peer-to-peer apps work best for people you know and trust. If you are paying a business or someone you have never met, a money order is still the safer choice because it is a may provide payment that cannot be reversed. An app payment can be disputed or reversed if the sender claims fraud.
Why some people still need a money order instead of alternatives
Money orders exist because some situations require a may provide, traceable payment that does not reveal your bank account number. A landlord may require a money order for a security deposit. A court may require one for a filing fee. A business that does not accept digital payments may demand one.
In these cases, you cannot substitute a Venmo transfer or a check. You need the actual money order document. If you do not have cash or a debit card, the ATM cash advance route is your only option, even though it costs more.
Before you go that route, call ahead and confirm that a money order is actually required and that the seller will accept the amount you need. Some places have limits — for example, the post office sells money orders up to $1,000 per order, so if you need $5,000, you will have to buy five separate money orders.
Comparing the total cost of each method
| Method | Upfront Cost | Interest or Additional Fees | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash or debit card | $1–$2 (money order fee) | None | Minutes |
| Credit card ATM cash advance | $1–$2 (money order) + 3–5% cash advance fee | Interest from day one | Minutes |
| Credit card balance transfer to debit account | $1–$2 (money order) + 1–3% transfer fee | Interest on transferred balance | 1–2 days |
| Peer-to-peer app (Venmo, PayPal) | 1–3% fee if using credit card | None | 1–3 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order online?
Some online money order services do accept credit cards, but they are rare and often charge higher fees than in-person sellers. The post office does not sell money orders online. If you find an online seller, verify that they are legitimate before sending payment, because scams targeting people who need money orders are common.
What if my credit card has a low limit and I cannot withdraw enough cash?
Contact your credit card issuer and ask if they can temporarily raise your limit or if they offer a balance transfer option. If neither works, ask a friend or family member to lend you cash, or explore whether the payment can be made another way — for example, some landlords will accept a certified check instead of a money order.
Does using a credit card for a money order hurt my credit score?
A cash advance or balance transfer will show up on your credit report and increase your credit utilization, which can lower your score slightly. The impact is usually small if you pay it off quickly, but it is worth considering if you are about to explore for a loan or mortgage.
Is there a way to avoid the cash advance fee?
Not if you use an ATM. The fee is built into how credit card companies handle cash advances. Your best option is a balance transfer to a debit account if your bank offers it, or using a peer-to-peer app if the recipient will accept it.