Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card
The short answer is no — the major money order sellers (Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, the post office) do not take credit cards as payment. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers, but not credit. This is by design: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts, and credit card companies have their own rules about what merchants can use them for.
If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have a few real options. The most straightforward is to use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. You can also transfer money from your credit card to a bank account (if your card issuer allows it) and then pay with your debit card. A third option is to use a money transfer service that does take credit cards, though these typically cost more than a traditional money order.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, and USPS all decline credit cards for money order purchases.
- Using an ATM to withdraw cash from your credit card, then buying the money order with cash, is the most direct path.
- Some credit card issuers allow balance transfers to a bank account, which you can then use to pay with a debit card.
- Money transfer apps like PayPal and Square Cash can send funds directly to a recipient in some cases, avoiding the money order step entirely.
Why credit cards are blocked for money orders
Money orders exist partly because not everyone has a bank account. They are a way for someone with cash to send a may provide payment to someone else without using the banking system. Credit card companies see money orders as a cash advance or a way to move money out of the credit system, and they restrict them for that reason.
There is also a fraud angle. Money orders can be altered or counterfeited, and credit card networks want to avoid being the funding source for that kind of transaction. By blocking credit cards at the point of sale, they reduce their exposure. The same restriction applies to other cash-like products: you typically cannot buy gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency with a credit card at most retailers.
Using an ATM cash withdrawal to buy a money order
The simplest workaround is to treat your credit card like a debit card at an ATM. Most credit card issuers allow cash advances at ATMs — you insert your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw cash. The money comes out of your available credit, not a bank account. You then walk into a Walmart, post office, or Western Union location and buy the money order with that cash.
Be aware that cash advances carry a cost. Your credit card issuer will charge a cash advance fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) and will start charging interest on that amount when ready — often at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. If you need $500 in cash, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees plus interest. For a small money order, this can be expensive. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm the fee before you withdraw.
Transferring credit card funds to a bank account
Some credit card issuers allow you to transfer money from your credit card to a linked bank account. This is different from a cash advance — it moves funds directly into your checking or savings account, where you can then use your debit card to buy the money order. Not all issuers offer this, and those that do may charge a fee or require you to set it up in advance.
Contact your credit card issuer and ask whether they offer balance transfers to a bank account. If they do, ask about the fee and how long the transfer takes (usually one to three business days). Once the money is in your bank account, you can use your debit card at any money order seller. This route avoids the higher interest rate of a cash advance, though you may still pay a transfer fee.
Money transfer apps as an alternative to money orders
If the person you are sending money to has a bank account or a mobile payment app, you may not need a money order at all. Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Wise accept credit cards and can send money directly to another person's account. The recipient gets the funds in their bank account or app wallet, which is often faster and cheaper than a money order.
The trade-off is that these services are not anonymous — both you and the recipient are identified in the transaction. Money orders, by contrast, can be sent without revealing who paid for them. If you need that anonymity, or if the recipient does not have a bank account or app, a money order is still the better choice. But if the recipient can receive a direct transfer, these apps are usually faster and cheaper than a money order plus the cost of getting cash from your credit card.
What happens if you try to use a credit card anyway
If you attempt to buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart, the post office, or Western Union, the transaction will be declined at the register. The merchant's system is programmed to reject credit cards for this product category. You will not be able to complete the purchase, and the decline will show up on your credit report as a failed transaction (though it will not affect your credit score).
Some online money order services do accept credit cards, but these are typically not the major providers. Be cautious with unfamiliar services — verify that they are legitimate before entering your card details. Stick with established providers like Western Union or MoneyGram if you use an online route, and confirm their payment methods before you start the process.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Method | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM cash advance + money order | 3–5% fee + interest | Same day | When you need cash anyway |
| Balance transfer to bank account + debit card | 0–3% fee (varies by issuer) | 1–3 business days | When you have time and want to avoid high interest |
| Money transfer app (PayPal, Venmo, etc.) | 0–3% fee (varies by app) | Minutes to 1 day | When recipient has a bank account or app |
| Borrow cash from someone else | $0 | Same day | When you have a trusted person nearby |
The cheapest option depends on how much you are sending and how much your card issuer charges. For a $100 money order, a 5 percent cash advance fee costs $5 plus interest. A balance transfer at 2 percent costs $2. A money transfer app with no fee costs nothing. For larger amounts, the fee difference becomes more significant, so it is worth calling your card issuer to ask about their specific rates before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Most major online money order services (Western Union, MoneyGram) do not take credit cards. Some smaller or less-known services may accept them, but verify the company is legitimate before entering your card details. A money transfer app is usually a safer and faster alternative if the recipient has a bank account.
Will a cash advance from my credit card hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. The bigger issue is the interest rate — cash advances typically charge 3 to 5 percent more in APR than regular purchases, so the cost adds up quickly if you do not pay it back right away.
What if I do not have a PIN for my credit card?
You will need a PIN to withdraw cash from an ATM. If you do not have one, contact your credit card issuer and request one. They can set it up over the phone or through your online account. It usually takes one to three business days to arrive. In the meantime, a balance transfer to your bank account is a faster option if your issuer offers it.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your overall credit limit. You can find this limit in your card agreement or by calling the issuer. If you need more cash than your limit allows, you may need to use a balance transfer instead, or split the purchase across multiple days.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
Yes. Prepaid cards are treated like debit cards at the register, so they are accepted for money order purchases at Walmart, the post office, and Western Union. If you have a prepaid card, that is often the simplest way to buy a money order without using a credit card.