Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card
The short answer is no — the vast majority of money order sellers treat credit cards the same way banks treat them for cash advances. They won't take them. You'll need a debit card, cash, or a check instead.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or checks for people who don't have bank accounts or who want a paper trail. If you could buy one with a credit card, you'd essentially be taking a cash advance (which credit card companies charge fees for), and the seller would be liable if the card turned out to be stolen or fraudulent. So they straightforward don't accept them.
There are a few rare exceptions — some online money order services or specialty payment platforms may accept credit cards — but they charge extra fees that make the transaction expensive. For most people in most situations, you'll need to find a different payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers at post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing shops do not accept credit cards as payment.
- Debit cards, cash, and checks are the standard payment methods for buying money orders.
- Some online money order services may accept credit cards, but they typically charge higher fees that offset any benefit.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though this incurs a cash advance fee) or ask a friend or family member to buy the money order for you.
Where you can and cannot use a credit card for money orders
The U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, and most grocery store customer service desks all have the same policy: credit cards are not accepted for money order purchases. These are the places where most people buy money orders, and they've all decided the risk isn't worth it.
What they do accept varies slightly by location. The USPS takes cash, debit cards, and checks. Walmart accepts cash and debit cards. Western Union and MoneyGram accept cash and debit cards at most locations, though some franchises may have different rules — it's worth calling ahead if you're unsure. Grocery stores typically accept cash and debit cards as well.
If you search online for "buy money order with credit card," you may find a handful of third-party payment platforms or online money order services that claim to accept credit cards. Read the fine print carefully. Many of these charge a credit card processing fee (usually 2 to 4 percent of the money order amount) on top of the standard money order fee. A $500 money order that normally costs $1.50 could end up costing $12 to $22 if you use a credit card through one of these services.
Why credit card companies and money order sellers both say no
Credit card companies treat money order purchases as cash advances. A cash advance is when you use your credit card to get actual cash or a cash-like product (which a money order essentially is). Cash advances come with their own fees — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount — and they start accruing interest when ready, often at a higher rate than regular purchases.
Money order sellers won't process credit cards because they assume the risk if something goes wrong. If a credit card is stolen and used to buy a money order, the seller could be held responsible. They also know that if a customer is trying to pay with a credit card, they may not have the funds to cover it, which creates a chargeback risk. It's simpler and safer for them to accept only cash and debit cards.
Debit cards are different because they draw directly from your bank account — the money is already there. The seller knows the transaction will go through, and there's no credit risk involved.
What to do if you only have a credit card
If you need a money order and only have a credit card available, you have a few options. The first is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card. This will trigger a cash advance fee and interest charges, but at least you'll have cash to buy the money order. Compare the total cost: a $500 cash advance might cost $15 to $25 in fees and interest, plus the $1.50 money order fee. That's roughly $16.50 to $26.50 total.
The second option is to ask a friend or family member to buy the money order for you and pay them back later. This avoids any fees, though it does require you to trust someone else with the transaction.
The third option is to use a different payment method altogether. If you're trying to pay a bill or send money to someone, ask whether they accept other forms of payment — a bank transfer, a check, or a credit card payment directly. Many businesses and individuals do, and you'll avoid the money order fee entirely.
Understanding money order fees and payment methods
Money order fees are small but they vary by seller and by amount. The USPS charges between $1.45 and $1.95 depending on the amount. Walmart charges around $0.88 for money orders up to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram fees vary by location and amount, typically ranging from $1 to $5. These fees are the same regardless of how you pay — cash, debit card, or check.
The payment method you use doesn't change the money order fee, but it can add extra costs. Paying with cash is free. Paying with a debit card is free. Paying with a check is free. Paying with a credit card (if a seller accepts it) adds a processing fee. Taking a cash advance to get cash adds a cash advance fee and interest.
If you're buying money orders regularly, having a debit card or keeping some cash on hand will save you money. If you don't have a debit card, many banks offer them for free, and some banks don't require a minimum balance.
Alternatives to money orders when you have a credit card
If you're trying to send money or make a payment and you have a credit card, consider whether a money order is actually the best choice. Money orders are useful when someone won't accept a credit card or when you want to avoid giving out your card number. But there are other options.
If you're paying a bill, many companies accept credit card payments directly through their website or by phone. If you're sending money to a person, services like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle let you transfer money directly from a bank account or debit card — and some allow credit card payments, though they may charge a fee. If you need to send a large amount of money or send it to someone without a bank account, Western Union and MoneyGram also offer money transfer services that may accept credit cards (again, with a fee).
The key is to compare the total cost of each method. A credit card payment with no fee is cheaper than a money order plus a cash advance fee. A bank transfer is usually free. A money order with cash is cheap but requires you to have cash. Choose based on what's available to you and what costs the least.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge a processing fee on top of the standard money order fee. This typically makes the total cost higher than buying a money order in person with cash or a debit card. Check the fee structure before you commit.
What happens if I try to use my credit card at a money order counter?
The transaction will be declined. The seller's system is set up to reject credit cards. You'll need to provide a different payment method — cash, a debit card, or a check.
Is a cash advance cheaper than buying a money order with a credit card?
No, a cash advance is more expensive. You'll pay a cash advance fee (3 to 5 percent) plus interest starting when ready. If you need a money order, it's better to find cash or a debit card than to take a cash advance.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated like credit cards and will be declined. However, some prepaid cards function more like debit cards and may be accepted. Check with your prepaid card issuer about how it's classified and whether money order sellers in your area accept it.
What if I don't have a debit card or cash?
Ask a friend or family member to buy the money order for you, or explore whether the person or business you're paying will accept a different payment method. If you need cash, you can withdraw it from an ATM using your credit card, though this will cost you a cash advance fee.