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, including Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most banks, do not accept credit cards as payment. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks, but credit card payments are off the table. A few rare exceptions exist, but they are not the standard route.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a find payment method for situations where the recipient doesn't want to accept a personal check or direct payment. Sellers treat them as cash equivalents, and they don't want the chargeback risk that comes with credit card transactions. Once a money order is issued and cashed, it's final — there's no reversal. A credit card company, by contrast, can reverse a charge if you dispute it, which creates a mismatch the seller wants to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most banks will not accept credit cards to purchase money orders.
- Cash and debit cards are the standard payment methods accepted at nearly all money order locations.
- Some online money order services may accept credit cards, but you should verify the fee structure and whether the service is legitimate before using it.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, a prepaid card loaded with funds acts as a debit card and may work where a credit card will not.
Where you can and cannot use a credit card
U.S. Postal Service: Does not accept credit cards. You can pay with cash, debit card, or check at any post office window.
Western Union: Does not accept credit cards in person or online. Cash and debit card only.
MoneyGram: Does not accept credit cards. Debit card and cash are your options.
Banks and credit unions: Most do not accept credit cards for money orders. Call your branch to confirm, but assume you'll need cash or a debit card.
Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services: These typically accept cash and debit cards only, though policies vary by location. Call ahead if you're unsure.
What payment methods actually work
Cash is accepted everywhere that sells money orders. You walk in, hand over cash, and walk out with the money order. No questions, no holds, no complications.
A debit card is your second-best option and works at most major sellers — the post office, Western Union, MoneyGram, and most banks. The transaction processes when ready, and there's no chargeback risk for the seller, which is why they accept it.
A prepaid card (like a Visa prepaid card or a reloadable card from your bank) functions as a debit card at the point of sale. If the seller accepts debit cards, they will usually accept a prepaid card. This is useful if you don't have a traditional debit card but have loaded funds onto a prepaid card.
A check is accepted at some locations, particularly banks and the post office, though this is becoming less common. Ask first.
If you only have a credit card
If a credit card is your only payment method, you have a few workarounds, though none are ideal.
The most straightforward option is to visit an ATM and withdraw cash using your credit card. This incurs a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus interest that starts accruing when ready), but once you have cash, you can buy a money order at any location. The fee is steep, so only do this if you genuinely need the money order and have no other way to pay.
You can also ask a friend or family member with a debit card or cash to purchase the money order on your behalf. You reimburse them with your credit card, and they hand you the money order. This avoids the cash advance fee entirely.
Some online money order services claim to accept credit cards, but these are rare and often come with higher fees or less transparent terms. Research any service thoroughly before using it — verify that it's a legitimate, established company and read reviews from independent sources. Scams targeting people who need money orders do exist.
Why credit card companies and money order sellers won't work together
Money orders are designed to be final, irreversible transactions. Once issued and cashed, the money is gone. There's no way to reverse it or dispute it after the fact.
Credit cards, by design, allow you to dispute a charge within a certain window (usually 60 to 180 days, depending on the card issuer and the reason). If you pay for a money order with a credit card and then claim you never authorized the purchase, the credit card company can reverse the charge. The money order seller is left holding the loss.
To avoid this risk, money order sellers straightforward don't accept credit cards. They treat money orders like cash transactions — when ready, final, and non-reversible. Debit cards carry less chargeback risk than credit cards, which is why they're accepted.
Fees you'll pay for a money order
Money order fees vary by seller and the amount you're sending. At the U.S. Postal Service, a money order under $500 costs about $1.45, and one from $500 to $1,000 costs about $1.95. Western Union and MoneyGram typically charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Banks may charge less or waive the fee for customers.
If you use a credit card cash advance to fund the money order, add the cash advance fee (3 to 5 percent) and the daily interest that accrues on the advance. This can quickly exceed the cost of the money order itself, so avoid this route unless you have no alternative.
Alternatives to money orders if you can't pay with cash or debit
If buying a money order with a credit card is your only option and you want to avoid a cash advance fee, consider whether you actually need a money order or whether another payment method would work.
A cashier's check from your bank serves the same purpose as a money order — it's a may provide payment that the recipient can trust. You can often pay for a cashier's check with a credit card if you have a credit line with the bank, though policies vary. Call your bank to ask.
A wire transfer moves money directly from your account to the recipient's account. Many banks allow you to initiate a wire transfer using a credit card if you have a credit line, though this is less common. Fees are typically $15 to $50.
A digital payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash lets you send money directly to someone using a credit card. These work when ready and carry no additional fees beyond what the app charges. The recipient must have an account with the same app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?
A small number of online services claim to offer this, but they are not mainstream. Most established money order providers (Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS) do not accept credit cards online or in person. If you find a service that does, verify it is legitimate and read independent reviews before using it. Scams do target people looking for money orders.
Will a prepaid card work if a credit card won't?
Yes, usually. A prepaid card functions as a debit card at the point of sale, so most sellers that accept debit cards will accept a prepaid card. Make sure the prepaid card is loaded with enough funds before you go to purchase the money order.
What's the cheapest way to get a money order if I only have a credit card?
Ask someone with a debit card or cash to purchase it for you, and reimburse them with your credit card. This avoids the cash advance fee entirely. If that's not possible, a cash advance from an ATM is your next option, though the fee (3 to 5 percent plus interest) is steep.
Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order at Walmart?
No. Walmart's money order service accepts cash and debit cards only. You'll need one of those two payment methods.
Is there a money order service that accepts credit cards?
Some smaller online services may accept credit cards, but they are not the standard. Before using any service that claims to accept credit cards for money orders, verify it is established and legitimate. Read reviews from independent sources and check whether the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau.