Most places won't let you buy a money order with a credit card, but a few workarounds exist
You cannot walk into a bank, post office, or grocery store and hand over a credit card to buy a money order directly. Money order sellers treat credit cards the same way they treat checks — as a form of credit rather than when ready payment. They want cash, a debit card, or a bank transfer because the money clears right away. If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have three realistic options: withdraw cash from an ATM first, use a money order service that accepts credit cards online, or ask whether the person or business you're paying will take a different form of payment instead.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, banks, and grocery stores do not accept credit cards for money orders because they need when ready payment, not a credit transaction.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though this incurs a cash advance fee), then use that cash to buy a money order in person.
- A small number of online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person purchases and take longer to deliver.
- Before buying a money order, ask whether the recipient will take a check, bank transfer, or other payment method instead, since a money order is often unnecessary.
Why credit cards don't work at the post office or bank
When you buy a money order, the seller needs to know the money is actually yours before they hand over the order. A credit card is a promise to pay later — the transaction doesn't clear when ready. A money order seller cannot afford to wait. They need either cash in hand, a debit card (which pulls money from your account right now), or a bank transfer that confirms funds exist.
The post office, which is the most common place to buy money orders, explicitly does not accept credit cards. Banks and grocery stores with money order services follow the same rule. This is not a policy that varies by location — it is how money orders work everywhere in the United States.
Getting cash from an ATM to buy a money order
If you have a credit card but no cash, you can use an ATM to withdraw money, then use that cash to buy a money order. This works, but it costs you. Most credit card companies charge a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $300 to buy a $300 money order, you might pay an extra $9 to $15 just for the withdrawal.
Cash advances also start accruing interest when ready, unlike regular credit card purchases. There is no grace period. Interest rates on cash advances are often higher than rates on regular purchases. If you carry a balance, this becomes expensive very quickly.
To withdraw cash with a credit card, go to any ATM that displays your card's logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). Insert your card, select "cash withdrawal" or "cash advance," enter your PIN, and choose the amount. The ATM will dispense cash and charge your credit card account. Then take the cash to a post office, bank, or grocery store to buy your money order.
Online money order services that accept credit cards
A handful of online platforms allow you to buy money orders with a credit card and have them mailed to you or the recipient. MoneyGram and Western Union both offer online money order purchases with credit card payment. You create an account, enter the amount and recipient details, pay with your credit card, and the service mails the money order or delivers it electronically.
This option is slower and more expensive than buying in person. Online money orders typically take 1 to 3 business days to arrive by mail, whereas an in-person money order is ready when ready. Fees are also higher — often $5 to $10 per order online, compared to $1 to $2 in person. If you are paying a bill or sending money to someone who is not in a rush, this route works. If you need the money order today, it will not.
Before using an online service, confirm that the recipient will accept a money order delivered by mail or email rather than a physical order in hand. Some landlords, courts, or government agencies require the original document.
Asking the recipient if they will take something else instead
Before you go through the trouble of getting a money order, ask whether the person or business you are paying will take a different form of payment. Many situations where people think they need a money order actually have simpler alternatives.
If you are paying rent, ask your landlord whether they accept bank transfers, checks, or credit card payments through a third-party service. If you are paying a court fine or government fee, check the agency's website — most now accept credit cards online. If you are sending money to someone you know, a bank transfer or peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal is faster and cheaper than a money order. Money orders exist for situations where the recipient needs proof of payment and does not have a bank account or online payment system set up. That is less common than it used to be.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Speed | Requires Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM cash withdrawal + in-person money order | $9–$15 cash advance fee + $1–$2 money order fee | Same day | Yes |
| Online money order (MoneyGram, Western Union) | $5–$10 per order | 1–3 business days | Yes |
| Bank transfer or check | Free to $2 | 1–3 business days (transfer) or same day (check) | No |
| Credit card payment (if recipient accepts) | Free to 3% processing fee | when ready | Yes |
What to know before you buy
Money orders are not the only way to send money or prove payment. They are useful when the recipient specifically asks for one, when you need a paper trail, or when the recipient does not have a bank account. They are not useful when faster, cheaper, or more direct methods are available.
If you do decide to buy a money order with a credit card, the ATM cash withdrawal route is usually cheaper than online services if you need it the same day. However, the cash advance fee makes this an expensive option overall. If you have time to wait, ask whether the recipient will accept a check or bank transfer instead. If neither of those works and you have no other payment method, then an online money order service is your best choice, even though it costs more and takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order at Walmart or Target?
No. Walmart and Target both offer money order services, but neither accepts credit cards. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks. You would need to withdraw cash from an ATM first using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order.
Will using a credit card for a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score temporarily. The higher interest rate and fees also make it more likely you will carry a balance, which does hurt your score over time.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card company sets a cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your overall credit limit. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back of your card to find out your limit before you go to the ATM.
What if the recipient won't accept a money order bought online?
Ask them what they will accept before you buy anything. If they need a physical money order in their hands by a certain date, online delivery will not work. In that case, your only option is to get cash and buy in person, or find a different payment method they will accept.
Are there any credit card companies that don't charge cash advance fees?
Most credit card companies charge cash advance fees. Some cards marketed to people with limited credit history may have lower fees or no fees, but these are rare. Check your card's terms or contact your issuer to confirm whether you are charged a fee before you withdraw cash.