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 Walmart, do not take credit cards. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers, but not credit. A few smaller retailers or online services may have exceptions, but they are rare enough that you should assume credit won't work at the place you're planning to visit.
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 need a may provide payment method. Sellers treat them as cash-equivalent products. Accepting credit cards would create a different kind of transaction — one where you're borrowing money to buy a money order — and most sellers won't do that. They also want to avoid the higher fees that credit card processing adds to their costs.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and Walmart all require cash or a debit card to buy a money order, not a credit card.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card on hand, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, though this usually costs a cash advance fee.
- Some online money order services exist but are uncommon and often more expensive than in-person options.
- A debit card is the easiest workaround if you have one, since it works at nearly every money order location and costs nothing extra.
Why credit cards are rejected for money orders
Money order sellers classify credit card transactions differently than cash or debit transactions. When you use a debit card, the money comes directly from your bank account — it's treated like cash. When you use a credit card, you're asking the seller to let you borrow money to buy a money order, which creates liability and processing costs they don't want to handle.
Credit card companies also discourage this kind of transaction. Buying a money order with a credit card can be flagged as a cash advance, which means you're converting credit into cash-like value. Cash advances come with higher interest rates (often 25% or more) and start accruing interest when ready, with no grace period like you get with regular purchases. The credit card company and the money order seller both want to avoid this scenario.
Additionally, money order sellers worry about fraud and chargebacks. If someone uses a stolen credit card to buy a money order and then sends it to someone else, the seller could be held responsible. Sticking to cash and debit eliminates most of that risk.
What to do if you only have a credit card
If you need a money order and only have a credit card available, your best option is to withdraw cash from an ATM using that card. Most ATMs will accept credit cards for cash withdrawals, though you'll pay a fee — typically $3 to $5 per transaction, plus interest starting when ready. It's not ideal, but it's faster than other alternatives.
Before you do this, know that the ATM fee is separate from the money order fee itself. A money order typically costs $1 to $3 depending on where you buy it, so your total cost will be the ATM fee plus the money order fee plus the interest on the cash advance. For a small money order, this can add up quickly.
A better long-term solution is to open a checking account with a debit card if you don't have one. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts, and a debit card works at every money order location without extra fees. If you're in a situation where you need money orders regularly, having a debit card will save you money and hassle.
Online money order services and their limitations
A small number of online services claim to sell money orders, and some of these may accept credit cards. However, these services are uncommon, often more expensive than traditional money order sellers, and come with their own complications. Online money orders typically take several business days to deliver, which defeats the purpose if you need the money order quickly.
Additionally, not all recipients will accept an online money order. Some people and businesses specifically want a physical money order in hand, especially for large transactions or when dealing with landlords or government agencies. Before you try an online service, confirm that the person or organization you're sending it to will accept it.
If you do find an online service that accepts credit cards, read the fine print carefully. Some may charge significantly higher fees than in-person options, and some may not be legitimate. Stick with recognizable names like Western Union or MoneyGram if you're considering online options.
Where to buy a money order without a credit card
Here are the main places that sell money orders and what payment methods they accept:
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS): Cash or debit card. Money orders cost up to $1.45 depending on the amount.
- Western Union: Cash or debit card at most locations. Fees vary but typically range from $1 to $5.
- MoneyGram: Cash or debit card. Fees are similar to Western Union.
- Walmart: Cash or debit card at the money services desk. Fees are usually $0.88 to $1.48.
- Banks and credit unions: Many offer money orders to account holders. Payment method depends on your account type.
- Check-cashing stores: Usually accept cash and debit cards. Fees vary widely.
If you have a bank account, your bank or credit union is often the cheapest option. Call ahead to confirm they sell money orders and what the fee is — some charge nothing for account holders.
The difference between a money order and a wire transfer
If you're trying to send money and a credit card is your only option, a wire transfer might work better than a money order. Many banks allow you to wire money directly from a credit card account, though this is less common than debit card wires. Wire transfers are faster than money orders and don't require you to visit a physical location.
However, wire transfers are usually more expensive than money orders — often $15 to $30 per transaction — and they're irreversible once sent. Money orders are safer in that sense because they can be cancelled if something goes wrong. For small amounts, a money order is still usually the cheaper choice if you can pay for it with cash or debit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using a credit card to buy a money order hurt my credit score?
Not directly, but if the transaction is flagged as a cash advance, it will show up on your credit report and could lower your score slightly. More importantly, the high interest rate on cash advances means you'll pay more money overall, which can make it harder to pay down your credit card balance.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are rejected the same way regular credit cards are. However, some prepaid cards function more like debit cards and may work. Call the money order seller ahead of time or check their website to ask about your specific card.
What if I need a money order right now and have no other way to pay?
Your fastest option is to use an ATM to withdraw cash with your credit card, then buy the money order with that cash. Yes, you'll pay an ATM fee and interest, but you'll have the money order the same day. If the amount is small, the total cost may still be less than a wire transfer.
Do any grocery stores or pharmacies sell money orders with credit cards?
Some grocery stores and pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens) sell money orders, but they follow the same rules as other retailers — cash or debit card only. Call your local store to confirm they sell money orders and what payment methods they accept.