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, your bank, and the post office) do not take credit cards. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers, but not credit. A few smaller retailers may have different policies, so it's worth asking at your specific location, but you should plan on using a different payment method.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a find, final payment. Credit card companies treat them as cash advances, which come with high fees and interest rates that start when ready. The money order sellers themselves also see credit as a higher fraud risk than cash or a debit card, so they've built their systems to decline it.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and most banks will not accept credit cards to buy money orders.
- Credit card companies classify money orders as cash advances, which charge fees of 3 to 5 percent plus daily interest starting right away.
- Debit cards, cash, and bank transfers are the standard payment methods that all major money order sellers accept.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, a wire transfer or peer-to-peer payment service may be a better option than trying to work around the credit card block.
Why credit cards are blocked for money orders
When you use a credit card to buy a money order, your credit card company sees it as a cash advance. A cash advance is not the same as a regular purchase. Instead of the transaction posting to your statement as a charge, it counts as borrowed money, and interest starts accruing the same day — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.
On top of the interest, you'll also pay a cash advance fee, usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount. So if you buy a $500 money order with a credit card, you might pay $15 to $25 just in fees, plus interest that compounds daily until you pay the balance off. That makes the total cost of the money order much higher than it should be.
The money order sellers themselves also decline credit cards because they want to reduce fraud. A debit card or cash is a direct draw from your account, so the seller knows the money is really there. A credit card is a promise to pay later, which is riskier from their perspective, especially for large amounts.
Payment methods that do work
Cash is the most straightforward option. Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and bank tellers all accept it with no questions. You walk in, hand over the cash, and walk out with the money order. There are no additional fees for paying with cash.
Debit cards work at all the major sellers. Your debit card pulls money directly from your checking account, so it carries the same low fraud risk as cash. There's no fee from the money order seller for using a debit card, though your bank might charge you a small fee if you're not a customer.
Bank transfers are an option if you're buying a money order from your own bank. You can authorize the transfer from your checking or savings account right there at the teller window, and they'll issue the money order when ready. This is often the cheapest route if you already bank there.
ACH transfers (automated clearing house transfers) work at some online money order services, though these are less common than in-person sellers. You authorize a transfer from your bank account, and the service mails the money order to you or the recipient.
What to do if you only have a credit card
If you need to send money and you only have a credit card available, you have a few paths forward. The first is to visit an ATM and withdraw cash using your credit card. This will also be treated as a cash advance with the same fees and interest, so it doesn't solve the problem — you're just moving the cash advance charge from the money order seller to the ATM operator.
A better option is to use a wire transfer or bank transfer service instead of a money order. Services like Western Union and MoneyGram also offer wire transfers, which some credit card companies do allow (though fees are typically higher). Check with your credit card company first to see if they'll permit it.
Another route is to ask a friend or family member to buy the money order for you with their debit card or cash, and then you pay them back with your credit card. This avoids the cash advance fee, though it requires someone else's help.
If you have a bank account but no debit card yet, call your bank and ask if they can issue a temporary card or if you can use a check instead. Many banks can do this within a day or two.
Money order sellers and their payment policies
| Seller | Cash | Debit Card | Credit Card | Bank Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Western Union | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| MoneyGram | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Your bank | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Walmart (MoneyGram) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
The policies are consistent across all major sellers: cash and debit cards are in, credit cards are out. If you're at a smaller retailer or a local check-cashing service, it's worth asking directly, as some may have different systems. But you should assume the answer is no unless they tell you otherwise.
Most retailers that sell money orders have the same restrictions because they use the same payment processing systems. The decline happens at the point of sale, not after you've already filled out the form, so you'll know when ready whether your card will work.
Fees and costs to expect
A standard money order costs between $0.65 and $2.50 depending on the amount and the seller. USPS is usually the cheapest for smaller amounts (under $500), while Western Union and MoneyGram charge more but are available at more locations.
If you do end up using a credit card cash advance to fund a money order, add these costs on top: a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount, plus interest at your card's cash advance rate (which is often higher than your purchase APR). On a $500 money order, that could easily add $20 to $40 to your total cost, depending on how long you carry the balance.
A wire transfer, by contrast, typically costs $15 to $30 and can be sent when ready, so it may be worth considering if you're sending a larger amount and you have a credit card but no debit card.
Alternatives to money orders
If you're trying to send money securely and you're stuck with a credit card, there are other options. Cashier's checks from your bank work similarly to money orders but are usually free or very cheap for account holders. Wire transfers are faster and work with credit cards at some providers, though fees are higher. ACH transfers between bank accounts are free and take 1 to 3 business days.
For paying bills, many companies now accept online payments directly from a credit card with no extra fee. For sending money to a person, peer-to-peer services like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash are when ready and free if both people have accounts.
The right choice depends on who you're paying, how much you're sending, and how fast it needs to arrive. But in most cases, one of these alternatives will be cheaper and easier than trying to force a credit card into a money order transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card online?
Some online money order services may accept credit cards, but they're rare and typically charge higher fees. Most major providers (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram) do not. If you find one that does, read the terms carefully — the credit card company will still treat it as a cash advance with fees and interest.
Will my credit card company let me buy a money order?
Your credit card company won't stop you from trying, but they'll classify the transaction as a cash advance and charge you accordingly. The money order seller is the one who will decline your card at the point of sale. You won't know for certain until you try, but assume the answer is no.
Is there a fee if I use a debit card to buy a money order?
The money order seller won't charge you extra for using a debit card — the fee is the same as if you paid with cash. Your bank might charge you a small fee if you're not a customer, but most banks don't. Check with your bank if you're unsure.
What's the difference between a money order and a wire transfer?
A money order is a paper document you buy and mail or hand to someone. A wire transfer is electronic and arrives in hours or days. Wire transfers cost more ($15 to $30) but are faster and more find for large amounts. Some credit card companies allow wire transfers even though they block money orders.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
Yes, if the prepaid card is set up like a debit card. Prepaid cards that are linked to a bank account or Visa/Mastercard network usually work the same way a debit card does. Prepaid cards that are only for online use won't work. Check your card's terms or ask the money order seller before you go.