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 grocery stores and pharmacies, do not take credit cards as payment. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes traveler's checks. A few smaller retailers or online services may accept credit cards, but these are exceptions, not the standard.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safe payment method for people who don't have bank accounts or who want to send cash without the risk. Sellers treat them as cash equivalents and want payment in forms that are final and irreversible. A credit card transaction can be disputed or reversed, which creates liability the seller wants to avoid.
If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have a few workarounds, but each one costs you money or time. Understanding which option makes sense depends on what you're trying to do and how urgently you need the money order.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most retail locations do not accept credit cards for money order purchases.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (usually with a cash advance fee), then use that cash to buy a money order.
- Some online money order services and a small number of retailers may accept credit cards, but you should confirm before attempting to purchase.
- A debit card is the easiest payment method if you have one, since most money order sellers accept them without additional fees.
- The total cost of using a credit card to get a money order includes both the cash advance fee and the money order fee itself.
Why credit cards don't work for money orders
Money order sellers operate on a cash-based model because money orders themselves are cash substitutes. When you hand over cash or a debit card, the transaction is final — the seller gets paid when ready and the money order is issued. With a credit card, the seller has no may provide the charge won't be reversed later through a chargeback or dispute.
This is especially true for large money orders. A seller who issues a $1,000 money order on a credit card faces real risk if that charge is later disputed. The money order has already been cashed by the recipient, so the seller can't straightforward cancel it and refund the customer.
Additionally, money order sellers are often small businesses or government agencies (like the USPS) that don't have the infrastructure to process credit cards, or they choose not to because the cost of accepting credit cards would cut into their thin margins on money order fees.
Using a cash advance to buy a money order
The most common workaround is to take a cash advance from your credit card at an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. This works, but it costs you money in two ways: the cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum fee of $2 to $10) and the money order fee itself (usually $1 to $5 depending on where you buy it).
For example, if you need a $500 money order and your credit card charges a 4 percent cash advance fee, you'll pay $20 for the cash advance plus $2 to $5 for the money order, totaling $22 to $25 in fees. That's roughly 4.4 to 5 percent of the money order amount — a significant cost for what should be an inexpensive transaction.
The process is straightforward: find an ATM that accepts your credit card, withdraw the cash you need, then go to a money order seller and pay in cash. Most ATMs that accept credit cards are at banks, credit unions, or standalone ATM networks. Check your credit card's terms to see what the cash advance fee is before you proceed.
Online money order services and exceptions
A small number of online services claim to sell money orders and may accept credit cards. These include platforms like MoneyLion or some niche financial services, though availability and terms vary widely. Before using any online service, verify that it's legitimate by checking whether it's registered with your state's financial regulator and whether it has clear reviews from independent sources.
Some retailers that sell money orders in person — particularly larger chains or those with their own payment processing systems — may accept credit cards, but this is uncommon. Your best bet is to call ahead or check the retailer's website before making a trip. Don't assume that because one location accepts credit cards, others will.
Be cautious of services that charge significantly higher fees than traditional money order sellers. A money order should cost $1 to $5; if you're being charged $10 or more, you're likely paying a markup for the convenience of using a credit card, and it may not be worth it.
Using a debit card instead
If you have a debit card, use it instead of trying to work around the credit card limitation. Debit cards are accepted at virtually all money order sellers — Western Union, MoneyGram, the USPS, grocery stores, and pharmacies. There's no cash advance fee, and you only pay the standard money order fee.
A debit card works because it draws directly from your bank account, making the transaction final and irreversible from the seller's perspective. It carries the same safety profile as cash or a check from the seller's point of view, so there's no reason for them to refuse it.
If you don't have a debit card but have a bank account, you can open one. Most banks offer free debit cards with checking accounts, and you can get one the same day you open the account at many institutions.
Other payment methods that work
Beyond debit cards and cash, money order sellers accept a few other forms of payment. Traveler's checks are accepted at most locations, though they're becoming less common. Some sellers accept personal checks, though this is rare and usually only for established customers.
If you're buying a money order at a bank or credit union where you have an account, you may be able to pay directly from your account without using a card at all — the teller can process it as a withdrawal. This is the cheapest option if it's available to you, since you're only paying the money order fee with no additional charges.
When a money order might not be your best option
If you're considering a cash advance just to buy a money order, it's worth asking whether a money order is actually what you need. The fees add up quickly, and there may be cheaper alternatives depending on your situation.
If you're sending money to someone, a bank transfer or peer-to-peer payment app (like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own transfer service) is often free or cheaper. If you're paying a bill, many billers accept credit card payments directly. If you need to pay rent or a large bill and the recipient won't take a card, a personal check (if you have a checking account) costs nothing.
Money orders make sense when the recipient specifically requires one, when you don't have a bank account, or when you need a receipt and proof of payment. In those cases, the fee is worth it. But if you're only considering a money order because you think it's the only way to spend your credit card, explore the alternatives first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?
Some online services claim to offer money orders with credit card payment, but they're rare and often charge higher fees than traditional sellers. Verify any online service is legitimate and registered with your state regulator before using it. Most established money order sellers like Western Union and MoneyGram do not offer credit card payment online.
What if I don't have cash or a debit card?
A cash advance from an ATM is your main option. Withdraw cash using your credit card, then buy the money order with that cash. This costs you a cash advance fee plus the money order fee, but it works if you have no other payment method available.
Is it cheaper to use a credit card cash advance or just pay the bill directly with my credit card?
If the recipient accepts credit cards, paying directly is almost always cheaper. A cash advance fee (3 to 5 percent) plus a money order fee ($1 to $5) will cost more than a credit card processing fee, and many recipients don't charge a fee at all for credit card payment. Only use a money order if the recipient specifically requires one.
Will Western Union or MoneyGram ever accept credit cards?
Western Union and MoneyGram have stated they do not accept credit cards for money order purchases at this time. They accept cash, debit cards, and some other payment methods. Check their websites or call ahead to confirm current payment options at your nearest location.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards function like debit cards and are accepted at money order sellers. However, some prepaid cards have restrictions or are not accepted everywhere. Check with your prepaid card issuer or call the money order seller ahead of time to confirm it will be accepted.