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 grocery store money order counters, do not accept credit cards as payment. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers, but not credit cards. A few exceptions exist, and we'll cover those below, but if you're standing at a counter hoping to pay with Visa or Mastercard, you'll need a backup plan.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts or who need a may provide payment method. Sellers treat them as cash equivalents, and they won't extend credit to issue one. From their perspective, accepting a credit card creates risk they don't want — chargebacks, fraud, and the cost of processing the card itself.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and grocery stores all refuse credit cards for money orders; cash and debit cards are the standard payment methods.
- Some online money order services and bill payment platforms may accept credit cards, but they charge fees that make the total cost higher than buying in person.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, using a credit card cash advance to get cash is usually cheaper than paying online fees, though it costs more than a standard money order.
- A bank transfer or wire transfer may be faster and cheaper than a money order if the recipient has a bank account.
Where you can actually pay with a credit card
A small number of online money order services will accept credit cards, but they come with trade-offs. Companies like MoneyGram.com and Western Union's website sometimes allow credit card payment, though policies vary by state and change frequently. The catch: online fees are substantially higher than in-person fees. An in-person money order typically costs $1 to $5 depending on the amount. Online, you may pay $5 to $15 or more for the same service, plus a credit card processing fee on top.
Some bill payment platforms and money transfer apps — like PayPal, Square Cash, or your own bank's bill pay feature — can send money to a recipient and may accept credit cards. These aren't technically money orders, but they serve the same purpose: getting funds to someone who needs a may provide payment. The fees and speed vary widely, so check what your bank offers first before paying a third party.
Why a credit card cash advance might be cheaper
If you need a money order and only have a credit card, a cash advance from an ATM or your bank is often the better math, even though it costs money. A typical cash advance fee is 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus interest that starts accruing when ready — usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. For a $500 money order, that's $15 to $25 in fees plus interest.
Compare that to paying $10 to $15 in online money order fees plus a credit card processing fee, and the cash advance might come out ahead, especially if you pay it back quickly. Neither option is cheap, but a cash advance gives you actual cash to buy a money order at the standard low price. Run the numbers for your specific amount and card terms before deciding.
What to do if you only have a credit card
Start by checking whether the person you're paying actually needs a money order. If they have a bank account, a bank transfer, wire transfer, or even a check might work just as well and cost less. Money orders are most useful for landlords, utility companies, or government agencies that won't take other payment methods — ask first.
If a money order is truly required, your options in order of cost are: (1) borrow cash from someone and buy a money order in person; (2) use a credit card cash advance to get cash, then buy a money order; (3) pay the higher fees for an online money order service that accepts credit cards. Avoid using a credit card to pay for an online money order unless the fees are clearly lower than a cash advance for your card and amount.
Debit cards work everywhere credit cards don't
If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, you can buy a money order at any Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS location, or grocery store money order counter. Debit cards are treated the same as cash by these sellers — the money comes directly from your account with no credit extended. Fees are the same whether you use cash or debit, usually $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location.
If you have a credit card but no debit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union often comes with a debit card within days. This is worth doing if you regularly need to buy money orders or pay for things that don't accept credit cards. Many banks offer free checking with no minimum balance.
Money order alternatives that might be faster
Before you commit to a money order, consider whether the recipient would take a different payment method. A certified check from your bank costs $5 to $15 and can be mailed or handed over in person. A bank wire transfer costs $15 to $30 but arrives within one business day and doesn't require the recipient to go anywhere. A bill payment through your bank's online system is often free and works for utilities, insurance, and loan payments.
If the recipient is a landlord or government agency, call and ask what payment methods they accept. Many now take credit cards, ACH transfers, or checks online. You might not need a money order at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online services accept credit cards, but fees are much higher than in-person purchases — typically $5 to $15 plus a processing fee. A cash advance from your credit card to buy an in-person money order is often cheaper unless you can pay back the advance when ready.
Will Western Union or MoneyGram ever accept credit cards?
Their in-person locations do not. Their websites may accept credit cards in some states, but fees are significantly higher than paying with cash or debit in person. Check their site for your state before paying online.
What if I need a money order but have no cash or debit card?
Ask the recipient if they'll take a check, bank transfer, or credit card payment instead. If they won't, a credit card cash advance to get cash is usually your cheapest option, even with the fees and interest.
Is a money order the only way to pay a landlord?
No. Many landlords now accept checks, ACH transfers, credit cards, or online payment platforms. Ask your landlord what methods they take before assuming you need a money order.
How much does a money order cost?
In-person money orders typically cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Online services charge $5 to $15 or more. USPS money orders are usually on the lower end of the range.