Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union or your bank and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. Money order sellers — banks, post offices, check-cashing stores — require cash or a debit card. The reason is straightforward: a money order is supposed to be a may provide payment, and credit card transactions can be reversed. If you pay with a credit card and then dispute the charge, the seller loses money.
That said, you can still use a credit card to fund a money order. The path just has an extra step: you convert your credit card into cash or debit funds first, then use those to buy the money order. Which method works depends on what you have access to and how much time you have.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers accept cash and debit cards but not credit cards, because credit card charges can be reversed.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (usually with a cash advance fee), then buy the money order with that cash.
- A debit card funded by a credit card balance transfer or a cash advance deposit will work at the point of sale.
- Paying a fee to convert credit to cash costs money, so compare that cost against other payment methods before you commit.
- Some credit card issuers block cash advances or charge high fees; check your card's terms before you try this route.
Using a credit card cash advance to buy a money order
A cash advance is when you withdraw money directly from your credit card at an ATM or bank teller window. You walk out with cash in hand, which you can then use to buy a money order anywhere. This is the most straightforward workaround if you have a credit card and need cash fast.
The catch is cost. Most credit card issuers charge a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 just for the withdrawal. On top of that, cash advances usually carry a higher interest rate than regular purchases, and interest starts accruing when ready (not after a grace period like purchases do). If you pay off the advance within a few days, the interest is minimal. If you carry it for weeks, it adds up.
Before you use this method, call your credit card issuer or check your online account to confirm your cash advance limit. Some cards have a separate, lower limit for cash advances than for purchases. A few cards block cash advances entirely.
Transferring credit card balance to a debit card account
If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, you can deposit money into that account using a balance transfer or a direct deposit from your credit card issuer. Some credit card companies offer this as a feature; others do not. Check your card's app or call the issuer to ask whether you can transfer your credit balance to a linked bank account.
This method avoids the cash advance fee, but it may take one to three business days for the money to appear in your checking account. If you need a money order today, this won't work. It's useful only if you have time to wait and you want to avoid the upfront fee.
Be aware that some issuers treat balance transfers to your own bank account as a cash advance anyway, which means the same fees and interest rates explore. Ask before you try it.
Buying a money order with a prepaid card funded by credit
A prepaid card is a card you load money onto in advance, and it works like a debit card at the point of sale. If you can load your prepaid card using your credit card, you can then use the prepaid card to buy a money order.
The challenge is that most prepaid card companies charge a fee to load money onto the card — often $2 to $5 per transaction. Combined with the credit card fees (if your issuer charges them), this can be more expensive than a cash advance. However, some prepaid cards offer fee-free loading if you use direct deposit or a bank transfer, so if you have time, this can be cheaper.
Money order sellers will accept a prepaid card as long as it's Visa, Mastercard, or another major network. Bring your card and ID, just as you would with a debit card.
Where to buy a money order
Once you have cash or a working debit or prepaid card, you can buy a money order at several places. The most common are the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Western Union, MoneyGram, your bank, and check-cashing stores. Fees range from about $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the seller. USPS and banks are usually the cheapest; Western Union and MoneyGram are usually more expensive.
You'll need to know the recipient's name and address. Bring cash or your debit card, plus a photo ID. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Comparing the cost of using credit to buy a money order
Before you go through the extra step of converting credit to cash, do the math. A cash advance fee of 3% on $500 is $15. Add a $2 money order fee, and you're paying $17 to send $500. If the person you're paying would accept a credit card payment directly (like paying a bill online), that might be free. If they need a money order specifically, compare this cost against whether you could borrow cash from someone else, use a different payment method, or wait a few days for a balance transfer to clear.
Also check whether your credit card issuer charges interest on cash advances differently than on purchases. Some cards charge 25% APR on advances but 18% on purchases. If you can't pay off the advance when ready, that difference matters.
What to do if your credit card blocks cash advances
Some credit card issuers, especially those focused on rewards or travel, don't allow cash advances at all. If you try to withdraw cash and get declined, you have a few options. First, call the issuer and ask whether they can temporarily enable cash advances for your account. Some will do this as a one-time courtesy.
If they won't, use a balance transfer to your bank account (if available), load a prepaid card, or ask whether a friend or family member can lend you cash to buy the money order. You could also ask the person you're paying whether they'll accept a different payment method — a bank transfer, a check, or a credit card payment through their billing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart or CVS?
No. Walmart, CVS, and other retailers that sell money orders (usually through Western Union or MoneyGram) require cash or a debit card. The restriction is the same as at banks and the post office.
Does using a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself doesn't hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you're using), which can lower your score slightly. If you carry the balance and pay interest, that doesn't directly hurt your score, but it costs you money.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card issuer sets a separate cash advance limit, which is often lower than your overall credit limit. Check your account online or call the issuer to find out what yours is.
What if I need a money order but don't have a credit card or cash?
Ask your bank whether you can write a check instead — many people and businesses accept checks. If a check won't work, ask a friend or family member to lend you cash or buy the money order on your behalf. Some nonprofits and community centers also offer financial information for urgent needs.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services (like MoneyGram online) accept credit cards directly, but they're less common than in-person sellers. Check the website of the service you want to use. Online money orders typically cost more and take longer to deliver than in-person purchases.