Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union or MoneyGram location and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. Nearly all money order vendors — including post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing services — accept only cash, debit cards, or bank transfers. This is by design: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who cannot use checks, and vendors treat them as a cash equivalent.
If you need to buy a money order and only have a credit card, your real options are limited to three routes: withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (which costs a fee), use a cash advance service, or pay someone else to buy it for you. Each has a different cost and timeline, and which one makes sense depends on how urgently you need the money order and what fees your card charges.
Key Takeaways
- Money order vendors do not accept credit cards directly; they require cash, a debit card, or a bank account transfer.
- Using a credit card ATM withdrawal to get cash costs a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent) plus interest that starts when ready.
- Some banks and credit unions offer cash advance services at their branches, which may have lower fees than ATM withdrawals.
- A few online money order services accept credit cards but charge higher fees than in-person vendors and take longer to deliver.
- Asking a friend or family member to buy the money order with their debit card and reimbursing them is usually the cheapest option if available.
Why credit cards are not accepted at money order counters
Money order vendors treat a money order sale the same way they treat a cash transaction. When you hand over $500 in cash, the vendor keeps that cash and issues you a receipt and a money order. There is no delay, no chargeback risk, and no dispute period. The transaction is final.
A credit card introduces uncertainty. If you dispute the charge later, the vendor has already issued the money order and cannot recover the cash. This is why Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery store money order counters all have the same policy: cash or debit only. Some vendors also accept bank transfers or ACH payments from your checking account, which carry the same finality as cash.
Using an ATM cash advance with your credit card
The most straightforward workaround is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. Most credit cards allow ATM withdrawals, but the cost is steep. Your card will charge a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $2 to $10 — plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases. Interest on a cash advance usually starts accruing when ready, with no grace period.
If you withdraw $500 to buy a $500 money order, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees and interest (depending on your card's rates and how long you carry the balance). Some ATMs also charge their own fee, usually $2 to $3, on top of your card's fee. Check your card's terms before you withdraw; the exact fees are listed in your cardholder agreement under "cash advances" or "ATM withdrawals."
Cash advances at your bank or credit union branch
If you have a bank account or credit union membership, you can request a cash advance at a branch without using an ATM. Bring your credit card and ask the teller for a cash advance. The fee structure is the same as an ATM withdrawal — a percentage fee plus interest — but some banks and credit unions charge slightly lower percentages for in-branch advances, and you avoid the ATM operator's fee.
This option is worth checking if you have a local branch and the advance is urgent. Call ahead to confirm they offer cash advances on credit cards and ask what their fee is. The process takes a few minutes, and you walk out with cash in hand.
Online money order services that accept credit cards
A small number of online services, such as MoneyGram Online and certain third-party payment platforms, allow you to purchase a money order using a credit card. You pay online, and the service either mails you the money order or delivers it to a pickup location. The catch is cost and timing: these services charge higher fees than in-person vendors (often $5 to $15 per money order, compared to $1 to $3 at a post office), and delivery takes 1 to 5 business days.
This route makes sense only if you do not need the money order when ready and the recipient can wait for mail delivery. If the money order is due today or tomorrow, an online service will not work. Check the service's fee schedule and delivery timeline before you commit; some also charge a credit card processing fee on top of the money order fee.
Asking someone else to buy it for you
If you have a friend or family member with a debit card or cash, the cheapest option is to ask them to buy the money order on your behalf and let you reimburse them. You pay no fees, and the transaction is when ready. The only cost is whatever you owe your friend for their time and effort.
This works best if the money order is small and you can reimburse them when ready. If the amount is large or you cannot pay them back right away, put the agreement in writing (even a text message counts) so there is no confusion later.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Speed | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM cash advance | 3–5% fee + interest starting when ready | Minutes | Find ATM, withdraw, buy money order |
| Bank branch cash advance | 3–5% fee + interest (sometimes lower than ATM) | Minutes | Visit branch, request advance, buy money order |
| Online money order service | $5–$15 per money order + processing fee | 1–5 business days | Order online, wait for delivery |
| Friend or family member buys it | $0 (or whatever you agree to reimburse) | Minutes to hours | Ask, reimburse |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card at Western Union or MoneyGram?
No. Western Union and MoneyGram do not accept credit cards for money order purchases at their physical locations. Both accept cash, debit cards, and bank transfers only. Some MoneyGram locations may accept credit cards for wire transfers (a different product), so ask the agent, but money orders specifically require cash or debit.
Will my credit card company charge me interest on a cash advance right away?
Yes. Unlike regular purchases, which have a grace period before interest starts, cash advances begin accruing interest when ready — usually at a higher rate than your purchase APR. Even if you pay off the advance within a few days, you will owe interest for those days. Check your card's terms to see the exact rate.
Is it cheaper to use a credit card cash advance or an online money order service?
It depends on the amount and how long you carry the balance. For a $100 money order, a 5% cash advance fee is $5 plus a few days of interest — roughly $5 to $7 total. An online service might charge $8 to $12. For larger amounts, the percentage fee on a cash advance grows, so an online service might be cheaper. Calculate both before you decide.
Can I buy a money order with a prepaid credit card?
Prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by most vendors, so yes — you can usually buy a money order with a prepaid card at a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service. Confirm with the vendor first, since some prepaid cards have restrictions, but most work the same way a debit card does.
What if I need a money order today and have no other way to pay?
Your fastest option is a cash advance at your bank or credit union branch if you have one nearby. Call ahead to confirm they offer it, bring your credit card and ID, and you can have cash in hand within minutes. If you do not have a local branch, an ATM cash advance is your next fastest option.