Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card, but a few routes exist
You cannot walk into a Western Union or your bank and hand over a credit card to buy a money order at most locations. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to move cash, and credit card companies treat them as cash advances — which means you pay a fee when ready, plus interest starts accruing right away, even if you pay your bill in full the next day.
That said, a small number of retailers and services do accept credit cards for money orders. The catch is that they still charge you a cash advance fee, and you need to know which ones before you waste time hunting. Your best alternatives — if you need a money order urgently — are to use a debit card instead, withdraw cash and buy the money order with that, or use a different payment method altogether.
Key Takeaways
- Most money order sellers (Western Union, MoneyGram, banks, post offices) classify credit card purchases as cash advances and charge a fee plus interest when ready.
- A few retailers like Walmart and some grocery store chains may accept credit cards for money orders, but you still pay a cash advance fee — call ahead to confirm.
- Using a debit card avoids the cash advance fee and interest, making it the cheapest way to buy a money order if you have one.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, withdrawing money from an ATM using your credit card (also a cash advance) costs less than buying the money order directly with the card at some locations.
Why credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances
A cash advance is when you use your credit card to get actual cash or a cash-like product. Money orders fall into this category because they function as cash — the recipient can deposit or cash them without a credit check or bank account. Credit card issuers see this as you borrowing money against your credit line, not making a purchase.
The fee structure is harsh. You typically pay 3% to 5% of the money order amount as a cash advance fee, charged to your account when ready. Interest on that amount starts accruing the same day, at your card's cash advance rate — which is almost always higher than your regular purchase APR. Even if you pay the full balance when your statement arrives, you still owe the interest that accumulated during those days.
Example: You buy a $500 money order with a credit card that charges a 4% cash advance fee and a 24% cash advance APR. You pay a $20 fee upfront. If it takes 10 days to pay it off, you owe roughly $3.29 in interest on top of that. Total cost: $23.29 for a $500 money order.
Where you might be able to use a credit card
Walmart and some grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, and others) occasionally accept credit cards for money orders, though policies vary by location and change over time. Call the customer service desk at your nearest store before you go — do not assume they take credit cards just because another location does.
If a store does accept your credit card, you will still be charged a cash advance fee by your credit card company. The store itself may or may not charge an additional fee for the money order. Walmart's money order fee is typically $0.70 to $1.00, but that is separate from what your credit card issuer charges you.
Online money order services are another possibility. A few third-party platforms allow credit card payments, but they charge significantly higher fees than in-person money orders — often $5 to $10 per order — because they absorb the cash advance fee and pass it along to you. These services are rarely worth the cost unless you have no other option.
Using a debit card instead
If you have a debit card, use it. Debit card purchases are not treated as cash advances, so you pay only the money order fee itself — typically $0.70 to $1.50 depending on where you buy it. No cash advance fee, no interest, no surprise charges.
Most money order sellers accept debit cards: Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, grocery stores, banks, and the post office all take them. The process is identical to paying with cash, except you swipe or insert your card instead of handing over bills.
If you do not have a debit card but have a credit card, consider whether you can borrow cash from someone, use an ATM to withdraw cash (which is also a cash advance but may have a lower total cost depending on your card's terms), or delay the money order purchase until you can access cash or a debit card.
Comparing the cost of different payment methods
| Payment Method | Money Order Fee | Additional Charges | Total Cost for $500 Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash or debit card | $0.70–$1.50 | None | $0.70–$1.50 |
| Credit card (if accepted) | $0.70–$1.50 | 4–5% cash advance fee + interest | $23–$28+ (depending on payoff time) |
| Credit card ATM withdrawal + cash purchase | $0.70–$1.50 | ATM fee + cash advance fee + interest | $28–$35+ (depending on ATM and payoff time) |
| Online money order service (credit card) | Included in service fee | $5–$10 service fee | $5–$10 |
What to do if you have no debit card or cash
If you need a money order urgently and have only a credit card, your least expensive option depends on your card's terms. Compare the cash advance fee and APR on your card to the total cost of using an online money order service. Sometimes paying $5 to $10 upfront to an online service costs less than the interest that accrues on a credit card cash advance over several days.
Another route: ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept other payment methods. Many landlords, utilities, and service providers now take bank transfers, checks, or digital payments. A money order may not be your only option, even if it feels that way.
If the money order is truly necessary and you have no other way to pay, use your credit card but pay off the balance as soon as possible. The longer the cash advance sits on your card, the more interest you owe. Paying it off within a day or two instead of waiting for your statement date can save you several dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit card company let me buy a money order?
Most will, but they will charge you a cash advance fee and interest. Some cards may decline the transaction if they flag it as unusual activity, so call your issuer first if you are unsure. A few issuers have started blocking money order purchases to discourage cash advances, so check your card's terms or call customer service.
Is there a difference between a money order and a wire transfer?
Yes. A money order is a paper document you buy and mail or hand over; a wire transfer is electronic and goes directly from your bank account to someone else's. Wire transfers are faster but cost more ($15–$50). You cannot buy a wire transfer with a credit card at most banks, but you can set one up from a credit card cash advance if you withdraw the money first.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
It depends on the prepaid card. Some prepaid cards function like debit cards and are accepted everywhere money orders are sold. Others are treated as credit cards by the money order seller and charged a cash advance fee. Check your prepaid card's terms or call the money order location to ask before you go.
What if the store says they do not accept credit cards for money orders?
Ask if they accept debit cards. If you have neither, ask whether you can withdraw cash from an ATM in the store using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. This costs more than a debit card but may be your only option if you do not have access to cash or a debit card elsewhere.
Does buying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?
A single cash advance will not destroy your score, but it does increase your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. If you make a habit of cash advances, your score will suffer more noticeably. Paying off the balance quickly helps minimize the damage.