Most money order sellers do not accept credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most locations. Post offices, grocery stores, Walmart, and Western Union typically accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks — but not credit cards. This is a deliberate policy across the industry, not a limitation of individual stores.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are treated as cash equivalents. A money order is a may provide payment instrument, and sellers do not want the chargeback risk that comes with credit card transactions. If you pay with a credit card and later dispute the charge, the seller loses both the money order and the payment. Debit cards carry less chargeback risk because they draw directly from your bank account, so most sellers accept them.
If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have a few workarounds — but each one costs you extra money or time.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, Walmart, grocery stores, and Western Union do not accept credit cards for money orders; they accept cash and debit cards instead.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order, but you will pay both a cash advance fee and ATM fees.
- Some banks let you transfer money directly to another person's account for free, which accomplishes the same goal as a money order without the fee.
- A few online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person sellers and take longer to deliver.
- Using a debit card is the cheapest way to buy a money order if you have one available.
Getting cash from an ATM to buy a money order
If you have a credit card but no cash or debit card, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and then use it to buy a money order. This works, but it costs you money. Your credit card issuer will charge a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum of $5 to $10. On top of that, if you use an out-of-network ATM, you will pay an ATM fee of $2 to $4.
For example, if you need a $500 money order and withdraw $500 cash using a credit card, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees before you even buy the money order. Then you pay the money order fee itself, which is usually $1 to $2. The total cost is $16 to $27 for a transaction that would cost $1 to $2 if you used a debit card or cash.
Cash advances also start accruing interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. Interest begins the day you withdraw the cash, so the longer you hold it before buying the money order, the more interest you pay.
Transferring money directly instead of using a money order
Before you buy a money order with a credit card, ask yourself whether you actually need one. Money orders are useful when the person receiving the payment does not have a bank account or when you need a paper receipt. But if the recipient has a bank account, a direct transfer is faster and free.
If you have a checking account linked to your credit card, you can transfer money from that account to the recipient's account using your bank's online portal, a payment app like Venmo or PayPal, or a wire transfer service. These transfers are usually free and arrive within one to three business days. You do not need a money order at all.
If you do not have a checking account, opening one takes about 15 minutes online and costs nothing. Most banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open, you can transfer money to anyone with a bank account, and you avoid the money order fee entirely.
Online money order services that accept credit cards
A few online services let you buy a money order with a credit card and have it mailed to you or the recipient. MoneyGram and Western Union both offer online ordering through their websites, and some accept credit cards for online purchases even though their physical locations do not.
The catch is cost and speed. Online money orders typically charge $5 to $10 per order, compared to $1 to $2 at a post office or grocery store. Delivery takes 3 to 7 business days, whereas you can walk into a store and have a money order in your hand in 10 minutes. You are paying a premium for the convenience of using a credit card, and you are waiting longer to get the money order.
Before ordering online, check whether the recipient actually needs a physical money order in hand, or whether they would accept a digital payment or bank transfer instead. If they need the paper document, online ordering is an option — but it is the most expensive option available to you.
Using a debit card instead
If you have a debit card, use it instead of your credit card. Debit cards are accepted everywhere that sells money orders — post offices, Walmart, grocery stores, Western Union, and check-cashing services. You pay only the money order fee itself, with no cash advance fee or ATM fee.
If you have a credit card but no debit card, you can request one from your bank. Most banks issue debit cards for free when you open a checking account. If you already have a checking account, call your bank and ask for a replacement debit card — it usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days and costs nothing.
A debit card is also safer than carrying large amounts of cash to buy a money order. If your cash is lost or stolen, it is gone. If your debit card is lost or stolen, you can call your bank and cancel it, and you are not liable for fraudulent charges.
What to bring when you buy a money order in person
Once you have cash or a debit card, buying a money order is straightforward. Bring your payment method and know the amount you need. You will also need to know the name of the person or business the money order is for — this is the payee. Have that name ready before you get to the counter.
Some sellers ask for your ID, though it is not always required. Bring a driver's license or state ID just in case. The entire transaction takes about 5 minutes. The seller will print the money order, you will sign it, and you will receive a receipt. Keep the receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it as lost or stop payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge $5 to $10 per order and take 3 to 7 days to deliver. In-person sellers like post offices and Walmart do not accept credit cards at all. If you need a money order quickly, use cash or a debit card at a physical location.
What happens if I use a credit card cash advance to buy a money order?
You will pay a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, plus any ATM fees, plus interest that starts accruing when ready. For a $500 money order, this could cost $20 to $30 in fees alone. It is much cheaper to use a debit card or to transfer money directly to the recipient's bank account.
Is there a way to buy a money order without paying extra fees?
Yes. Use cash or a debit card at a post office, grocery store, or Walmart. The only fee is the money order fee itself, which is $1 to $2. If the recipient has a bank account, skip the money order entirely and transfer money directly — that is free.
Can I ask the post office to accept my credit card for a money order?
No. The post office and all major money order sellers have a blanket policy against credit cards. This is not a rule you can negotiate around. Your options are cash, debit card, or an online service that charges a premium.
What if I do not have a debit card or cash?
Open a checking account at your bank — it takes 15 minutes online and is free. Once your account is open, request a debit card. In the meantime, ask your bank for a temporary card number you can use to withdraw cash at an ATM, or use a direct transfer service if the recipient has a bank account.