Most money order sellers do not take credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most places that sell them. The U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, and most banks and check-cashing stores require cash or a debit card. A few locations accept credit cards, but they are the exception, not the rule, and you should call ahead to confirm.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or checks, and sellers want payment in forms they can verify when ready. Credit card transactions can be reversed or disputed later, which creates risk for the seller. Cash and debit cards do not.
If you do not have cash or a debit card on hand, you have other routes: you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though this usually costs a fee), use a credit card cash advance, or explore whether the person or business you are paying will take a different form of payment.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, and most banks will not sell you a money order with a credit card.
- Money order sellers require cash or debit card because credit card transactions can be reversed, creating risk for them.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, though most card issuers charge a cash advance fee for this.
- Some bill payment services and online money transfer platforms may work as alternatives if the recipient will not take a money order.
- A small number of independent check-cashing stores or convenience stores may accept credit cards, but you should call first to confirm.
Where you can and cannot use a credit card for money orders
U.S. Postal Service: Cash or debit card only. No credit cards.
Western Union: Cash or debit card at most locations. Some agent locations (like grocery stores or pharmacies) may vary, so call the specific location before you go.
MoneyGram: Cash or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at most agent locations.
Walmart: Cash or debit card at the money services desk. Credit cards are not accepted for money orders.
Banks and credit unions: Most require cash or debit card. A few credit unions may have different policies, so contact yours directly.
Check-cashing stores: Most accept cash or debit card. Some independent locations may accept credit cards, but this is rare. Call ahead.
Convenience stores and grocery stores: Policies vary widely. Some accept credit cards for money orders; most do not. Call the specific store before you visit.
Getting cash to buy a money order with your credit card
If you need cash to buy a money order and only have a credit card, you have two main options: an ATM cash withdrawal or a cash advance from your card issuer.
ATM withdrawal: Use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash. Most card issuers charge a cash advance fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $2 to $10) plus a higher interest rate on the cash advance than on regular purchases. Interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular credit card purchases. If you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 in fees alone, plus interest from day one.
Cash advance over the counter: You can also ask your credit card issuer for a cash advance at a bank branch or through their customer service line. The fees and interest rates are the same as an ATM withdrawal, but this route may be faster if you do not have access to an ATM.
Both options are expensive. If you have a debit card, use that instead. If you do not have a debit card, consider whether you truly need a money order or whether another payment method would work.
Alternatives to money orders when you have a credit card
Before you go through the cost and hassle of getting cash, ask yourself whether the recipient will take a different form of payment. Many situations that once required money orders now have faster, cheaper alternatives.
Bill payment through your credit card issuer: If you are paying a bill (rent, utilities, insurance), you can often pay directly through your card issuer's website or app. Log in, go to "Bill Pay" or "Payments," and enter the payee's information. The issuer sends a check or electronic payment on your behalf. This is free and takes a few business days.
Online money transfer services: Platforms like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Wise let you send money directly from your credit card to another person or business. Fees vary — some charge a percentage, some charge a flat fee, and some are free for certain transaction types. Check the fee before you send.
ACH transfer or wire transfer: If you have a bank account, you can send money electronically to another bank account without using a money order at all. ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster (same day or next day) but cost $15 to $50.
Cashier's check: If you have a bank account, you can order a cashier's check instead of a money order. It costs $5 to $15 and is treated the same way by recipients. You can order one over the phone or in person.
Why money order sellers do not accept credit cards
Money orders exist because they are safer than cash or personal checks. The seller receives may provide payment at the time of sale. A credit card transaction, by contrast, can be reversed weeks or months later if the cardholder disputes it or reports it as fraud.
If a money order seller accepted your credit card and you later disputed the charge with your card issuer, the seller would lose both the money order and the payment. This is why they require cash or debit cards — the transaction is final and cannot be reversed.
Debit cards are accepted because they function similarly to cash: the money comes out of your account when ready, and the transaction is difficult to reverse. Credit cards do not have this protection for the seller.
What to do if you cannot find a place that accepts credit cards
If you have searched your area and cannot find a money order seller that takes credit cards, your best option is to get cash first. Use an ATM with your credit card (and pay the cash advance fee), then buy the money order with that cash.
Before you do, confirm that you actually need a money order. Ask the person or business you are paying whether they will take a check, bank transfer, or online payment instead. Many will, and you will save the money order fee and the cash advance fee.
If the recipient absolutely requires a money order and you have no other way to pay, the cash advance route is your only option — but budget for the fee and the interest charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?
Some online money order services exist, but they are not the same as traditional money orders. They function more like bill payment or money transfer services. You can pay with a credit card, but the recipient receives an electronic notification or a check in the mail, not a physical money order. Ask the recipient whether this will work for them before you use it.
Does using a credit card for a cash advance to buy a money order hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the amount of available credit you are using), which can lower your score temporarily. The higher interest rate and fees also make it more expensive to carry a balance, so pay it off as soon as you can.
What if I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by money order sellers, so you may be able to use one. However, policies vary by seller and by card type. Call ahead or visit the seller's website to confirm whether your specific prepaid card will work.
Is there a limit on how much a money order can be?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service caps money orders at $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram typically cap them at $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the location. If you need to send more than the limit, you will need to buy multiple money orders or use a different payment method.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order for someone else?
No. Money order sellers require the person buying the money order to be present and to pay with their own cash or debit card. You cannot buy one on someone else's behalf using your credit card.