Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most locations. Banks, post offices, and check-cashing stores — the three main places that sell money orders — typically accept only cash, debit cards, or bank transfers. A few exceptions exist, but they are narrow and often come with extra fees.
The reason is structural: money orders are designed as a cash alternative for people without bank accounts or who need a may provide payment method. Sellers treat them like cash transactions. When you hand over cash, the seller knows the money is real and when ready. A credit card creates a delay — the charge doesn't settle for days, and chargebacks are possible. That risk is why most refuse credit cards outright.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, banks, and check-cashing stores do not accept credit cards for money order purchases at the counter.
- Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees and take longer to deliver than in-person purchases.
- Using a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then buying a money order with that cash, costs you a cash advance fee plus interest.
- A debit card or bank transfer is the cheapest way to buy a money order if you have access to either one.
Where you can and cannot use a credit card
USPS (United States Postal Service) does not accept credit cards for money orders at post office windows. You can pay with cash, debit card, or a check drawn on your own account. Online, USPS does not sell money orders at all — they are counter-only purchases.
Banks that issue money orders (not all do) accept cash and debit cards. Credit cards are not an option. Some banks allow you to order money orders online and pick them up in branch, but you still pay with a debit card or bank account transfer, not credit.
Check-cashing stores and MoneyGram locations vary by franchise, but the standard policy is cash or debit only. A few independent check-cashing stores may accept credit cards, but this is rare and you should call ahead to confirm.
Online money order services like Paysafe and certain third-party platforms do accept credit cards. However, they charge higher fees (often $5 to $10 per order instead of $1 to $3), take 3 to 7 business days to deliver, and may not work with all types of credit cards or all states.
The cost of using a credit card indirectly
If you withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card, then buy a money order with that cash, you pay two separate costs. Most credit card cash advances charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5 to $10. On top of that, interest accrues when ready at a higher rate than regular purchases — often 20 to 30 percent annually.
Example: You withdraw $500 as a cash advance to buy a money order. A 4 percent fee costs $20. If you pay back the $520 in full within a week, you might pay $5 to $10 in interest. If you carry the balance, the interest compounds daily. This route is expensive and should be a last resort.
A money order itself costs $1 to $3 depending on the amount and where you buy it. That is the only fee you should expect if you pay with cash or a debit card.
When online money order services make sense
Online services are useful only if you have no other way to get to a post office or bank, or if you need a money order sent directly to a recipient. They accept credit cards, which means you can complete the transaction without leaving home. The tradeoff is higher cost and slower delivery.
Most online services charge $5 to $10 per money order plus a delivery fee if you want it mailed. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days. If you need a money order today or tomorrow, online is not an option. If you can wait a week and the extra cost does not matter, it works.
Read the terms carefully before you buy. Some online services limit the amount per order (often $1,000 or less) or do not serve all states. A few require you to create an account and verify your identity, which adds another day or two.
Alternatives if you do not have a debit card
If you have a credit card but no debit card and no cash, you have limited options. The cheapest is to ask a trusted friend or family member to buy the money order for you and let you pay them back with your credit card. This avoids fees entirely.
If that is not possible, an online money order service is the next choice, despite the higher cost. The fee is painful but lower than a cash advance plus interest. Some services let you pay with a credit card linked to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which may process faster.
A third option is to visit your bank and ask whether they can transfer funds to a money order directly from your credit card account. Some banks offer this as a courtesy, though it is not standard. It never hurts to ask.
How to buy a money order the standard way
Walk into a post office, bank, or check-cashing store with cash or a debit card. Tell the clerk you want a money order and for how much. They will ask you to fill out a straightforward form with the recipient's name and your name. You pay the fee plus the amount of the money order. The clerk issues it on the spot, usually within five minutes.
Keep your receipt. If the money order is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, the receipt is your proof of purchase and you can request a replacement. Without it, you have no recourse.
Post offices are open six days a week and have the longest hours of the three options. Banks close earlier and may not be open on weekends. Check-cashing stores vary widely by location. If speed matters, the post office is usually the safest bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but most traditional sellers (USPS, banks, check-cashing stores) do not offer online purchases at all. If you use an online service, expect to pay $5 to $10 per order and wait 3 to 7 days for delivery.
What happens if I use a credit card cash advance to buy a money order?
You will pay a cash advance fee (3 to 5 percent) plus interest that starts accruing when ready, usually at 20 to 30 percent annually. On a $500 withdrawal, you could pay $25 to $50 in fees and interest within a week. This is expensive and should only be done if no other option exists.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by money order sellers, so yes, you can use them at post offices, banks, and check-cashing stores. Call ahead to confirm the specific location accepts your card, since policies vary by franchise.
Is there a limit to how much a money order can be for?
USPS money orders max out at $1,000 per order. Banks and check-cashing stores may have different limits, often $500 to $2,500. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders or use a cashier's check instead.
What if the post office or bank near me does not accept credit cards?
None of them do at the counter. Your options are to use cash, a debit card, or an online service. If you have neither cash nor a debit card, an online money order service is the only path forward, though it costs more and takes longer.