Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card
The short answer is no — the vast majority of money order sellers, including Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery store money order counters, do not take credit cards. They accept cash, debit cards, or sometimes a bank account transfer. A few rare exceptions exist, but they come with fees that make the transaction expensive.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts or don't want to carry large amounts of money. Credit card companies and money order sellers both see a credit card purchase as a cash advance — a loan, not a purchase — and they've built their systems to block it.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and grocery stores all refuse credit card payments for money orders.
- Some online money order services and third-party payment platforms may accept credit cards, but they charge extra fees that can double your cost.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, a bank transfer or ACH payment is usually cheaper and faster than finding a workaround.
- Using a credit card to get cash from an ATM, then buying a money order with that cash, triggers a cash advance fee on your credit card bill.
Why credit cards are blocked at the counter
Money order sellers treat credit card transactions as cash advances. A cash advance is when you borrow money directly from your credit card issuer — not when you buy something. The credit card company charges you a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) the moment the transaction goes through, and the interest rate on that borrowed money is often higher than the rate on regular purchases.
Money order companies know this and have configured their payment systems to reject credit cards outright. They're not trying to be difficult — they're following the rules set by Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, which prohibit their cards from being used to buy money orders, gift cards, or other cash-like products.
A debit card, by contrast, pulls money directly from your bank account. It's not a loan, so there's no cash advance fee. That's why debit cards work at the counter and credit cards don't.
The rare exceptions: online and third-party services
A small number of online money order services and payment platforms (such as some versions of Walmart2Walmart or certain third-party bill pay services) may accept credit cards. However, they almost always charge a separate processing fee on top of the money order fee itself. A standard money order costs $1 to $5 depending on the amount; adding a credit card processing fee of 2 to 3 percent can easily bring your total cost to $10 or more for a $200 money order.
Before you pursue this route, check the total cost. In most cases, it's cheaper and simpler to find another way to pay.
What happens if you withdraw cash with your credit card first
Some people try to work around the system by using their credit card to get cash from an ATM, then using that cash to buy a money order. This does technically work, but it's expensive. Your credit card issuer will charge you a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate on that borrowed amount, starting when ready — not at the end of your billing cycle like a regular purchase.
If you need a $200 money order and your credit card charges a 5 percent cash advance fee, you'll owe $10 just to get the cash, plus interest from day one. You'll also likely pay an ATM fee from the bank that owns the machine. The total cost can easily exceed $15 to $20.
Better alternatives when you don't have cash or a debit card
If you need to send money but don't have cash or a debit card available, consider these options instead:
- Bank transfer or ACH payment: If both you and the recipient have bank accounts, you can transfer money directly through your bank's website or app. This is free or very cheap, and it's faster than a money order in most cases.
- Wire transfer: Your bank can send money directly to another bank account. It costs $15 to $30 but is reliable and reaches the recipient within one business day.
- Peer-to-peer payment apps: Services like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App let you send money using your credit card (they treat it as a purchase, not a cash advance). Fees vary, but they're often lower than a money order plus cash advance charges combined.
- Borrow a debit card: If a friend or family member can lend you their debit card temporarily, you can use it to buy a money order at any standard location.
- Visit your bank: Many banks will issue a cashier's check for free or a small fee. A cashier's check serves the same purpose as a money order and is often more widely accepted.
How to know if a money order seller accepts credit cards
Before you go to the counter, call ahead or check the company's website. Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and most grocery stores and convenience stores clearly state on their websites that they accept cash and debit cards only. If you're using an unfamiliar service, ask directly: "Do you take credit cards for money orders?" The answer will almost always be no, but it's worth confirming rather than making a wasted trip.
If a seller does accept credit cards, ask about the total fee before you commit. Compare that cost to the alternatives listed above — you may find that a bank transfer or wire transfer costs less and arrives faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit card company let me buy a money order if I call and ask?
No. The restriction is built into the payment system itself, not a policy a customer service representative can override. Your card will be declined at the point of sale, and calling your credit card company won't change that.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated the same way as regular credit cards and will be declined. However, some prepaid debit cards (which draw from a stored balance rather than a line of credit) may work. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm whether it's a credit card or a debit card.
Is there a money order service that definitely takes credit cards?
Some online bill pay services and third-party platforms may accept credit cards, but they charge extra fees that usually make the total cost higher than other payment methods. It's worth comparing the final cost to a bank transfer or wire transfer before you proceed.
What if I need a money order urgently and don't have a debit card?
Call your bank and ask if they can issue a cashier's check when ready. Many banks can do this same-day or next-day, and it costs less than a money order plus a cash advance fee combined. If that's not possible, a wire transfer through your bank is usually the fastest option.