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 will not take a credit card. Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most grocery stores and convenience stores that sell money orders require cash or a debit card. A few sellers accept bank transfers or ACH payments, but credit cards are almost never an option.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safe payment method for the recipient, and sellers want to avoid the chargeback risk that comes with credit card transactions. If you pay with a credit card and later dispute the charge, the seller loses money they've already sent out. Debit cards carry less chargeback risk because the money comes directly from your account.
If you don't have cash or a debit card on hand, you have a few workarounds — but none involve using your credit card directly at the point of sale.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and retail stores will not accept credit cards to purchase money orders.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (with a cash advance fee), then use that cash to buy a money order.
- Some banks and credit unions let you transfer money directly to a money order seller's account, bypassing the card entirely.
- A debit card is the fastest and cheapest way to buy a money order if you have one available.
- Using a credit card for a cash advance to fund a money order costs more in fees than paying bills directly with the card would.
Why credit cards don't work at the point of sale
Money order sellers treat credit card payments as a liability. When you buy a money order with cash or a debit card, the transaction is final — the seller has your money and can send it out. If you later change your mind or claim fraud, there's no mechanism to reverse it.
Credit cards work differently. You can dispute a charge up to 60 to 120 days after the transaction, depending on your card issuer. If you dispute a money order purchase, your credit card company investigates and often sides with you, leaving the seller out the cost of the money order plus the refund to you. Sellers learned this lesson early and now straightforward refuse credit cards across the board.
This policy applies whether you're buying a $50 money order or a $1,000 one. The amount doesn't change the risk calculation.
Getting cash from your credit card to buy a money order
If you have a credit card but no cash or debit card, you can get cash through a cash advance. Visit an ATM that accepts your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw cash. That cash can then be used to buy a money order anywhere.
The cost of this route matters. Most credit card issuers charge a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So withdrawing $200 might cost you $6 to $10 in fees alone. On top of that, cash advances usually start accruing interest when ready at a higher rate than regular purchases, often 20% to 30% annually. Interest begins the day you withdraw, not at the end of your billing cycle.
For a $200 money order, you'd pay $6 to $10 upfront plus daily interest until you pay off the advance. This is significantly more expensive than straightforward paying the recipient directly with your credit card if that's an option, or waiting until you have access to a debit card or cash.
Using bank transfers instead of money orders
Before you go through the cash advance route, consider whether you actually need a money order. Money orders are useful when the recipient won't take a check or direct payment, or when you want a paper trail for a large transaction. But if the recipient just needs the money, a bank transfer is faster and cheaper.
Many banks and credit unions let you transfer money directly from your account to someone else's account using their routing and account number. This works even if you only have a credit card — you can call your bank and ask them to move money from your credit line to your checking account, then transfer it to the recipient. Some banks charge a fee for this, but it's usually smaller than a cash advance fee plus money order fees combined.
Ask the recipient if they can accept a bank transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or another digital payment method before committing to a money order.
Money order fees and where to buy them
Money order fees vary by seller and location. The USPS typically charges $1.45 to $2.00 per money order depending on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Grocery stores and convenience stores often charge $0.50 to $2.00. None of these fees change based on how you pay — they're the same whether you use cash, a debit card, or (if they accepted it) a credit card.
The real cost difference comes from how you fund the purchase. Paying with cash or a debit card costs only the money order fee. Paying with a credit card cash advance costs the money order fee plus the cash advance fee plus interest, making it the most expensive option by far.
Debit cards and prepaid cards as alternatives
If you have access to a debit card, that's your best option. Debit cards are accepted everywhere money orders are sold and carry no extra fees beyond the money order fee itself. If you don't have a debit card but have a checking account, you can request one from your bank — most issue them free or for a small annual fee.
Prepaid cards (like Visa or Mastercard gift cards loaded with cash) also work at money order counters. If someone gave you a prepaid card or you bought one yourself, you can use it the same way you'd use a debit card. The money order seller won't know or care that it's prepaid rather than a traditional debit card.
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 they're rare and often charge higher fees than in-person sellers. Western Union and MoneyGram do accept credit cards on their websites, though they charge a convenience fee on top of the standard money order fee. Read the fee disclosure carefully before proceeding — the total cost may be higher than getting cash and buying in person.
What if I need a money order right now and have no other payment method?
A credit card cash advance is your only option, but understand the full cost first. Calculate the cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5%) plus the money order fee, then add the daily interest that will accrue. For small amounts, this might cost more than the money order itself. If possible, wait until you can access a debit card or cash.
Do prepaid credit cards work for money orders?
Yes. Prepaid cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo are treated like debit cards at money order counters. The seller won't distinguish between a prepaid card and a traditional debit card, so if you have one loaded with funds, you can use it to buy a money order.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which is often lower than your regular credit limit — sometimes 20% to 50% of your total limit. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your specific limit before you try to withdraw cash.
Why would I buy a money order instead of just sending money directly?
Money orders provide a paper trail and are accepted in situations where digital payments aren't available — paying rent to a landlord without a bank account, sending money to someone without email or a phone, or making a payment where you need a receipt. If the recipient accepts digital payment, that's usually faster and cheaper than a money order.