Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most places that sell them. Post offices, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram typically accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks — but not credit cards. The reason is straightforward: money orders are a cash-like product, and sellers want to avoid the chargeback risk that comes with credit card transactions.
If you need a money order and only have a credit card available, you have a few real options, but none of them are direct. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. You can also use a cash advance feature if your card issuer offers it, though this comes with fees and interest charges that make it expensive. A third option is to ask whether the person or business requesting the money order will accept a different payment method instead.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram do not accept credit cards for money order purchases.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then buy the money order with that cash.
- Credit card cash advances carry upfront fees (typically 3–5% of the amount) plus interest starting when ready, making them expensive for money orders.
- Some banks and credit unions may have different policies, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
- Asking the recipient whether they will accept a check, bank transfer, or other payment method may be faster and cheaper than working around the credit card limitation.
Using an ATM cash withdrawal to buy a money order
This is the most straightforward workaround. Most credit cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, though your card issuer will charge a fee for doing so. That fee is typically $3 to $5 per transaction, and it appears on your statement as a cash advance fee, not an ATM fee.
Once you have the cash, you can walk into any post office, Walmart, or Western Union location and buy the money order the normal way. The money order itself costs between $1 and $3 depending on the amount and the seller. You will need to know the recipient's name and address, and you may need to show ID.
The total cost is the ATM fee plus the money order fee, which is usually $4 to $8. That is more than you would pay if you could use a debit card directly, but it is much cheaper than a cash advance.
Credit card cash advances and why they are expensive
A cash advance is a short-term loan from your credit card issuer. You can request one at an ATM, at a bank branch, or sometimes through your card's mobile app. The issuer gives you cash, and you pay it back like a regular credit card balance — except the terms are much worse.
Cash advances charge an upfront fee of 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 just to get the cash. On top of that, interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. The interest rate on cash advances is also higher than the rate on regular purchases, often 2% to 3% above your standard APR.
For a money order, this is overkill. If you need $500 for a money order, a cash advance could cost you $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest. A regular ATM withdrawal with its $3 to $5 fee is a much better choice.
Checking whether your bank or credit union has different rules
Some banks and credit unions have their own money order services or different policies about how you can pay for them. If you have an account at a local bank or credit union, call and ask whether they sell money orders and whether they accept credit cards for the purchase. A few institutions will let account holders buy money orders through online banking or at the branch using a credit card linked to the account.
This is worth a five-minute phone call before you make a trip. If your bank does offer this service, it is usually free or very cheap, and you avoid the ATM fee entirely.
Asking the recipient whether they will accept something else
Before you go through the work of getting cash or a cash advance, ask the person or business requesting the money order whether they will accept an alternative. Many landlords, utility companies, and government agencies now accept checks, electronic bank transfers, or online bill pay. Some will take a debit card payment if you call them directly.
A check costs nothing to write and can be mailed or delivered in person. A bank transfer is free and when ready if both parties have accounts at the same bank, or costs $1 to $3 if they do not. An online bill pay through your bank is usually free. Any of these options is simpler than converting your credit card into a money order.
If the recipient insists on a money order, ask why. Some landlords and businesses require money orders because they do not want to handle checks or give out banking information. If that is the case, you now know you need to get cash, and you can plan accordingly.
What to do if you do not have a credit card or cash
If you have neither a credit card nor cash on hand, you can ask a friend or family member to lend you the money temporarily, or to buy the money order on your behalf. Some employers will advance you a small amount of pay if you ask. A local community information program or nonprofit may also help with emergency money order purchases, though this is less common.
If you are in a situation where you cannot access cash or credit at all, the recipient may be willing to work with you on an alternative payment method or a delayed payment. It is always worth asking before assuming a money order is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated like credit cards by money order sellers, so they are usually not accepted. However, some prepaid cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, which you can then use to buy a money order. Check your card's terms to see whether ATM withdrawals are allowed and what the fee is.
Will the money order seller know I used a credit card to get the cash?
No. Once you have cash in hand, the money order seller has no way of knowing where it came from. They will only see cash, and the transaction will be the same as any other cash purchase.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can withdraw from an ATM with a credit card?
Yes. Most credit card issuers set a daily cash advance limit, which is often $500 to $1,000 but varies by card and issuer. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to find out your limit before you try to withdraw a large amount.
What if my credit card does not work at ATMs?
Some credit cards, particularly store cards or cards issued by smaller lenders, may not be accepted at all ATMs or may not support cash advances at all. Call your card issuer to confirm whether cash advances are available on your card, and ask which ATM networks accept it.
Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?
Some online money order services do accept credit cards, though they are less common than in-person sellers. MoneyGram and Western Union both have online platforms where you may be able to order a money order using a credit card, though fees are typically higher than in-person purchases. Check their websites for current options and pricing.