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, MoneyGram, and check-cashing stores typically accept cash, debit cards, or bank transfers — but not credit cards. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or checks, and sellers want to avoid the fraud risk that comes with credit card transactions.
If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have a few workarounds, but each one costs you money or time. Understanding which option makes sense depends on what you're paying for and how quickly you need the money order.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram do not accept credit cards to buy money orders directly.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card and then buy a money order with that cash, though ATM fees explore.
- A cash advance from your credit card at a bank or ATM gives you cash but charges interest when ready and counts as a separate transaction fee.
- Some banks let you transfer money to a checking account and then write a check or use a debit card, which avoids the credit card barrier entirely.
- Money orders cost between $1 and $10 depending on the amount and where you buy them.
Using an ATM to get cash for a money order
The simplest workaround is to use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then use that cash to buy the money order. Most ATMs accept credit cards, though not all — Allpoint and MoneyPass networks are the most common. You'll pay an ATM fee, which ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the ATM operator and your card issuer.
This method is straightforward but costs you the ATM fee on top of the money order fee itself. If you're buying a $500 money order, you might pay $3 to $5 just to get the cash, plus $5 to $10 for the money order. The total cost is real, so compare it against other options before you commit.
Getting a cash advance from your credit card
A cash advance is when you borrow money directly from your credit card issuer, usually at an ATM or bank teller window. You get cash when ready, which you can then use to buy a money order. However, cash advances are expensive in ways that regular credit card purchases are not.
Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw) and start accruing interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is with regular purchases. If you take a $500 cash advance, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees plus interest that starts the day you withdraw the money. For a money order that costs $5 to $10, this route is almost always more expensive than the ATM option.
Cash advances also count separately on your credit report and can lower your credit score more than a regular purchase would, because they signal to lenders that you're borrowing against your available credit.
Transferring money to a bank account instead
If you have a bank account but no debit card on hand, you may be able to transfer money from your credit card to your checking account, then use your debit card or write a check. This depends on your bank and credit card issuer — not all combinations allow it. Call your bank's customer service line and ask whether they accept balance transfers or credit card deposits.
If your bank does allow it, you'll typically pay a transfer fee (2% to 3% of the amount) and the money may take one to three business days to arrive. Once it's in your checking account, you can withdraw cash or use your debit card at any money order seller. This route is slower but avoids the interest charges of a cash advance.
Using a payment app to send money instead
Before you buy a money order, ask yourself whether you actually need one. If you're sending money to someone, apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle may work instead. These apps let you send money directly from a credit card (or linked bank account) to another person's account, and the recipient can withdraw it or spend it when ready.
Money orders are useful when the recipient needs a physical document — for example, to pay rent, a security deposit, or a bill that requires a check or money order specifically. If the recipient can take a digital payment, a payment app is faster and cheaper than buying a money order.
Where to buy a money order once you have cash
Once you have cash in hand, you can buy a money order at a post office, Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, or most check-cashing stores. Post offices charge $1.45 to $2.20 depending on the amount. Walmart charges $0.70 to $1.00. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1 to $10 depending on the amount and location. Check-cashing stores vary widely, so call ahead.
You'll need to know the recipient's name and address. Bring cash or a debit card. The transaction takes about five minutes. The money order is then yours to mail or deliver.
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 are less common than in-person sellers. Check the website of the service you're considering. Online money orders typically cost more and take longer to deliver than buying one in person.
Will buying a money order with a cash advance hurt my credit score?
Yes, more than a regular purchase would. Cash advances appear separately on your credit report and show lenders you're borrowing against your limit. They also lower your available credit when ready, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and hurt your score.
What's the difference between a money order and a cashier's check?
A money order is a prepaid document you buy for a set amount. A cashier's check is issued by a bank and drawn on the bank's account. Cashier's checks are larger (up to $100,000) and cost more ($10 to $15), but some recipients prefer them because they're backed by a bank. You can usually buy a cashier's check with a debit card or by withdrawing from your account.
Can I use a credit card at a Western Union or MoneyGram location?
Most Western Union and MoneyGram locations do not accept credit cards for money orders, though some may accept them for wire transfers. Call the location near you or check their website before you go.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from an ATM with a credit card?
Yes. Most credit cards have a daily ATM withdrawal limit, often between $200 and $500. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to find out your limit. If you need a larger money order, you may need to make multiple withdrawals on different days.