Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union or your bank and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. Money order sellers — Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, grocery stores — require cash or a debit card. This is by design: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts, and accepting credit would defeat that purpose.
That said, you can still fund a money order with credit if you're willing to take an extra step. The most straightforward route is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. A second option is to use a cash advance service or app that converts credit into cash, though these carry fees. A third is to transfer credit to a debit card first, then use the debit card at the money order counter.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers accept cash and debit cards but not credit cards, so you'll need to convert your credit into one of those forms first.
- The cheapest route is usually to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then pay cash for the money order.
- Cash advance apps and services exist but charge fees that can add $5 to $15 to your total cost.
- Some credit card issuers let you transfer a balance to a linked debit card, which you can then use at the money order counter.
- Money order fees themselves typically run $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the seller.
Using an ATM to withdraw cash from your credit card
This is the simplest path if your credit card issuer allows cash advances. Go to an ATM that accepts your card — your bank's ATM, a network ATM, or an independent ATM — and select the cash advance option. You'll enter your PIN and the amount you need. The ATM will dispense cash when ready.
Know what this costs before you do it. Credit card cash advances charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $3 to $10) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases — often 20 to 30 percent. Interest starts accruing the moment you withdraw, with no grace period. If you withdraw $200 for a money order, you might pay $6 to $10 in fees alone, plus interest from day one.
Once you have the cash, go to any money order seller — the post office, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, a grocery store, or your bank — and buy the money order with cash. The money order itself will cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the seller.
Using a cash advance app or service
Apps like Dave, Earnin, and Brigit let you borrow small amounts of cash against your next paycheck and withdraw it to a linked bank account or debit card. You can then use that debit card to buy a money order. These services typically charge $1 to $15 per transaction, depending on the app and the amount.
This route makes sense only if you have a steady paycheck and the app is already part of your routine. If you're signing up just to buy one money order, the fee will likely exceed what you'd pay in credit card cash advance fees. Read the app's terms carefully — some charge a subscription fee on top of the per-transaction cost.
Transferring credit to a debit card
Some credit card issuers, particularly those that also offer checking accounts or prepaid cards, let you transfer a balance from your credit card to a linked debit card. This is not a standard feature — you'll need to check with your issuer first. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether you can move credit to a debit card.
If your issuer offers this, the process usually takes a few minutes over the phone or through their app. Once the credit is on your debit card, you can use that card at any money order counter. There may be a small fee for the transfer, or there may not be — this varies by issuer.
Why money order sellers don't accept credit cards
Money orders exist partly because some people don't have bank accounts or credit cards. They're a way to send money safely without revealing your account number. Sellers also avoid credit cards because the transaction costs are higher than for cash or debit, and because credit card chargebacks can reverse a money order sale after the money has already been sent.
This policy is consistent across Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, and most grocery stores. You won't find an exception by shopping around.
Comparing the cost of each method
| Method | Typical Fee | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| ATM cash advance | $6–$10 upfront, plus interest | You need cash quickly and don't mind paying interest. |
| Cash advance app | $1–$15 per transaction | You already use the app or have a steady paycheck. |
| Debit card transfer | $0–$5, varies by issuer | Your credit card issuer offers this feature. |
| Borrow cash from someone | $0 | You have someone who can lend you cash. |
What to bring when you buy the money order
Once you have cash or a debit card, buying the money order itself is straightforward. Bring the cash or debit card, plus the amount you want to send (the money order fee is separate). You'll also need to know who the money order is for — the recipient's name goes on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
Some sellers ask for ID, particularly for larger amounts. The post office, for example, may ask for ID on money orders over $700. Have your driver's license or state ID ready just in case. You don't need to provide a reason for the money order or explain where the money is coming from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
No. Online money order services like MoneyGram.com and Western Union's website also require a debit card or bank account, not a credit card. The same workarounds explore — withdraw cash first, use a cash advance app, or transfer credit to a debit card if your issuer allows it.
Will buying a money order with a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself doesn't directly damage your score, but the high interest rate and fees can make the balance harder to pay off, which can hurt your score over time if the balance sits unpaid. The cash advance also counts toward your credit utilization, which can lower your score temporarily.
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 usually lower than your overall credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of it. Call your issuer to find out your specific limit before you go to the ATM.
What if I don't have a PIN for my credit card?
You'll need to set one up before you can use the card at an ATM. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to set up a PIN, or do it through your issuer's app or website. This usually takes a few minutes and is free.
Can I use a credit card to pay someone directly instead of buying a money order?
Yes. If the person you're paying has a bank account, you can send money directly through your bank's bill pay service, Venmo, PayPal, or a similar app. These are often faster and cheaper than a money order, though some charge a small fee for credit card payments.