Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, or post office and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. These sellers treat money orders as cash equivalents and require payment in actual cash, debit card, or bank transfer. However, you can use a credit card to fund the purchase indirectly — by withdrawing cash from an ATM using your card, or by moving money from your credit card into a bank account first.
The catch is that both methods carry costs. A cash advance from your credit card typically charges a fee (often 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus interest that starts accruing when ready, with no grace period. Moving money through a bank account takes longer but may be cheaper depending on your card's terms and your bank's policies.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, and USPS money order counters accept cash and debit cards but not credit cards for direct payment.
- A credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash to buy a money order, but charges a fee and interest from day one.
- Transferring a credit card balance to a bank account (if your card allows it) avoids the cash advance fee but takes several business days.
- Some credit cards offer 0% introductory rates on balance transfers, which can reduce the cost if you pay off the money order amount quickly.
Why money order sellers won't take credit cards
Money orders are designed to move funds without credit risk. The seller receives when ready payment before issuing the order, which is why they accept only cash, debit cards, and bank transfers. A credit card represents a promise to pay later, not when ready funds — so from the seller's perspective, accepting it would mean extending credit to you for a transaction that is supposed to be settled on the spot.
This policy is uniform across major money order providers. Western Union, MoneyGram, and the United States Postal Service all enforce it. Some smaller check-cashing services or independent money order outlets may have different policies, but the mainstream channels do not negotiate.
Using a credit card cash advance to buy a money order
A cash advance lets you withdraw money against your credit line at an ATM or bank teller window. You then use that cash to purchase the money order. This is the fastest route if you need the money order the same day.
The cost is significant. Most credit cards charge a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). On top of that, interest accrues when ready at a rate that is usually higher than your regular purchase APR — often 20 to 30 percent or more — and there is no grace period. A $500 cash advance might cost $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest starting that day.
Check your card's terms before you proceed. Some cards cap the cash advance amount at a percentage of your credit limit, and some require you to set up a PIN at your bank first. Call the number on the back of your card to confirm the fee, the interest rate, and any withdrawal limits.
Transferring credit card funds to your bank account
Some credit card issuers allow you to transfer your credit line balance into a linked bank account. This is different from a cash advance — the money lands in your checking account as a deposit, and you can then write a check or use your debit card to buy the money order. The transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
The fee structure varies by card. Some issuers charge a balance transfer fee (usually 3 to 5 percent), while others charge nothing if the transfer goes to an account in your name at the same bank. Interest rates also differ: some cards offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers for 6 to 12 months, which can save you money if you pay off the balance quickly.
This method is slower than a cash advance but often cheaper if your card offers a promotional rate. Contact your card issuer to ask whether balance transfers to your bank account are available, what the fee is, and whether any introductory rate applies.
Using a debit card instead
If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, that is the simplest and cheapest way to buy a money order. Debit cards are accepted everywhere money orders are sold, and there are no fees or interest charges beyond what your bank may charge for overdrafts.
If you do not have a debit card but have a credit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union takes 15 to 30 minutes and usually costs nothing. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. This is a better long-term solution than repeatedly paying cash advance fees.
Comparing the costs of each method
| Method | Time to get cash | Typical cost for $500 | Interest rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card cash advance | Same day (ATM) | $15–$25 fee + interest | 20–30% APR, no grace period |
| Balance transfer to bank account | 1–3 business days | $0–$25 fee (varies by card) | 0% intro rate or 15–25% APR after |
| Debit card (if you have one) | when ready | $0 | None |
| Open a checking account + debit card | 30 minutes + when ready | $0 | None |
The debit card route is cheapest. If you do not have one, opening a checking account costs nothing and eliminates future cash advance fees. A balance transfer with a 0% intro rate is the next-best option if you can wait a few days and your card offers the promotion. A cash advance is the most expensive choice and should be used only if you need the money order the same day and have no other option.
Where to buy money orders with your cash or debit card
Once you have cash or a debit card, you can buy money orders at several locations. The United States Postal Service sells money orders at any post office for a fee that ranges from $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram are available at grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing outlets, and convenience stores, with fees that vary by location and amount but typically run $1 to $5 for amounts under $1,000.
Walmart and some credit unions also sell money orders. Compare fees before you go — a few dollars saved on the money order fee is worth a quick phone call, especially if you are already paying a credit card cash advance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order online?
No. Online money order services like Western Union and MoneyGram also require debit card, bank transfer, or cash payment. Credit cards are not accepted for online purchases either. If you want to send money online, a wire transfer or peer-to-peer payment app (Venmo, PayPal, Cash App) may be faster and cheaper than a money order.
Will my credit card issuer report a cash advance as a purchase?
No. Cash advances appear separately on your statement and are treated differently from purchases. They do not earn rewards points, they carry a higher interest rate, and they start accruing interest when ready. This is why cash advances are expensive — the card issuer is charging you for the privilege of borrowing cash rather than making a purchase.
What if I do not have a PIN for my credit card cash advance?
You will need to set one up before you can withdraw cash at an ATM. Call the number on the back of your card and ask the issuer to issue you a PIN, or set one up online through your account portal. Some banks can issue a temporary PIN over the phone that works for 24 hours. This process usually takes a few minutes.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Most credit cards set a cash advance limit that is lower than your total credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of your available credit. Your card issuer can tell you your specific limit. If you need to withdraw more, you may have to make multiple withdrawals or ask the issuer to increase your cash advance limit.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
It depends on the prepaid card. Some prepaid cards are treated like debit cards and are accepted at money order counters. Others are treated like credit cards and are declined. Check with the prepaid card issuer or call the money order seller before you go. If your prepaid card is not accepted, you can usually withdraw cash at an ATM and use that cash to buy the money order.