Most money order sellers will not take credit cards directly
You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, or post office and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. These businesses require cash, debit card, or bank transfer. The reason is straightforward: money orders are a form of may provide payment, and the seller needs to know the money is actually there before they issue the order. A credit card is a promise to pay later, not payment now.
That said, there are workarounds. You can use a credit card to get cash or load funds into an account, then use that money to buy the money order. The route you choose depends on what you have available and how quickly you need the money order.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers (post offices, Western Union, MoneyGram) do not accept credit cards as direct payment.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order.
- Some banks and credit unions let you transfer money from a credit card to a checking account, which you can then use to pay for a money order.
- Cash advance fees and ATM fees will add to the total cost, so compare the expense against other payment methods before you proceed.
- Peer-to-peer payment apps like PayPal or Venmo may be faster and cheaper than a money order if the recipient is willing to use them.
Using an ATM cash advance to buy a money order
The most direct route is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to purchase the money order. Most credit cards work at ATMs, though not all. Call your card issuer or check your cardholder agreement to confirm your card supports cash advances.
When you withdraw cash this way, you will pay a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. You will also start accruing interest when ready, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. If you need $500 for a money order, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get the cash, plus interest from day one.
After you have the cash, visit any post office, Western Union location, MoneyGram agent, or bank that sells money orders. Bring your cash and a valid ID. The money order itself costs $1 to $5 depending on the amount and seller.
Transferring credit card funds to your bank account
Some banks and credit unions offer a service called a balance transfer or cash advance transfer that moves money from your credit card into your checking account. This is different from an ATM withdrawal — the money lands in your bank account rather than your hand, and you can then write a check or use your debit card to pay for the money order.
Not all banks offer this, and not all credit cards work with it. Call your bank first and ask whether they accept balance transfers from your specific credit card. If they do, the process usually takes one to three business days. You will still pay a cash advance fee and interest, so the total cost is similar to an ATM withdrawal.
Once the money is in your checking account, you can use your debit card or a check to buy the money order at any seller. This route is useful if you do not have access to an ATM or prefer not to carry large amounts of cash.
Using a credit card to fund a payment app, then buying a money order
Some payment apps like PayPal or Square Cash let you load money from a credit card. You could theoretically load your card onto the app, transfer the money to your bank account, and then use your debit card to buy a money order. However, this adds extra steps and fees at each stage — the app may charge a loading fee, and you still pay the cash advance interest on your credit card.
This route makes sense only if you already use the app for other reasons and have a balance sitting there. If you are doing this solely to buy a money order, the fees will outweigh any benefit.
What to know about the total cost
Before you commit to using a credit card to fund a money order, calculate the full expense. A $500 money order might cost you:
- Cash advance fee: $15 to $25 (3 to 5 percent)
- Money order fee: $2 to $5
- Interest on the cash advance: varies by your card's APR and how long you carry the balance
If you pay off the cash advance within a week, interest might add only $2 to $5. If you carry it for a month, interest could be $15 or more. Add it all together, and you might spend $35 to $50 just to send $500.
Compare this against alternatives. If the recipient has a bank account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer from your bank might be cheaper and faster. If they use a payment app, sending money directly through the app avoids the money order entirely. Only use a money order if the recipient specifically needs one or cannot receive money any other way.
Why money order sellers do not take credit cards
Money orders are designed to be safer than personal checks because the seller guarantees the funds. The seller needs to know the money is real and available before they issue the order. When you pay with cash or a debit card, the money is already in the seller's account. When you offer a credit card, the seller has no may provide you will pay the bill when it arrives.
This is also why money order sellers do not take personal checks — for the same reason. They need when ready, certain payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services like MoneyGram.com or Western Union's website accept credit cards directly. Check the specific service's payment options before you proceed. Online money orders are typically delivered by email or picked up at a location, and fees may differ from in-person purchases.
Will using a credit card for a money order hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. Paying off the advance quickly minimizes this impact. Late payments or carrying a high balance will hurt your score more.
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 overall credit limit — sometimes 20 to 30 percent of your credit limit. Call your card issuer to find out your specific limit before you go to the ATM.
What if I do not have a credit card but need a money order?
You can buy a money order with cash, a debit card, or a check at most post offices, Western Union locations, and MoneyGram agents. If you have a bank account, you can also write a personal check, though the recipient may not accept it if they need a may provide payment.
Are there cheaper ways to send money than a money order?
Yes. If the recipient has a bank account, an ACH transfer or wire transfer from your bank is often free or costs $15 to $30 for a wire. Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are free for most transfers. Money orders cost $1 to $5 plus any fees you pay to fund them, so they are usually the most expensive option.