Most money order sellers will not take a credit card, but a few routes exist
You cannot walk into most places that sell money orders and hand over a credit card. Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery store money order counters all require cash or a debit card. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash, and sellers treat them as final transactions — they do not want to deal with credit card chargebacks or disputes after the money order has already been sent.
That said, you have workarounds. You can use a credit card to get cash first, then buy the money order with that cash. You can also use certain online services that accept credit cards and issue money orders, though these come with their own fees and limitations. The choice depends on how urgently you need the money order and whether you are willing to pay extra fees.
Key Takeaways
- Physical money order sellers — USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, and grocery stores — do not accept credit cards and require cash or debit cards only.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order at any standard location.
- Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person purchases and may take several business days to deliver.
- Using a credit card to fund a money order means paying both a cash advance fee (usually 3–5% of the amount) and the money order fee itself.
Why credit cards are rejected at money order counters
Money order sellers treat these transactions as final and irreversible. Once a money order is issued and sent, the seller has no way to reverse it if a dispute arises. With a credit card, the cardholder can file a chargeback months later, claiming the transaction was unauthorized or fraudulent. The money order seller would then be caught between the cardholder's bank and the recipient, with no clear way to recover the money.
Debit cards are accepted because they pull money directly from a bank account, and the transaction is treated as a withdrawal rather than a purchase. Cash is accepted for the same reason — it is when ready and final. Credit cards, by design, create a dispute window that money order sellers want to avoid.
Getting cash from your credit card to buy a money order
The most straightforward workaround is to withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. Most ATMs accept credit cards for cash advances, though your card issuer will charge you a fee for this service.
A typical credit card cash advance fee is 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. On top of that, interest on the cash advance usually starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If you withdraw $500 for a money order, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees plus daily interest until you pay back the full amount.
Once you have the cash, you can buy a money order at any USPS location, Western Union, MoneyGram, or grocery store. Money order fees at these places typically range from $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. So your total cost is the cash advance fee plus interest plus the money order fee.
Online money order services that accept credit cards
A small number of online services will issue money orders and accept credit cards as payment. These include some bill payment platforms and specialty money transfer services. The advantage is convenience — you do not have to leave home or visit an ATM. The disadvantage is cost and speed.
Online money order services typically charge higher fees than in-person purchases, sometimes $5 to $15 per money order depending on the amount. They also take longer to deliver — usually 3 to 5 business days, compared to when ready issuance at a physical location. Some services require you to set up an account and verify your identity before your first order, which adds another day or two.
Before using an online service, check whether the recipient will accept a money order issued by that particular company. Some recipients only accept USPS money orders or Western Union, and they may refuse a money order from an unfamiliar issuer.
Comparing the cost of different routes
| Route | Credit Card Accepted | Total Fees (approx.) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS in person with cash | No | $1–$5 | when ready |
| Credit card cash advance + in-person money order | Yes (for cash) | $15–$30 + interest | when ready |
| Online money order service with credit card | Yes | $5–$15 | 3–5 business days |
| Grocery store in person with cash | No | $1–$3 | when ready |
If you have a debit card, that is always the cheapest option — you pay only the money order fee with no cash advance charges or interest. If you only have a credit card and need the money order when ready, a cash advance is faster than an online service, but it costs more. If you can wait a few days and want to avoid the cash advance fee, an online service may be worth the higher money order fee.
When a money order is not your best option
Before you commit to paying extra fees to buy a money order with a credit card, consider whether another payment method might work. If the recipient accepts bank transfers, that is usually free or very cheap. If they accept checks, that costs only the price of a check. If they accept PayPal, Venmo, or another digital payment app, those are often free for standard transfers.
Money orders make sense when the recipient specifically requests one or when you need a payment method that cannot be disputed. But if you are paying extra fees just to use a credit card, the total cost may outweigh the benefit. A $500 money order bought with a credit card cash advance could cost you $25 to $35 in fees alone, plus interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they are not the same as the major in-person sellers like USPS or Western Union. You will pay higher fees ($5–$15 per order) and wait 3–5 business days for delivery. Check whether the recipient will accept a money order from that particular online service before ordering.
What happens if I use a credit card cash advance to buy a money order?
You will pay a cash advance fee (3–5% of the amount) when ready, plus interest that starts accruing right away. Then you pay the money order fee on top of that. The total cost is higher than using cash or a debit card, but the money order is issued when ready and you do not have to wait for delivery.
Is there a way to avoid the cash advance fee?
Yes — use a debit card or cash instead. If you do not have either, consider whether the recipient will accept a different payment method like a bank transfer or check. Those are usually cheaper than paying a cash advance fee plus a money order fee.
Do all money order sellers reject credit cards?
Yes, the major sellers do: USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, and grocery store money order counters all require cash or debit cards. Some small independent check-cashing shops may have different policies, so it is worth asking, but expect to be turned down.
How long does it take to get a money order if I order online with a credit card?
Most online services take 3–5 business days to deliver a money order after you place the order. Some may be faster, but none are when ready. If you need the money order the same day, you will have to use a physical location and pay with cash or a debit card.