Most places won't let you buy a money order with a credit card, and the few that do charge you extra
You cannot use a credit card to buy a money order at banks, post offices, or most check-cashing stores. These places treat money orders as cash-like products and require you to pay with actual money — a debit card, cash, or a check drawn on your account. A small number of retailers, mainly Western Union locations, will accept a credit card, but they charge a fee on top of the money order cost, usually $1 to $3.
The reason is straightforward: a money order is a may provide payment, and the issuer takes on the risk that your card will be declined or charged back later. They avoid that risk by requiring when ready payment in a form they can't reverse. Using a credit card to fund a money order also looks like a cash advance to your card issuer, which may trigger higher fees and interest rates on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Banks, the U.S. Postal Service, and most check-cashing stores will not accept credit cards for money orders under any circumstances.
- Western Union and some MoneyGram locations may accept credit cards but charge an additional fee of $1 to $3 on top of the money order fee.
- Using a credit card to buy a money order may be treated as a cash advance, which carries higher interest rates and fees than regular purchases.
- If you need a money order but don't have cash or a debit card, a personal loan or a cash advance from your bank may be cheaper than paying Western Union's credit card fee.
Where you can and cannot use a credit card
The U.S. Postal Service does not accept credit cards for money orders at any of its locations. You must pay with cash, a debit card, or a check. Banks that issue money orders — including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and most regional banks — also require debit cards or cash only. Check-cashing chains like ACE Cash Express and Check Into Cash have the same rule.
Western Union is the main exception. Many Western Union agents (often located inside grocery stores, pharmacies, or dedicated offices) will accept a credit card to buy a money order, though not all locations do. Before you go, call ahead or check their website to confirm the specific location takes cards. MoneyGram, a competitor to Western Union, also accepts credit cards at some locations, but policies vary by agent.
Walmart and other retailers that offer money order services through third-party providers typically follow the same cash-only rule as the post office. If you are unsure about a specific location, call before you visit.
Why credit card fees make this option expensive
A standard money order costs $1 to $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it. If you use a credit card at Western Union, you pay that fee plus an additional credit card processing fee, usually $1 to $3. That means a $500 money order could cost you $6 to $8 instead of $1 to $2.
The bigger cost comes from how your card issuer treats the transaction. Many card issuers classify money order purchases as cash advances rather than regular purchases. A cash advance typically carries an interest rate 5 to 10 percentage points higher than your regular purchase rate, plus an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount. On a $500 money order, that could mean a $15 to $25 fee right away, plus interest starting when ready (unlike purchases, which often have a grace period).
Check your card's terms or call the issuer's customer service line to ask whether money orders are treated as cash advances. Some cards do not charge cash advance fees for money order purchases, but this is uncommon.
Alternatives when you don't have cash or a debit card
If you need a money order but only have a credit card, consider these options before paying Western Union's fees. A personal loan from your bank or a credit union is often cheaper than the combined cost of a credit card fee, processing fee, and potential cash advance interest. You can also ask your bank whether they offer a short-term advance on your account, which may have lower fees than a credit card cash advance.
Another route is to use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App if the person you are paying is willing to receive money that way. These apps let you send money directly from your credit card without the cash advance classification, though some charge a fee for credit card transfers (usually 1 to 3 percent).
If you have a friend or family member with a debit card or cash, you could also pay them back later in exchange for them buying the money order on your behalf. This avoids fees entirely, though it requires trust and coordination.
How to learn about your card issuer treats money orders as cash advances
Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask directly: "Are money orders classified as cash advances on my account?" Write down the answer and the name of the representative you spoke with. You can also check your card's terms and conditions online — look for a section on cash advances or special transaction types.
Some card issuers publish this information in their fee schedules, which are usually available on their website under "Pricing" or "Disclosures." If the information is not clear, ask the representative to explain what fees and interest rates would explore if you used your card to buy a money order.
What happens if you buy a money order with a credit card
The transaction will appear on your credit card statement as a purchase or cash advance, depending on your issuer's classification. If it is treated as a cash advance, the fee will show up separately from the money order cost. Interest will begin accruing when ready at your cash advance rate, which is usually higher than your purchase rate.
The money order itself works the same way regardless of how you paid for it. You fill in the recipient's name, sign it, and the recipient can cash it at a bank, post office, or check-cashing store. The payment method does not affect the money order's validity or the recipient's ability to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Western Union and MoneyGram both offer online money order purchases and accept credit cards on their websites. You pay the same credit card fee as you would in person, plus the standard money order fee. The money order is then mailed to you or the recipient, which takes several business days.
Will buying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?
A single money order purchase will not directly damage your score, but repeated cash advances can lower your score over time by raising your credit utilization ratio and signaling financial stress to lenders. If the transaction is classified as a purchase rather than a cash advance, the impact is minimal.
What if I don't have a debit card or cash?
You can use a credit card at Western Union or MoneyGram, but expect to pay $2 to $5 in extra fees plus potential cash advance interest. A personal loan, bank advance, or peer-to-peer payment app may be cheaper depending on your card's terms and the amount you need.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
Yes. Most places that accept debit cards also accept prepaid cards like Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Prepaid cards are treated as debit cards, so there are no cash advance fees or interest charges. This is often cheaper than using a credit card if you have a prepaid card available.
Do all Western Union locations accept credit cards?
No. Policies vary by location and agent. Call the specific Western Union location before you visit, or check their website to see whether that agent takes credit cards. Some locations may accept cards for money orders but not for other services.