Most Places Won't Sell You a Money Order With a Credit Card
You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at most retailers and banks. Money orders are designed as a cash-like payment method, and the businesses that issue them — grocery stores, post offices, check-cashing services — treat them as cash transactions. They require you to pay with actual cash, a debit card, or sometimes a bank account transfer.
The reason is practical: a money order is a promise to pay that the issuer backs with their own money. If you could charge it to a credit card, the issuer would be extending credit on top of credit, and they would have no way to may provide you could repay. So the rule is nearly universal.
That said, there are two real paths forward if you need a money order and only have a credit card in your wallet right now.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at the post office, grocery stores, or check-cashing services — they require cash or a debit card.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though it costs a cash advance fee), then use that cash to buy a money order.
- You can transfer money from your credit card to your bank account through a balance transfer or cash advance, then pay for the money order with your debit card.
- Some credit card issuers offer balance transfers to bank accounts at a lower rate than cash advances, so check your card's terms before you move money.
- Money order fees are typically $1 to $3, but cash advance fees from your credit card can be 3% to 5% of the amount, making this an expensive workaround.
Using a Credit Card Cash Advance to Get Cash for a Money Order
The most direct route is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then walk into a retailer and buy the money order with that cash. Your credit card issuer treats this as a cash advance — a short-term loan against your credit line.
Here is what happens: you insert your credit card into an ATM (or visit your card issuer's branch), enter your PIN, and withdraw the amount you need. The money appears in your hand when ready. You then take that cash to a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service and buy the money order.
The catch is cost. A cash advance typically charges a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). So if you need $200 for a money order, you might pay $6 to $10 just to get the cash, plus the $1 to $3 money order fee itself. On top of that, cash advances usually start accruing interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. Interest rates on cash advances are also higher than purchase rates on the same card.
Check your card's terms or call the issuer before you do this. Some cards do not allow cash advances at all, or they limit how much you can withdraw.
Transferring Credit to Your Bank Account, Then Paying With Debit
A second option is to move money from your credit card into your checking or savings account, then use your debit card to buy the money order. This works if your credit card issuer offers balance transfers to bank accounts or if you can set up a cash advance that deposits directly into your bank.
Some issuers allow you to request a balance transfer online or by phone. You provide your bank account details, and the issuer deposits the funds directly. This is cleaner than an ATM withdrawal because you avoid the physical cash step and the associated security risk of carrying large amounts of cash.
The fee structure is similar to a cash advance — typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred — but some issuers charge a flat fee instead, or a lower percentage for balance transfers than for ATM cash advances. Before you proceed, log into your account or call your issuer to confirm the exact fee and whether interest starts right away.
Once the money lands in your bank account, you can use your debit card to buy the money order at any retailer that accepts debit cards.
Where to Buy a Money Order With Cash or Debit
Once you have cash or debit access, you have several options for where to buy the money order. The most common places are the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery store chains (like Kroger or Safeway), and check-cashing services. Each has slightly different fees and limits.
The post office typically charges $1.45 to $2.00 per money order, depending on the amount. Walmart charges around $0.70 to $1.00. Grocery stores and check-cashing services fall somewhere in between. Most places cap the amount per money order at $500 to $1,000, so if you need more than that, you will have to buy multiple money orders.
Call ahead or check the retailer's website to confirm they sell money orders, their current fee, and their hours. Some locations have stopped selling them, so it is worth verifying before you make the trip.
Why This Is Expensive and When to Consider Alternatives
Adding a 3% to 5% cash advance fee on top of a $1 to $3 money order fee makes this an expensive way to move money. If you need to send $500, you could pay $15 to $25 in fees alone. That is a real cost, and it is worth asking whether a money order is actually what you need.
If the person or business you are paying accepts other forms of payment, consider them first. A bank transfer or ACH payment is usually free. A check (if you have a checking account) costs nothing. A wire transfer costs $15 to $30 but moves money faster and does not require you to use a credit card. Even paying by credit card directly, if the recipient accepts it, avoids the cash advance fee entirely — though you will pay interest on the purchase if you carry a balance.
Money orders make sense when the recipient specifically requires one, or when you need a payment method that does not reveal your bank account or credit card number. In those cases, the fee is worth it. But if you are using a money order just because it feels safer or more official, there are usually cheaper ways to accomplish the same goal.
What Happens to Your Credit Score
A cash advance or balance transfer to your bank account will show up on your credit report as a cash advance or transfer, not as a regular purchase. This can affect your credit score in two ways.
First, it increases your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. If you have a $5,000 credit limit and you take a $1,000 cash advance, your utilization jumps to 20%. High utilization can lower your score temporarily. The effect is usually small if your utilization was already low, but it is worth knowing.
Second, the cash advance fee and interest charges will increase your balance, which also increases utilization and the total amount you owe. If you pay off the cash advance quickly, the score impact is usually temporary. But if you carry the balance, the higher interest rate means you will pay more over time and your score may stay lower longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart or the post office?
No. Walmart, the post office, and most other money order retailers require cash or a debit card. You cannot use a credit card directly at the register. Your only option is to get cash first using a credit card cash advance, then buy the money order with that cash.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance is money you withdraw from an ATM or bank branch using your credit card. A balance transfer is money your issuer deposits directly into your bank account. Both charge fees and interest, but balance transfers sometimes have lower fees. Check your card's terms to see which option is available and which costs less.
Will taking a cash advance hurt my credit score?
It may lower your score temporarily because it increases your credit utilization. The effect is usually small and temporary if you pay it off quickly. But if you carry the balance, the higher interest rate and longer payoff time can keep your score lower for longer.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can withdraw with my credit card?
Yes. Most credit card issuers set a cash advance limit that is lower than your total credit limit — often 20% to 30% of your available credit. Some cards do not allow cash advances at all. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to find out your limit before you try to withdraw.
What if I need to send money but the recipient won't accept a money order?
Ask them what payment methods they do accept. Bank transfers, checks, wire transfers, and credit card payments are all common alternatives. Many of these are free or cheaper than the combined cost of a cash advance and a money order fee.