Most places that sell money orders won't take credit cards directly

You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, grocery store, or post office and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. These sellers treat money orders as cash transactions — they want payment in actual dollars, not a promise to pay later. The reason is straightforward: a money order is a may provide payment, and the seller needs to know the money is real before they hand it over.

That said, there are two real ways to use a credit card to get a money order. The first is slower but straightforward. The second works faster but costs more and comes with strings attached.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, or grocery stores — they require cash or debit card payment.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order, though ATM fees and cash advance interest will explore when ready.
  • Some credit card issuers allow you to request a cash advance by phone or app, which deposits money into your bank account within one to two business days, and you can then buy the money order with debit.
  • Money order fees range from about $1 to $5 depending on the amount and seller, and you will pay those fees on top of any credit card cash advance costs.
  • If you need a money order urgently and have no other payment method, a cash advance is faster than waiting for a check to clear or a bank transfer to post.

Using an ATM cash advance to buy a money order

The quickest route is to use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then use that cash to buy the money order. Walk into any bank, credit union, or ATM network that your card accepts, insert your card, select "cash advance," and withdraw the amount you need plus the money order fee.

Know what this costs you. Your credit card issuer will charge a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $500, you might pay $15 to $25 just for the withdrawal. On top of that, cash advances start accruing interest when ready, usually at a higher rate than regular purchases — often 20 to 30 percent annually. Interest begins the day you withdraw, not when your statement closes. There is no grace period.

Once you have the cash, go to Western Union, MoneyGram, your bank, post office, or a grocery store that sells money orders. You will pay the money order fee (usually $1 to $5 depending on the amount) and walk out with the money order in hand.

Requesting a cash advance through your credit card issuer

If you do not want to visit an ATM, you can call your credit card company or use their app to request a cash advance. The issuer will deposit the money directly into your bank account — usually within one to two business days. You then use your debit card or check to buy the money order.

This method avoids ATM fees but still charges a cash advance fee and interest. The advantage is that you do not have to carry large amounts of cash, and the money lands in your account where you can use it for other things if the money order plan changes. The disadvantage is the wait — if you need the money order today, this does not work.

To request a cash advance, log into your credit card's app or website, look for "cash advance" or "balance transfer" options, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your PIN ready. The issuer will tell you your available cash advance limit, which is often lower than your regular credit limit.

Why credit card companies and money order sellers avoid each other

Money order sellers do not accept credit cards because they need when ready, may provide payment. When you hand over a credit card, the seller has no way to know if the charge will go through or if you will dispute it later. A money order is a promise that the money is already there, so the seller wants to see proof: cash, a debit card tied to a real bank account, or a check.

Credit card companies discourage cash advances because they are high-risk transactions. A cash advance means you are borrowing money at a higher interest rate with no grace period, which is profitable for the issuer but expensive for you. The company would rather you use the card for regular purchases, where they earn a smaller fee from the merchant.

Alternatives if a cash advance is too expensive

If the fees and interest on a cash advance feel too high, consider whether you actually need a money order. Money orders are useful when someone demands a may provide payment method — a landlord, a court, a utility company, or a business that does not take personal checks. But if the recipient will take a check, a bank transfer, or a debit card payment, those are cheaper and faster.

If you do need a money order and have a debit card, use that instead. If you do not have a debit card but have a bank account, visit your bank and ask about a temporary debit card or a bank check, which is free or very cheap. If you have neither a debit card nor a bank account, a cash advance is one of your only options — in that case, the fee is worth the cost of getting the money order you need.

How much a money order costs and where to buy one

Money order fees depend on the amount and the seller. The post office charges about $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $1.95 for amounts up to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Grocery stores and banks that sell money orders usually charge $1 to $3. None of these fees change based on how you pay — whether you use cash, debit, or a credit card cash advance, the money order fee stays the same.

You can buy a money order at the post office, Western Union, MoneyGram, most banks, credit unions, grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and others), and some convenience stores. Call ahead or check the website to confirm the location sells money orders and what the fee is. Some locations have limits on the amount per money order — for example, the post office caps single money orders at $1,000.

What happens after you buy the money order

Once you have the money order in hand, fill in the recipient's name, your name as the sender, and sign it. Do not fill in the amount until you are ready to hand it over — if you lose it, someone else could fill in a different amount. Keep your receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed it.

The recipient deposits or cashes the money order at their bank or a check-cashing service. Money orders typically clear within one to three business days. If the recipient says they never received it, you can use your receipt to file a claim with the seller (Western Union, the post office, or whoever issued it). That process takes a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?

No. Western Union and MoneyGram do not sell money orders online — they sell wire transfers and bill payments, which you can pay for with a credit card. A money order must be purchased in person at a physical location. If you need to send money remotely, a wire transfer or online bill payment through your bank may work instead.

Will buying a money order with a cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not show up on your credit report, but it does increase your credit utilization — the amount of available credit you are using. High utilization can lower your score slightly. More importantly, if you carry the cash advance balance and pay interest, that shows up as debt and can hurt your score over time.

What if I do not have a credit card or debit card?

You can still buy a money order with cash. If you do not have cash on hand, ask a friend or family member to lend you the amount, or visit a check-cashing service or pawn shop that may lend small amounts. Some nonprofits and community centers also help people in financial hardship access money orders.

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 20 to 50 percent of your regular credit limit. You can find this limit in your account online or by calling customer service. If you need more than your limit, you can request an increase, but the issuer may decline.

Can I dispute a money order if something goes wrong?

Money orders are harder to dispute than credit card charges because they are treated like cash. If you send a money order and the recipient claims they never got it, you can file a claim with the issuer using your receipt — but you will need proof that it was lost or stolen. If you sent it to the wrong person or the wrong address, you usually cannot get the money back.