Can You Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card?

Most credit card issuers won't let you buy a money order directly, but you have workarounds

You cannot walk into most places that sell money orders — post offices, grocery stores, check-cashing shops — and hand over a credit card to buy one. Money order sellers treat credit cards as cash advances, which most issuers block or charge you a fee to allow. The ban exists because money orders are a form of cash-like payment, and credit card companies see them the same way they see ATM withdrawals.

That said, you have three real paths forward. You can use a debit card instead (which works at most locations), you can withdraw cash from an ATM with your credit card and then buy the money order, or you can use a payment app like PayPal or Venmo to send money directly instead of buying a money order at all. Which one makes sense depends on why you need the money order in the first place.

Key Takeaways

• Most credit card issuers classify money order purchases as cash advances and either block them or charge a fee, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount.
• A debit card works at nearly every money order location and avoids both the fee and the credit card company's restrictions.
• If you must use a credit card, you can withdraw cash at an ATM first, then use that cash to buy the money order, though you will pay an ATM fee.
• Payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Square Cash let you send money directly to someone without a money order, and many charge no fee for bank transfers.
• Some credit unions and smaller banks have different rules than major issuers, so calling your bank before you go is worth the time.

Why credit card companies block money order purchases

A money order is treated as a cash equivalent — it is a paper instrument that holds value and can be cashed by anyone who holds it. From the credit card issuer's perspective, buying a money order is the same as withdrawing cash from an ATM. Both convert your credit line into cash in hand, which the issuer wants to discourage because it signals higher risk of default.

When you use a credit card for a cash advance (including a money order purchase), the issuer charges you a fee — usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $5 to $10 — and starts charging interest immediately. There is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. A $500 money order could cost you $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest from day one.

Some issuers block money order purchases entirely rather than allowing them with a fee. Others allow them but require you to call and request permission first. The policy depends on your specific card and issuer.

Using a debit card instead

The simplest solution is to use a debit card if you have one. Debit cards are not credit, so the issuer has no reason to block the transaction or charge a cash advance fee. You can walk into a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing location and buy a money order with a debit card just as you would with cash.

The only catch is that some smaller or older money order locations may not accept cards at all — they may be cash-only. Calling ahead takes 30 seconds and saves you a trip. Most major post offices, Walmart, and grocery store customer service desks accept debit cards for money orders.

If you do not have a debit card, you can open one through your bank or credit union in a few minutes, often without a fee. Many banks offer debit cards tied to checking accounts you may already have.

Withdrawing cash first, then buying the money order

If you want to use your credit card and have no other option, you can withdraw cash at an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. This works, but it costs you money.

Credit card cash advances at ATMs typically charge a fee of $3 to $5 per transaction, plus interest starting immediately. So a $500 money order would cost you at least $3 to $5 in ATM fees, plus interest accruing from the moment you withdraw. Over time, this adds up faster than a money order purchase fee would.

This route only makes sense if you have no debit card, no access to a payment app, and the money order is urgent. Otherwise, the fees and interest make it an expensive choice.

Using payment apps to send money directly

Before you buy a money order at all, ask yourself whether you actually need one. Many situations that used to require a money order — paying rent, sending money to a family member, paying a contractor — can now be done through a payment app.

PayPal lets you send money to anyone with an email address or phone number. Bank transfers are free and arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Venmo works similarly for personal transfers between people. Square Cash (now called Cash App) and Google Pay both offer direct money transfer. None of these charge a fee if you transfer from your bank account.

The person receiving the money does not need to have the same app — most apps can send money to a bank account directly. This is faster than a money order, costs nothing, and leaves a record of the transaction. The only reason to use a money order instead is if the recipient specifically asks for one or if you are paying a business that does not accept digital payments.

What to do if your credit card issuer allows money order purchases

If you call your credit card company and they tell you money order purchases are allowed on your card, you still need to know the fee structure before you go. Ask specifically: "What is the fee for a money order purchase, and when does interest start?" Write down the answer.

Even if purchases are allowed, the fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) often makes it more expensive than other options. A $1,000 money order could cost $30 to $50 in fees plus interest. Compare that to the cost of a debit card (free), a payment app (free for bank transfers), or even an ATM withdrawal (usually $3 to $5).

Some credit unions and smaller regional banks have different policies than major issuers like Chase or Bank of America. If you bank with a smaller institution, it is worth asking — you may find they treat money order purchases differently.

Money order locations that accept cards

If you do have a debit card or if your credit card issuer allows the purchase, here are the places where you can actually buy a money order:

• U.S. Postal Service — Post offices sell money orders up to $1,000 per order. Fees vary by amount but typically run $1.45 to $2.00.
• Walmart — Customer service desks sell money orders up to $1,000. Fees are usually around $0.88 to $1.25.
• Grocery stores — Most major chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) sell money orders at customer service. Fees vary.
• Check-cashing stores — These almost always accept debit cards, though fees tend to be higher than post offices.
• Banks and credit unions — Many offer money orders to account holders, sometimes free or at a low fee.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific location accepts cards. Many smaller or rural locations are cash-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a credit card to buy a money order hurt my credit score?

A money order purchase itself will not hurt your score, but a cash advance does increase your credit utilization (the amount of your credit limit you are using), which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. The impact is usually small and temporary if you pay off the balance quickly.

Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?

No. Money orders are physical instruments that must be purchased in person at a location that sells them. You cannot order one online and have it delivered. However, if you want to send money to someone, payment apps like PayPal and Venmo let you do that entirely online with no physical instrument needed.

What if the money order seller says they do not accept credit cards?

They are likely following a policy to accept only cash and debit cards. Ask if they accept debit cards — most do. If you have neither, ask if there is an ATM on-site or nearby where you can withdraw cash using your credit card (though you will pay an ATM fee).

Is there a difference between a money order and a cashier's check?

Yes. A cashier's check is issued by a bank and is larger (up to $100,000 or more). A money order is a smaller, paper instrument sold at retail locations. Cashier's checks are typically used for large transactions like home purchases, while money orders are for smaller payments. Banks usually allow you to order a cashier's check with a credit card because it is not treated as a cash advance.

Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?

Yes, prepaid cards work the same way debit cards do — they are not credit, so money order sellers accept them without triggering a cash advance fee. This is one reason prepaid cards can be useful if you do not have a traditional debit card.