Getting a Money Order With a Credit Card: What Works and What Doesn't

Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card

The short answer is no — most money order sellers won't take a credit card. The U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, and grocery store customer service desks all require cash or a debit card. This is a deliberate policy. Money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts, and sellers treat them that way by limiting how you can pay.

That said, there are a few workarounds if you need a money order and only have a credit card. None of them are direct — you'll need an extra step — but they do exist. The catch is that each one costs you something: either a fee, time, or both.

Key Takeaways

• The USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, and most grocery stores require cash or a debit card to buy a money order, not a credit card.
• You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (usually with a cash advance fee), then use that cash to buy a money order.
• Some credit card issuers let you transfer money to a linked bank account, which you can then withdraw as cash or use a debit card to buy a money order.
• A few independent check-cashing shops may accept credit cards, but fees are typically higher than at mainstream sellers.
• If you have a debit card linked to any bank account, that's always the cheapest and fastest way to buy a money order.

Using a cash advance to get money for a money order

A cash advance is when you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM. The cash is yours to use however you want — including buying a money order. Most ATMs will accept your credit card, though some are restricted to debit cards only.

The cost matters here. A cash advance typically charges a fee (often 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $2 to $10) plus a higher interest rate than regular credit card purchases. If you're withdrawing $500 for a money order, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get the cash, and then interest starts accruing immediately. A money order itself costs $1 to $2, so your total cost could be $16 to $27 before interest.

This method works if you're in a pinch, but it's expensive. Check your credit card statement or call your card issuer to confirm they allow cash advances and what the fee is.

Transferring credit card funds to a bank account

Some credit card issuers offer balance transfers or account transfers that let you move money from your credit card to a linked checking or savings account. Once the money is in your bank account, you can withdraw it as cash or use a debit card to buy a money order at any of the standard sellers.

This option is less common than cash advances, and it depends entirely on your card issuer. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether you can transfer funds to a bank account. If they say yes, ask about fees and how long the transfer takes (usually one to three business days).

The advantage over a cash advance is that you avoid the immediate interest charge — the money sits in your bank account as a regular balance transfer, which may have a lower interest rate. The disadvantage is the wait time. If you need a money order today, this won't work.

Checking independent check-cashing shops

Some independent check-cashing and money services shops will accept credit cards for money orders, though this is rare. These are small businesses, not chains, and their policies vary widely. You'd need to call ahead or visit in person to ask.

The trade-off is cost. Independent shops typically charge more than the USPS or Walmart — sometimes $3 to $5 per money order instead of $1 to $2. If they do accept your credit card, they may also charge a credit card processing fee on top of the money order fee. Before you use this route, add up the total cost and compare it to the cash advance option.

Why sellers won't take credit cards for money orders

Money orders exist because some people don't have bank accounts or don't want to carry large amounts of cash. They're a way to send money safely without a checking account. Sellers restrict payment methods to cash and debit cards because those methods align with that purpose — they keep money orders in the hands of people who actually need them, not as a way for credit card users to delay payment.

There's also a fraud angle. Money orders can be forged or stolen, and sellers want to minimize the risk. Accepting credit cards would make it easier for someone to buy a money order fraudulently and disappear before the charge is disputed. Requiring cash or a debit card tied to a real bank account creates a paper trail and makes fraud harder.

The cheapest option: use a debit card instead

If you have any debit card — even one linked to a small savings account with just a few dollars in it — that's your best path. Debit cards are accepted everywhere money orders are sold, and there's no fee beyond the money order itself. No cash advance fee, no transfer fee, no processing fee.

If you don't have a debit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union takes about 15 minutes online or in person. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. Once you have a debit card, buying a money order becomes straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Prepaid cards work like credit cards at the point of sale, and money order sellers won't accept them. However, if your prepaid card is also linked to a bank account or has a cash withdrawal feature, you might be able to withdraw cash and use that to buy a money order. Check your prepaid card's terms or call customer service to see what options you have.

What if I use a credit card to pay someone who then buys a money order?

That works, but it defeats the purpose of a money order. You're still using credit to fund the transaction, and you'll owe the credit card bill. The only advantage is that the other person gets a money order, which is safer for them to receive than a direct payment. It doesn't save you money.

Do online money order services accept credit cards?

Some do, but they're not the same as traditional money orders. Services like PayPal, Wise, or other digital payment platforms may let you send money using a credit card, but the recipient gets a digital transfer or check, not a physical money order. If the person you're paying specifically needs a money order, these won't work.

Will my credit card company charge me interest on a cash advance right away?

Yes. Unlike regular purchases, cash advances start accruing interest immediately — there's no grace period. Interest is usually charged daily until you pay off the advance. Check your card's terms for the exact rate, which is typically higher than the rate for regular purchases.

Can I buy a money order at a bank using a credit card?

Most banks don't sell money orders to non-customers, and those that do typically require cash or a debit card. If you have a bank account at the institution, ask — some banks make exceptions for account holders. But credit cards are almost never accepted.