Can You Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card

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 as payment. Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, and MoneyGram all require cash, debit card, or bank transfer to buy a money order. A few smaller retailers or online services might accept credit cards, but they're rare, and you'll pay a higher fee when they do.

The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a may provide payment method. When you buy one with cash or a debit card, the seller knows the money is actually there. Credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances, which come with higher fees and interest rates that start immediately — even if you normally pay your balance in full each month.

Key Takeaways

• Major money order sellers including the USPS, Walmart, and Western Union do not accept credit cards for purchase.
• Credit card companies classify money order purchases as cash advances, which charge interest from the day of purchase rather than at the end of your billing cycle.
• If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you can withdraw cash at an ATM using your card, then use that cash to buy the money order.
• Some online money order services or small retailers may accept credit cards, but expect to pay a higher fee than you would at a standard retailer.

Why credit card companies treat money orders differently

When you use a credit card to buy a money order, your card issuer sees it as a cash advance rather than a regular purchase. This distinction matters because cash advances have their own fee structure and interest rate — usually higher than your standard purchase rate.

A typical cash advance fee runs 3 to 5 percent of the amount, charged immediately. If you're buying a $500 money order, you might pay $15 to $25 just for the transaction. On top of that, interest accrues from the day you make the advance, not from your statement closing date like a regular purchase would. That means you're paying interest on borrowed money even if you pay your full balance when the bill arrives.

Money order sellers know this, which is why they don't accept credit cards. They want to avoid the appearance of helping customers rack up cash advance fees. It's also why some retailers that do accept credit cards for money orders — like certain check-cashing stores — will charge you extra on top of the money order fee itself.

How to get cash if you only have a credit card

If you need a money order and your only payment method is a credit card, the most straightforward route is to withdraw cash at an ATM using your card. Yes, this is also a cash advance and will trigger the same fees and interest, but at least you're only paying the advance fee once instead of twice — once for the advance and again for the money order itself.

Here's the actual sequence: Use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw the cash amount you need plus a little extra to cover the money order fee. Then take that cash to any money order seller — Walmart, the USPS, Western Union, or a local check-cashing store — and buy the money order normally. The money order itself will have its own small fee (usually $1 to $3), but that's a one-time charge, not a percentage.

This approach costs less than trying to buy the money order directly with a credit card at a place that accepts them, because you're only paying one cash advance fee instead of two separate fees.

Where money orders actually accept credit cards

Some online money order services will take a credit card, though they're not common and often charge more than in-person sellers. A few examples include certain fintech payment platforms or specialty check-printing services that bundle money orders into their offerings. The catch is that these services typically charge 5 to 10 percent of the money order amount, compared to $1 to $3 at Walmart or the post office.

If you go this route, you're paying the credit card company's cash advance fee plus the service's higher money order fee. The total cost can easily exceed what you'd spend withdrawing cash and buying a money order in person. It only makes sense if you genuinely cannot access cash or a debit card and need the money order urgently.

Before using any online service, check whether they're actually licensed to sell money orders in your state. Some platforms operate in only certain states or have restrictions on the amount you can send.

Alternatives to money orders if you have a credit card

If the goal is to send money to someone or make a payment, you might have better options than a money order. A bank transfer or wire transfer from your bank account is usually cheaper and faster. If you don't have a bank account, services like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash let you send money directly from a credit card, though they also charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) and classify it as a cash advance.

If the person you're paying specifically requires a money order — like a landlord or a court — then you do need to get one. But if they're flexible on payment method, a direct transfer or digital payment might save you money and hassle.

What happens if you ignore the cash advance fee

Some people buy money orders with a credit card anyway, figuring the fee is worth it. The real cost depends on how quickly you pay it off. If you pay the cash advance balance within a few days, you'll owe minimal interest. But if it sits on your card for a month or longer, the interest compounds and the total cost climbs fast.

On a $500 cash advance with a 4 percent fee ($20) and a 25 percent annual interest rate, you'd owe about $30 to $35 total if you pay it back within a month. Over three months, you're looking at $40 to $45. The longer it sits, the worse the math gets. That's why the ATM route — paying one cash advance fee and then buying the money order with cash — almost always costs less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart accept credit cards for money orders?

No. Walmart requires cash or a debit card to buy a money order. They will not accept credit cards, even if you have a Walmart credit card. You can use a Walmart credit card to withdraw cash at their money center, then use that cash to buy the money order.

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

Some online services accept credit cards, but they charge significantly more than in-person sellers — often 5 to 10 percent of the money order amount. Most mainstream services like the USPS and Western Union do not offer online money order sales to consumers. Check your state's regulations, as online money order services are not available everywhere.

What's the difference between a money order and a wire transfer?

A money order is a paper document you buy and send to someone; a wire transfer is electronic money moved directly from one bank account to another. Wire transfers are faster but usually cost more ($15 to $50). Money orders cost $1 to $3 but take several days to clear. If the recipient needs a physical document, a money order is your only option.

Will paying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself doesn't directly hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of available credit you're using. High utilization can lower your score slightly. The bigger risk is if the cash advance fee and interest cause you to carry a balance, which costs money and can damage your score over time if you miss payments.

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

Most prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by money order sellers, so yes, you can usually use one. However, check with your specific prepaid card issuer first, because some classify money order purchases as cash advances and charge a fee. Call the number on the back of your card to confirm before you go to buy the money order.