Buying a Money Order With a Credit Card: What Actually Works

Most credit cards won't let you buy a money order directly, but a few workarounds exist

You cannot walk into most places that sell money orders and hand them a credit card. Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, and grocery store money order counters all require cash or a debit card. The reason is simple: money orders are treated as cash equivalents, and the companies that sell them won't let you use credit because they want immediate payment and don't want to absorb the risk of a chargeback.

That said, there are real ways to get a money order using credit. None of them are direct — you're not swiping your card at the counter — but they work if you need one and don't have cash on hand.

Key Takeaways

• You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, or most retail locations.
• You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though fees apply), then use that cash to buy a money order.
• Some credit card issuers offer cash advance features through their mobile app or customer service, which you can then use to purchase a money order.
• A debit card tied to a credit card rewards account is sometimes available and works like a regular debit card at money order counters.
• If you have a checking account, transferring money from your credit card to your account and then writing a check may be faster than a money order.

Using an ATM cash advance to get cash for a money order

The most straightforward path is to use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then use that cash to buy the money order. Most credit cards let you do this, though it costs money. You'll pay a cash advance fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $5 to $10) plus interest that starts accruing immediately — there's no grace period like there is for regular purchases.

The math matters here. If you need a $500 money order and your card charges a 5 percent cash advance fee, you're paying $25 just to get the cash. That's expensive, but it works if you have no other option. Find an ATM that accepts your card (your card issuer's website or app will show you where), insert your card, select "cash advance" or "withdraw cash," and follow the prompts. You'll get cash in hand within seconds.

The downside is that you're borrowing at credit card interest rates, which are usually 18 to 25 percent annually. If you carry the balance for a month, that $500 advance costs you an extra $7.50 to $10 in interest on top of the upfront fee.

Requesting a cash advance through your card issuer's app or phone line

Some credit card companies let you request a cash advance directly through their mobile app or by calling customer service. This is different from an ATM withdrawal — the company sends the money to your bank account or mails you a check, rather than dispensing cash on the spot. The fees and interest are the same as an ATM advance, but this route can be useful if you don't have access to an ATM or prefer not to withdraw cash in person.

Call the number on the back of your card or log into your app and look for a "cash advance" or "get cash" option. The process usually takes one to three business days if they deposit to your bank account. Once the money lands, you can withdraw it as cash and buy your money order. This method is slower than an ATM but works if you're not in a rush.

Using a debit card linked to your credit card rewards account

Some credit card issuers offer a debit card that draws from your credit card rewards balance or a linked cash account. American Express, for example, offers a debit card for cardholders with certain premium accounts. If you have rewards points or a cash balance sitting in your credit card account, you can sometimes move that to a debit card and use it like regular money at a money order counter.

Check your card issuer's website or app to see if this option is available to you. It's not common with standard credit cards, but it's worth checking if you carry a premium or rewards-heavy card. The advantage is that you're not taking on new debt — you're spending money you've already earned or accumulated.

Why money order sellers won't take credit cards

Understanding the "why" helps explain why your options are limited. Money order companies treat credit cards as a liability. When you buy a money order with cash or a debit card, the transaction is final — the company has your money and you have the money order. If you use a credit card, the company faces the risk that you'll dispute the charge later, forcing them to refund you while the money order is already out in the world.

Money orders are also used in situations where credit isn't available or trusted — paying rent, bail, or sending money to someone you don't know. The sellers want to avoid the fraud and chargeback risk that comes with credit. It's the same reason you can't buy gift cards with a credit card at many retailers.

When a check or bank transfer might be better than a money order

Before you go through the hassle of getting cash and buying a money order, consider whether you actually need one. If you have a checking account, you can often write a check instead, which costs nothing and doesn't require a trip anywhere. If the person or business you're paying accepts electronic transfers, a bank transfer or app like Venmo or PayPal might be faster and cheaper than a money order.

Money orders make sense when the recipient specifically asks for one, when you're sending cash to someone you don't want to give your bank details to, or when you need a receipt showing the money was sent. In those cases, the cash advance route is worth the fee. But if you have flexibility, a check or transfer usually saves you time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Online money order services like MoneyGram and Western Union also require a debit card, bank account, or cash payment. You cannot complete a money order purchase with a credit card through any major provider, online or in person.

What's the difference between a cash advance and a regular credit card purchase?

A cash advance is borrowing cash against your credit limit. It charges an upfront fee (3 to 5 percent) and interest starts immediately with no grace period. A regular purchase has no upfront fee and gives you a grace period before interest kicks in. Cash advances are expensive and should be a last resort.

Will using a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself doesn't directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your limit you're using), which can lower your score slightly. If you carry the balance and miss payments, that will hurt your score more significantly.

Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?

Yes. Most credit cards set a cash advance limit that's lower than your total credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of what you can charge. Check your card's terms or call customer service to find out your specific limit.

Can I use someone else's credit card to buy a money order?

No. You cannot legally use another person's credit card without their permission, and the money order seller will require ID matching the card. Even if you have permission, the card must be in your name to use it.