Buying Money Orders With a Credit Card: What Actually Works

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

The short answer is no — not at most retailers or banks. Money orders are designed to move cash or funds from a bank account, and credit card companies treat money order purchases as cash advances. That means you'll pay a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount), and the interest clock starts immediately, even if you normally pay your credit card balance in full each month.

The few places that do accept credit cards for money orders are Western Union and MoneyGram, but even there, the restrictions are tight. You can't use a credit card to buy a money order at Walmart, CVS, the post office, or your bank — those channels only take debit cards, cash, or bank transfers. Understanding which payment method works where saves you money and frustration.

Key Takeaways

• Credit card purchases of money orders are treated as cash advances, which means you pay an immediate fee and interest starts right away.
• Western Union and MoneyGram are the only major money order providers that accept credit cards, and fees vary by location and amount.
• The post office, Walmart, CVS, and most banks will not accept credit cards for money orders under any circumstances.
• A debit card, bank transfer, or cash are cheaper and simpler ways to buy a money order at most retailers.

Why credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances

A cash advance is when you use a credit card to get actual money rather than to pay for goods or services. Money orders fall into this category because you're essentially converting credit into a payment instrument that works like cash. Your credit card issuer sees this as a higher-risk transaction, so they charge you for it.

The fee typically ranges from 3 to 5 percent of the money order amount, though some issuers charge a flat fee instead (often $5 to $10). More importantly, interest on a cash advance starts accruing immediately — there's no grace period like there is with regular purchases. If you buy a $500 money order with a credit card, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest from day one.

Western Union and MoneyGram: The only credit card option

If you absolutely need to use a credit card, Western Union and MoneyGram are your only realistic options. Both accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express at their physical locations and online. However, the fees are substantial and vary depending on where you're sending the money and how much you're sending.

At a Western Union location, you'll typically pay a transaction fee on top of the credit card cash advance fee your bank charges. MoneyGram works similarly. Online purchases through their websites may have different fee structures, so check their current rates before you commit. Neither service advertises these fees prominently, so call ahead or check their website for the exact cost of your specific transaction.

Why the post office, Walmart, and banks won't take credit cards

The post office, Walmart, CVS, and most banks have explicit policies against accepting credit cards for money orders. Their reasoning is straightforward: they're trying to prevent fraud and reduce their own liability. A money order is a may provide payment, and accepting a credit card — which can be disputed, reversed, or declined — creates risk for the seller.

These retailers and institutions will accept debit cards, cash, or direct bank transfers. Some banks will even let you buy a money order through their online banking platform and have it mailed to you, which eliminates the need to visit a branch. This is often the cheapest route if your bank offers it.

Cheaper alternatives to using a credit card

If you're trying to send money and a credit card is your only option, consider whether a money order is actually what you need. A bank transfer or ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is free or nearly free and works directly from your bank account. If the recipient doesn't have a bank account, services like Walmart2Walmart or PayPal transfers may be cheaper than a money order, even if you have to use a credit card.

If you do need a money order specifically, ask whether you can pay with a debit card instead. Most people have access to a debit card, and the transaction is treated as a regular purchase with no cash advance fees. If you don't have a debit card but have a credit card, you might be able to get cash from an ATM using your credit card (which also charges a fee, but may be lower than a money order cash advance), then buy the money order with cash.

What happens if you buy a money order with a credit card

When you buy a money order with a credit card, your credit card company logs it as a cash advance. This appears on your statement separately from regular purchases and may have its own interest rate — often higher than your standard purchase APR. The fee is charged immediately, even if you pay off the balance right away.

The money order itself works normally once you have it. You fill in the recipient's name, sign it, and it can be cashed or deposited like any other money order. The credit card consequences are purely on your end: the fee, the interest, and the impact on your available credit (since a cash advance typically reduces your credit limit immediately).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart?

No. Walmart only accepts cash, debit cards, or checks for money orders. They will not accept credit cards under any circumstances. If you need to use a credit card, Western Union or MoneyGram locations are your only option.

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

A money order is a paper instrument you fill out and mail or hand to someone. A wire transfer is electronic and moves money directly from one bank account to another. Wire transfers are faster but typically cost $15 to $30. Money orders cost $1 to $5 but take several days to arrive.

Will using a credit card for a money order hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself doesn't directly damage your credit score, but it does reduce your available credit immediately, which can raise your credit utilization ratio. If your utilization goes above 30 percent, it may lower your score slightly. The bigger issue is the interest and fees you'll pay.

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

Western Union and MoneyGram both allow online purchases with a credit card. You can arrange for the money order to be picked up at a location or mailed to an address. Fees vary by service and destination, so compare their websites before purchasing.

Is there a limit to how much I can spend on a money order with a credit card?

Individual money orders are typically capped at $1,000, though you can buy multiple money orders. Your credit card's cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit, so check with your card issuer if you're planning a large transaction.