Can You Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, banks, and most convenience stores do not accept credit cards to buy money orders at the counter.
- You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy a money order, though ATM fees apply.
- Some online money order services let you pay with a credit card, but they charge higher fees than in-person purchases.
- A debit card or cash remains the cheapest and fastest way to get a money order without extra fees.
- Credit card cash advances carry steep interest rates and fees, making them an expensive last resort.
Why Credit Cards Do Not Work at the Counter
Money order sellers treat credit cards differently than they treat debit cards or cash. When you buy a money order, you are purchasing a financial instrument that transfers money from you to someone else — similar to writing a check. The seller is essentially acting as an intermediary, and they want to know the money is actually yours and available right now.
A credit card represents borrowed money, not money you have on hand. The seller cannot be certain the charge will go through, and they also cannot easily reverse a transaction if something goes wrong. For this reason, the U.S. Postal Service, most banks, and convenience store chains have policies that exclude credit cards from money order purchases. Some sellers will accept a debit card because it draws directly from your bank account, which feels more like cash to them.
Using an ATM to Convert Your Credit Card to Cash
The most straightforward workaround is to use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy your money order. This works, but it costs you money. A credit card cash advance at an ATM typically charges a fee — usually between $3 and $5 per transaction, though some cards charge a percentage of the amount withdrawn. You will also start paying interest on the cash advance immediately, often at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR.
For example, if you need $500 for a money order and your card charges a $5 ATM fee plus 24% APR on cash advances, you are paying $5 upfront plus daily interest until you pay back the $500. This method works in a pinch, but it is expensive if you do not pay off the cash advance quickly.
Online Money Order Services That Accept Credit Cards
A few online platforms let you order money orders and pay with a credit card. Services like MoneyGram and Western Union have online options where you can purchase a money order using your credit card, then pick it up at a location near you or have it delivered. The trade-off is that online money orders cost more than buying one in person — fees can run $5 to $15 depending on the amount, compared to $1 to $3 at a post office.
These services are useful if you cannot leave your house or need a money order outside normal business hours, but they are not a cost-effective solution just to avoid using a debit card. Check the specific fees on the service's website before you order, because they vary by location and amount.
What Happens If You Try to Use a Credit Card Anyway
If you walk up to a post office counter or bank teller and try to pay for a money order with a credit card, the transaction will be declined. The register or system simply will not process credit cards for money order purchases — it is a hard rule, not something a manager can override. You will be asked to provide a different payment method on the spot.
Some convenience stores have more flexibility than banks or post offices, so it is worth asking, but do not count on it. The safest assumption is that you need cash or a debit card.
Avoiding Credit Card Cash Advances
While a credit card cash advance technically gives you cash you can use to buy a money order, it is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. Cash advances charge fees upfront and then charge interest at a rate that is often 5 to 10 percentage points higher than your regular purchase rate. If your card charges 18% APR on purchases, the cash advance rate might be 24% or higher.
If you are in a situation where a cash advance seems like your only option, pause and consider whether you actually need a money order right now. Could you wait a day or two to get to an ATM or a store with a debit card? Could you ask the person you are paying to accept a different method, like a check or a bank transfer? A cash advance should be a last resort, not a regular solution.
Better Alternatives to Credit Cards for Money Orders
If you do not have a debit card or cash, consider these options before turning to your credit card. Many banks will let you withdraw cash at the teller window with just your ID and account number, even if you forgot your debit card. Some employers offer paycheck advances or can deposit your pay early. Credit unions often have lower fees and more flexible policies than banks.
If you are buying a money order to pay a bill or send money to someone, ask whether they accept other payment methods — bank transfers, checks, or online bill pay through your bank. Many landlords, utilities, and government agencies now accept electronic payments, which cost nothing and do not require a money order at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services like MoneyGram and Western Union accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person purchases. You would pay $5 to $15 in fees instead of $1 to $3 at a post office. Check the service's website for exact fees before you order.
Will the post office let me use a credit card if I ask?
No. The U.S. Postal Service does not accept credit cards for money orders under any circumstances. You need cash, a debit card, or a check. This is a system-level restriction, not a policy a clerk can waive.
What is the cheapest way to get a money order if I only have a credit card?
Use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then buy the money order with cash. You will pay an ATM fee ($3 to $5) plus interest on the cash advance, but this is cheaper than an online money order service or a credit card cash advance held for several days.
Can I use a credit card at a convenience store to buy a money order?
Most convenience stores that sell money orders do not accept credit cards, but policies vary by location and chain. It is worth asking, but have a backup payment method ready. Your best bet is a debit card or cash.
Is a credit card cash advance worth it to buy a money order?
No, unless it is a true emergency. Cash advances charge high fees and interest rates that make them expensive. If you can wait even a day to get to an ATM or borrow cash from someone, that is almost always cheaper than a cash advance.