Getting a Money Order With a Credit Card: What Actually Works
You can't buy a money order directly with a credit card at most places, but you have workarounds
Most money order sellers — post offices, grocery stores, check-cashing shops — won't let you swipe a credit card at the counter. They want cash or a debit card. But if you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have real options. The most straightforward is to use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then buy the money order with that cash. Another route is to use a cash advance feature if your card offers one, though this costs more in fees. A third option is to load money onto a prepaid card or use a payment app that lets you transfer funds, then use those to get your money order.
The catch is that each method costs you something — either ATM fees, cash advance fees, or transfer fees. Understanding which route costs least depends on what you're trying to accomplish and which services you already have access to.
Key Takeaways
- Using an ATM to withdraw cash from your credit card, then buying a money order with that cash, is usually the cheapest option if your card offers cash withdrawals.
- Cash advances from your credit card typically charge a fee (often 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, making them expensive.
- Some payment apps like PayPal or Square Cash let you transfer credit card funds to your bank account or a prepaid card, which you can then use to buy a money order.
- Money order sellers almost never accept credit cards directly, but they accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks.
- The total cost of getting a money order with a credit card depends on which method you use and which fees apply to your specific card and bank.
Using an ATM to withdraw cash from your credit card
This is usually your cheapest option if your credit card allows cash withdrawals. You go to an ATM, insert your card, and withdraw cash just as you would with a debit card. Then you take that cash to a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing location and buy your money order the normal way.
The cost is an ATM fee, which varies. Your own bank's ATM is usually free or charges $1 to $3. Using an out-of-network ATM typically costs $2 to $4 from the ATM operator, plus your card issuer may charge an additional $1 to $3. So a single withdrawal could cost $3 to $7 depending on which ATM you use. Some credit cards waive out-of-network ATM fees as a cardholder benefit, so check your card's terms first.
One important detail: cash advances from a credit card often come with a higher interest rate than regular purchases — sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points higher. Interest starts accruing immediately, with no grace period like you get on regular purchases. So if you carry a balance, this method gets expensive fast. If you pay off the cash withdrawal in full before the next billing cycle, you avoid interest entirely.
Requesting a cash advance directly from your card issuer
A cash advance is when you borrow money directly from your credit card company, not from an ATM. You can request one by calling your card issuer, visiting their website, or sometimes using their mobile app. The money typically lands in your bank account within one to two business days.
The downside is cost. Most cards charge a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). So if you need $200 for a money order, you might pay $6 to $10 just in fees, plus interest starting immediately. This makes cash advances one of the most expensive ways to get cash from a credit card.
Use this method only if you have no ATM access and need the money urgently. For a money order, the ATM route is almost always cheaper.
Loading money onto a prepaid card or payment app
Some prepaid cards and payment apps let you load money from a credit card, then use that prepaid balance to buy a money order. Services like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo accept credit card funding, though some charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) for credit card transfers.
Once the money is on your prepaid card or app balance, you can withdraw it at an ATM or, in some cases, use it directly if the seller accepts that payment method. The money order seller still won't take the app directly, but you can withdraw the cash and proceed as normal.
The total cost depends on the app's fee structure. If the app charges 3 percent to load credit card funds, plus $2 for an ATM withdrawal, you're paying roughly 3 to 5 percent of your total amount. Compare that to your credit card's cash advance fee before choosing this route.
Where to actually buy a money order once you have cash
Once you have cash in hand, you can buy a money order at several places. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders up to $1,000 per order, charging $1.45 to $2.20 depending on the amount. Walmart sells them for $0.70 to $0.98. Most grocery stores, check-cashing shops, and some banks also sell them, typically for $1 to $3.
You'll need to know the recipient's name and address, and you'll fill out the money order form at the counter. The seller will ask for cash or a debit card — not a credit card. Bring your ID; some sellers require it.
Why credit cards don't work directly for money orders
Money order sellers treat them like cash transactions. They want immediate, may provide payment with no chargeback risk. Credit cards carry chargeback risk — a customer can dispute the charge and get their money back. Money order sellers can't afford that uncertainty, so they stick to cash and debit cards, which provide more certainty.
Additionally, money orders are often used by people trying to avoid credit card debt or by those without bank accounts. Sellers have learned that accepting credit cards for money orders creates problems they'd rather avoid.
Comparing the costs of each method
| Method | Typical Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal from credit card | $1–$7 per withdrawal | Immediate | Most situations; lowest cost if paid off quickly |
| Cash advance from card issuer | 3–5% fee plus interest | 1–2 business days | Urgent need only; most expensive option |
| Prepaid card or payment app | 2–3% transfer fee plus ATM fee | Immediate to 1 day | If you already use the app; moderate cost |
| Debit card (if available) | $0 | Immediate | Best option if you have one |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order at Walmart or the post office?
No. Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service, and most other money order sellers only accept cash or debit cards. You'll need to convert your credit card to cash first using one of the methods described above.
What's the difference between a cash advance and an ATM withdrawal?
An ATM withdrawal is immediate and costs only the ATM fee. A cash advance is a loan from your card issuer that takes one to two days and charges a percentage fee plus higher interest. ATM withdrawals are cheaper for most people.
Will using my credit card to get cash hurt my credit score?
A cash withdrawal or advance itself doesn't directly hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you're using), which can lower your score slightly. Paying it off quickly minimizes the impact.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can withdraw from my credit card?
Yes. Most card issuers set a cash advance limit that's lower than your credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of it. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to find out your specific limit.
What if I don't have a credit card but need a money order?
If you have a debit card, use that — money order sellers accept them and charge no fee. If you have neither, ask a friend or family member to buy the money order for you, or visit a check-cashing shop, which may offer other options.