How to Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card
Most places won't let you buy a money order with a credit card directly
When you walk into a store or post office to buy a money order, the cashier will ask for cash or a debit card — not a credit card. Money order sellers treat credit cards as a form of borrowing, and they don't want to let you borrow money just to send money to someone else. That said, you do have real ways to use a credit card to pay for a money order. The most straightforward is to get cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. Another option is to use a money transfer app that accepts credit cards, though these typically charge higher fees than a traditional money order.
Key Takeaways
- Retailers like Walmart, CVS, and the U.S. Postal Service will not accept credit cards as payment for money orders, but they will accept cash or debit cards.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to purchase a money order at any retailer or post office.
- Money transfer apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Wise accept credit cards and can send money directly to another person, though fees are typically higher than money orders.
- Using a credit card to get cash for a money order will trigger a cash advance fee, usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus interest that starts accruing immediately.
- If you need to send money without paying a cash advance fee, a debit card or bank transfer is a cheaper option than using your credit card.
Getting cash from an ATM with your credit card
The most direct path is to use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then buy your money order with that cash. Most credit cards work at ATMs — you insert the card, enter your PIN, and withdraw the amount you need. The catch is that this counts as a cash advance, which is different from a regular purchase. Your credit card company charges you a fee for this service, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw. If you withdraw $500 for a money order, you might pay $15 to $25 just for the cash advance.
Beyond the upfront fee, cash advances also start charging interest immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. Interest accrues from the day you withdraw the cash until you pay it back. On top of that, the interest rate for cash advances is often higher than the rate for regular purchases on the same card. Check your credit card statement or call the number on the back of your card to find out your cash advance fee and interest rate before you withdraw.
Once you have the cash in hand, you can walk into any retailer that sells money orders — Walmart, CVS, Western Union locations, or your local post office — and buy the money order the normal way. The money order itself costs a small fee, usually between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it.
Using money transfer apps instead of money orders
If you want to send money to someone and you have a credit card, a money transfer app might be faster and simpler than getting a money order. Apps like PayPal, Square Cash (now called Cash App), Wise, and Venmo all accept credit cards as payment. You link your credit card to the app, enter the amount you want to send and the recipient's information, and the money moves to their account — usually within minutes or a few hours.
The trade-off is fees. Money transfer apps typically charge 2 to 3 percent of the amount you send when you pay with a credit card, which is higher than the cash advance fee alone. A $500 transfer might cost you $10 to $15 in fees. However, you avoid the ongoing interest charges that come with a cash advance, and the money reaches the recipient faster than a money order would. Money orders can take several days to clear once the recipient deposits them.
Not all apps work the same way. PayPal lets you send money to anyone with an email address or phone number. Venmo is designed for friends and family and shows transactions publicly by default (though you can make them private). Wise specializes in international transfers and charges based on the real exchange rate if you are sending money across borders. Square Cash works similarly to Venmo for domestic transfers. Read the app's fee structure and delivery time before you choose one.
Why retailers won't accept credit cards for money orders
Money order sellers — whether that is Walmart, the post office, or a check-cashing store — have a straightforward reason for refusing credit cards: they want to be paid in actual money, not a promise to pay later. When you use a credit card, the retailer does not get the money right away. The credit card company holds the payment and sends it to the retailer later, which creates a delay and a small risk that the charge will be disputed or reversed.
More importantly, money order sellers see credit card purchases as a sign of financial strain. If you are buying a money order with borrowed money (which is what a credit card is), the seller worries you might not have the funds to cover the charge when the bill comes due. This is especially true for large money orders. Requiring cash or a debit card protects the seller and also discourages people from going into debt just to send money.
Comparing your options: cost and speed
| Method | Upfront Cost | Additional Costs | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card cash advance + money order | 3–5% cash advance fee | Interest accrues daily until repaid | Same day (if you buy the money order immediately) | Sending exact amounts; recipient needs a physical money order |
| Money transfer app (credit card payment) | 2–3% transaction fee | None (no interest) | Minutes to a few hours | Sending money to friends, family, or businesses with bank accounts |
| Debit card + money order | $1–5 money order fee | None | Same day | Sending exact amounts without paying credit card fees |
| Bank transfer (ACH) | Usually free | None | 1–3 business days | Sending money between bank accounts; no rush |
When a money order makes sense versus other options
A money order is useful when the person you are paying needs a physical document or does not have a bank account. Landlords often prefer money orders because they are traceable and safer than cash. Businesses that do not accept digital payments may also require a money order. If you are in one of these situations and you do not have a debit card or cash on hand, a credit card cash advance is one way to get the money — but it is an expensive way.
If the recipient has a bank account and can receive digital payments, a money transfer app is almost always cheaper and faster. If you have a debit card, using it to buy a money order costs far less than using a credit card cash advance. And if there is no time pressure, a bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is free and takes a few business days. Only use a credit card cash advance if none of these other options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?
Some online money order services like MoneyGram and Western Union let you buy a money order through their website using a credit card, then pick it up at a physical location or have it delivered. Fees vary by service and amount. This avoids the cash advance fee but typically costs more than buying a money order in person.
What is the difference between a money order and a money transfer app?
A money order is a physical document that you buy and mail or hand to someone. A money transfer app sends money directly to a bank account or mobile wallet. Money orders are slower but work for people without bank accounts. Money transfer apps are instant but require the recipient to have a digital account.
Will using a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the amount of credit you are using compared to your limit), which can lower your score slightly. The bigger risk is the interest charges — if you do not pay back the cash advance quickly, the interest will add up and make it harder to pay off your credit card balance.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card company sets a cash advance limit, which is often lower than your overall credit limit. Call the number on the back of your card to find out your limit before you try to withdraw cash.
What if I need to send money internationally?
Money orders are not practical for international transfers. A money transfer app like Wise or PayPal is faster and cheaper. Wise specializes in international transfers and uses real exchange rates, making it a good choice if you are sending money across borders.