Yes, you can pay your credit card with a money order, but it works differently than paying online or by check
A money order is a prepaid document you buy at a store or bank, fill in with the payee's name and amount, and mail. Credit card companies accept them because the money is already may provide — the issuer has already collected your cash. However, money orders are slower than other payment methods, cost a small fee to buy, and require you to mail a physical document. Most people use them only when they cannot pay online, do not have a checking account, or need a payment record that feels more official than a digital transaction.
The process itself is straightforward: you buy the money order, write your credit card account number in the memo line, mail it to the card issuer's payment address, and the payment posts once they receive and process it. The main tradeoff is timing — a money order payment typically takes 7 to 14 business days to reach your account, compared to same-day or next-day posting for online payments.
Key Takeaways
- Money orders are accepted by all major credit card issuers as a valid payment method, but you must mail them to the card issuer's payment address, not deposit them yourself.
- You pay a small fee (usually $1 to $3) to buy the money order at a bank, post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service.
- Mailed money order payments take 7 to 14 business days to post to your account, so plan ahead to avoid late fees if your due date is soon.
- Write your account number clearly in the memo line so the payment is credited to the correct card, and keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
Where to buy a money order
You can buy a money order at most banks, the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery stores with customer service desks, and check-cashing businesses. Fees vary by location but typically range from $1 to $3 per money order. Banks and the post office are usually the cheapest option. You will need cash or a debit card to buy one — credit cards are not accepted for money order purchases at most locations.
The process takes about five minutes. You tell the clerk the amount you need, they print the money order, you sign it, write in the payee name (your credit card company), and provide the amount. Some locations may ask for identification, though it is not always required for small amounts.
How to fill out and mail your payment
Write the credit card company's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — use the exact legal name shown on your billing statement. In the memo line, write your full account number so the payment reaches the correct card. If you have multiple cards with the same issuer, this step is critical.
Mail the money order to the payment address listed on your billing statement or the card issuer's website. Do not mail it to a branch location or customer service address — use only the official payment address. Include a note with your name, account number, and the amount if you want extra clarity, though the memo line on the money order itself is usually sufficient.
Keep your receipt from the money order purchase. It shows the amount, the date, and a confirmation number. If the payment does not post within 14 business days, you can use this receipt to trace the money order or file a claim if it was lost in the mail.
Why money order payments are slower than other methods
When you pay online or by phone, the card issuer receives and processes your payment the same day or the next business day. A mailed money order must travel through the postal system (typically 3 to 5 days), then be opened, sorted, and processed by the card issuer's payment department (another 3 to 7 days). The total time is usually 7 to 14 business days, though it can occasionally take longer if mail is delayed.
This delay matters most if your due date is approaching. If you mail a money order five days before your due date, it may not post until after the deadline, triggering a late fee even though you sent the payment on time. The card issuer's records show when they received it, not when you mailed it. To be safe, mail money order payments at least two weeks before the due date.
When a money order makes sense for credit card payments
Money orders are most useful if you do not have internet access or a bank account to set up online payments. They are also a good option if you want a physical record of payment — the receipt and the money order itself serve as proof that you sent the money on a specific date. Some people also use them when they distrust online payment systems or prefer to keep their banking information private.
Money orders are less practical for regular, recurring payments. If you pay your credit card bill every month, setting up automatic online payments or a payment plan through your card issuer is faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Money orders make sense as a one-time option or for occasional use when your usual payment method is unavailable.
Alternatives if you cannot pay online
If you do not have internet access, you can call your credit card company's customer service number (listed on the back of your card) and make a payment over the phone using a bank account or debit card. This posts immediately and costs nothing. Phone payments are faster and cheaper than money orders.
If you do not have a bank account or debit card, a money order is a solid choice. However, you might also ask the card issuer whether they accept payments by check, which works the same way as a money order but costs nothing to send. Some issuers also accept Western Union or other money transfer services, though these typically charge higher fees than money orders.
What to do if your money order payment goes missing
If you mailed a money order more than 14 business days ago and it has not posted, contact your card issuer's customer service line. Have your receipt ready — it contains the money order number and amount. The issuer can search their records to see if the payment was received and processed.
If the payment was never received, you can file a claim with the organization that issued the money order (the post office, bank, or store). Bring your receipt and proof of mailing if you have it. The issuer will investigate and either locate the money order or refund your money. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, make an alternative payment to your credit card to avoid late fees while the claim is being resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include anything else with the money order besides my account number?
Your account number in the memo line is all the card issuer needs to credit the payment correctly. You can include a note with your name and phone number if you want, but it is not required. Do not include sensitive information like your Social Security number or full card number in the mail.
What if I write the wrong amount on the money order?
Money orders cannot be altered once they are issued. If you write the wrong amount, you will need to buy a new money order for the correct amount. The first one can be voided — ask the clerk who sold it to you for a refund or replacement. Keep the receipt so you have proof.
Can I pay multiple credit cards with one money order?
No. Each money order must be made out to one payee and sent to one payment address. If you have cards from different issuers, you need a separate money order for each. If you have multiple cards from the same issuer, you need a separate money order for each card, with that card's account number in the memo line.
Will paying by money order affect my credit score?
No. Your credit score depends on whether you pay on time and how much of your credit limit you use — not on the payment method. A money order payment counts the same as an online payment once it posts to your account. The risk is only that a mailed payment arrives late, which would show as a late payment on your credit report.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay with a money order?
Most money orders have a maximum amount per order, usually $500 to $1,000 depending on where you buy them. If your credit card bill is larger, you can buy multiple money orders and mail them together. Write each account number clearly and include a note listing all the money order amounts so the issuer knows they are all for the same bill.