Most money order sellers won't take a credit card directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, or post office and hand them a credit card to buy a money order. These sellers accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers — but not credit cards. The reason is simple: money orders are meant to be final, irreversible payments, and credit card companies treat them as cash advances, which come with higher fees and interest rates that start immediately.
That said, you can still use a credit card to get the cash you need for a money order. The most practical routes are getting cash from an ATM with your card, using a cash advance from your bank, or paying a bill directly with your card instead of using a money order at all. Each option has different costs and timing, depending on your card and your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, and the post office do not accept credit cards for money order purchases, though they accept cash and debit cards.
- A credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash to buy a money order, but you pay a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus interest starting immediately.
- Using an ATM with your credit card costs less than a cash advance if your card allows ATM withdrawals, though fees still apply.
- If the payment is to a business or government agency, paying directly with your credit card online or by phone often avoids the money order step entirely.
- Some third-party payment services like PayPal or Venmo let you send money using a credit card, which may work depending on who you are paying.
Why money order sellers reject credit cards
Money order companies treat credit card purchases as cash advances, not regular purchases. A cash advance is when you use your credit card to get actual cash, and credit card issuers discourage this because the interest rate is higher and starts accruing immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.
Money order sellers also want to avoid chargebacks and disputes. If you buy a money order with a credit card and later dispute the charge, the seller has already handed over the money order, which is difficult to reverse. Accepting only cash and debit cards reduces that risk for them.
Getting cash for a money order using your credit card
If you need cash to buy a money order, your credit card can get you there, but the cost depends on which method you use.
ATM withdrawal: Many credit cards allow you to withdraw cash at an ATM. The fee is typically $2 to $5 per transaction, depending on your card issuer and the ATM operator. Interest starts accruing immediately on the amount you withdraw. This is cheaper than a cash advance from a bank if your card supports it, but check your card's terms first — some cards do not allow ATM withdrawals at all.
Cash advance from your bank: You can go to your bank and ask for a cash advance using your credit card. The fee is usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. Interest starts the same day. For a $500 money order, a 5 percent fee costs $25 plus interest. This is more expensive than an ATM withdrawal but works if your card does not support ATM access.
Balance transfer check: Some credit cards come with balance transfer checks in the mail. You can write one to yourself, deposit it in your bank account, and withdraw cash. Fees and interest rates vary by card, so check your terms. This method takes longer because you have to wait for the check to clear.
Paying directly with your credit card instead of using a money order
Before you go through the trouble of getting cash for a money order, ask whether you can pay the recipient directly with your credit card. Many situations that used to require a money order now have faster, cheaper alternatives.
Government agencies: The IRS, Social Security Administration, and most state agencies accept credit card payments online or by phone. You pay a processing fee (usually 1.87 to 2.35 percent), but you avoid the money order fee and the trip to buy one. Check the agency's website for their payment portal.
Landlords and property managers: Many now accept credit card payments through online portals or third-party services like Stripe or Square. Ask your landlord whether they have an online payment option. If they do not, they may accept a credit card payment by phone.
Utilities and insurance: These companies almost always accept credit card payments by phone or online. Call the company or log into your account to set up a one-time payment.
Bail or court fees: Many courts now accept credit card payments online. Search "[your state] court payment" or call the court clerk to ask whether they accept cards.
Using payment apps and services as an alternative
If the person or business you are paying has a digital payment account, you can send money directly using your credit card through PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, or similar services. These apps let you link your credit card and send money to another person's account.
The catch is that the recipient has to be set up on the same platform, and some services charge a fee when you use a credit card (typically 2 to 3 percent). Venmo, for example, charges 3 percent if you pay with a credit card but has no fee if you use a debit card or bank account. PayPal charges 2.2 percent plus $0.30 for credit card transfers.
This works well for splitting rent with roommates or paying a friend, but it does not work if the recipient only accepts money orders or checks.
Comparing the cost of each method
| Method | Fee | When Interest Starts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal with credit card | $2–$5 per transaction | Immediately | Small amounts; card supports ATM access |
| Cash advance from bank | 3–5% of amount (minimum $5–$10) | Immediately | Larger amounts; card does not support ATM |
| Balance transfer check | Varies by card (often 3–5%) | Immediately | When you have time to wait for check to clear |
| Direct credit card payment to recipient | 0–2.35% (varies by recipient) | No interest; treated as regular purchase | Landlord, government agency, utility, court |
| Payment app (PayPal, Venmo) | 2–3% with credit card | No interest; treated as regular purchase | Paying individuals; recipient has account |
What to do if you need a money order and have no other option
If you have confirmed that the recipient will only accept a money order and will not take a credit card payment, your cheapest option is usually an ATM withdrawal if your card supports it. The $2 to $5 fee is less than a cash advance or balance transfer check.
Once you have the cash, you can buy the money order at the post office, Western Union, MoneyGram, Walmart, or your bank. Post office money orders cost $1.45 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. Walmart charges around $0.70 to $1.00. The total cost is the cash withdrawal fee plus the money order fee.
If your card does not support ATM withdrawals, a cash advance from your bank is the next option, even though the fee is higher. Ask your bank what their cash advance fee is before you go in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using a credit card to get cash for a money order hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the amount of available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. The bigger issue is the interest rate and fee — cash advances are expensive, so if you carry the balance, you will pay more interest than you would on a regular purchase.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
No, prepaid cards are treated the same way as regular credit cards by money order sellers. However, if your prepaid card allows ATM withdrawals, you can use that method to get cash, just like with a regular credit card.
What if I need to send money to someone but they only accept money orders?
Ask them whether they would accept a direct bank transfer, check, or credit card payment instead. If they will not, your cheapest option is an ATM withdrawal with your credit card (if supported) to get the cash, then buy the money order at the post office or a retailer like Walmart.
Is there a limit on how much cash I can withdraw with my credit card?
Yes. Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your overall credit limit. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your limit. ATM withdrawal limits may also be lower than cash advance limits.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
No major money order provider offers online purchases. You have to buy them in person at a post office, Western Union location, MoneyGram agent, Walmart, or bank. However, if you are sending money to someone, you may be able to pay them directly online with your credit card instead of buying a money order.