Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card

The short answer is no — most money order sellers won't take a credit card as payment. Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery store money order counters all require cash or a debit card. A few smaller outlets may accept credit cards, but they're rare enough that you shouldn't count on finding one.

The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer payment method than cash, and sellers treat them that way. They want immediate, may provide payment. A credit card creates a delay — the charge doesn't settle for a day or two, and the seller has no way to reverse a money order once it's been issued. That risk is why they stick to payment methods that clear instantly.

If you need a money order and only have a credit card, you have real options. None of them involve handing your credit card to the money order counter, but they do work.

Key Takeaways

  • Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and grocery stores all require cash or debit card for money orders — credit cards are not accepted at the counter.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though fees apply) and then buy the money order with that cash.
  • A debit card works everywhere a credit card won't, so if you have one, that's the fastest route.
  • Some credit card issuers offer balance transfers or cash advances, which can fund a money order but come with interest charges that start immediately.
  • If you're trying to avoid credit card debt, a cash advance to buy a money order defeats the purpose — the interest cost usually outweighs any benefit.

Using an ATM cash withdrawal to buy a money order

This is the most straightforward workaround. You use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then use that cash to buy the money order at any standard location. The money order itself costs between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and where you buy it.

The catch is the ATM fee. Most credit card issuers charge a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5 or $10. So if you need $500 in cash, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get it out of the ATM. On top of that, interest on a cash advance starts accruing immediately, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. There's no grace period like there is for regular purchases.

Do the math before you do this. If you're withdrawing $500 and paying a 5% fee plus 25% APR interest, you're spending real money. It only makes sense if you genuinely have no other way to pay.

Why a debit card is better than a credit card for this

If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, use that instead. Every money order seller accepts debit cards, and there's no fee, no interest, and no debt created. You're spending money you already have.

If you don't have a debit card but have a credit card, that tells you something: you may not have a bank account yet, or you're rebuilding credit and don't may have access to for one. In that case, a cash advance to buy a money order is expensive and probably not worth it. A better move is to open a basic checking account — many banks and credit unions offer them with no minimum balance — and get a debit card. That takes a few days but costs nothing.

Money orders through a credit card cash advance

Some credit card issuers let you request a cash advance directly — you call the number on the back of your card and ask them to send you a check or deposit cash into a linked bank account. This avoids the ATM fee, but the interest still starts immediately, and you're paying interest on borrowed money to buy something that costs $2 to $5.

This option exists, but it's almost never the right choice for a money order. The only scenario where it might make sense is if you need a very large money order (say, $2,000 or more) and the ATM daily withdrawal limit on your card is too low. Even then, the interest cost is steep.

Where to buy a money order if you have cash or a debit card

Once you have the cash, you have several options. Western Union and MoneyGram have locations in drugstores, grocery stores, and check-cashing shops. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at post offices. Walmart, Target, and many grocery store customer service desks sell them too. Fees vary — USPS charges less than Western Union or MoneyGram — but all of them accept cash or debit cards.

Money orders have limits. USPS caps them at $1,000 per order. Western Union and MoneyGram go higher but charge more for large amounts. If you need more than $1,000, you'll need multiple money orders or a different payment method.

When a credit card might actually work

A few online money order services and bill payment platforms accept credit cards, but they're not traditional money orders. Services like PayPal, Venmo, or your bank's bill pay feature let you send money using a credit card, and the recipient gets paid without you needing a physical money order. These aren't money orders in the classic sense — they're digital transfers — but they accomplish the same goal: sending money safely to someone who needs proof of payment.

If the person you're paying accepts digital payment, this is faster and cheaper than any money order route. If they specifically need a physical money order, these won't work.

The real cost of using credit to buy a money order

Before you go down this road, ask yourself why you need a money order. Money orders exist for situations where the recipient needs proof of payment or won't accept a personal check. They're useful, but they're not free, and using a credit card to fund one adds cost on top of cost.

If you're using a credit card cash advance to buy a money order because you don't have cash or a debit card, you're paying interest to solve a temporary problem. If you're doing it because you're short on funds, a cash advance is expensive debt. A better move is to wait until you have the cash, or to explore whether the person you're paying will take a different form of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at Western Union or MoneyGram?

No. Both require cash or a debit card at the counter. Some online money transfer services accept credit cards, but they're not the same as a traditional money order.

What's the fee for a cash advance to buy a money order?

You'll pay a cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) plus interest that starts immediately. Interest rates on cash advances are typically higher than regular purchase rates. For a $500 withdrawal, expect to pay $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest.

Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from an ATM with a credit card?

Yes. Most credit cards have a daily cash advance limit, often $500 to $1,000. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out yours. If you need more, you'll need multiple withdrawals on different days or a different payment method.

What if I need a money order but don't have a debit card?

Open a checking account at a bank or credit union — many offer basic accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. You'll get a debit card within a few days. This is cheaper and faster than using a credit card cash advance.

Can I use a credit card to pay bills online instead of a money order?

Often yes. Many billers accept credit card payments directly, and your bank's bill pay feature lets you send a check from your account using a credit card to fund it. Ask the person or organization you're paying whether they have an online payment option.