Most money order sellers will not take credit cards directly
You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, or post office and hand over 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 straightforward: money orders are meant to be a may provide payment method, and sellers want to avoid the chargeback risk that comes with credit card transactions.
If you need to buy a money order and only have a credit card, you have a few workarounds, but each one costs you money or time. The most practical route depends on whether you have access to cash or a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, and USPS do not accept credit cards for money order purchases at the counter.
- You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy a money order, but ATM fees and cash advance fees will apply.
- If your credit card issuer offers a balance transfer check or convenience check, you can sometimes deposit it into your bank account and then buy a money order with your debit card.
- A debit card or bank account is the cheapest way to buy a money order, so opening a checking account may be worth the effort if you buy money orders regularly.
Using a credit card cash advance to buy a money order
The most direct path is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order. This works, but it is expensive. You will pay an ATM fee (usually $2 to $5) plus a cash advance fee from your credit card issuer (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5 to $10). On a $500 money order, you could pay $20 to $35 just to get the cash.
Cash advances also start accruing interest immediately — there is no grace period like there is with regular purchases. The interest rate on cash advances is usually higher than the rate on purchases, sometimes 2 to 5 percentage points higher. If you carry a balance, this becomes expensive very quickly.
This route only makes sense if you need the money order urgently and have no other way to get cash. For any regular use, the fees will outweigh the convenience.
Convenience checks and balance transfer checks
Some credit card issuers send convenience checks or balance transfer checks with your statement or as a separate mailing. These are checks drawn against your credit card account. You can deposit one into a bank account, then use your debit card or cash from that account to buy a money order.
The catch is that these checks often come with fees and higher interest rates than regular purchases. A balance transfer check might charge 3 to 5 percent upfront, plus a higher APR. A convenience check might have a flat fee or a percentage fee. Read the terms on the check itself before you use it — the fee will be printed there.
This method works if you already have a bank account and the fee is lower than the cash advance route. If you do not have a bank account, opening one takes a few days and may require an initial deposit.
Opening a bank account to use a debit card
If you buy money orders regularly, opening a checking account is usually the cheapest long-term solution. Most banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once you have a debit card, you can walk into any money order seller and pay with it — no fees beyond the money order fee itself (usually $1 to $5 depending on the amount).
Many online banks and credit unions offer accounts that can be opened in minutes with just an email address and ID. Some require an initial deposit of $25 to $100, which you can withdraw once the account is open. If you do not have an ID, some credit unions will work with you using alternative documents.
The setup takes time, but if you are buying money orders more than once or twice a year, the savings add up. You avoid all the fees that come with cash advances and convenience checks.
Why money order sellers reject credit cards
Money orders are designed to be a low-risk payment method for the recipient. Once a money order is cashed, the seller cannot reverse it — there is no chargeback process like there is with credit cards. If a seller accepted credit cards for money orders, a customer could buy a money order, cash it, and then dispute the charge with their credit card company, leaving the seller out the money.
This is why money order sellers are strict about payment methods. They want cash or debit cards, which represent real money leaving your account immediately. A credit card is a line of credit, and the seller has no may provide they will actually be paid.
Comparing the cost of each method
| Method | Fees | Time Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card cash advance | ATM fee ($2–$5) + cash advance fee (3–5%) + interest | Minutes | Urgent, one-time need |
| Convenience check | Check fee (flat or percentage) + interest | 1–3 days to deposit | If you have a bank account already |
| Debit card (new account) | Money order fee only ($1–$5) | 1–2 days to open account | Regular money order purchases |
| Debit card (existing account) | Money order fee only ($1–$5) | Minutes | Cheapest option if you have one |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services do accept credit cards, though they are less common than in-person sellers. Western Union and MoneyGram have online platforms that may accept credit cards for certain transactions, but fees are typically higher than in-person purchases. Check the specific service's website to see what payment methods they take.
What if I use a credit card to pay someone else who then buys the money order?
This works, but it defeats the purpose of using a money order. If you are trying to send money to someone, paying them with a credit card directly (through Venmo, PayPal, or a bank transfer) is simpler and cheaper than having them buy a money order on your behalf.
Will my credit card issuer let me use a cash advance for a money order?
Yes, technically. Once you withdraw cash from an ATM, it is your cash and you can use it however you want. However, your issuer will charge you a cash advance fee and interest, so they are not encouraging this use. Some issuers may flag unusual cash advance activity, but a single withdrawal for a money order is unlikely to trigger any issues.
Is there a way to avoid the cash advance fee?
Not if you are using a credit card cash advance. The fee is built into the service. Your only options are to use a debit card, open a bank account, or use a convenience check if your issuer offers one at a lower cost.