Most money order sellers do not accept credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most retailers and banks. Money order vendors — including Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most grocery stores and check-cashing outlets — require payment in cash, debit card, or sometimes a bank account transfer. A credit card is not an option at the point of sale.
This restriction exists because money orders are a form of may provide payment, and the vendor assumes the risk if a card is later disputed or reversed. Accepting credit cards would expose them to chargebacks they cannot easily defend against.
However, there are workarounds if you need to use a credit card to fund a money order. The most practical is to withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM or through a cash advance, then use that cash to buy the money order. Each method has different costs and timing.
Key Takeaways
- Money order vendors do not accept credit cards at checkout; you must pay with cash, a debit card, or a bank transfer.
- A credit card cash advance from an ATM or bank teller lets you withdraw cash to buy a money order, but carries interest charges and fees that begin immediately.
- Some credit cards allow balance transfers to a bank account, which you can then use to pay for a money order, though this also incurs fees.
- Using a debit card or bank account transfer to buy the money order directly is cheaper and faster than converting a credit card to cash first.
Getting cash from your credit card to buy a money order
A cash advance is the most direct way to turn a credit card into cash for a money order. You can get one at an ATM using your credit card PIN, or by visiting a bank teller and asking for a cash advance. The teller does not need to know what you plan to do with the money.
Cash advances charge fees and interest immediately. Most credit card issuers charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). Interest accrues from the day you withdraw the cash — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. If you withdraw $500, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus daily interest until you pay the balance.
The ATM withdrawal is usually faster than visiting a teller, but some ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (often $300 to $500), so you may not be able to get all the cash you need in one transaction. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to confirm your limit before you go.
Using a balance transfer to fund a money order
Some credit card issuers allow balance transfers to a bank account, which deposits money directly into your checking or savings account. You can then use that account to pay for a money order. This method avoids the ATM withdrawal step and may work if your card offers this feature.
Balance transfers to bank accounts typically charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent, similar to cash advances, and interest begins accruing immediately. The transfer itself may take one to three business days, so this option is slower if you need the money order quickly. Not all credit card issuers offer this feature — check your card's terms or contact your issuer to see if it is available.
Why debit cards and bank transfers are cheaper
If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, use that instead of converting your credit card to cash. Money order vendors accept debit cards at checkout with no fees or interest charges. This is the fastest and cheapest option if it is available to you.
Some money order vendors also accept direct bank transfers or online bill pay, where you authorize a payment from your bank account to the vendor. This method is free and leaves a clear record, though it may take a few business days to process. Ask the vendor whether they accept this payment method when you arrive.
Money order fees and limits by vendor
The cost of the money order itself varies by vendor and amount. The U.S. Postal Service charges $1.45 for money orders up to $500 and $1.95 for $500 to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram charge between $1 and $10 depending on the amount and location. Grocery stores and check-cashing outlets typically charge $1 to $5.
Most vendors have a maximum amount per money order. The USPS caps money orders at $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram typically allow up to $2,500 or $5,000 per order, depending on the location and whether you have an account with them. If you need to send more than the limit, you can buy multiple money orders, but each one will have its own fee.
Timing and what to bring
If you use a cash advance, the money is available immediately at the ATM or from the teller. You can then walk to a money order vendor and complete the purchase the same day. If you use a balance transfer to your bank account, allow one to three business days for the money to arrive before you buy the money order.
When you buy the money order, bring the cash or debit card and the recipient's name and address. You will need to fill out a form with your name, the recipient's name, and the amount. Some vendors ask for ID. The entire process takes about five to ten minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order online?
Most online money order services do not exist in the traditional sense. Western Union and MoneyGram have online platforms where you can initiate a money order, but you still must pay with a debit card, bank account, or cash at a physical location. There is no way to complete a full money order transaction with a credit card online.
What if my credit card has a low cash advance limit?
Your cash advance limit is often lower than your overall credit limit. If your limit is too low, contact your credit card issuer and ask whether they can increase it temporarily. Some issuers will raise it for a single transaction if you call and explain your need. If they cannot, you may need to make multiple smaller cash advances or use a different payment method.
Does using a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly damage your credit score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. The bigger risk is that cash advances carry high interest rates and fees, making it easy to carry a balance and pay more interest over time, which can hurt your score if you miss payments.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are treated like debit cards and are accepted at money order vendors. However, some prepaid cards have restrictions or are not accepted everywhere. Call the vendor before you go, or check your prepaid card's terms to confirm it will work. If it does, this is a simpler option than a cash advance.
What if I need a money order urgently and do not have time for a balance transfer?
A cash advance at an ATM is your fastest option — you get the money immediately and can buy the money order the same day. If your ATM has a daily limit, visit your bank's branch and ask a teller for a cash advance instead; they can often process larger amounts and may waive or reduce the fee if you explain your situation.