Most money order sellers won't take credit cards, but a few paths exist

You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at most places that sell them. Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and most grocery stores and check-cashing outlets require cash or a debit card. The reason is simple: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash for people who don't have bank accounts, and sellers treat them as cash equivalents. Accepting credit cards would add fraud risk and cost.

That said, you have workarounds. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though this costs a cash advance fee), use a payment app to send money to someone who then buys the money order for you, or use a credit card to pay for a money order through an online service. None of these are free, and some carry real costs, so it matters to understand what each one actually costs you.

Key Takeaways

  • Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and retail stores do not accept credit cards for money orders; they require cash or debit cards.
  • A cash advance from an ATM using your credit card lets you get cash to buy a money order, but the fee is typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount plus interest that starts immediately.
  • Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person money orders and may not work in all states.
  • Using a payment app like Venmo or PayPal to send money to someone who buys the money order for you is free between you and that person, but requires trust and coordination.
  • If you need a money order urgently and have no other payment method, a cash advance is usually faster than other routes, though it is the most expensive option.

Cash advances: the fastest way, but the most expensive

A cash advance lets you withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM or bank teller. You then have cash to buy a money order anywhere. The cost is steep: most credit card issuers charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. On top of that, interest on the cash advance starts accruing immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is often higher than the rate for regular purchases, sometimes 2 to 3 percentage points higher.

If you need $500 in cash to buy a money order, a 5 percent fee costs you $25 right away. If your cash advance rate is 24 percent annual interest and you pay it back over two months, you will pay roughly another $20 in interest. Total cost: about $45. That is expensive for a money order that costs $1 to $2 to buy. Use this route only if you have no other way to get cash and the money order is urgent.

Online money order services: credit card accepted, but higher fees

A handful of online services let you buy a money order with a credit card and have it mailed or picked up. MoneyGram Online and Western Union Online both accept credit cards. The trade-off is that online money orders cost more than in-person ones. A standard money order at a post office or grocery store costs $1 to $2. An online money order through these services typically costs $5 to $15, depending on the amount and delivery method.

These services also have state restrictions. Not all states allow online money order sales, and some states have limits on the amount you can send. Before you commit to this route, check the service's website to confirm it works in your state and for the amount you need. The money order itself is legitimate — it is just a more expensive way to get one.

Payment apps: free to you, but requires coordination

If you have a trusted friend or family member nearby, you can send them money via Venmo, PayPal, or a similar app using your credit card, and they can buy the money order for you in cash. This costs you nothing beyond the money order fee itself, because most payment apps do not charge a fee when you link a credit card (though some do charge a small percentage). The money order fee is the same whether your friend buys it or you do.

The catch is that this requires someone you trust to be willing and able to go buy it for you. It also takes longer than buying one yourself. Use this only if you have time and a reliable person who can help.

Debit card: the simplest option if you have one

If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, use that instead. Every place that sells money orders accepts debit cards, and there is no fee beyond the money order cost itself. If you are asking about credit cards because you do not have a debit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union is usually free and takes less than an hour. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee.

A debit card is a better long-term solution than paying cash advance fees every time you need a money order. If you have been avoiding opening a bank account, the process is straightforward: bring a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works), and most institutions will set you up the same day.

What to do if you need a money order but have no payment method

If you have neither cash nor a debit card and cannot get a cash advance, your options narrow. Some nonprofits and community action agencies offer money order services for free or at a reduced cost to people in financial hardship. Call 211 (a referral line in most U.S. areas) and ask whether any local organizations offer this. You can also ask the person or business you are sending the money order to whether they will accept a different payment method — a bank transfer, check, or even a payment app transfer — instead.

If none of those work and you do decide to take a cash advance, do it for the smallest amount you need and pay it back as fast as you can. The interest compounds daily, so even a week of delay costs you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to buy a money order at Walmart or the grocery store?

No. Walmart, grocery stores, and most retail money order sellers accept only cash and debit cards. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to get a cash advance first, which costs a fee and interest.

Is there a difference between a money order bought online with a credit card and one bought in person?

The money order itself is the same — it is a may provide payment just like any other. The difference is the cost. Online money orders cost $5 to $15, while in-person ones cost $1 to $2. Online services also have state restrictions that in-person sellers do not.

What if I use a payment app to send money to someone who buys the money order — will that show up on my credit card statement?

Yes. The payment app transfer will show on your credit card statement as a charge to that app. The money order itself will not appear on your statement — only the transfer to the person who bought it.

Does a cash advance 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. Paying it back quickly minimizes this effect.

Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?

Most prepaid cards are treated like debit cards by money order sellers, so yes — you can usually use a prepaid card at Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and retail locations. Check with your specific prepaid card issuer to confirm, since policies vary.