Most places that sell money orders won't accept credit cards

You cannot pay for a money order with a credit card at most retailers and banks. The Post Office, Walmart, Western Union, and most check-cashing services accept only cash, debit cards, or traveler's checks. A few smaller money order sellers may take credit cards, but this is uncommon enough that you should call ahead rather than assume.

The reason is straightforward: money orders are a form of payment that may provide funds to the recipient. If you paid with a credit card and then disputed the charge later, the seller would be left holding the loss. Banks and large retailers avoid this risk by requiring payment methods that cannot be reversed.

If you do not have cash or a debit card on hand, you have other options that work around this limitation.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit cards are not accepted for money orders at the Post Office, Walmart, Western Union, or most banks and check-cashing services.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though fees apply) and then use that cash to buy a money order.
  • A debit card works just like cash at most money order locations and is the fastest alternative if you have one.
  • Some credit card issuers treat cash advances as a separate transaction type with higher fees and interest rates that begin immediately.
  • If you need a money order but have no payment method available, a wire transfer or cashier's check may work instead.

Using a cash advance to get the money for a money order

If you have a credit card but no cash or debit card, you can use a cash advance to withdraw money from an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. This works, but it costs more than a regular purchase.

A cash advance typically charges a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus a higher interest rate than your regular card purchases. Interest on the cash advance begins accruing immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If you withdraw $500 for a money order, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest starting right away.

Check your card's terms or call your issuer before you do this. Some cards charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, which may be cheaper for small amounts. Others charge both a percentage and a flat fee. Knowing the exact cost beforehand keeps you from being surprised when the bill arrives.

Why a debit card is the simpler choice

If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, use that instead of a credit card. Debit cards are accepted everywhere that sells money orders — the Post Office, Walmart, Western Union, and banks all take them. The transaction is immediate, there are no fees beyond the money order fee itself, and no interest charges apply.

A debit card works because the money comes directly from your account, just like cash does. The seller knows the funds are real and cannot be disputed later. If you have access to a debit card, this is always the fastest and cheapest route.

What happens if you try to use a credit card anyway

If you attempt to pay for a money order with a credit card at a location that does not accept them, the transaction will be declined at the register. You will not be charged, and the money order will not be issued. The cashier can tell you what payment methods they do accept, but you will need to leave and return with a different form of payment.

Some locations may offer a workaround — for example, a few Walmart stores allow you to use a credit card to make a purchase of something else, then use that transaction to get cash back, which you can then use for the money order. This is not a standard policy and varies by location, so do not count on it.

Alternatives if you cannot get a money order

If paying for a money order is not working out, consider whether another payment method would work for what you are trying to do. A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's, and many banks let you initiate one online or by phone. A cashier's check is similar to a money order but issued by a bank, and you can usually pay for one with a debit card or by drawing from your account.

Both of these take longer than a money order — a wire transfer may take one to three business days, and a cashier's check requires a trip to the bank — but they work if a money order is not an option. Ask the person or business you are paying whether they will accept one of these instead.

How to avoid this problem in the future

If you regularly need money orders, keep a small amount of cash on hand or make sure you have a debit card. Both eliminate the friction of trying to convert a credit card into usable payment. If you use a credit card for most purchases, ask your bank whether you can get a debit card tied to the same account — most banks issue them for free.

If you do not have a bank account, a prepaid debit card (available at most retailers) works the same way as a regular debit card for money order purchases. You load money onto it, then use it like a debit card. The fees are higher than a bank account, but it solves the payment problem without relying on credit card cash advances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to pay for a money order online?

No. Online money order services like MoneyGram and Western Union also do not accept credit cards for payment. You will need to use a debit card, bank transfer, or cash. Some services let you pay with a bank account directly, which is often faster and cheaper than any other method.

Will my credit card company charge me interest on a cash advance for a money order?

Yes. Interest on cash advances starts accruing immediately, usually at a higher rate than regular purchases. There is no grace period. If you borrow $500 at 25 percent annual interest, you will owe interest from day one, even if you pay the full amount back within a week.

What if I need a money order but have no debit card and no cash?

Use a credit card cash advance to withdraw money from an ATM, then use that cash to buy the money order. This costs more in fees and interest, but it works. Alternatively, ask whether the person you are paying will accept a wire transfer or cashier's check instead.

Do prepaid debit cards work for money orders?

Yes. Prepaid debit cards are accepted anywhere that takes regular debit cards, including all major money order sellers. You load cash onto the card at a retailer, then use it like a debit card. Fees are typically higher than a bank account, but there are no credit checks or minimum balances.

Can I use a credit card at an ATM to get cash for a money order?

Yes, but it is expensive. You will pay a cash advance fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate that starts immediately. For a $500 withdrawal, expect to pay $15 to $25 in fees alone. A debit card or bank account withdrawal costs nothing by comparison.