Most money order sellers will not accept credit cards directly

You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most locations. Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, and MoneyGram all require cash, debit card, or bank transfer. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a may provide payment method, and credit card transactions can be reversed. If someone bought a money order with a credit card and then disputed the charge, the seller would be left holding the loss.

Some smaller retailers or independent check-cashing services may accept credit cards, but this is rare and varies by location. Your best approach is to call ahead before you go. If you do not have cash or a debit card on hand, you have other options that work with credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Major money order sellers including USPS, Walmart, and Western Union do not accept credit cards as payment.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card and then use that cash to buy a money order, though this incurs ATM fees.
  • A debit card works at any location that sells money orders and avoids the fees that come with a cash advance.
  • Bank transfers and bill pay services can replace a money order for many payments without requiring you to leave home.
  • Some independent check-cashing shops may accept credit cards, but policies vary widely by location.

Using a cash advance to get money for a money order

If you only have a credit card, you can get cash from an ATM using a cash advance. This lets you withdraw money against your credit limit, then use that cash to buy the money order. However, cash advances are expensive. Most credit card companies charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, and interest starts accruing immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.

For example, if you need $500 for a money order and your card charges a 4 percent cash advance fee, you will pay $20 just to get the cash, plus interest from day one. This makes a cash advance a last resort, not a first choice. If you have any other way to pay — a debit card, a friend's account, or a bank transfer — that will cost you less.

Why debit cards work but credit cards do not

A debit card draws money directly from your bank account, just like cash does. The transaction is final and cannot be reversed. That is why money order sellers accept debit cards without hesitation. If you have a debit card, use it instead of trying to work around the credit card restriction.

If you do not have a debit card but have a checking account, you can request one from your bank at no cost. Most banks issue them within a few business days. This is a simpler solution than paying cash advance fees every time you need a money order.

Using your bank's bill pay or transfer service instead

Before you buy a money order at all, consider whether you actually need one. Many payments that traditionally required a money order can now be made through your bank's bill pay service or a direct transfer. Bill pay lets you send money from your checking account to almost any address, and your bank handles the paperwork. You can set it up online or by phone, and it costs nothing.

If you are paying rent, a utility bill, or a contractor, ask whether they accept bank transfers or online payments. If they do, you can pay with your credit card indirectly by transferring money from a credit card cash advance — but only if the fee is worth it to you. For most situations, bill pay is faster and cheaper than buying a money order.

What to do if you need a money order and only have a credit card

Your options in order of cost are: (1) borrow a debit card from someone you trust, (2) go to your bank and withdraw cash using your credit card at the teller window — some banks allow this without charging a cash advance fee, (3) use an ATM cash advance and accept the fee, or (4) ask the person or business you are paying whether they will take a different form of payment.

Before you choose option 3, call your credit card company and ask what the cash advance fee and interest rate are. Some cards charge less than others. Also ask whether there is a daily limit on how much you can withdraw — many cards cap cash advances at a percentage of your credit limit, which might be lower than the amount you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order online with a credit card?

Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they are not the same as traditional money orders. They send funds electronically or mail a check, which takes longer and may cost more. For a standard money order from USPS or Walmart, you must go in person and pay with cash or debit.

Will a money order seller let me use a credit card if I ask nicely?

No. The policy is not about customer service — it is about the seller's risk. Credit card transactions can be reversed, and money orders cannot. This applies to every customer, not just some.

Is there a fee if I use my credit card to get cash at my bank?

It depends on your bank and how you withdraw the cash. Asking a teller to give you cash against your credit card may be treated as a cash advance and charged accordingly. Ask your bank first before you go in.

What if the money order seller's website says they take credit cards?

Check whether they are selling money orders or a different product like a prepaid card or wire transfer service. If it is truly a money order and they claim to take credit cards, call the location directly — website information is sometimes outdated or incorrect.