Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly

You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most locations. Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, and most banks and credit unions require cash or a debit card. A few online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees and take longer to process than in-person purchases.

The reason is simple: money orders are meant to be a safer payment method than cash, and sellers want to reduce fraud risk. When you pay with a debit card or cash, the money comes directly from your account or your pocket. A credit card creates a layer of distance that makes it harder for the seller to verify the transaction is legitimate.

If you don't have cash or a debit card on hand, you have a few real options — but none are as straightforward as swiping a credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most in-person money order sellers (Walmart, post office, Western Union, banks) accept only cash or debit cards, not credit cards.
  • A few online money order services accept credit cards but charge higher fees and take several business days to deliver.
  • If you need a money order urgently and only have a credit card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your card, then buy the money order with that cash.
  • Some credit card issuers allow cash advances, which you can then use to purchase a money order, though this option carries interest charges and fees.

Why credit card payments are rare for money orders

Money order companies treat credit card transactions as higher risk because they can be disputed or reversed. If someone buys a money order with a stolen credit card, the cardholder can later dispute the charge and the money order company loses money. With cash or a debit card, that reversal is much harder to execute.

Money orders are also used by people who don't have bank accounts or who need to send money without a paper trail. These customers typically carry cash. Accepting only cash and debit cards keeps the business model simple and reduces the fraud losses that would come from processing credit card disputes.

Online money order services that accept credit cards

A small number of online platforms will process a money order purchase with a credit card. These services include MoneyGram's online platform, some regional money order apps, and a few specialty payment services. The trade-off is cost and speed.

Online credit card purchases usually cost $5 to $10 per money order, compared to $1 to $3 at Walmart or the post office. Delivery also takes 3 to 5 business days instead of being instant. You'll receive a tracking number and the money order arrives by mail or is held for pickup at a partner location.

This route makes sense only if you have no other way to pay and the recipient can wait for delivery. For most situations, finding cash or using a debit card is faster and cheaper.

Getting cash to buy a money order if you only have a credit card

The fastest solution is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then buy the money order with that cash. Most credit cards work at ATMs, though you'll pay a cash advance fee (usually $3 to $5) plus interest that starts accruing immediately. The interest rate on cash advances is typically higher than the rate on regular purchases.

If the money order costs $5 and the ATM fee is $3, you've paid $8 total before interest. That's more expensive than using a debit card, but it works if you're in a bind. The cash advance appears on your credit card statement as a separate transaction.

Using a credit card cash advance for a money order

Some credit card issuers allow you to request a cash advance directly from your card issuer, either online, by phone, or at a branch if they have physical locations. This is different from an ATM withdrawal — you're borrowing money against your credit limit rather than withdrawing from a bank account.

Cash advances carry the same fees and higher interest rates as ATM withdrawals. You'll also lose any grace period you might have on regular purchases; interest starts accruing the day you take the advance. For a small money order, this is an expensive option, but it's available if you have no other way to get cash.

Debit card alternatives if you don't have one

If you have a credit card but no debit card, you may be able to get a prepaid debit card from a retailer or online. These cards work like debit cards at money order counters and cost $5 to $10 to activate. You load them with cash or a transfer from your bank account, then use them to buy the money order.

Prepaid cards are slower than using an ATM (you have to buy and activate the card first), but they avoid the cash advance fees and interest charges that come with credit card cash advances. Some banks also offer temporary debit cards or digital debit card numbers that work immediately if you have a bank account but haven't received your physical card yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A few online services accept credit cards, but they charge $5 to $10 per money order and take 3 to 5 business days to deliver. MoneyGram's website and some regional money order apps offer this option. In-person purchases at Walmart or the post office are faster and cheaper if you can pay with cash or a debit card.

What if I use a credit card cash advance to buy a money order?

You can do this, but it's expensive. Cash advances charge a fee ($3 to $5) plus interest that starts immediately at a higher rate than regular purchases. For a $5 money order, you might pay $8 to $10 total. Use this only if you have no other way to get cash.

Will Walmart or the post office take my credit card for a money order?

No. Walmart, the post office, Western Union, and most banks accept only cash or debit cards for money orders. If you only have a credit card, withdraw cash from an ATM using your card, then return to buy the money order with that cash.

Is there a way to avoid the ATM fee when using a credit card?

Not really. Credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals both charge fees and interest. Your best option is to borrow cash from someone, use a prepaid debit card, or wait until you can access a debit card or bank account. Online money order services avoid the cash advance fee but cost more overall.