Most money order sellers won't take 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 or a debit card. 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 banks and credit unions may allow you to purchase a money order using your credit card if you have an account with them, but this is rare and depends entirely on their internal policy. Your best move is to call ahead and ask. If your bank does allow it, you'll typically need to go in person to a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Major money order sellers including Walmart, USPS, Western Union, and MoneyGram do not accept credit cards for purchase.
  • You can use cash, a debit card, or a check at most locations, though policies vary slightly by seller.
  • Some banks and credit unions may allow credit card purchases if you hold an account with them, but you must contact them directly to confirm.
  • If you don't have cash or a debit card, withdrawing cash from an ATM using your credit card is often faster than finding an alternative seller.

What payment methods actually work

Cash is the most widely accepted payment for money orders everywhere. Debit cards are also accepted at nearly all locations — Walmart, USPS, Western Union, and MoneyGram all take them. Some locations also accept personal checks, though this is becoming less common. A few sellers will accept traveler's checks or a combination of payment methods.

The fees vary by seller and the amount you're ordering. USPS charges between $1.45 and $1.95 depending on whether you're buying domestic or international. Walmart typically charges around $0.88 to $1.25. Western Union and MoneyGram are usually more expensive, ranging from $1 to $5 or higher depending on the amount. Always ask the fee upfront before you commit to a purchase.

Using an ATM to get cash for a money order

If you only have a credit card and need a money order quickly, the fastest option is usually to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card. Most ATMs accept credit cards, though you'll pay a cash advance fee — typically $3 to $5 per transaction, plus interest that starts accruing immediately. This fee is separate from any money order fee you'll pay later.

Compare this cost to your alternatives. If you're buying a $500 money order and a cash advance costs you $5, that's roughly 1% of your transaction. If you're buying a smaller amount, the percentage is higher and may not be worth it. For a $50 money order, a $5 ATM fee is 10% of the total, which is steep. In that case, it might be worth waiting until you can access cash or a debit card another way.

Why banks might be your exception

Some banks and credit unions do allow customers to buy money orders with a credit card, but only if you have an account with them. This is not a standard practice — it depends on the individual institution's policy. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks, but there's no way to know without asking.

If you have a bank account, call your branch or visit in person and ask whether they sell money orders and what payment methods they accept. If they do allow credit card purchases, the fee is usually lower than at Walmart or USPS, and the process is straightforward. You'll need to provide the recipient's name and address, just as you would anywhere else.

Online money order services and their limits

Some online services claim to sell money orders, and a few do accept credit cards. However, these services typically have significant limitations. They may only work for specific types of payments (like utility bills or rent), they often charge higher fees than in-person sellers, and delivery can take several days. They're also less widely recognized than USPS or Western Union money orders, so the recipient may not accept them.

If you're considering an online service, verify that the recipient will actually accept it before you pay. Read the fine print carefully — some services charge per transaction, per month, or both. For most situations, going to Walmart or a post office with cash or a debit card remains the simpler and cheaper choice.

Alternatives if you can't get a money order

If buying a money order with a credit card is truly your only option and none of the above routes work, consider whether a money order is actually what you need. Some situations that typically require a money order can also be handled other ways. A cashier's check from your bank serves the same purpose and is often accepted in place of a money order. You can usually get one the same day, and many banks allow you to pay for it with a credit card if you have an account.

A wire transfer is another option if the recipient has a bank account. Wire transfers are faster than money orders and can be done online or by phone, though they typically cost $15 to $30. For smaller amounts or situations where the recipient doesn't have a bank account, a money order is still usually the cheapest may provide payment method available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart?

No. Walmart requires cash or a debit card for money order purchases. They do not accept credit cards, checks, or other payment methods. If you only have a credit card, you'll need to withdraw cash from an ATM first.

Will the post office let me use a credit card for a money order?

No. USPS requires cash or a debit card. They do not accept credit cards. Some post offices may have an ATM on-site, which you can use to withdraw cash with your credit card, though you'll pay an ATM fee.

What if my bank sells money orders — can I use my credit card there?

It depends on your bank's policy. Some banks and credit unions allow credit card purchases for money orders if you have an account with them, but this is not standard. Call your branch directly to ask before you visit.

Is a cashier's check the same as a money order?

They serve the same purpose — both are may provide payments — but they're different products. Cashier's checks are issued by banks and are usually accepted anywhere. Money orders are sold at multiple locations and are cheaper for small amounts. Ask the recipient which one they prefer.

How much does it cost to get a cash advance on a credit card at an ATM?

Most ATMs charge $3 to $5 per cash advance, plus interest that starts accruing immediately. The interest rate is typically higher than your regular credit card rate. Calculate whether this fee plus the money order fee is worth it for the amount you're sending.