Key Takeaways
- Post offices, Walmart, grocery stores, and other money order retailers do not accept credit cards as payment.
- You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, then use that cash to buy a money order, though ATM fees apply.
- A debit card works at most money order locations and avoids the cash withdrawal step.
- Some credit card issuers treat money order purchases as cash advances, which charge higher interest rates and fees immediately.
- If you need to send money and have only a credit card, a bank transfer or payment app may be faster and cheaper than the cash-to-money-order route.
Why Money Order Sellers Don't Take Credit Cards
Money order retailers treat credit card payments as a financial risk. A money order is a may provide payment — once sold, the seller is liable if it's lost or stolen. Credit card transactions can be reversed through chargebacks, which means a retailer could sell you a money order, you could spend it, and then you could dispute the credit card charge and get your money back while the retailer absorbs the loss.
Cash and debit cards don't have this reversal risk. When you pay with cash or a debit card, the transaction is final. That's why the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart, grocery chains, and Western Union all require one of these payment methods.
Using an ATM to Convert Your Credit Card to Cash
If you have a credit card but no cash, you can use an ATM to withdraw money, then buy the money order with that cash. This is called a cash advance. Most credit cards allow it, but the cost is higher than a regular purchase.
A cash advance typically charges a fee (often 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn) and a higher interest rate than your regular card purchases. Interest starts accruing immediately — there's no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If you withdraw $500 for a money order and pay it back in 30 days, you could pay $15 to $25 in fees and interest alone.
To use an ATM, insert your credit card, select "cash advance" or "withdraw cash," enter your PIN, and choose the amount. The ATM will show you the fee before you confirm. If the fee seems high, you can cancel and try a different approach.
Using a Debit Card Instead
If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, use that instead of a credit card. Debit cards work at all major money order locations — the post office, Walmart, grocery stores, and Western Union. There are no fees or interest charges, and the transaction is straightforward.
If you don't have a debit card but have a credit card, you can sometimes transfer money from the credit card to a bank account first (if you have one), then use the debit card. This still costs money if the credit card issuer charges a fee for the transfer, but it may be cheaper than a cash advance if the transfer fee is lower than the ATM fee plus interest.
Money Order Fees and Total Cost
Even after you get cash or use a debit card, you'll pay a money order fee. The post office charges $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for $500.01 to $1,000. Walmart charges $0.88 for up to $1,000. Western Union and grocery stores vary by location, typically ranging from $1 to $3.
If you're using a credit card cash advance to fund the money order, add the ATM fee and interest to the money order fee. A $500 money order could cost you $15 to $25 in credit card fees alone, plus $1.45 to $3 for the money order itself. That's a total of $16.45 to $28 just in fees.
Faster Alternatives to Money Orders
If you're trying to send money and have only a credit card, consider whether a money order is actually the best option. Bank transfers, payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, and wire transfers often work faster and cost less.
A bank transfer (ACH) from your credit card issuer's website usually takes one to three business days and costs nothing. A payment app can send money instantly to someone with the same app. A wire transfer costs $15 to $30 but arrives the same day. A money order requires you to buy it, mail it, and wait for the recipient to deposit it — typically five to seven business days total.
The only reason to use a money order is if the recipient specifically requires one (some landlords and government agencies do) or if you need a paper record of payment. Otherwise, a direct transfer is usually cheaper and faster.
What to Do If You Need a Money Order Right Now
If you have only a credit card and need a money order today, your fastest option is to find an ATM and withdraw cash. Most ATMs are available 24/7, and you can buy a money order at Walmart or a 24-hour grocery store immediately after.
If the ATM fee is too high, call your credit card issuer and ask whether they offer a lower-cost way to access cash. Some cards have partner ATM networks with reduced or waived fees. You can also ask whether the issuer offers a balance transfer to a bank account at a lower cost than a cash advance.
If the recipient will accept a different form of payment, ask them before you spend money on fees. Many people and organizations that ask for money orders will also take a cashier's check, bank transfer, or wire transfer if you explain the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit card company charge me interest on a money order purchase?
Only if you use a cash advance to get the money. If you buy a money order with cash you've already withdrawn, there's no additional interest. If you use the ATM function on your card to get cash, interest starts immediately at the cash advance rate, which is typically higher than your purchase rate.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
No. Prepaid cards are treated like credit cards by money order retailers and are not accepted. However, some prepaid cards come with a debit card feature or a linked bank account, which you can use instead.
What if I don't have a PIN for my credit card?
You won't be able to use the ATM cash advance function without a PIN. Contact your credit card issuer to request one, or ask whether they offer a different way to convert your credit limit to cash. Some issuers allow you to request a check or transfer funds to a bank account online.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which is often lower than your total credit limit. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your limit before you go to the ATM.
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees than in-person purchases and are not as widely recognized. If you need to send money online, a bank transfer or payment app is usually cheaper and faster than an online money order.