Most money order sellers won't take a credit card directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union, MoneyGram, or post office and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. These sellers accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes bank transfers — but not credit cards. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be final. A credit card transaction can be reversed, which defeats the purpose of a money order as a may provide payment.
That said, you can still use a credit card to get the cash you need to buy one. The most straightforward path is a cash advance from an ATM using your credit card, though this comes with a fee and interest charges that start when ready. A second option is to transfer money from your credit card to a bank account, then withdraw cash or use a debit card. Both routes cost you money, so it's worth understanding what you're paying for.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers (Western Union, MoneyGram, post offices, grocery stores) do not accept credit cards as direct payment because money orders cannot be reversed.
- A credit card cash advance at an ATM lets you withdraw cash to buy a money order, but you pay a fee (usually 3–5% of the amount) plus interest starting when ready.
- Transferring credit card funds to your bank account through a balance transfer or cash advance app takes one to three business days but may have lower fees than an ATM withdrawal.
- If you need a money order urgently and have no other payment method, a cash advance is faster than a bank transfer, even though it costs more.
Using a credit card cash advance to get cash for a money order
A cash advance is the quickest way to turn your credit card into cash. You go to an ATM, insert your credit card, and withdraw money just as you would with a debit card. The amount you can withdraw is limited by your credit card's cash advance limit, which is usually much lower than your credit limit — often $500 to $1,000, depending on your card and issuer.
The cost is when ready and steep. Most credit card issuers charge a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 just to get the cash. On top of that, interest on the cash advance starts accruing the day you withdraw it — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. Interest rates on cash advances are often higher than the rate on regular purchases, sometimes 2 to 3 percentage points above your standard APR.
If you need the money order within hours, this is your fastest option. If you have a day or two, a bank transfer is usually cheaper.
Transferring credit card funds to your bank account
Some credit card issuers and third-party apps allow you to transfer money from your credit card to your bank account. This is sometimes called a "balance transfer to bank account" or a "cash advance app." The transfer takes one to three business days, and once the money lands in your bank account, you can withdraw it as cash or use your debit card to buy the money order.
The fees and interest work similarly to an ATM cash advance — you pay a fee (often 3 to 5 percent) and interest starts accruing when ready. However, some apps or issuers offer promotional rates or lower fees for the first transfer, so it's worth checking your card's terms or asking your issuer what options they offer. The main advantage is that you avoid the ATM withdrawal limit, so you can transfer larger amounts if you need to.
Call your credit card issuer's customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether they offer bank transfers or cash advances. If they do, ask about the fee, the interest rate, and how long the transfer takes. If your issuer doesn't offer this, search for "credit card to bank account transfer" apps — but read the reviews and fees carefully, as third-party apps often charge more than your issuer would.
Where to buy a money order once you have cash
Once you have cash in hand, you can buy a money order at several places. The U.S. Postal Service sells money orders at any post office for a flat fee that depends on the amount — typically $1.45 to $2.00 for amounts up to $500, and $3.00 for amounts from $500 to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram are available at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops, and their fees vary by location and amount but are often similar to the post office.
Bring cash and the recipient's name and address. You'll fill out a straightforward form with your name, the recipient's name, and the amount. The seller will give you the money order and a receipt. Keep the receipt until the recipient confirms they received and cashed the money order.
Why credit card companies block direct money order purchases
Money orders are designed to be irreversible once issued. Unlike a credit card charge, which can be disputed or reversed, a money order is a may provide payment backed by the issuer's funds. If you could buy a money order with a credit card and then dispute the charge, the money order would still be valid — the credit card company would lose money and the recipient would keep the payment. To prevent this, money order sellers straightforward don't accept credit cards.
Debit cards and cash don't have this problem because the money is already withdrawn from your account. The transaction is final from the moment you hand over the cash or swipe the debit card.
Comparing the cost of different routes
Here's what you actually pay when you use a credit card to buy a money order:
| Route | Fee | Interest starts | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATM cash advance | 3–5% of amount withdrawn, minimum $5–$10 | Day of withdrawal | when ready | Urgent need, small amounts |
| Bank transfer (issuer) | 3–5% of amount transferred | Day of transfer | 1–3 business days | Larger amounts, slightly lower fees |
| Bank transfer (third-party app) | 3–8% of amount transferred | Day of transfer | 1–3 business days | Rarely the best choice; check rates first |
| Money order fee (post office) | $1.45–$3.00 | N/A | Same day | Paid once, no ongoing interest |
The money order fee itself is small. The real cost is the credit card fee and interest. If you withdraw $200 via ATM cash advance at 5 percent, you pay $10 upfront plus interest on the $200 balance. If that interest rate is 25 percent APR and you pay off the balance in one month, you'll owe about $4 in interest — so roughly $14 total on top of the money order fee.
Alternatives if you don't want to use a credit card
If you have a debit card, use that instead — it avoids the cash advance fee and interest entirely. If you have a bank account but no debit card, you can withdraw cash at your bank's teller window or at an ATM using your PIN. If you don't have a bank account, a prepaid debit card (available at many grocery stores and pharmacies) works the same way as a debit card for money order purchases.
If you absolutely must use a credit card and the cost is a concern, ask yourself whether a money order is necessary. Money orders are useful when the recipient needs a may provide payment or when you don't want to share your bank account number. For many everyday payments, a check, electronic transfer, or credit card payment itself is cheaper and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart or the post office?
No. Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, and MoneyGram all require cash or a debit card. You must use a credit card cash advance or bank transfer to get cash first, then buy the money order with that cash.
Will my credit card issuer charge interest on a cash advance right away?
Yes. Unlike regular credit card purchases, which have a grace period before interest accrues, cash advances start accruing interest the day you withdraw them. There is no grace period.
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 usually much lower than your overall credit limit — often $500 to $1,000. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your limit.
What happens if I can't afford to pay back the cash advance right away?
The balance stays on your credit card and accrues interest at the cash advance rate (usually higher than your regular APR). The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay. If you can't pay it off quickly, a cash advance becomes expensive.
Is a money order safer than sending a check or electronic transfer?
A money order is may provide by the issuer, so the recipient knows the funds are real. A check can bounce, and an electronic transfer can be reversed in some cases. However, once a money order is cashed, it cannot be recovered, so use it only when you trust the recipient.