Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card
The short answer is no — the vast majority of money order sellers, including Western Union, MoneyGram, the U.S. Postal Service, and grocery store customer service desks, do not take credit cards. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes checks, but not credit cards. A few rare exceptions exist (some online money order services and certain bank branches), but they are uncommon enough that you should assume credit cards are not an option at your first stop.
The reason is practical: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or checks for people who don't have bank accounts or who need a may provide payment method. Sellers want when ready, may provide payment themselves. A credit card creates a delay — the transaction has to clear through the card network, and the seller bears the risk that the charge might be disputed or reversed later. For a low-margin transaction like a money order, that risk is not worth it.
Key Takeaways
- Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, and grocery stores all require cash or a debit card for money orders, not credit cards.
- If you need a money order but only have a credit card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your card, then buy the money order with that cash.
- Some online money order services and a small number of bank branches do accept credit cards, but these are exceptions and may charge higher fees.
- Using a credit card to get cash for a money order will trigger a cash advance fee on your credit card statement, which is typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount.
Why credit cards don't work at most money order counters
Money order sellers operate on thin margins. They make money on the fee you pay — usually $1 to $3 per order — and they need that fee to cover their costs and labor. When you pay with a credit card, the seller has to pay a processing fee to the card network (typically 2 to 3 percent), which cuts into or wipes out their profit on the transaction.
More importantly, credit card transactions can be reversed. If you dispute the charge with your card issuer weeks or months later, the money order seller has already handed over the money order and has no way to recover it. Cash and debit cards don't have that problem — the payment is final and when ready. For a transaction this small and this quick, the seller straightforward won't take the risk.
Getting cash from your credit card to buy a money order
If you only have a credit card and need a money order, the most straightforward path is to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy the money order at any standard location.
Be aware that using a credit card to withdraw cash triggers a cash advance on your account. This is different from a regular purchase. Your credit card issuer will charge you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10 — and that fee appears on your next statement. You will also start paying interest on the cash advance when ready, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. Interest accrues daily from the moment you withdraw the cash, with no grace period.
For example, if you withdraw $200 in cash using a credit card with a 4 percent cash advance fee, you will pay $8 in fees plus interest starting that day. A money order itself costs $1 to $3, so your total cost to get a $200 money order this way could be $10 to $12 or more, depending on how long you hold the cash before using it.
Online money order services that accept credit cards
A small number of online platforms do sell money orders and accept credit cards. These include services like Sezzle Money Orders and some bank-affiliated platforms, though availability varies by state and the selection is limited compared to in-person options.
The trade-off is cost and speed. Online money order services typically charge higher fees than in-person sellers — sometimes $5 to $10 per order instead of $1 to $3 — and delivery takes several business days. You also need to provide your full name, address, and the recipient's details upfront, which means less anonymity than a cash transaction at a local counter.
If you do use an online service, the credit card charge will appear as a regular purchase on your statement, not a cash advance, so you won't pay the cash advance fee. However, you will still pay interest on the purchase if you carry a balance.
Checking with your bank about money orders
Some banks and credit unions sell money orders directly to their customers, and a few will accept a credit card if you are also a cardholder at that institution. This is rare, but worth a phone call to your bank if you have an account there. Even if they do accept credit cards, they may require you to come in person and show your debit card or ID.
Banks typically charge $5 to $10 per money order, which is higher than Western Union or USPS, but if your bank accepts your credit card and you want to avoid the cash advance fee, this may be your best option. Call ahead and ask whether they sell money orders and what payment methods they accept.
Other payment methods that work at standard money order counters
If you don't have cash on hand, you have a few alternatives to the credit card cash advance route. Most money order sellers accept debit cards, which work like cash — the payment is when ready and final, with no dispute risk. If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, this is usually the simplest option.
Some locations also accept checks, though this is becoming less common. Western Union and MoneyGram locations vary by franchise, so if you have a specific payment method in mind, call ahead or ask at the counter before you get in line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit card company let me use my card at a money order counter?
Most money order sellers' payment terminals straightforward don't accept credit cards — the option won't appear on the machine. You won't be able to swipe or insert your card even if you want to. If a location does accept credit cards, it will be clearly posted or you can ask the clerk.
Is a cash advance the same as a regular purchase on my credit card?
No. A cash advance charges a separate fee (3 to 5 percent), a higher interest rate, and interest starts accruing when ready with no grace period. A regular purchase may have a grace period before interest kicks in. Always use a regular purchase if you have the option.
Can I use a prepaid credit card to buy a money order?
Most prepaid cards are rejected at money order counters for the same reason regular credit cards are — the seller doesn't want to take the processing risk. However, some prepaid cards function like debit cards and may work. Check your card's terms or call the money order location to ask.
What if I need a money order urgently and don't have cash or a debit card?
Your fastest option is to use an ATM to withdraw cash with your credit card, then buy the money order with that cash. Yes, you'll pay a cash advance fee, but you'll have the money order the same day. Online services take several days and cost more.
Are there money order alternatives I could use instead?
Yes. A bank transfer or wire transfer works with a credit card at some banks, though fees are similar or higher. A cashier's check from your bank also works and may be cheaper. For smaller amounts, some people use a personal check if the recipient trusts it. Ask the person requesting the money order what they actually need — sometimes there are cheaper options.