Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot walk into a Western Union or your bank and hand over a credit card to buy a money order. Money order sellers — banks, post offices, grocery stores, check-cashing shops — almost always require cash or a debit card. The reason is straightforward: they want when ready payment they can't dispute, and credit cards create the opposite.
But if you need a money order and only have a credit card available, you have real options. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, transfer money to a debit account, use a cash advance, or pay someone else to buy the money order for you. Each path has different costs and timing, and which one makes sense depends on why you need the money order and what cards or accounts you already have.
Key Takeaways
- Money order sellers require cash or debit cards at the point of sale, not credit cards.
- The cheapest route is usually to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then pay cash for the money order.
- A cash advance from your credit card issuer costs more in fees and interest but gives you cash without an ATM visit.
- If you have a linked bank account, transferring credit card funds to that account and using a debit card avoids ATM fees entirely.
- Money order fees range from about $1 to $5 depending on the seller and the amount, and that cost is separate from any credit card fees you pay.
Using an ATM to withdraw cash, then buying the money order
This is the most straightforward path if you have a credit card and need a money order. Go to an ATM, insert your credit card, and withdraw cash. Then take that cash to any money order seller — your bank, the post office, Western Union, Walmart, or a check-cashing shop — and buy the money order as you normally would.
The cost is an ATM fee, which typically ranges from $2 to $3 if you use an out-of-network machine. If you use an ATM owned by your credit card issuer or a network they partner with, the fee may be lower or zero. Your credit card issuer will also charge interest on the cash advance starting when ready — usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR — so this method costs money from day one.
The advantage is speed. You can have cash in hand within minutes and buy the money order the same day. The disadvantage is that you are paying interest on borrowed money just to move it into a different form.
Requesting a cash advance directly from your credit card issuer
Instead of using an ATM, you can call your credit card issuer and ask for a cash advance. They will deposit the money into your bank account, usually within one business day, or issue you a check or temporary card number you can use when ready.
This avoids the ATM fee but costs more in other ways. Cash advances typically carry a higher interest rate than purchases — often 3 to 5 percentage points higher — and many issuers charge an upfront cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw. On a $500 cash advance, that fee alone could be $15 to $25. Interest starts accruing when ready, with no grace period like you get on purchases.
Use this method only if you need the money urgently and cannot wait for a transfer from another account, or if the cash advance fee is still cheaper than the alternative you are considering.
Transferring funds from your credit card to a debit account
If you have a bank account linked to a debit card, you can transfer money from your credit card to that account, then use the debit card to buy the money order. This avoids ATM fees and the higher interest rate of a cash advance.
The process varies by bank. Some issuers let you transfer directly through their website or app under a "balance transfer" or "account transfer" option. Others require a phone call. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Some issuers charge a small fee — typically 1 to 3 percent — while others do not.
Once the money lands in your debit account, you have a regular debit card payment with no special fees or interest rates. This is often the cheapest option if you have time to wait for the transfer and your issuer does not charge a transfer fee.
Asking someone else to buy the money order for you
If you have a trusted friend or family member nearby, you can give them cash or pay them back later and ask them to buy the money order on your behalf. They hand over their cash or debit card, receive the money order in their name, and sign it over to you or give it to you unsigned if the seller allows it.
This has no fees beyond the standard money order cost, but it requires someone else to be involved and available. It also means the money order is initially in their name, which can create confusion or complications if there are questions later about who purchased it or why.
What happens if you try to use a credit card at the point of sale
Some money order sellers have point-of-sale systems that technically accept credit cards, but they treat the transaction as a cash advance rather than a purchase. This means you pay the cash advance fee and interest rate when ready, even though you are standing in the store. You are not actually buying the money order with the credit card — you are taking a cash advance that the seller then uses to buy the money order on your behalf.
This is the worst-case scenario financially. You pay the cash advance fee, the higher interest rate, and the money order fee, all at once. Avoid this if any of the other methods are available to you.
Comparing the total cost of each method
| Method | when ready Cost | Ongoing Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal + cash payment | $2–$3 ATM fee | Interest on cash advance (daily) | Same day |
| Cash advance from issuer | 3–5% cash advance fee | Higher interest rate (daily) | 1 business day |
| Transfer to debit account | 0–3% transfer fee (if any) | No interest if paid from debit account | 1–3 business days |
| Someone else buys it | $0 | $0 (if you repay when ready) | Same day |
The money order fee itself — usually $1 to $5 — is the same regardless of which method you use. The difference is in how you pay for the cash or funds that go toward it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
No. Online money order services like MoneyGram and Western Union also require a debit card, bank account, or cash payment. You cannot enter a credit card number at checkout. You would need to use one of the methods above — ATM withdrawal, cash advance, or account transfer — to get the funds first.
Will buying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly damage your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. The bigger risk is that the interest charges and fees make it harder to pay off the balance, which can lead to missed payments and real damage over time.
What if I don't have an ATM card or debit card?
Ask your credit card issuer whether they offer a cash advance by check or direct deposit to a bank account. If you do not have a bank account, you can request a check, cash it at a check-cashing shop (which will charge a fee), and use that cash to buy the money order. This is more expensive but still possible.
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 agreement or call your issuer to find out what your limit is before you need the cash.
Can I use a prepaid card to buy a money order?
Yes, if the prepaid card is a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Most money order sellers treat prepaid cards the same as regular debit cards. However, if your prepaid card is a store-specific card (like a Target or Amazon card), it may not work. Call ahead to confirm.