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 Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, and the U.S. Postal Service, do not accept credit cards as payment. They accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes traveler's checks, but not credit cards. A few smaller retailers or independent check-cashing services might make exceptions, but you should not count on finding one.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a find payment method for situations where the recipient doesn't want to accept a personal check. If you could buy a money order with a credit card, you'd essentially be converting a line of credit into cash-like funds, which creates fraud and debt risk for the seller. Credit card companies also discourage this because it counts as a cash advance, which carries high fees and interest rates.
Key Takeaways
- Major money order sellers — Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, and USPS — do not accept credit cards; they require cash or a debit card.
- Buying a money order with a credit card would be treated as a cash advance by your credit card company, triggering fees and a higher interest rate than regular purchases.
- If you don't have cash or a debit card, a prepaid debit card loaded with funds is a practical alternative that most money order sellers will accept.
- Some independent check-cashing services or smaller retailers may accept credit cards, but this is rare and worth calling ahead to confirm.
Why credit card companies treat money orders as cash advances
When you use a credit card to obtain cash or cash-like funds — including money orders, wire transfers, or casino chips — your credit card company classifies the transaction as a cash advance. This is different from a regular purchase. A cash advance typically starts charging interest when ready, with no grace period, and the interest rate is usually 3 to 5 percentage points higher than your regular purchase APR.
On top of the higher interest rate, you'll also pay a cash advance fee, which is usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you're withdrawing. So if you somehow managed to buy a $500 money order with a credit card, you'd pay $15 to $25 just in fees, plus interest starting right away. That's why sellers don't want to process these transactions — they know the customer is likely to dispute the charge or face financial hardship.
What payment methods money order sellers actually accept
Here's what you can use to buy a money order at the major sellers:
| Seller | Cash | Debit Card | Credit Card | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Western Union | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| MoneyGram | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| USPS | Yes | Yes | No | Traveler's checks |
If you have a debit card linked to your checking account, that's your best option. The transaction is straightforward, there are no extra fees, and it's accepted everywhere. If you don't have a debit card but you do have a credit card, consider whether you actually need the money order right now or whether you can wait until you have cash or can access a debit card.
Using a prepaid debit card as an alternative
If you have a credit card but no debit card, a prepaid debit card is a practical workaround. You load money onto the card in advance (using your credit card, cash, or a bank transfer), and then use the prepaid card to buy the money order. Most money order sellers treat prepaid cards the same way they treat regular debit cards.
Common prepaid card options include Visa Prepaid, Mastercard Prepaid, and cards offered by retailers like Walmart or Target. You can load them at the store, online, or through a mobile app. The card itself may have a small fee to purchase or set up, and there may be monthly maintenance fees, but you avoid the cash advance fees and high interest rates that come with using a credit card directly.
This approach takes a bit more time — you have to buy and load the prepaid card before you can buy the money order — but it's cheaper and cleaner than trying to force a credit card payment where it's not meant to go.
What to do if you only have a credit card and need a money order now
If you're in a tight spot and you only have a credit card available, you have a few options. First, call ahead to small, independent check-cashing services in your area. Some of them may accept credit cards, though this is uncommon. Ask specifically whether they accept credit cards for money orders before you go in.
Second, you could use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM (though this also triggers cash advance fees and interest), and then use that cash to buy the money order. This costs you the same in fees as buying the money order directly with the credit card, but it gives you more flexibility if you need the cash for other things too.
Third, if the money order is for a bill or payment that's not urgent, consider whether you can wait a few days to get cash or access a debit card. The fees and interest you'll avoid are usually worth the wait.
How to find a money order seller near you
Money orders are sold at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores, not just the major chains. If you're looking for a location, Walmart and Western Union both have store locators on their websites. The USPS locator can help you find a post office. Many local banks and credit unions also sell money orders to customers and non-customers alike, so calling your bank is worth trying.
When you call or visit, confirm that they accept the payment method you plan to use — usually cash or debit card — and ask about the fee. Money order fees vary by amount and by seller, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5 for amounts under $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit card company let me buy a money order if I try?
Most sellers won't process the transaction at all, so your credit card company won't see it. But if a seller does accept your credit card, your card company will flag it as a cash advance and charge you accordingly. It's not illegal, but it's expensive.
Can I use a credit card to buy a prepaid debit card?
Yes, you can usually buy a prepaid debit card with a credit card at most retailers. This won't trigger a cash advance fee because you're buying a product, not converting credit to cash. Once the prepaid card is loaded, you can use it to buy a money order without extra fees.
What if I need to send money urgently and don't have cash?
Consider whether a money order is the only option. Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or PayPal may work for your situation and can be funded directly from a credit card without the cash advance penalty. If a money order is truly necessary, a prepaid debit card is your fastest workaround.
Do online money order services accept credit cards?
Some online services that issue digital money orders or cashier's checks may accept credit cards, but these are not the same as a traditional money order. Check the terms carefully, as some may still classify the transaction as a cash advance or charge high processing fees.