Most money order sellers won't take credit cards directly
You cannot buy a money order with a credit card at most places that sell them. Post offices, Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, and grocery store customer service desks all require cash or a debit card. A few smaller retailers may accept credit cards, but this is uncommon and depends on the individual location.
The reason is straightforward: money orders are a cash-like product. They're meant to move money from one person to another without a bank account. Sellers treat them the same way they treat cash withdrawals — they won't let you use credit to get them, because that would mean you're borrowing money to send money, and the seller becomes responsible for the debt if you don't pay your credit card bill.
If you don't have cash or a debit card on hand, you have a few real options that actually work.
Key Takeaways
- Post offices, Walmart, Western Union, and MoneyGram do not accept credit cards to buy money orders — they require cash or a debit card.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order, though ATM fees will explore.
- A debit card works the same way as cash at money order counters and avoids the credit card debt problem.
- Some credit card companies offer cash advances, which gives you cash you can then use to buy a money order, but these come with high fees and interest rates.
- If you need to send money but don't have cash or a debit card, a bank transfer or peer-to-peer payment app may be faster and cheaper than a money order.
Using an ATM to get cash for a money order
If you have a credit card but no cash, you can use an ATM to withdraw cash, then buy the money order with that cash. Most ATMs accept credit cards for cash withdrawals, though your 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.
Beyond the upfront fee, a cash advance also starts accruing interest when ready. Unlike a regular credit card purchase, which may have a grace period before interest kicks in, cash advances begin charging interest the day you withdraw the money. The interest rate is often higher than your regular purchase rate — sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points higher.
The math adds up quickly. If you need $500 for a money order, a 5 percent cash advance fee costs you $25, and then you're paying interest on $500 until you pay off the balance. For a one-time money order, this is expensive. It makes sense only if you're in a genuine bind and have no other way to get cash.
Why a debit card is simpler if you have one
If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, use that instead. Debit cards work at every money order counter — post offices, Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, and grocery stores all take them. There are no fees, no interest, and no debt created. The money comes straight from your account.
If you have a debit card but forgot it, an ATM withdrawal with that same debit card costs nothing or very little (some banks charge a small fee for out-of-network ATM use, but it's usually under $3). Then you can buy the money order with the cash.
A debit card is the path of least resistance if it's available to you.
When a credit card cash advance makes sense
A cash advance is worth considering only in specific situations: you need the money order urgently, you have no debit card, no ATM access, and no other way to get cash. Even then, it's expensive.
Before you do it, call your credit card issuer and ask what the cash advance fee and interest rate are. Some cards charge 3 percent, others charge 5 percent. Some have a $5 minimum fee, others $10. The interest rate varies too. Knowing the exact cost before you proceed helps you decide whether it's worth it.
If the fee and interest are steep, explore the alternatives below first.
Alternatives to money orders when you don't have cash
If buying a money order with a credit card is too expensive or complicated, consider whether you actually need a money order. Money orders are useful when the person receiving the money doesn't have a bank account or when you need a paper trail. But if the recipient has a bank account, a bank transfer or peer-to-peer payment app is usually faster, cheaper, and simpler.
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money directly from your credit card or bank account to another person's account in minutes. There may be a small fee if you use a credit card (typically 1 to 3 percent), but there's no cash advance fee and no interest. The money lands in the recipient's account the same day or next business day.
If the recipient doesn't have a bank account and truly needs a physical money order, then you're back to finding cash or a debit card. But if they do have an account, a digital transfer is almost always the better choice.
What to do if you're stuck without cash or a debit card
If you're in a situation where you need a money order but have no cash, no debit card, and no access to an ATM, here are your actual options in order of cost:
- Borrow cash from a friend or family member, then buy the money order with that cash.
- Use a debit card ATM withdrawal if you have a debit card (usually free or under $3).
- Use a credit card ATM withdrawal if you have no debit card (3 to 5 percent fee plus interest).
- Ask the person you're sending money to whether they can receive a bank transfer, Venmo, or PayPal instead.
- Visit your bank branch in person and ask about a cash advance or withdrawal from your credit line — some banks offer this at lower rates than ATM cash advances.
The worst option is to use a credit card cash advance without comparing the cost first. A few minutes on the phone with your card issuer can save you $20 to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a money order with a credit card at Walmart or the post office?
No. Walmart, the post office, Western Union, MoneyGram, and most grocery stores require cash or a debit card. Some small independent retailers may accept credit cards, but you'd have to call ahead to ask. Your safest bet is to assume you need cash or a debit card.
What's the difference between a cash advance and a regular credit card purchase?
A cash advance charges you a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and starts accruing interest when ready, often at a higher rate than regular purchases. A regular purchase may have a grace period before interest starts. For a $500 cash advance, you could pay $25 to $50 in fees and interest within the first month.
Is there a cheaper way to send money if I don't have cash?
Yes. If the person you're sending money to has a bank account, use Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or a bank transfer instead. These are faster, cheaper, and don't require a physical money order. If they don't have a bank account, a cash advance or borrowing cash are your main options.
Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash from my bank's ATM?
Yes, most ATMs accept credit cards for cash withdrawals. However, your card issuer will charge a cash advance fee and interest will start accruing when ready. A debit card withdrawal from the same ATM is free or nearly free, so use a debit card if you have one.
What if I need a money order but can't afford the cash advance fee?
Ask the recipient whether they can receive money another way — a bank transfer, Venmo, or PayPal. If they truly need a physical money order, borrow cash from a friend or family member if possible. A cash advance fee is expensive, and borrowing from someone you know is usually the cheapest option.