Most money order sellers won't take credit cards, but a few workarounds exist
You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at most places. Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, and most banks and check-cashing stores require cash or a debit card. The reason is straightforward: money orders are meant to be a safer alternative to cash or checks, and sellers treat them that way — they want when ready, may provide payment, not a promise to pay later.
That said, you have a few paths forward if you only have a credit card. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card (though this comes with a cash advance fee), use a payment app to send money instead, or visit a store that accepts credit cards for money orders — these are rare but they exist. Each option has different costs and timing, so the right choice depends on how much you need to send and how quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Most money order retailers — including Walmart, Western Union, the post office, and MoneyGram — do not accept credit cards and require cash or a debit card instead.
- You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, but you will pay a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus interest that starts accruing when ready.
- Some grocery stores and pharmacies with money order services may accept credit cards, so calling ahead to ask is worth the time before you make a trip.
- Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash often cost less and are faster than money orders if you are sending money to someone with a bank account.
Why money order sellers reject credit cards
Money order retailers treat credit card payments as risky because the transaction is not final until the credit card company settles the payment days later. If you dispute the charge or your card is declined after the money order is issued, the seller is left holding the loss. Cash and debit cards clear when ready, so the seller knows the money is theirs.
This is also why some places that do accept credit cards for money orders may charge a higher fee or require you to show ID. They are taking on extra risk and want to offset it. The policy is not about making things difficult — it is about protecting the business from fraud and chargebacks.
Getting cash from an ATM using your credit card
If you have a credit card, you can use it to withdraw cash at an ATM, then use that cash to buy a money order. This works at most ATMs, though not all credit cards support cash advances. Call your credit card company or check your account online to confirm your card allows this feature.
The cost is significant. You will pay a cash advance fee, which is typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw — so withdrawing $500 costs $15 to $25 just in fees. On top of that, interest on the cash advance usually starts accruing when ready, not after a grace period like regular purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is often higher than the rate for regular purchases, sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points higher.
For example, if you withdraw $500 at a 3 percent fee and your cash advance rate is 25 percent annual interest, you pay $15 upfront plus interest that compounds daily. If you buy the money order and mail it the same day, you might pay $15 to $20 total. If it sits in your wallet for a week, the interest adds up quickly.
Checking whether your store accepts credit cards for money orders
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and independent check-cashing shops do accept credit cards for money orders, though this is not the norm. Kroger, Safeway, and some regional chains may allow it at their customer service desks. The only way to know is to call the specific location and ask — policies vary by store and sometimes even by individual branch.
When you call, ask whether they accept credit cards for money orders and whether there is an additional fee for paying with a card. Some places charge a 1 to 3 percent processing fee on top of the standard money order fee if you use a credit card. That fee plus the money order itself might still be cheaper than a cash advance, depending on the amount.
Using a payment app instead of a money order
If the person you are sending money to has a bank account, a payment app is often faster and cheaper than a money order. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money directly from your credit card (or linked bank account) to someone else's account in minutes.
The cost depends on the app and how you pay. Venmo and Zelle are free if you link a bank account, but charge 1 to 3 percent if you pay with a credit card. PayPal charges 2.2 percent plus $0.30 for credit card payments. A money order typically costs $1 to $2, so for small amounts a money order is cheaper, but for larger amounts the percentage fee on a payment app might be less.
The main drawback is that the recipient needs to be set up on the same app or have a bank account to receive the money. Money orders work for anyone with a mailbox, which is why some people still prefer them.
Getting a debit card if you don't have one
If you have a bank account but no debit card, you can request one from your bank at no cost — it usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days. A debit card is accepted everywhere money orders are sold and costs nothing to use for this purpose.
If you do not have a bank account, opening one is straightforward. Most banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance (often $0 to $500). Once your account is open and your debit card arrives, you can buy money orders when ready.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Speed | Who can receive it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance + money order | 3–5% cash advance fee + interest + $1–2 money order fee | Same day | Anyone with a mailbox |
| Credit card at store (if available) | $1–2 money order fee + 1–3% processing fee | Same day | Anyone with a mailbox |
| Payment app (Venmo, PayPal) | 1–3% of amount (or free with bank account) | Minutes to hours | Anyone with a bank account or app |
| Debit card + money order | $1–2 money order fee only | Same day | Anyone with a mailbox |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order online?
Some online money order services accept credit cards, but they are less common than in-person retailers. Western Union and MoneyGram both have online platforms where you can purchase a money order with a credit card, though fees may be higher than buying in person. Check their websites for current pricing and whether they deliver to your area.
What if I need a money order right now and don't have cash?
Your fastest option is to find a store nearby that accepts credit cards for money orders — call ahead to confirm. If that is not possible, withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then buy the money order with the cash. The ATM fee is when ready and known, whereas interest on a cash advance compounds over time.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your credit card company sets a cash advance limit, which is often lower than your regular credit limit. Check your account online or call customer service to find out your limit before you go to an ATM. Some ATMs also have daily withdrawal limits, so you may need to visit multiple ATMs or go on different days for large amounts.
Do I have to use a money order, or can I send a check instead?
You can send a check if you have a checking account and blank checks. Checks are free to write and mail, but they take longer to clear (3 to 5 business days) and the recipient has to deposit them. Money orders clear faster and do not require a bank account on either end, which is why some people prefer them.
Will using a credit card for a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt 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 if you carry the balance and pay interest — that costs money and can lead to debt if you are not careful.