In today’s digital world, people often forget that money orders are still widely used for secure payments. But a question that comes up often is: Can you buy a money order with a credit card?
The short answer: Yes, but it’s complicated—and often not recommended.
In this 3,000-word guide, we’ll explore how money orders work, where to buy them, if and when you can use a credit card, the risks involved, and smarter alternatives to consider. Whether you’re paying rent, sending money to someone without a bank account, or avoiding bounced checks, this guide will clarify everything.
Chapter 1: What Is a Money Order?
1.1 Definition
A money order is a paper payment method similar to a check but prepaid. It guarantees the funds because the money is paid upfront.
1.2 Why Use a Money Order?
- No need for a checking account
- Safer than sending cash
- Often required by landlords, government agencies, or immigration processes
1.3 Who Accepts Money Orders?
- Landlords
- Utility companies
- Courts
- Government agencies
- Friends/family without bank access
Chapter 2: Where to Buy Money Orders
2.1 Common Providers
- USPS (Post Office)
- Walmart
- Western Union
- MoneyGram
- Banks and Credit Unions
2.2 Cost of a Money Order
- USPS: Up to $1.95 depending on amount
- Walmart: Around $1
- Money transfer services: Varies based on provider
Chapter 3: Payment Methods for Money Orders
3.1 Accepted Payment Types
- Cash (always accepted)
- Debit Card (commonly accepted)
- Bank Account Transfers (for online money orders)
- Credit Card (rarely accepted, often discouraged)
3.2 Credit Card Policies by Provider
| Provider | Credit Card Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | No | Accepts debit cards and cash only |
| Walmart | No | Accepts debit, cash |
| MoneyGram | Yes (online) | Treated as cash advance |
| Western Union | Yes (online & in-app) | Fees + interest may apply |
| Banks | Varies | Some allow but may treat as cash advance |
Chapter 4: Can You Buy a Money Order with a Credit Card?
4.1 Yes—But Only at Certain Places
- Online via MoneyGram or Western Union
- Some banks or smaller institutions may accept it with a fee
4.2 Most Retailers Do NOT Accept Credit Cards
- USPS, Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, and Rite Aid require cash or debit
4.3 Why Retailers Avoid Credit Cards for Money Orders
- High risk of fraud
- Credit card reversals (chargebacks)
- Processing fees
Chapter 5: Risks of Using a Credit Card to Buy a Money Order
5.1 Cash Advance Fees
- Most credit card issuers treat money order purchases as cash advances
- Typical fees: 3%–5% of transaction amount
5.2 No Grace Period
- Unlike regular purchases, interest starts accruing immediately
- Cash advance APR is usually higher than purchase APR (up to 25%+)
5.3 Affects Credit Utilization
- High balances can hurt your credit score
- No rewards, no cashback points
5.4 Flagged as Risky Behavior
- Some card issuers may flag frequent cash-like transactions as suspicious
Chapter 6: Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Money Order with a Credit Card
6.1 Via MoneyGram (Online)
- Visit moneygram.com
- Create or sign in to your account
- Choose “Send Money”
- Select payment method: credit card
- Enter recipient and delivery info
- Pay and receive confirmation
6.2 Via Western Union (Online or App)
- Use westernunion.com or mobile app
- Choose money order or bill payment
- Pay with a credit card
- Be aware of all fees before confirming
Chapter 7: Alternatives to Buying a Money Order with a Credit Card
7.1 Use a Debit Card or Cash
- No interest
- Widely accepted
7.2 Withdraw Cash from Bank or ATM
- Use your credit card only to withdraw cash if necessary
- Be aware of cash advance fees
7.3 Peer-to-Peer Apps
- Venmo, Zelle, Cash App: Send funds directly without fees
- Great for personal transactions
7.4 Prepaid Debit Cards
- Load money onto a prepaid card using your credit card
- Use prepaid card to purchase money order
Chapter 8: When Is It Worth Using a Credit Card for a Money Order?
8.1 Emergencies Only
- Last resort when no other payment method is available
8.2 Earning a Signup Bonus
- Some users may attempt to use money orders to meet credit card spend thresholds for a reward bonus
- Risky and may violate issuer terms
8.3 No Better Option Available
- If recipient only accepts money order and you’re without a debit account or cash
Chapter 9: Credit Card Issuer Policies
9.1 What Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover Say
- Most categorize money order purchases as cash advances
- Review your cardholder agreement for exact terms
9.2 Example: Chase, Capital One, and Citi
| Issuer | Cash Advance Fee | Cash Advance APR | Notes |
| Chase | 5% or $10 | ~29.99% | No rewards, immediate interest |
| Capital One | 3% or $10 | ~28.99% | Cash-like transactions flagged |
| Citi | 5% or $10 | ~29.99% | Not recommended for daily use |
Chapter 10: FAQs About Money Orders and Credit Cards
Q1: Can I earn rewards points for using my credit card to buy a money order?
A: Usually no. Most issuers exclude cash advances from rewards programs.
Q2: Can I cancel a money order bought with a credit card?
A: You can request a refund if the money order hasn’t been cashed, but there may be cancellation fees.
Q3: Will it hurt my credit?
A: It can if you carry a balance. High utilization and interest charges impact your score.
Q4: Can I use a credit card to buy a money order internationally?
A: It depends on the provider. Additional currency conversion and international fees may apply.
Conclusion
So, can you buy a money order with a credit card? Yes—but it’s not ideal. Most physical retailers won’t allow it, and when online platforms do, the transaction is usually treated as a cash advance, which comes with high fees and immediate interest.
If you’re considering this method, weigh the risks and read your card’s terms carefully. In most cases, you’re better off using cash, debit, or online payment platforms to avoid unnecessary costs.
Need a money order fast? Head to the post office or Walmart with your debit card or cash—and keep your credit card in your wallet unless it’s truly an emergency.
