Most places won't sell you a money order with a credit card directly

You cannot walk into a Western Union or MoneyGram location and buy a money order by swiping a credit card at the counter. Most retailers that sell money orders — grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices — accept only cash or debit cards. This is a deliberate policy, not an accident. Money order sellers treat credit cards as a cash advance risk and want to avoid the fees and disputes that come with them.

That said, there are two real workarounds if you need a money order and only have a credit card available. Both require an extra step, but both actually work.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot buy a money order directly with a credit card at Western Union, MoneyGram, the post office, or most retailers.
  • You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, then use that cash to buy a money order the normal way.
  • You can transfer money from your credit card to your bank account through a balance transfer or cash advance, then pay with your debit card.
  • A credit card cash advance charges interest when ready and may include a fee, so compare the cost against other options before you proceed.
  • Some credit cards offer a balance transfer check that you can deposit into your bank account, giving you usable funds without an ATM withdrawal.

Using an ATM to withdraw cash from your credit card

The simplest path is to use your credit card at an ATM to get cash, then buy the money order with that cash. Most ATMs accept credit cards, though not all do — look for machines in banks, grocery stores, or convenience stores rather than standalone kiosks on the street.

Insert your credit card, enter your PIN, and select "cash withdrawal" or "cash advance." The ATM will dispense the amount you request. Be aware that your credit card company will charge you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn — plus interest that starts accruing when ready, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. A $500 cash advance might cost you $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus daily interest.

Once you have the cash, you can buy a money order at any Western Union, MoneyGram, post office, or grocery store that sells them. The money order itself costs a small fee, usually between $1 and $5 depending on the amount and location.

Transferring credit card funds to your bank account first

If you have a bank account, you can move money from your credit card into it, then use your debit card to buy the money order. This avoids the ATM step and sometimes costs less.

Call your credit card company and ask about a balance transfer or cash advance to your checking account. They can deposit the funds directly into your bank account within one to three business days. You will still pay a cash advance fee and interest, but you avoid the ATM fee. Some credit cards also send balance transfer checks — actual checks drawn on your credit card account — that you can deposit into your bank account without calling. Check your credit card statements or log into your online account to see if this option is available to you.

Once the money is in your bank account, use your debit card to buy the money order at any location that sells them.

Why credit card companies block direct money order purchases

Money order sellers refuse credit cards because they see them as a sign of financial stress. A person buying a money order with a credit card is often someone who does not have cash or a debit card available — which suggests they may not have the funds to pay the credit card bill later. From the seller's perspective, accepting the credit card creates a dispute risk: the customer might claim the transaction was unauthorized or demand a refund after the money order has already been sent.

Credit card companies themselves discourage the practice by charging cash advance fees and higher interest rates. They classify money order purchases as cash advances rather than regular purchases, which means you lose any grace period and start paying interest when ready.

Comparing the cost of each method

The cheapest option depends on the amount you need and your credit card's specific terms. Here is how to think through it:

ATM cash advance: You pay a cash advance fee (3 to 5 percent) plus interest starting when ready. For a $500 withdrawal, expect $15 to $25 in fees plus daily interest at your cash advance APR. This method makes sense if you need the cash quickly and do not have time to wait for a bank transfer.

Bank account transfer: You pay the same cash advance fee and interest, but you avoid the ATM operator fee and can use your debit card instead of carrying cash. This takes one to three business days but costs slightly less overall. This method makes sense if you can wait a few days and want to minimize fees.

Balance transfer check: If your credit card sends these, you deposit the check into your bank account and use your debit card. You still pay the cash advance fee and interest, but you avoid the ATM step entirely. Check whether your card offers this before you call.

When you should consider alternatives to a money order

Before you pay cash advance fees to buy a money order, ask whether you actually need one. A money order is useful when the recipient needs a may provide payment method and will not accept a personal check or electronic transfer. But if you are using a credit card to fund it, you are paying fees on top of fees.

If the recipient will take a personal check, write one from your bank account instead — no fees, no interest. If they need a may provide payment and you have a debit card, use that to buy the money order directly. If you need to send money electronically, services like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's bill pay system often cost nothing or charge a flat fee much smaller than a cash advance fee.

A money order with credit card funding makes sense only when the recipient specifically requires it and you have no other payment method available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a money order with a credit card online?

No. Online money order services like MoneyGram.com and Western Union's website also do not accept credit cards for purchase. You can use a credit card to fund an account with some services, but that is a separate transaction from buying the money order itself, and it may trigger cash advance fees depending on how the service classifies it.

Will the money order seller know I used a credit card to get the cash?

No. Once you have cash from an ATM, it is indistinguishable from any other cash. The money order seller will not know or care where it came from. If you use a debit card after transferring funds to your bank account, the seller sees only a debit card transaction.

What if my credit card does not have a PIN for ATM withdrawals?

Call your credit card company and ask them to set one up. Most cards allow you to create a PIN online or over the phone in a few minutes. If your card does not support ATM withdrawals at all, use the bank transfer method instead.

Does buying a money order with a credit card hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not directly damage your credit 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 cash advance fee and interest make it harder to pay off the balance, which can lead to missed payments and real credit damage.

Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?

Yes. Your credit card company sets a separate cash advance limit, which is often lower than your overall credit limit. Check your card's terms or call the company to find out your limit before you go to an ATM.